During normal development, face processing involves a gradual shift from a featurally oriented style to a mature configural style by adolescence. This shift may coincide with increased right hemispheric dominance for faces supporting configural processing. Previous studies suggest that individuals diagnosed with ASD continue to process faces using individual parts and features into adulthood. This continued bias may be due to deficits in configural processing abilities. The current study investigated measures of functional connectivity during featural and configural processing of faces in broad autism phenotype sibling (ASD-sibs) children compared to age, sex, and handedness matched normal developing (ND) controls and in children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder compared to ASD-matched ND controls. Results indicate that children with ASD and ASD-sibs were capable of performing configural processing tasks at similar performance levels to those of ND children. Additionally, patterns of functional network connectivity for configural processing in ASD-sibs were similar to those observed in ND controls. Few network-wide hemispheric differences emerged between groups. While behavioral performance and overall network-wide patterns of connectivity suggest a face processing network that is capable of supporting configural processing in ASD and ASD-sibs, abnormalities were observed in specific regions. The amygdala and fusiform face area showed fewer interactions with the rest of the face processing network in ASD children compared to ND during configural, but not featural processing. Additionally, hemispheric comparisons show greater differences between ASD and ND controls in the right fusiform face area. The ability of these regions to communicate with other regions in the face network could be important for social motivation and attention during configural processing. Interestingly, network connectivity in ASD children during passive viewing of faces, objects, and textures without featural or configural manipulations showed a more functionally integrated, and less segregated network with a lower “wiring cost” during non-face conditions compared to ND children. ASD-sibs may demonstrate a similar milder pattern.

Tobacco phylloplanins (T-phylloplanin) are a group of closely-related glycoproteins that are formed and disposed at the interface between the plant aerial surface (the phylloplane) and the atmosphere. They are synthesized in short procumbent trichomes and are secreted to aerial surfaces where they are thought to serve the plant as a first line of defense against fungal pathogens. Here it is shown using in vitro and in planta assays that tobacco and sunflower phylloplanins have broad-spectrum antifungal activities against spores - and also hyphae for two species - of several true fungi. Field tests show that T-phylloplanin reduces diseases caused by three important fungal pathogens of turf grasses. Tobacco phylloplanins are distinct proteins but they have properties in common with small, membrane-pore-forming, antimicrobial peptides formed by other organisms. To directly determine if T-phylloplanin has pore-forming activity we monitored conductivity change and specific ion leakage from spores and hyphae in suspension. Results indicate that phylloplanin causes fungal membrane disruption that leads to ion depletion and cell death. Having observed broad efficacy of T-phylloplanin against spores and/or hyphae of several true fungi, but no activity towards hyphae of the oomycetes, Pythium and Peronospora parasitica, we tested for possible effects on zoospores of the latter two pathogens. T-phylloplanin was shown to be effective against their zoospores, extending the efficacy of T-phylloplanin to include water molds. In the course of these experiments we also tested the effects of the diterpene cis-abienol that is secreted from tall trichomes of tobaccos and found this compound impacted zoospores and could prevent black shank disease caused by P. parasitica when applied to soil-grown tobaccos as a root drench. Thus, results of these studies with phylloplanins and cis-abienol, two different tobacco surface accumulated compounds are consistent with their serving the plant as first line of defense systems against a wide array of invading fungal pathogens. Phylloplanins and cis-abienol may be useful for controlling fungal diseases in tobacco float beds. The efficacy shown here for T-phylloplanin control of fungal pathogens of turf grasses in the field suggests that this natural product may find use in IPM of turf and other crops.

Transformation in the civil consulting engineering industry has been addressed, but there are still some shortcomings. This transformation is based on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, Affirmative Action and Employment Equity. > The main aim of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment is to redress historical inequalities in such a manner that it does not impact negatively on existing enterprises. > The aim of Affirmative Action is to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination and the implementation of Affirmative Action measures. The aim is to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups in order to ensure their equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels of the workforce. > The main aim of Employment Equity is to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination and to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. The existing drive to successfully implement transformation in the Civil Consulting Engineering Sector creates the opportunities for suitably qualified and experienced black engineering candidates to be selected for appointment above an equally qualified and experienced white candidate who applies for the same position. Although Civil Engineering as we know it in South Africa is only 105 years old, it has a rich history and contributed substantially to turning South Africa into a jewel and economic hub on the African continent. The Civil Consulting Engineering Sector forms part of the Construction Sector and abides by the set of rules that has been compiled for the construction sector, known as the Construction Sector - Broad-Based Black Economic Charter - Version 6, 2006. This Construction Sector - Broad-Based Black Economic Charter - Version 6 is intended to assist all existing as well as any future businesses or stakeholders by providing a framework for the construction sector to address Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, enhance capacity and increase the productivity of the sector to meet world standard. The Government's strategy or vision is to utilise Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment as a tool to redress past inequalities and to broaden, expand and increase the country's economic base by including everybody that can participate in and contribute to the South African economy. The envisaged spin-offs from the implementation of this strategy by the Government would be to accelerate economic growth and this would then lead to job creation, and consequent poverty eradication. The Government intends to achieve Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment by making use of a balanced approach that includes contributions and measures that will mainly readdress ownership, control, employment equity, skills development, procurement, enterprise development and Corporate Social Development. This approach by Government will further address additional elements as indicated on the Broad-Based Black Economic scorecard. Transformation in the Civil Consulting Engineering Sector is currently hampered by a shortage of suitably qualified and experienced black engineering candidates that can be employed in the Civil Consulting Engineering Sector. The researcher is also employed in the Civil Consulting Engineering Sector and therefore experiences all the frustrations on a daily basis, which inspired this research to determine the status quo with regard to transformation in the Civil Consulting Engineering Sector. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This study investigates employees' perceptions of diversity and its impact on the workplace, as perceived by employees themselves. The focus will specifically be on external diversity factors such as culture, race and gender and to what extent these factors can possibly be linked to differences in perceptions of the influence of diversity in the workplace. We know that equality and diversity programmes should be aligned with an organisation's core strategic objectives. Not only is this alignment critical to achieving equality and diversity goals, but it also enables organisations to benefit from the business opportunities that diversity offers. To better understand the role and importance of diversity and gain insight into social systems, quantitative measures of diversity were examined by means of questionnaires. A major consideration for managers is the wide scope of behaviours, attitudes, and values of the diverse staff across socio–cultural boundaries, which are bound to affect organisational processes. Thus, it is crucial for managers to distinguish how staff of different socio–cultural backgrounds could be interacting within the organisation, and identify how perceptual effects may be manifested in multicultural group relationships. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Transformation in the civil consulting engineering industry has been addressed, but there are still some shortcomings. This transformation is based on Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, Affirmative Action and Employment Equity. > The main aim of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment is to redress historical inequalities in such a manner that it does not impact negatively on existing enterprises. > The aim of Affirmative Action is to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination and the implementation of Affirmative Action measures. The aim is to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups in order to ensure their equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels of the workforce. > The main aim of Employment Equity is to promote equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination and to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. The existing drive to successfully implement transformation in the Civil Consulting Engineering Sector creates the opportunities for suitably qualified and experienced black engineering candidates to be selected for appointment above an equally qualified and experienced white candidate who applies for the same position. Although Civil Engineering as we know it in South Africa is only 105 years old, it has a rich history and contributed substantially to turning South Africa into a jewel and economic hub on the African continent. The Civil Consulting Engineering Sector forms part of the Construction Sector and abides by the set of rules that has been compiled for the construction sector, known as the Construction Sector - Broad-Based Black Economic Charter - Version 6, 2006. This Construction Sector - Broad-Based Black Economic Charter - Version 6 is intended to assist all existing as well as any future businesses or stakeholders by providing a framework for the construction sector to address Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, enhance capacity and increase the productivity of the sector to meet world standard. The Government's strategy or vision is to utilise Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment as a tool to redress past inequalities and to broaden, expand and increase the country's economic base by including everybody that can participate in and contribute to the South African economy. The envisaged spin-offs from the implementation of this strategy by the Government would be to accelerate economic growth and this would then lead to job creation, and consequent poverty eradication. The Government intends to achieve Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment by making use of a balanced approach that includes contributions and measures that will mainly readdress ownership, control, employment equity, skills development, procurement, enterprise development and Corporate Social Development. This approach by Government will further address additional elements as indicated on the Broad-Based Black Economic scorecard. Transformation in the Civil Consulting Engineering Sector is currently hampered by a shortage of suitably qualified and experienced black engineering candidates that can be employed in the Civil Consulting Engineering Sector. The researcher is also employed in the Civil Consulting Engineering Sector and therefore experiences all the frustrations on a daily basis, which inspired this research to determine the status quo with regard to transformation in the Civil Consulting Engineering Sector. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This study investigates employees' perceptions of diversity and its impact on the workplace, as perceived by employees themselves. The focus will specifically be on external diversity factors such as culture, race and gender and to what extent these factors can possibly be linked to differences in perceptions of the influence of diversity in the workplace. We know that equality and diversity programmes should be aligned with an organisation's core strategic objectives. Not only is this alignment critical to achieving equality and diversity goals, but it also enables organisations to benefit from the business opportunities that diversity offers. To better understand the role and importance of diversity and gain insight into social systems, quantitative measures of diversity were examined by means of questionnaires. A major consideration for managers is the wide scope of behaviours, attitudes, and values of the diverse staff across socio–cultural boundaries, which are bound to affect organisational processes. Thus, it is crucial for managers to distinguish how staff of different socio–cultural backgrounds could be interacting within the organisation, and identify how perceptual effects may be manifested in multicultural group relationships. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

In this thesis we have studied equality and equity from an HR perspective in South Africa. The study is partly made from an inductive approach and an analytical interpretation in line with hermeneutic has been used. The data is mainly contracted from interviews with HR professionals within various South African organizations. A mix of snowball and convenience sample has been used and among our respondents there are a variety and mix of the following variables: gender, position (manager/practitioner), race (blacks/white) and organization sector(public/parastatal/private). Our main findings are that equality and equity are highly debated topics and that the laws regulating them have a major effect on the HR professionals’ dailywork. The study gives us various perspectives of employment equity but a majority of our respondents do believe that the regulation of employment equity is needed. We find that there are obstacles for achieving equality in South African workplaces and our respondents have given us examples of different ways of how to tackle them. Many of our respondents are also of the opinion that there is a lack of implementation of the regulations and that it is time to rewrite several Acts.

Broad whitefish, Coregonus nasus, is an important subsistence fish species in Arctic North America, yet virtually nothing is known regarding the genetic population structure of Nearctic populations of this species. In this thesis, microsatellite DNA variation was assayed among 1213 broad whitefish from 47 localities throughout North America, with emphasis on the Mackenzie River system, Northwest Territories. Specifically, I examined geographic variation in allele frequencies to assess how historical factors (Pleistocene glaciations) have shaped the current structuring of genetic variability and population differentiation. Microsatellite data was also used to resolve the relative contributions of broad whitefish populations to subsistence fisheries in the Mackenzie River system. Overall, broad whitefish exhibit relatively high intrapopulation microsatellite variation (average 12.29 alleles/locus, average HE = 0.58) and there were declines in these measures of genetic diversity with distance from putative refugia suggesting historical factors, namely post-glacial dispersal, have influenced current microsatellite variation. Interpopulation divergence was low (overall FST = 0.07), but the main regions assayed in this study (Russia, Alaska, Mackenzie River and Travaillant Lake systems) are genetically differentiated. Strong isolation-by-distance among samples was resolved when including only those populations occupying former Beringia, but not when assaying those at the periphery of the range in the Mackenzie River system, suggesting that broad whitefish in the Mackenzie system have not occupied the region long enough since their invasion post-glacially to have approached equilibrium between gene flow and drift. Mixture analysis indicated that most fish from the lower Mackenzie River subsistence fishery originated from the Peel River, highlighting the importance of this tributary. Additionally the mixture analysis provides evidence for a putative riverine life history form in the Mackenzie River. My results indicate that glaciation and post-glacial colonization have been important in shaping the current genetic population structure of North American broad whitefish. They also illustrate the utility of microsatellite DNA to delineate population structure and patterns of genetic diversity in recently founded populations in addition to resolving contributions to fisheries. My data also support the hypothesis that there are several designatable units of conservation among broad whitefish populations and that management strategies should be implemented accordingly.

This thesis examines the capital structure choice of Australian firms with an emphasis on the impact of market timing and liquidity considering 1438 available firms for the period, 1997 to 2005. The relationship between capital structure and its determinants is the main focus of this thesis, with four empirical analyses. These analyses are all conducted within the Baker and Wurgler (2002) and Hovakimian (2006) models with both pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) and fixed effect panel analysis. The theory of market timing introduced by Baker and Wurgler (2002) has received considerable attention in recent years. Baker and Wurgler (2002) contend that past market timing has a long lasting impact on capital structure and thus, capital structure is the cumulative outcome of the past attempts at equity market timing. This thesis examines the Baker and Wurgler (2002) argument in an Australian context. It is found that the variation in leverage was explained by the market-to-book ratio and the effect of market-to-book ratio was explained by equity issues as market timing theory implies. However, the results are sensitive to data sample choice with variation in the strength of the negative relationship observed between external finance weighted average market-to-book and leverage. This suggests that while market timing appears to affect capital structure choice, it does not support the hypothesis that past market timing decisions have a long lasting impact on Australian firm capital structure. Hovakimian ( 2006) questions the Baker and Wurgler (2002) conclusion about firm behaviour and finds evidence that past market-to-book ratio has a significant impact on current financing decisions because it contains information about growth opportunities, not captured by the current market-to-book ratio. This thesis also examines the Hovakimian (2006) argument and finds evidence to support the argument of Hovakimian (2006) that, growth opportunities provide a reasonable explanation for the past market-to-book ratio effect for Australian firms. Analysis also focuses on broad industry differences. And it is found that there are significant differences between mining and non-mining firm in the determinants of capital structure. Finally, the impact of liquidity on Australian capital structure choice is analysed within the context of the Baker and Wurgler (2002) and Hovakimian (2006) models. It is found that liquidity is important to a firm's leverage choice. There is evidence that liquid firms tend to have lower leverage. Further, while liquidity has little effect on the sensitivity of leverage to market-to-book for Baker and Wurgler (2002) filtered data, a liquidity effect is evident in a broader set of four standard deviation filtered data. It is also found that greater liquidity is associated with less sensitivity of leverage to cash flows and that the asset tangibility relation with leverage is also sensitive to liquidity. Finally, there is evidence that more liquid firms are more sensitive in their tendency to revert to some long run leverage value.

Impairments in both theory of mind (ToM; the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others) and executive function (EF; a group of high-level cognitive functions which help guide and control goal-directed behaviour) have been demonstrated in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Both deficits have been proposed by different groups of researchers as being the single primary cognitive deficit of autism, which can subsume the other deficit as secondary or artefactual. However, few studies have examined the nature of the relationship between ToM and EF in ASDs or conducted a systematic investigation of their relative primacy. This research principally sought to establish the primacy and independence of impairments in ToM and EF in ASDs and thereby evaluate the validity of single versus multiple primary deficit models of autism. These aims were addressed in two studies, both broad in scope. The first study was an investigation of the profile, primacy, and independence of ToM and EF impairments in individuals with ASDs. The sample included 46 participants with ASDs and 48 control participants matched on age and non-verbal ability. The profile of impairments was examined by measuring ToM and a range of EF components using tasks employing, wherever possible, process-pure indices of performance. Primacy was measured by focussing on i) whether or not the deficits observed were universal among individuals with ASDs; ii) whether the deficits were able to discriminate individuals with ASDs from matched controls (i.e., predict group membership); and iii) the ability of ToM and EF deficits to explain the full range of autistic symptomatology, as measured by correlating cognitive performances with behavioural indices. The relationship between ToM and EF impairments was investigated by conducting correlations between ToM and EF variables as well as analysing the incidence of dissociations between impairments in the two domains. The ASD group was found to demonstrate significant impairments in ToM and several components of EF including planning, verbal inhibition, working memory (in a context where inhibitory control was required), and both verbal and non-verbal generativity. However, neither ToM nor EF impairments were able to meet all of the criteria for a primary deficit in ASDs. EF deficits were found to be more primary, but could not account for ToM as a secondary deficit, as ToM and EF were found to be independent (i.e., uncorrelated and dissociable) deficits in the ASD group. This pattern of results suggested that a multiple deficits model involving at least two independent impairments appeared to best characterise ASDs, but the data were compatible with several variants of such a model (e.g., involving distinct subtypes versus a multidimensional spectrum). The second study was an investigation of ToM and EF impairments in siblings of individuals with ASDs, who have previously been found to demonstrate a subclinical “broad autism phenotype”. The main aims of this study were i) to identify whether ToM or EF deficits could meet criteria for an “endophenotype” or vulnerability marker for the autism genotype in unaffected relatives, which would have further implications about the primacy of ToM and EF in ASDs; and ii) to further investigate the validity of various multiple deficits models of ASDs by examining the pattern of ToM and EF performance in those showing the broad phenotype. Participants were 108 siblings of individuals with ASDs and 67 siblings of controls, tested on the same ToM and EF tasks used in the first study. Confirming the superior primacy of EF deficits found in Study One, there was no significant difference in ToM performance between ASD and control siblings, but ASD siblings showed weaknesses on two measures of EF. Furthermore, there appeared to be different subgroups of siblings demonstrating different cognitive profiles, consistent with the heterogeneity evident in the first study. This research indicated that ASDs cannot be explained by a single primary cognitive deficit. These findings hold important theoretical and empirical implications and highlight further questions about which type of multiple deficits model might best explain ASDs.