Magister Legum - LLM / The aim of the research is to establish how trade distorting agricultural subsidies have impacted South Africa’s agricultural exports. The research will explore trade distorting subsidies and how South Africa’s trade liberalisation approach relative to its trading partners have impacted South Africa’s trade output, as well as suggesting effective policy recommendations for South Africa’s agricultural trade going forward.

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Across the world countries are currently striving to eliminate poverty, improve the quality of education, optimize well-being, among other areas of improvement. In an effort to help such improvements, a group called Young Lives ran a longitudinal study on youth in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam that studied the many facets of poverty. The purpose of this study is to utilize the Young Lives dataset to determine how countries can more readily improve social-emotional skills by looking at important experiences in adolescents' lives. Specifically, this study examines what factors increase a child's ability to socialize with peers, which is shown to be linked to higher academic success as well as a fuller development into adulthood. In order to measure the ability to socialize with peers, Young Lives used the relationships with Peers Scale (RPS). I examined, through implementing structural equation modeling techniques, what factors significantly predict RPS scores, as well as which time point the factors are most predictive. I also inspected the psychometric properties of the RPS on the Young Lives' population and observed measurement invariance across time and country in order to ensure this scale is a valid measure. Steps to improve relationships with peers can be taken by encouraging higher intrinsic locus of control, providing equal educational opportunities, improving safety conditions, providing nutritional education, and eliminating competition for resources.

Understanding the antecedents determining technology adoption in agriculture is essential to promote technology adoption to improve agricultural productivity in developing nations. The aims of this research were to understand the meaning of technology adoption for people involved in farming activities in developing nations, the antecedents determining technology adoption, their effect and how their interaction influences decision-making with regards to technology implementation in agriculture in developing nations. This study was qualitative in nature and followed an exploratory approach. This allowed the researcher to gain and understand new insights about the antecedents determining technology adoption in agriculture in developing nations. A total of 12 synchronous online semi-structured interviews were conducted with farmers and agriculture technicians from developing nations where the reliance on the agriculture sector is high. These interviews were analysed using thematic content analysis approach which led to the development of ‘The antecedents determining technology adoption in agriculture in developing nations’ Framework. This Framework refuted literature findings which highlighted the existence of four antecedents determining technology adoption in agriculture in these nations. Five predominant antecedents namely: awareness; financial assistance; applicability of technology; training and technical support; and demonstrations were identified in this study. This framework explains that the interaction of the identified antecedents is essential to foster technology adoption among farmers in developing nations and is important for stakeholders since it can provide a better understanding and guidance for the creation of integrated strategies to improve technology adoption in agriculture in developing nations. / Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2021. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

The purpose of this thesis project was to demonstrate the ability to utilize the capabilities of aptamers so that they may act as capture reagents for paper microfluidic devices. Several characterization experiments were conducted as a precursor before the final experimentation was performed. Paper characterization, manufacturing protocols for printing and heating, as well as 3D chip fabrication were all performed and analyzed. The results confirmed that the control of fluid through a 3D microfluidic device based in nitrocellulose is possible. For the biochemistry portion of this thesis report, antibodies and aptamers were chosen to react with IgE, an antibody that is present in high concentrations in the urine of patients diagnosed with respiratory distress. Antibody chips were successfully created as a baseline lateral flow assay for comparison to new aptamer detector reagents. The aptamer experiments were able to demonstrate that it is possible to utilize the capabilities of aptamers so that they may behave as capture reagents in paper microfluidic devices. Overall, the experiments performed were extremely supportive of the ability to develop the field of paper microfluidics with the use of aptamers so that patient populations across the globe can be more accurately and effectively diagnosed.

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This study analyzed the causes of military coups and the consequences of military rule in the Third World during the 1960-1985 period. Using a coup d" etat score, including both successful and unsuccessful coups, as a dependent variable and collecting data for 109 developing nations from the World Handbook of Political and Social Indicators, The New York Times Index, and public documents, sixteen hypotheses derived from the literature on the causes of military coups were tested by both simple and multiple regression models for the Third World as a whole, as well as for four regions (Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East and North Africa) and in two time periods (1960-1970 and 1971-1985). Similarly, three models of military rule (progressive, Huntington's, and revisionist models) were analyzed to assess the consequences of military rule. The results of the study concerning the causes of military coups suggest four conclusions. First, three independent variables (social mobilization, cultural homogeneity, and dominant ethnic groups in the society) have stabilizing consequences. Second, six independent variables (previous coup experience, social mobilization divided by political institutionalization, length of national independence, economic deterioration, internal war, and military dominance) have destabilizing consequences. Third, multiple regression models for each region are very useful; most models explain more than 50% of the variance in military coups. Fourth, the time period covered is an important factor affecting explanations of the causes of military coups. In the analysis of the consequences of military rule, this study found that military governments did not differ significally from civilian governments in terms of economic, education, health, and social performances. However, the study found that military rule decreased political and civil rights. Its findings are thus very consistent with the best of the literature.

Never before have developing nations been able to compete at the international level, both economically and militarily. But, we are currently in an age where developing nations, such as Brazil, Russia, India, and China, are able to develop so rapidly that they are able to excel within the international economy, which allows for an increased investment in military and technological capabilities. Consequently, these rapidly developing nations are able to influence the international system. To see how much of an effect these rapidly developing nations are having within the international system, they will be measured against 5 indicators that correlate with becoming a rising regional hegemon, a feature of a multi-polar system. The multi-polar international system that we see emerging is contrary to Kenneth Waltz's assertion that a multi-polar international system is unstable, and a bi-polar international system is preferred. New global conditions indicate that Waltz's analysis may not stand the test of time. / Master of Arts

Since the 1800's, technological advances have extended the foundation on which telemedicine could build. With its evolution, telemedicine has proven to be a means of offering effective health care interventions, from a multitude of disciplines. Teledermatology, a specialty application of telemedicine, offers great potential in improving the standard of dermatologic care by bridging the gap between the expert opinion of dermatologists and those without access to basic dermatologic care, particularly in developing nations, where skin disease continues to be a major public health problem. In Honduras, the setting for this study, and other developing nations, technology to support telemedicine is available. Dermatologic disease is among the most common disease presentations in the developing world, which left untreated due to a lack of access to adequate medical care, can progress causing increased morbidity or even death. A potential but untested solution is teledermatology. Teledermatology offers great potential in improving the standard of dermatologic care by bridging the gap between the expert opinion of dermatologists and those without access to basic dermatologic care. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and types of dermatologic conditions and the feasibility of a store-and-forward teledermatology system in an underserved area of Honduras, so as to potentially provide more timely diagnosis and treatment, implementation of preventative measures, and offer long term solutions.so as The justification and significance of this study was the potential of store-and-forward teledermatology to improve the standard of dermatologic care by improving access of populations in underserved areas to dermatology specialists through affordable technology. The methodology of this study was primarily case study descriptive. This study was conducted at a public primary care clinic (JMA Clinic) and satellite sites in underserved areas of Francisco Morazán, Honduras. During a four week period in Spring 2011, patients with dermatologic conditions were examined and photos taken of condition. The patient information was sent to 3 U.S. board certified dermatologists, who provided diagnosis and treatment within 24 hours, which allowed the clinic physician sufficient time to review recommendations before patient follow-up. Patients would receive follow-up within 48 hours of initial visit. Diagnostic agreement, image quality, and user satisfaction were evaluated. IRB forms were submitted and clearance given. The data was analyzed with SPSS using descriptive statistics. The primary findings were the types of dermatologic conditions, interobserver agreement, image quality, and patient and physician satisfaction. The findings of this study substantiate the need for dermatologic care, as approximately 1 out of every 5 patients of the JMA Clinic presented with a dermatologic condition. The majority of these patients were children or women in their late 20s and early 30s; many of whom had their condition for more than a year and most had not received prior therapy. The types of dermatologic conditions observed were typical of that seen at a dermatology clinic in the U.S., yet inclusive of tropical and regional differences. Dermatitis, infectious and pigmentary conditions were the most common presentations. The interobserver diagnostic agreement achieved was 78%, and improved when considering differential diagnoses. Image quality received high ratings. Patients and physicians recorded a high level of overall satisfaction. Physicians indicated improved knowledge of teledermatology. Because of the unique environment and circumstances, the results are limited to the setting in which the study occurs. This project was a pilot study limited to 4 weeks of data collection and will be limited in significance by its duration and small sample size with respect to the conclusions that can be drawn about the prevalence and types of dermatologic conditions. This study illustrates that teledermatology is a viable means of providing dermatologic care to those in an underserved area of Honduras, where a lack of or limited access to general healthcare or specialty dermatologic care exists. The data offers insights to draw conclusions and recommendations on the potential for similar models to be implemented in underserved areas throughout Honduras and other similar regions. / Ph. D.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is recognized the world over as a major public health issue. Autism is highly prevalent, persists across the lifespan, and is characterized by behaviors that can profoundly impair typical functioning. Interventions based on behavioral strategies have proven effective, but there are significant barriers to care, including cost, intensity of treatment, and access to qualified practitioners. The impact of ASD and obstacles to appropriate care are magnified by systemic limitations in developing countries. Parent training holds promise as a method of disseminating therapy to underserved areas. This study investigated the effectiveness of a pyramidal parent training intervention in Macedonia. Fifteen parents of children with ASD were trained in three specific strategies for promoting prosocial skills: eye contact, compliance, reducing restricted repetitive behaviors (RRB). Parents reported daily ratings of these skills and their own confidence, action or engagement, and family distress. Participants were ethnic Macedonians from the capital of Skopje with at least one child with ASD between the ages of 2 and 13 years. This study utilized a single case research design. Data were collected per and post intervention using an interrupted time series design. Individual response was analyzed visually and Tau U effect sizes were calculated. Moderator and mediator effect was considered following the method initially established by Gaynor and Harris (2008). Effect sizes were small but significant for the group overall for all variables except restricted repetitive behaviors (RRB). The program was especially effective for younger children, those with comorbid hyperactivity, those with low to moderate symptomology, and those with no prior special education services.