[EN] The global objective of the present thesis was to study the functional longevity defined as length of productive life (LPL) in five Spanish specialized lines of rabbit (A, V, H and LP). Chapter 3, aimed to check the genetic heterogeneity for longevity between the five lines estimating the additive variance and the corresponding effective heritabilities. As well as to test the genetic importance of time-dependent factors such as positive palpation order (OPP), physiological status (PS) and number of kits born alive (NBA) on the genetics of longevity. This point has been assessed using four different Cox proportional hazard models; the first one (Model 1) included all the previous factors in addition to the year-season effect, the inbreeding coefficient effect and finally the animal effect as random factor. The remaining three models were the same as Model 1 but excluding OPP (Model 2), or PS (Model 3), or NBA (Model 4). The complete data set comprised 15,670 does with records 35.6 % having censoring data, and the full pedigree file involved 19,405 animals. The heritability estimates for longevity in the five lines were low and ranged from 0.02±0.01 to 0.14±0.09, and consequently, it is not recommended to include this trait as selection criteria in rabbit breeding programs. Despite of the large variation of the heritability estimates, the corresponding HPD95% always overlapped and consequently the hypothesis of all lines having the same heritability cannot be discarded. Comparing the additive variance estimates of the four models, it was observed that by correcting for PS 51, 39, 38, 83 and 75% of the additive variance in lines A, V, H, LP and R, respectively, was removed. The risk of death or culling decreases as OPP advanced. Non-pregnant-non-lactating females are those under the higher risk. The does which had zero NBA had the highest risk, apart for this special figure (zero NBA) the risk decreased as NBA increased. Chapter 4 intended to estimate the genetic and environmental correlations between longevity and two prolificacy traits (number of kits born alive (NBA) and number of kits alive at weaning (NW)). Furthermore, to estimate the genetic and environmental correlations between longevity and the percentage of days that the doe spent in the different physiological statuses with respect to its entire productive life. The complete pedigree file comprised 19,405 animals. The datasets included records on 15,670 does which had 58,329 kindlings and 57,927 weanings. In general the genetic correlations between NBA and NW, and the hazard were low to very low, and the only line for which it can be said these genetic correlation to be different from zero was the LP line. Regarding the correlations between longevity and the percentage of days the doe spent in each physiological status, there were evidences of non-negligible genetic correlations between the two traits. Chapter 5 purposed to compare the five lines at their foundation and at fixed time periods during their selection programs. The first comparison was done at the origin of the lines, involving the complete data set, and using a genetic model (CM) including the additive values of the animals, so the effect of selection was considered. For the second comparison the same model as the first comparison was used, but excluding the additive effects from the model of analysis (IM), and involving only the data corresponding to each period, so the differences between the lines included the additive values of the animals. The lines V, H and LP showed at foundation a substantial superiority over line A. The line R had higher risk of death or culling with relevant differences when compared to V, H and LP lines. The maximum relative risks were observed between the lines LP and R (0.239), and between LP and A (0.317). For the comparisons at fixed times, the pattern of the differences between the A line and the others was similar to those observed at foundation. / [ES] El objetivo global de la presente tesis fue estudiar la longevidad funcional en cinco líneas españolas de conejos (A, V, H y LP), el carácter se definió como la longitud de la vida productiva. En el Capítulo 3, dirigido a comprobar la heterogeneidad genética de la longevidad entre las 5 líneas, se estimaron las varianzas aditivas y sus correspondientes heredabilidades efectivas. Y además se evaluó la importancia del orden de la palpación positiva (OPP), el estado fisiológico (PS) y el número de gazapos nacidos vivos (NBA) sobre el determinismo genético de la longevidad. Para ello se utilizaron 4 modelos de Cox de riesgos proporcionales; el primer modelo (Modelo 1) incluyó todos los factores anteriores, además del efecto del año-estación, el efecto de la consanguinidad y, finalmente, el valor aditivo de los animales como efecto aleatorio. Los otros tres modelos fueron igual que el Modelo 1 pero excluyendo OPP (Modelo 2), o PS (Modelo 3), o NBA (Modelo 4). Los datos de longevidad estaban referidos a 15,670 conejas y tuvieron una tasa de censura de 35.6%. La genealogía completa involucró a 19,405 animales. Las estimas de heredabilidad efectiva para la longevidad en las 5 líneas fueron bajas y variaron de 0.02±0.01 a 0.14±0.09. A pesar de la gran variación de las estimas puntuales de heredabilidad, los correspondientes intervalos HPD95% siempre se solaparon y por lo tanto la hipótesis de que todas las líneas tengan la misma heredabilidad no pudo descartase. Se observó que la exclusión de PS incrementó la varianza aditiva aproximadamente, en un 51, 39, 38, 83 y 75% en las líneas A, V, H, LP y R, respectivamente. El riesgo de muerte o eliminación disminuía a medida que avanzaba el OPP, observándose el riesgo más alto durante los primeros dos partos, partos en los que las conejas todavía están creciendo lo que sería un factor de riesgo importante. El nivel No-Gestante-No-Lactante de PS tuvo el mayor riesgo. Este nivel se interpreta como indicador de baja fertilidad y/o problemas de salud de la coneja. Las conejas que tenían cero NBA tuvieron el mayor riesgo de muerte o eliminación, aunque para el resto de niveles de NBA se apreció una disminución del riesgo a medida que aumenta la prolificidad. En el capítulo 4, se estimaron las correlaciones genéticas y ambientales entre la longevidad y dos caracteres de prolificidad [número de gazapos nacidos vivos (NBA) y el número de destetados (NW)]. El fichero de datos incluyó 58,329 partos y 57,927 destetes. También se estimaron las correlaciones entre longevidad y el porcentaje de días que la coneja pasó en los diferentes estados fisiológicos con respecto a la totalidad de su vida productiva. La única línea para la que se puede decir que la correlación genética entre NBA o NW y el riesgo fue significativamente diferente de cero fue la línea LP. Hubo evidencias de correlaciones genéticas no despreciables entre la longevidad y el porcentaje de días que la hembra pasó en cada estado fisiológico los dos caracteres. En el capítulo 5 se compararon las longevidades medias de las 5 líneas en su fundación y en períodos de tiempo determinados. La comparación de las líneas en el origen, utilizó todos los datos y un modelo genético (CM) que incluía los valores aditivos de los animales. Para la comparación en tiempos fijos se utilizó el mismo modelo, pero excluyendo los efectos aditivos del modelo de análisis (IM), utilizando sólo los datos correspondientes a cada período, por lo que las diferencias entre las líneas incluían los cambios debidos a la selección. Las líneas V, H y LP mostraron una superioridad sustancial sobre las líneas A y R. Los riesgos relativos máximos se observaron entre las líneas LP y R (0.239), y entre LP y A (0.317). Con respecto a las comparaciones en tiempos fijos, el patrón de las diferencias entre la línea de A y las otras líneas fue similar a los observados en la fundación. / [CA] L'objectiu global de la present tesi va ser estudiar la longevitat funcional en cinc línies espanyoles de conills (A, V, H i LP), el caràcter es va definir com la longitud de la vida productiva. Al Capítol 3, dirigit a comprovar l'heterogeneïtat genètica de la longevitat entre les 5 línies, es van estimar les variàncies additives i les seues corresponents heretabilitats efectives. A més a més, es va avaluar la importància de factors dependents del temps, com l'orde de la palpació positiva (OPP) , l'estat fisiològic (PS) i el nombre de llorigons nascuts vius (NBA) sobre el determinisme genètic de la longevitat. Per a això es van utilitzar 4 models de Cox de riscos proporcionals; el primer model (Model 1) va incloure tots els factors anteriorment assenyalats, a més de l'efecte de l'any-estació, l'efecte de la consanguinitat i, finalment, el valor additiu dels animals com a efecte aleatori. Els altres tres models van ser igual que el Model 1 però excloent l'OPP (Model 2) , o PS (Model 3) , o NBA (Model 4) . Les dades de longevitat estaven referides a 15,670 conilles i van tindre una taxa de censura de 35.6%. La genealogia completa va involucrar a 19,405 animals. Les estimes d'heretabilitat efectiva (Model 1) per a la longevitat en les 5 línies van ser baixes i van variar de 0.02±0.01 a 0.14±0.09. A pesar de la gran variació de les estimes puntuals d'heretabilitat, els corresponents intervals HPD95% sempre es van solapar i per tant la hipòtesi que totes les línies tinguen la mateixa heretabilitat no va poder descartar-se. Es va observar que l'exclusió de PS va incrementar la variància additiva, aproximadament, en un 51, 39, 38, 83 i 75% en les línies A, V, H, LP i R, respectivament. El risc de mort o eliminació disminuïa a mesura que avançava l'OPP, observant-se el risc més alt durant els primers dos parts, en què les conilles encara estan creixent el que seria un factor de risc important. El nivell No-Gestant-No-Lactant de PS va tindre el major risc en comparació amb els altres nivells. Les conilles que tenien zero NBA van tindre el major risc de mort o eliminació, encara que per a la resta de nivells de NBA es va apreciar una disminució del risc a mesura que augmentà la prolificitat. Al Capítol 4, es van estimar les correlacions genètiques i ambientals entre la longevitat i dos caràcters de prolificitat [nombre de llorigons nascuts vius (NBA) i el nombre de deslletats (NW)]. El fitxer de dades va incloure 58,329 parts i 57,927 deslletaments. L'única línia per a la que es pot dir que la correlació genètica entre NBA o NW i el risc va ser significativament diferent de zero va ser la línia LP. Evidències de correlacions genètiques no menyspreables entre longevitat i els percentatge de dies que la femella va passar en cada estat fisiològic. Al Capítol 5 es compararen les longevitats mitges de les 5 línies en la seua fundació i en períodes de temps determinats. Per a la comparació de les línies a l'origen, es van utilitzar totes les dades i un model genètic (CM) que incloïa els valors additius dels animals, per la qual cosa es va considerar l'efecte de la selecció a partir de la fundació. En la comparació en temps fixos se va utilitzar el mateix model que en l'anterior, però excloent els efectes additius del model d'anàlisi (IM), utilitzant només les dades corresponents a cada període, per la qual cosa les diferències entre les línies incloïen els canvis deguts a la selecció. Les línies V, H i LP van mostrar una superioritat substancial sobre les línies A i R. Els riscos relatius màxims es van observar entre les línies LP i R (0.239), i entre LP i A (0.317). Respecte a les comparacions en temps fixos, el patró de les diferències entre la línia de A i les altres línies va ser semblant als observats en la fundació. / El Nagar, AGF. (2015). Genetic analysis of longevity in specialized lines of rabbits [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/52390

No / Nutritionally important PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) mediate some of their bioactivities through formation of oxygenated metabolites. These bioactive lipids are formed by COX (cyclo-oxygenase), LOX (lipoxygenase) and cytochrome-P450-catalysed reactions, as well as non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation. These reactions produce numerous species, some of which can be formed through more than one pathway. MS-based lipidomics offers the selectivity and sensitivity required for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple lipid species, in a variety of biological systems, and can facilitate the study of these mediators.

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 increases cardiovascular deaths. Identifying a biomarker of COX-2 is desirable but difficult, since COX-1 and COX-2 ordinarily catalyze formation of an identical product, prostaglandin H2. When acetylated by aspirin, however, COX-2 (but not COX-1) can form 15(R)-HETE, which is metabolized to aspirin-triggered lipoxin (ATL), 15-epi-lipoxin A4. Here we have used COX-1- and COX-2-knockout mice to establish whether plasma ATL could be used as a biomarker of vascular COX-2 in vivo. Vascular COX-2 was low but increased by LPS (10 mg/kg; i.p). Aspirin (10 mg/kg; i.v.) inhibited COX-1, measured as blood thromboxane and COX-2, measured as lung PGE2. Aspirin also increased the levels of ATL in the lungs of LPS-treated wild-type C57Bl6 mice (vehicle: 25.5±9.3 ng/ml; 100 mg/kg: 112.0±7.4 ng/ml; P<0.05). Despite this, ATL was unchanged in plasma after LPS and aspirin. This was true in wild-type as well as COX-1−/− and COX-2−/− mice. Thus, in mice in which COX-2 has been induced by LPS treatment, aspirin triggers detectable 15-epi-lipoxin A4 in lung tissue, but not in plasma. This important study is the first to demonstrate that while ATL can be measured in tissue, plasma ATL is not a biomarker of vascular COX-2 expression.—Kirkby, N. S., Chan, M. V., Lundberg, M. H., Massey, K. A., Edmands, W. M. B., MacKenzie, L. S., Holmes, E., Nicolaou, A., Warner, T. D., Mitchell, J. A. Aspirin-triggered 15-epi-lipoxin A4 predicts cyclooxygenase-2 in the lungs of LPS-treated mice but not in the circulation: implications for a clinical test.

In this investigation, I explored the praxes of three Black women multimodal artists--including their perspectives, artistic strategies, and creation of material culture objects--to illuminate the myriad ways their work may inspire teachers and learners across various settings. I examined the complex interplay between art, education, and social justice through the lens of Black women's artistic practices. In this research project, I sought to illuminate the transformative potential these practices hold for formal and informal educational settings and assert the need to recognize and integrate Black women artists' diverse epistemologies and aesthetic experiences into broader educational discourses. A central goal entails recognizing the knowledge these artists draw upon and produce. Therefore, this study centers Black women artists’ multimodal production and creative values from an inter-arts perspective that reckons with socio-political critique and aesthetic sensibilities. Theoretical underpinnings for this research are grounded in interlocking critical discourses involving gender, race, power relations, and education. Using a critical arts-knowledge lens, this arts-based project dialogues with and explores ways to make visible the radical aims, unorthodox practices of belonging (McKittrick, 2021), and artistic strategies of Black women artists to reflect on and reimagine the world as they see and experience it. Employing a critical arts-based research methodology, the research engages with the work and perspectives of three Black multimodal artists—Sable Elyse Smith, Renée Cox, and Nanette Carolyn Carter. By examining their artistic strategies, creations, and the socio-political critique embedded in their work, the dissertation reveals how their art challenges conventional educational paradigms and offers radical curricular and pedagogical possibilities. The study is grounded in interlocking critical discourses on gender, race, power relations, and education, utilizing a rhizomatic conceptual framework to explore the interconnectedness of these themes. This research's findings illuminate art's significant role in fostering critical consciousness, challenging existing norms, and advocating for change. Through the narratives and artistic expressions of Black women artists and Black women art educators, the dissertation underscores the urgency of integrating multisensory and multimodal approaches into educational curricula. Such integration enriches the academic experience and prepares students to navigate the complexities of a multicultural world with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity of human expression and knowledge."Beyond Beauty" calls for expanding curriculum and pedagogy that centers on Black women artists' aesthetic encounters, creative processes, and social justice commitments. I advocate for a more inclusive, dynamic, and transformative educational landscape by highlighting these women's narratives and artistic insights. This research contributes to the ongoing discourses on the importance of art in and as education, pushing for a future where the rich tapestry of human experiences is fully recognized and integrated into the very fabric of learning and teaching.

Parameter estimation is a powerful and adaptable framework that addresses the inherent complexities and uncertainties of financial data. We provide an overview of likelihood functions, and likelihood estimations, as well as the essential numerical approximations and techniques. In the financial domain, where unpredictable and non-stationary market dynamics prevail, parameter estimations of relevant SDE models prove highly relevant. We delve into practical applications, showcasing how SDEs can effectively capture the inherent uncertainties and dynamics of financial models related to time evolution of interest rates. We work with the Vašíček model and Cox-Ingersoll-Ross (CIR) model which describes the dynamics of interest rates over time. We incorporate the Maximum likelihood and Quasi-maximum likelihood estimation methods in estimating the parameters of our models.

No description available.

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No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseEAMms.pdf: 1490434 bytes, checksum: e7a807666b453630ffb423774d2539b9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-03-23 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / From the generalized normal distribution and concepts of the generalized autoregressive moving averages models we introduce the generalized normal-ARMA model as an alternative way to model time series exhibiting symmetry and tails that may be lighter or heavier when compared the normal distribution. We present application for proposed model using three time series in the hydrology, economy and publics policy areas. The proposed model is presented as good alternative when compared to ARMA model with normal distribution. We extended this model the case of the asymmetric time series. In this case we used the Box-Cox transformation, denoted by Box-Cox generalized normal ARMA. The particular case, when we use the logarithmic transformation is called generalized log-normal ARMA. We adjusted the models with transformation to the series on monthly average affluent streamflow of the Furnas and Sobradinho hydroelectric plants. We obtain the prediction values for the model with transformation, that are better when compared with the model without transformation. To treat time series that exhibit periodic in the correlation function we defined three extensions for periodic autoregressive model, called generalized normal periodic autoregressive model, generalized log-normal periodic autoregressive model and Box-Cox generalized normal periodic autoregressive model. We can observed that the series on monthly average affluent streamflow of the Furnas and Sobradinho hydroelectric plants have periodic correlation. We present two applications of periodic models from these series. In the models, we note that is not necessary the use of generalized normal distribution in every months, just in some the generalized normal distribution presented better results than the normal distribution. Finally, we define the generalized normal zero inflated distribution and the generalized normal zero inflated ARMA model for time series. Adopting the model for series that have zero inflation and the maximum likelihood method for estimation of parameters, we analyze the serie of the amount of rainfall in the city of São Carlos. / A partir da distribuição normal generalizada e dos conceitos do modelo autorregressivo e de médias móveis generalizado, introduzimos o modelo normal generalizada- ARMA, como alternativa para modelar séries temporais, que exibem simetria e caudas mais leves ou mais pesadas quando comparadas com a distribuição normal. Apresentamos aplicações do modelo proposto, usando três séries temporais, das áreas de hidrologia, políticas públicas e economia. O modelo proposto se apresentou como uma boa alternativa ao modelo ARMA com distribuição normal. Estendemos o modelo para o caso de séries que apresentam assimetria. Neste caso, utilizamos a transformação de Box-Cox, denotado por Box-Cox normal generalizada-ARMA. O caso particular quando utilizamos a transformação logarítmica é chamado de log-normal generalizada-ARMA. Ajustamos os modelos com transformação à séries de vazões das usinas hidrelétricas de Furnas e Sobradinho. Calculamos predições, que para o modelo com transformação, foram melhores, quando comparado ao modelo sem transformação. Com o objetivo de tratar séries que apresentam periodicidade na função de correlação, definimos três extensões do modelo autorregressivo periódico, chamando-os de modelo normal generalizada autorregressivo periódico, modelo log-normal generalizada autorregressivo periódico e modelo Box-Cox normal generalizada autorregressivo periódico. Constatamos que as séries de vazões das usinas hidrelétricas de Furnas e Sobradinho apresentam correlação periódica. Apresentamos duas aplicações dos modelos periódicos propostos usando estas séries. Nos ajustes dos modelos, notamos que não há necessidade da utilização da distribuição normal generalizada em todos os meses, mas em alguns a distribuição normal generalizada se sobressaiu em relação a distribuição normal. Por último, definimos a distribuição normal generalizada zero inflacionada e o modelo para séries temporais normal generalizada zero inflacionada-ARMA. Adotando o método de máxima verossimilhança e o modelo para séries que apresentam inflação de zeros, analisamos a série da quantidade de precipitação pluviométrica da cidade de São Carlos.

Thesis (MA (Political Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / This thesis is a theoretical contribution to the debate about statehood in Sub-Saharan Africa. My primary aims have been to interrogate the use of the state concept on the continent, and to open up new theoretical avenues to analyse the state. My starting point has been that the state is a key to solving socio-economic challenges. Yet the social theory that purports to make sense of the state in Africa is poor. Mainstream scholars use prefixes such as ‘failed’, ‘weak’ and ‘quasi’ to make sense of existing African states. If they call for such labels, it is only because an unhelpful ideal type based on the ‘modern’ European state is postulated. Such scholarship is limited to theorising the distance between the ideal type and real states. This approach gives a functionalist account of the state’s relationship with society and economy, but fails to explain the state as a historical product and expression of the distribution of power between social groups. As an alternative way to theorise states, I propose a synthesis between Robert W. Cox and Mahmood Mamdani. Combining Mamdani’s and Cox’s theoretical frameworks avoids the problems that arise when Eurocentric International Relations (IR) theories are applied to an African context. The synthesis adds to both frameworks by addressing a shortcoming in Cox by paying more attention to power struggles in the periphery, and redresses the exclusive focus on Africa in Mamdani. Adding Cox to Mamdani contextualises Mamdani’s African state in space as well as time, whereas adding Mamdani to Cox shows how African states respond to outside pressures and in the process (re)constitute the world order by adding an inside-out pressure. I use a single case study of the Angolan state to illustrate how a Coxian / Mamdanian synthesis contributes to the debate. This theoretical framework turns the attention to four aspects. First, there is a close historical link between the economic structure and the form of the state in the country, from the slave trade to today’s political economy of oil. Second, I look at the attempts of the Angolan state elite to legitimise its own power. I posit that in the context of social destitution and poverty, strategies to sustain consent based rule assumes particular importance. Third, the Angolan state is an expression of internal powers struggles between social groups in the country. The contemporary balance of power is volatile: recent economic growth has the potential of unsettling old power structures, as the relative balance of who has access to economic power changes. Lastly, the world order supports the current structure of power in Angola, largely thanks to the political economy of oil. Oil gives the Angolan regime ample economic resources, as well as crucial support from oil companies and the states that import the oil. This foreign support underwrites the regime and constitutes an important element in its support base

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / Bibliography / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study seeks to analyse regionalism in theory as well as in practice with regard to the Southern African region. Its purpose is thereby twofold: Firstly, this work claims to make a contribution to critical and reflectivist theorising of regionalism. The study of regionalism remains highly dominated by rationalist theories focusing predominantly on states as regionalising actors as well as on formal inter-state frameworks and market-led processes of regional integration. The hegemonic status of these approaches reinforces a specific form of regionalism which is compatible with neoliberal practices in the world economy. In order to reveal shortcomings and normative tenets of conventional theories and to account for the complexity and multidimensionality of regional projects and processes, a combination of theoretical insights from Robert W. Cox’s Critical Theory (CCT) as well as from the New Regionalism(s) Approach (NRA) are proposed as the theoretical framework for the study. The second objective is to bring civil society as a regionalising actor into the debate. Focusing on the highly exclusive and elite-driven regional project pursued by the region’s most comprehensive inter-state framework, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the study addresses the question, as to what extent civil society at the regional level can act as a transformative force in terms of people-centred socio-economic development and social equity. After introducing crucial meta-theoretical, conceptual and methodological considerations, the major theoretical contributions to the study of regionalism are reviewed critically and a critical/reflectivist approach is proposed as an alternative to mainstream rationalist theorising. In a broad historical overview, the social, political, economic and cultural contexts which characterize the contemporary region of Southern Africa are discussed. Subsequently, four regional civil society organisations, namely the SADC Council of Non-governmental Organisations (CNGO), the Southern African Trade Union’s Co-ordination Council (SATUCC), the Economic Justice Network (EJN) of the Fellowship of Christian Councils in Southern Africa (FOCCISA) and the Southern African People’s Solidarity Network (SAPSN), are scrutinized with the intention to assess their transformative potential within SADC. The research conducted for the study is based on an eclectic employment of a combination of mostly qualitative methods, among them field research interviews, participatory observations as well as the analysis of primary and secondary sources/data. Two important conclusions can be drawn from this work: Firstly, an explicitly anti-reductionist and critical theoretical approach is seen as essential to account for the myriad of multi-level structural as well as agency-related factors influencing regionalism and regionalisation in Southern Africa. Secondly, the impact of regional civil society actors investigated in this study with regard to a more socio-economically inclusive form of regionalism remains limited, because of institutional and structural constraints, limited representativeness and a lack of strategic coordination among civil society organisations. Nevertheless, recent developments within civil society at the regional level also provide some reasons for optimism that a broader societal movement might be evolving which, as a transformative alliance, could challenge SADC’s contemporary approach to regionalism. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die studie probeer om regionalisme teoreties en empiries te analiseer met as fokus die Suider-Afrikaanse streek. Derhalwe is die navorsingsdoelstelling tweevoudig, eerstens, is die navorsing daarop gemik om ’n bydrae te lewer tot die kritiese en reflektiewe teoretisering van regionalisme. Die bestudering van regionalisme word steeds oorweldigend oorheers deur rasionalistiese teorieë, en fokus primêr op state as die belangrikste streeks-akteurs, asook op formele inter-staat raamwerke en mark-verwante prosesse van streeksintegrasie. Die hegemoniese status van hierdie benaderinge bekragtig ’n spesifieke vorm van regionalisme wat saamhang met neoliberale praktyk in die wêreld-ekonomie. Ten einde die tekortkominge en normatiewe aannames van konvensionele teorieë uit te wys, asook om rekening te gee van die kompleksiteit en multi-dimensionaliteit van streeks-projekte en prosesse, word ’n kombinasie van teoretiese insigte gebruik uit Robert W. Cox se Kritiese Teorie (CCT), asook insigte uit die Nuwe Regionalisme-benadering (NRA) en aan die hand gedoen as teoretiese vertrekpunt vir die studie. Die tweede navorsingsdoelwit is om die burgerlike samelewing as streeks-akteur binne die analise te inkorporeer. Met as empiriese fokus, die hoogs eksklusiewe en elite-gedrewe streeks-projek wat bedryf word deur die mees omvattende inter-staat streeksinstelling, die Suider-Afrikaanse Ontwikkelingsgemeenskap (SAOG), evalueer en assesseer die studie die vraag tot watter mate die burgerlike samelewing op streeksvlak kan optree as ’n krag vir verandering binne die raamwerk van mensgesentreerde sosio-ekonomiese ontwikkeling en sosiale gelykberegtiging. Na die bekendstelling van ’n aantal meta-teoretiese, konseptuele en metodologiese oorweginge wat van kardinale belang is, word die hoofstroom teoretiese bydraes tot die bestudering van regionalisme krities beskou, en word ’n krities/reflektiewe benadering voorgestel as ’n alternatiewe benadering. Vervolgens word ’n breë historiese oorsig van die sosiale, politieke, ekonomiese en kulturele kontekste wat kenmerkende is van die teenswoordige Suider-Afrikaanse streek gelewer. Hierna word vier burgerlike samelewings-organisasies, naamlik, die SAOG Raad vir Nie-regeringsorganisasies (CNGO), die Suider-Afrikaanse Vakbonde Koördineringsraad (SATUCC), die Ekonomiese Regverdigheidsnetwerk (EJN) van die Gemeenskap van Christelike Rade in Suider-Afrika (FOCCISA) en die Suider-Afrikaanse Mense Solidariteitsnetwerk (SAPSN), onder die loep geneem ten einde hul veranderingspotensiaal binne SAOG te assesseer. Die navorsing wat hiervoor onderneem is, is gegrond binne ’n eklektiese vermenging van hoofsaaklik kwalitatiewe metodes, insluitende veldnavorsing-onderhoude, deelnemende waarneming, asook die analise van primêre en sekondêre bronne en data. Twee belangrike gevolgtrekking word, ten slotte, gemaak. Eerstens, ’n eksplisiete en anti-reduksionistiese, krities-teoretiese benadering word as essensieël beskou om rekenskap te kan gee vir die meervoudige en meervlakkige strukturele asook agent-verwante faktore wat regionalisme en regionalisasie in Suider-Afrika beïnvloed. Tweedens, die impak van die burgerlike samewelings-akteurs waarop hierdie studie gefokus het, om ’n meer sosio-ekonomiese inklusiewe vorm van regionalisme tot stand te bring, is beperk. Die redes hiervoor is van ’n institutionele en strukturele aard, beperkte verteenwoordiging en ’n gebrek aan strategiese koördinering tussen burgelike samelewings-organisasies in die streek. Nietemin, is daar redes vir optimisme wat voortspruit uit onlangse ontwikkelinge binne die streek se burgerlike samelewings organisasies. Hieruit is dit moontlik dat ’n breë sosiale beweging sou kon ontwikkel wat, in die vorm van ’n veranderings-gerigte alliansie, die SAOG se huidige benadering tot regionalisme kan uitdaag.

本論文之主要研究目乃為了解無店鋪與店鋪購買者在消費行為上之差異，研究結果希 能提供實務界有關廠商，於擬訂行銷通路決策時，更能真確與有效地命中既定之目標 市場，而對現行以無店鋪為主要通路之廠商，不僅提供目標市場之消費資訊，可提高 行銷效能外，且便於市場區隔，掌握競爭情勢，使行銷策略有所依循；在理論上，可 印證國外有關無店鋪消費行為之研究，及通路與目標市場之關聯性。在國內甚少相關 研究或論述下，適無店鋪銷售盛行之際，盼合時宜，並具引玉之功。 有關無店鋪銷售之消費行為研究，從較早期（１９６４）Cox ＆Rich至最近的（１９ ８７）Jean C. Darian所進行的研究，大多以人口統計變項為研究變數，其間所獲結 論，頗為紛歧，歸納原因，主要乃研究範圍、研究對象，操作性定義有些出入之故， 而較為學者所認同的是，無店鋪之購買者大致可包括在下列的四群體中：１．４０歲 以下之單身女士。２．中所得家庭。３．４０至４９歲之女家長。４．有學前小孩的 兼職家庭主婦。對無店鋪之消費者所尋求利益，亦眾說紛紜，不一而足，然較為學者 所關注者，為價格敏感度及購物時間等。在無店鋪銷售的領域中，學者均以郵購、電 話行銷、目錄銷售為主，本研究則針對傳銷。國內探討無店鋪銷售大都止於制度或方 法上，對消費行為則未曾有相關之論著。 基於國內無店鋪銷售之發展類型與國外略有不同，本研究遂選定具通路多樣性之女用 化妝品業為研究對象。在消費行為中選取之研究變項，包括有年齡、教育、職業、所 得、婚姻狀況、職業聲望、家庭生命週期、交通工具、生活型態、資訊來源、追求利 益、購後滿足、購買頻率、價格敏感度、品牌忠誠度、參與程度等。研究設計採調查 法，以郵寄問卷方式，進行初級資料之蒐集，而選用之分析方法含有交叉編表、卡方 檢定、單因子變異數分析、因素分析、集群分析及區別分析等。 本研究期能在上述之分析與檢定下，對無店鋪與店鋪之購買者在人口統計變項上有具 體的描述，經由區別函數，可判知一般消費者之可能類別，在行為變項及心理變項上 希突破以往之研究，尋得具顯著性差異之變數。