Compositional simulation is a complex task that involves solving several equations simultaneously for all grid blocks representing a petroleum reservoir. Usually, these equations are separated into two groups: primary and secondary equations. Similarly, the unknowns of the system are also separated into primary and secondary variables. Considering the large number of unknowns, there are many ways to separate such variables in order to deal with the primary variables. This work aims at comparing a number of formulations for compositional reservoir simulation. It also aims at enhancing the formulations with new features not provided in the original publications. To accomplish these objectives, various formulations prevailing in the literature are implemented in The University of Texas at Austin in-house fully implicit simulator named GPAS (General Purpose Adaptive Simulator) and their performances were compared. Subsequently, some of the formulations were enhanced and tested for various applications. The comparison of the formulations studied indicated differences in efficiency for each approach. These differences come from the fact that when one is solving for a different set of primary variables, the manipulation of the equations is analogous to the use of a preconditioner applied to a linear system of equations. Furthermore, unlike a preconditioner, changing the primary variables affects the non-linear solver. Therefore, differences in terms of the number of Newton-Raphson iterations, used for solution of nonlinear equations resulting from discretization of nonlinear partial differential equations representing fluid flow in the reservoir, are expected. In addition to these differences in the non-linear solver, many formulations explore the fact that a reduced number of equations need to be solved implicitly, thus considerably reducing the CPU time dedicated to the linear solver. Finally, new features not provided in the original published formulations such as three-phase flash calculation, physical dispersion, and unstructured grid were implemented and verified. Additionally, it was demonstrated that, in certain situations, these enhancements are essential to properly model the physical phenomena occurring in oil and gas reservoirs. / text

A series of pyridinium cationic lipids was designed, synthesized and characterized. These lipids varied in the lipophilic part, bearing C9 to C20 saturated, unsaturated, straight and branched hydrocarbon chains. The lipid shape parameter was calculated from the molecular structure of these lipids based on the partial molar volumes of the atoms, and standard bond lengths and bond angles, using fragment additive methods. The shape parameter controls the lamellar/hexagonal phase balance in lipoplexes of the lipid with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The lipid phase behaviour of the lipoplexes was derived from small-angle X-ray scattering experiments and was successfully correlated with the calculated lipid shape parameter. The synthesized pyridinium lipids were co-formulated (1:1) with 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (EPC) as the co-cationic lipid in 1:1 ratio, and the mixed cationic lipids were co-formulated (3:2) with the neutral lipids 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE) or cholesterol. The effect of variation in cationic lipid structure and lipoplex formulation on the transfection of nucleic acid (β-galactosidase and green fluorescent protein (GFP)) into CHO-K1 cells and the cytotoxicity of these formulations was assessed. Initial studies on the synthesized lipids bearing saturated and terminally unsaturated C16 chains showed that a Transfection Index (TIPSV) which encompasses the variation in the lipid shape parameter, the phase packing in a hexagonal lipoplex and the partition of these lipids into the lipoplex successfully correlated with transfection efficiency. To further investigate the effect of the variation of the partition of these lipids to the lipoplex, transfection studies were performed on a series of pyridinium lipids with straight saturated and unsaturated chains of varied lengths, with similar shape parameters but varied partition coefficients (clogP). The correlation of these experimental transfection data with the initial TIPSV was unsuccessful, but the data suggested that chain length as it relates to chain mixing and chain melting behaviours of pure lipids played a role in transfection. A refined transfection index (TIPSVM) was proposed which contained terms for the lipid shape parameter, the phase packing into a hexagonal lipoplex, the partition of these lipids into the lipoplex and a chain melting term. TIPSVM gave an acceptable correlation with the experimental transfection efficiency for the range of compounds. Additional experimental transfection data were obtained for compounds with widely variable lipid shape parameters, either as pure compounds, blends of two pure compounds, or statistically produced mixtures of mixed-chain compounds. Although very short-chain compounds (C9) and very lipophilic compounds (C20) performed poorly, the results from the blends allow the assessment of the role of the shape parameter in the TI. Since the shape parameter and the volume filling term are both calculated with the same molecular parameter, the experimental work demonstrated that only one of these terms is required. Thus a three parameter transfection index (TIPVM) was proposed and found to correlate with the entire set of comparable data. A Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) study was done on the cytotoxicity of the transfection formulations utilized. The toxicity of the synthesized pyridinium lipids was shown to correlate with the shape parameter, the lipid mixture partition co-efficient (clogP) and the charge ratio of the lipoplex formulation. Taken together, the developed transfection index TIPVM and the cytotoxicity correlation uncovered can be used in the design of low-toxicity, high activity pyridinium lipids for transfection of DNA. / Graduate / pariapz@uvic.ca

La dissolution est considérée comme une des méthodes clés durant le développement d'une forme pharmaceutique et pour le suivi de la qualité après mise sur le marché. En phase de développement précoce l'étude de la vitesse de dissolution est utilisée dans la sélection des formulations avant les études toxicologiques et les premiers tests sur l'homme. En phases de développement avancées la dissolution est réalisée principalement pour comparer de nouveaux prototypes, optimiser le procédé de fabrication, s'assurer la reproductibilité de lot à lot et évaluer le suivi de stabilité. Bien que la dissolution in vitro soit une méthode précisement décrite et largement utilisée dans l'industrie pharmaceutique, plusieurs défis existent encore dans ce domaine d'application. En particulier en ce qui concerne l'identification et la compréhension des différents paramètres critiques qui contrôlent la libération du principe actif (PA) pure et à partir de sa forme pharmaceutique. Avec l'établissement de corrélations in vitro/in vivo (IVIVC) la dissolution se place alors comme un indicateur sensible et fiable des performances in vivo. Ce travail se concentre sur l'utilisation optimum des méthodes de dissolution existantes et explore quelques alternatives simples pour poser les fondations des approches de "Quality by Design" (QbD) et des corrélations in vitro/in vivo (IVIVC). La dissolution appliquée au PA et à différentes formes pharmaceutiques (libération immédiate et retardée) et ceci à différentes phases du développement ainsi que pour les génériques a été explorée. Les résultats obtenus ont permis la sélection de méthodes de dissolution de control qualité simples et peu couteuses qui idéalement peuvent aussi servir de test de substitution pour la prédiction de la performance in vivo. Les perspectives futures et le rôle central de la dissolution sont présentés et discutés.

Iš pirmo žvilgsnio odos terapija atrodo paprasta, tačiau moksliškai pagrįstas pusiau kietų vaisto formų vartojamų ant odos modeliavimas yra vienas sudėtingiausių technologijos aspektų. Gaminant pusiau kietą vaisto formą skirtą vartoti ant odos, vienas svarbiausių uždavinių yra pagrindo parinkimas. Remiantis reologiniais (klampos rodiklio) tyrimais, galima numatyti pusiau kieto preparato stabilumą saugojimo metu. Įvertinant kremų gamybos sudėtingumą ir ypač tirštųjų ekstraktų įvedimo į pagrindą problemas, aktualu pagaminti kremo pagrindą iš tokių komponentų, kad būtų galima išvengti ilgo šildymo proceso. Darbo tikslas yra propolio emulsinio (vanduo aliejuje) kremo sudėties parinkimas, įvertinant fizikines-chemines savybes. Remiantis literatūra ir fizikinių-cheminių savybių tyrimais, parinkta v/a kremo pagrindo sudėtis (polietileno ir vazelino aliejaus mišinys, izopropilo palmitato ir poliglicerolio esterio mišinys, glicerolis ir išgrynintas vanduo) ir pritaikyta technologija stabilios v/a emulsijos gamybai. Tyrimų rezultatai parodė, kad optimali propolio tirštojo ekstrakto koncentracija, kurią galima įterpti į pasirinktą emulsinį pagrindą yra 1% – klampa kito ne daugiau 29%, lyginant su kitų propolio kremų klampa. Kremo pH reikšmė artima odos pH reikšmei. Kremas išlieka stabilus kambario temperatūroje, yra homogeniškas, pasižymi priimtinomis juslinėmis savybėmis. / At first sight cutaneous therapeutics seems simple, but the formulation of semi-solid preparations for cutaneous application are reasonable scientifically. It‘s one of the most complicated technological aspects. The choice of basis is one the most important tasks, produced semi-solid preparations for cutaneous application. It‘s possible to suppose a stability of semi-solid preparation during storage time, supported the rheologicals (value of viscosity) researches. It‘s topical to produce the basis of the cream from such components, that would be possible to avoid the long heating process, appreciated a complication of the manufacture of creams and particularly an insertion of softs extracts to the basis problems. The aim of the work is a choice of the composition of propolis emulsion (water in oil) cream, appreciated the physico-chemical properties. A composition of basis of w/o cream (mixture of liquid paraffin and polyethylene, mixture of isopropyl palmitate and polyglycerine ester, glycerine and water) was selected and the technology for manufacture of stable w/o emulsion was fitted, supported a literature and the researches of physico-chemical properties. The results of the researches showed that the optimal concentration of soft extracts of propolis, which is possible to insert to the choiced emulsion basis is 1%. The viscosity varied no more 29%, compared with the viscosity of other propolis creams. The value of cream pH is close to a skin pH. The cream remains stable... [to full text]

Le béton drainant est généralement utilisé pour ses caractéristiques drainantes, d'ailleurs ces dernières décennies ont été marqué par une utilisation croissante du béton drainant aux États-Unis, à cause de l'adoption d'une loi spéciale sur la gestion des eaux de ruissèlement et de surface. Les applications les plus courantes sont: les aires de stationnements, les chaussées à faible trafic et les terrains de tennis. Cependant, le béton drainant possède des faibles propriétés mécaniques comparativement au béton conventionnel. Ceci est dû à sa porosité effective relativement importante. Le but principal pour le concepteur est alors de trouver un équilibre entre les propriétés mécaniques et drainantes conformément aux exigences voulues. Dans cette étude, un intérêt particulier est porté sur la méthode de formulation du béton drainant. La méthode proposée dans la littérature ne couvre pas tous les granulats et ne fournit pas de recommandations simples d'application pour faciliter la procédure de formulation. Dans la méthode proposée, la porosité inter-granulaire, déterminée via la compacité granulaire, est le paramètre principal pour la formulation des bétons drainant. Il est également question d'évaluer l'effet de différents paramètres de formulation ainsi que de l'effet de l'énergie de consolidation sur les propriétés drainantes et mécaniques des bétons drainants. Les échantillons de béton sont préparés en utilisant deux différents niveaux d'énergie de consolidation. Une modélisation à l'aide des plans d'expériences considérant trois paramètres les plus influents (Rapport E/C, le volume de pâte, et la teneur en agent réducteur d'eau) a permis de quantifier la contribution de chaque paramètres ainsi que leur interactions sur les différentes propriétés évaluées. Afin de faciliter l'approche de formulation des bétons drainants, le volume de pâte est exprimé en fonction du volume de vide inter-granulaire (V P /VVG ). L'effet des particules fines sur les propriétés mécaniques a également été évalué. Les résultats 'de cette étude montrent que les propriétés déterminées à partir de la courbe granulométrique ne suffisent pas pour prédire la porosité inter-granulaire des granulats utilisés. Les résultats ont également montré que la formulation des bétons drainants est réalisable avec des rapports V P /GVG compris entre 30 à 60%. Cependant, le rapport VP /VVG optimal trouvé est situé à environ 50%. Par ailleurs, les résultats montrent que les propriétés mécaniques ne dépendent pas de la taille des granulats, mais elles sont fonction de la distribution granulométriques et de la quantité des éléments fins des granulats. L'analyse des résultats obtenus sur les bétons étudiés dans le programme montre que la porosité requise pour obtenir une perméabilité minimale de 1 mm/sec est de 19%. Les modèles statistiques établis sont fiables et peuvent être utilisé pour décrire l'influence des paramètres étudiés (rapport E/C, VP /VVG , agent réducteur d'eau) sur les propriétés drainantes et mécaniques du béton drainant. La validation des modèles est réalisée à l'aide des points centraux et des mélanges de la première phase se trouvant dans le domaine expérimental. Ces modèles sont exploités pour tracer les iso-réponses qui peuvent servir de guide de sélection de matériau pour faciliter la formulation des bétons drainants. Les modèles statistiques montrent que le rapport V P /VVG est le paramètre le plus influent parmi les paramètres étudiés. D'autre part, il est observé que le rapport E/C a une influence significative sur les propriétés mécaniques, En effet, une augmentation du rapport E/C améliore les propriétés mécaniques. [symboles non conformes]

La prise en compte de l'impact environnemental des constructions conduit à s'interroger sur des matériaux alternatifs de construction. Dans ce contexte, le béton de chanvre (mélange chaux/chanvre) présente de nombreux atouts. Malgré la forte demande actuelle, son utilisation et sa mise en oeuvre sont souvent artisanales et sa résistance mécanique demeure relativement faible. Dans le présent travail, l'utilisation du béton de chanvre est envisagée pour réaliser des éléments de construction préfabriqués ayant un rôle structurel ou porteur (briques ou blocs alvéolaires), tout en conservant de bonnes qualités d'isolation thermique. Cette étude s'articule autour de l'optimisation de la formulation et du procédé de mise en oeuvre par compactage à l'état frais qui améliore significativement la résistance mécanique du matériau produit. Il augmente notamment sa capacité de déformation avant rupture, tout en réduisant le dosage en liant. La structure poreuse devient anisotrope du fait de l'orientation préférentielle des particules et le volume d'air occlus, à l'origine d'une faible conductivité thermique, se trouve réduit. Les mesures montrent effectivement une légère augmentation de la conductivité thermique, qui est toutefois nettement inférieure au gain de résistance mécanique du matériau obtenu par le procédé de compactage appliqué. Ce dernier constitue donc une voie de développement pour l'utilisation de tels matériaux. Les résultats présentés, à travers un mode de mise en oeuvre donné, permettent d'approfondir les connaissances sur le béton de chanvre, qui possède encore probablement un grand potentiel d'amélioration en vue de son utilisation pour la construction.

Globally, nurses' contribution to informed health policy decisions is limited, as there are many barriers to Nurse led change to successfully influence the HIV and AIDS policy process. In South Africa nurses at all levels of health care are not involved or consulted during the formulation of the HIV and AIDS workplace policy. This has led to concern about the absence of nurses at the policy table. This study forms part of a larger international study programme entitled: “Strengthening Nurses’ Capacity in HIV and AIDS Policy Development in Sub–Saharan Africa and the Caribbean”. This programme of international research aims to empower nurses to become involved in the policy process (formulation, implementation and evaluation) in order to strengthen health systems in the areas of HIV and AIDS care. Nurses' absence at the policy table prompted the researcher to explore and describe barriers to Nurse led change to influence HIV and AIDS workplace policy. Phase 1 of the research consisted of a literature review to identify barriers to Nurse led change to influence the HIV and AIDS workplace policy. Management's opinion about the human resource management capacity and problems experienced working in an HIV and AIDS environment was obtained through a quantitative and qualitative empirical method of data collection and analysis. Frontline nurses' perspective was obtained through qualitative interviewing to identify problems experienced with policy in an HIV and AIDS workplace environment. A mixedmethod triangulation research design was used to achieve the objectives of phase 1 of the study, and strategies applied included exploratory, descriptive and contextual designs. The analysis of the data contributed to the identification and classification of problems experienced by nurses to influence HIV and AIDS workplace policy at macro, meso and microlevel, resulting in the formulation of fifty–nine (59) concluding problem statements. These concluding statements formed the basis for the strategy development for Nurse led change to influence HIV and AIDS workplace policy, which was the only objective of the second phase of the research. The strategy for Nurse led change to influence HIV and AIDS workplace policy was developed by using a strategic process to determine the vision, mission, values, principles, assumptions, strategic objectives and functional tactics based on the concluding problem statements. Finally, the research was evaluated, limitations were identified and recommendations were formulated for practice, education, research and policy. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Nursing))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Acne vulgaris is the single, most common disease that presents a significant challenge to dermatologists, due to its complexity, prevalence and range of clinical expressions. This condition can be found in 85% of teenage boys and 80% of girls (Gollnick, 2003:1580). Acne can cause serious psychological consequences (low self–esteem, social inhibition, depression, etc.), if left untreated, and should therefore be recognised as a serious disorder (Webster, 2001:15). The pathogenesis of acne is varied, with factors that include plugging of the follicle, accumulation of sebum, growth of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), and inflammatory tissue responses (Wyatt et al., 2001:1809). Acne treatment focuses on the reduction of inflammatory and non–inflammatory acne lesions, and thus halts the scarring process (Railan & Alster, 2008:285). Non–inflammatory acne lesions can be expressed as open and closed comedones, whereas inflammatory lesions comprise of papules, pustules, nodules and cysts (Gollnick, 2003:1581). Acne treatment may be topical, or oral. Topical treatment is the most suitable first–line therapy for non–inflammatory comedones, or mildly inflammatory disease states, with the advantage of avoiding the possible systemic effects of oral medications (Federman & Kirsner, 2000:80). Topical retinoids were very successfully used for the treatment of acne in the 1980s. Their effectiveness in long–term therapies was limited though, due to local skin irritations that occurred in some individuals (Julie & Harper, 2004:S36). Vitamin A acetate presented a new approach in the treatment of acne, showing less side effects (Cheng & Depetris, 1998:7). In this study, vitamin A acetate and zinc acetate were formulated into semisolid, combination formulations for the possible treatment of acne. Whilst vitamin A controls the development of microcomedones, reduces existing comedones, diminishes sebum production and moderately reduces inflammation (Verschoore et al., 1993:107), zinc normalises hormone imbalances (Nutritional–supplements–health–guide.com, 2005:2) and normalises the secretion of sebum (Hostýnek & Maibach, 2002:35). Although the skin presents many advantages to the delivery of drugs, it unfortunately has some limitations. The biggest challenge in the transdermal delivery of drugs is to overcome the natural skin barrier. Its physicochemical properties are a good indication(s) of the transdermal behaviour of a drug. The ideal drug to be used in transdermal delivery would have sufficient lipophilic properties to partition into the stratum corneum, but it would also have sufficient hydrophilic properties to partition into the underlying layers of the skin (Kalia & Guy, 2001:159). Pheroid technology was also implemented during this study, in order to establish whether it would enhance penetration of the active ingredients across the skin. The Pheroid consists of vesicular structures that contain no phospholipids, nor cholesterol, but consists of the same essential fatty acids that are present in humans (Grobler et al., 2008:283). The aim of this study hence was to investigate the transdermal delivery of vitamin A acetate and zinc acetate, jointly formulated into four topical formulations for acne treatment. Vitamin A acetate (0.5%) and zinc acetate (1.2%) were formulated into a cream, Pheroid cream, emulgel and Pheroid emulgel. An existing commercial product, containing vitamin A acetate, was used to compare the results of the formulated products with. The transdermal, epidermal and dermal diffusion of the formulations were determined during a 6 h diffusion study, using Franz diffusion cells and tape stripping techniques. Experimental determination of the diffusion studies proved that vitamin A acetate did not penetrate through the skin. These results applied to both the formulations being developed during this study, as well as to the commercial product. Tape stripping studies were done to determine the concentration of drug present in the epidermis and dermis. The highest epidermal concentration of vitamin A acetate was obtained with the Pheroid emulgel (0.0045 ug/ml), whilst the emulgel formulation provided the highest vitamin A acetate concentration in the dermis (0.0029 ug/ml). Contrary, for the commercial product, the total concentration of vitamin A acetate in the epidermis was noticeably lower than for all the new formulations studied. Vitamin A acetate concentrations of the commercial product in the dermis were within the same concentration range as the newly developed formulations, with the exception of the emulgel that delivered approximately 31% more vitamin A acetate to the dermis, than the commercial product. Zinc acetate was able to diffuse through full thickness skin, although no flux values were obtained. To eliminate the possibility of endogenous zinc diffusion, placebo formulations (without zinc) were prepared for use as control samples during the skin diffusion investigation. The emulgel and Pheroid emulgel formulations were unable to deliver significant zinc acetate concentrations transdermally, although transdermal diffusion was attained from both the cream and Pheroid cream. Tape stripping experiments with placebo formulations relative to the formulated products revealed that zinc acetate concentrations in the epidermis and dermis were significantly higher when the placebo formulations were applied. However, the average zinc acetate concentration in the dermis, after application of the cream formulation, was significantly higher, compared to when the placebo cream was applied. It could therefore be concluded that no zinc acetate had diffused into the epidermis and dermis from the new formulations, except from the cream formulation. The zinc acetate concentration being measured in the epidermis thus rather represented the endogenous zinc acetate. The cream formulation, however, was probably able to deliver detectable zinc acetate concentrations to the epidermis. Stability of the formulated products was tested under a variety of environmental conditions to determine whether the functional qualities would remain within acceptable limits over a certain period of time. The formulated products were tested for a period of three months under storage conditions of 25°C/60% RH (relative humidity), 30°C/60% RH and 40°C/75% RH. Stability studies included stability indicating assay testing, the determination of rheology, pH, droplet size, zeta–potential, mass loss, morphology of the particles and physical assessment. The formulations were unstable over the three months stability test period. A change in viscosity, colour and concentration of the active ingredients were observed. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Non–melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common human malignancy and it is estimated that over 1.3 million cases are diagnosed each year in the United States (Neville et al., 2007:462). There are three main types of NMSC, which include basal–cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous–cell carcinoma (SCC) and cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). Exposure to ultra–violet (UV) radiation plays a major role in the aetiology of these three skin cancer types (Franceschi et al., 1996:24). 5–Fluorouracil is an antineoplastic pyrimidine analogue that functions as an anti–metabolite. It interferes with DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), and to a lesser extent, with RNA (ribonucleic acid) synthesis by blocking the methylation of deoxyuridylic acid into thymidylic acid. It is used in topical preparations for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) and NMSC. The cure rate with topical 5–fluorouracil is partly reflected by the degree of erythema, erosions, and eventual crusting which develop at the sites of treatment. This reaction often attains the best clinical response, but in turn, frustrates patients, which may lead to patient incompliance (McGillis & Fein, 2004:175). Due to the hydrophilic nature of 5–fluorouracil, the transdermal permeation through the lipophilic stratum corneum is very low and trivial (Singh et al., 2005:99). Transdermal drug delivery is the delivery of a chemical substance across the skin to reach the systemic circulation (Prausnitz et al., 2004:115). This unique drug transport mechanism suggests many advantages that include safety, patient compliance, user–friendliness, efficiency and non–invasiveness (Fang et al., 2004:241). The stratum corneum is a specialised structure that forms part of several anatomically distinct layers of the skin. Seeing that it is the outermost layer, it provides protection to the skin. It is known as the main barrier to percutaneous absorption of compounds, as well as water loss, through the skin (Bouwstra et al., 2003:4). This study focussed on the formulation of six different types of semisolid formulations, containing 0.5% 5–fluorouracil. The formulations included: a cream, Pheroid cream, emulgel, Pheroid emulgel, lotion and Pheroid lotion. Pheroid refers to a delivery system which was incorporated in the formulations in an attempt to enhance the penetration of 5–fluorouracil into the skin. This drug delivery system consists of unique and stable lipid–based submicronand micron–sized structures, formulated in an emulsion. The dispersed Pheroid structures largely comprise of natural essential fatty acids, which have an affinity for the cell membranes of the human body (Grobler et al., 2008:284–285). These formulations were manufactured in large quantities and stored at three different temperatures, each with their respective relative humidity (RH): 25 °C/60% RH, 30 °C/60% RH and 40 °C/70% RH, for a period of six months. Stability tests were conducted on each of these formulations on the day of manufacture (month 0), and then after 1, 2, 3 and 6 months. The tests included: determination of concentration of the analytes (assay) by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); determination of zeta–potential and droplet size; pH measurement; viscosity; mass loss determination; physical appearance; and particle size distribution. Franz cell skin diffusion tests were performed with these six 5–fluorouracil containing semisolid formulations (0.5%), as well as with a 0.5% Pheroid solution, 0.5% non–Pheroid solution. A 5.0% Pheroid solution and a 5.0% non–Pheroid solution were also prepared in order to compare the skin diffusion test results to a 5.0% commercially available ointment. The data of the 0.5% formulations and solutions, as well as the 5.0% solutions and commercial ointment, were statistically compared and those formulations (and solutions) that yielded the best results, with regard to % diffused, epidermis and dermis concentrations, were identified. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Globally, nurses' contribution to informed health policy decisions is limited, as there are many barriers to Nurse led change to successfully influence the HIV and AIDS policy process. In South Africa nurses at all levels of health care are not involved or consulted during the formulation of the HIV and AIDS workplace policy. This has led to concern about the absence of nurses at the policy table. This study forms part of a larger international study programme entitled: “Strengthening Nurses’ Capacity in HIV and AIDS Policy Development in Sub–Saharan Africa and the Caribbean”. This programme of international research aims to empower nurses to become involved in the policy process (formulation, implementation and evaluation) in order to strengthen health systems in the areas of HIV and AIDS care. Nurses' absence at the policy table prompted the researcher to explore and describe barriers to Nurse led change to influence HIV and AIDS workplace policy. Phase 1 of the research consisted of a literature review to identify barriers to Nurse led change to influence the HIV and AIDS workplace policy. Management's opinion about the human resource management capacity and problems experienced working in an HIV and AIDS environment was obtained through a quantitative and qualitative empirical method of data collection and analysis. Frontline nurses' perspective was obtained through qualitative interviewing to identify problems experienced with policy in an HIV and AIDS workplace environment. A mixedmethod triangulation research design was used to achieve the objectives of phase 1 of the study, and strategies applied included exploratory, descriptive and contextual designs. The analysis of the data contributed to the identification and classification of problems experienced by nurses to influence HIV and AIDS workplace policy at macro, meso and microlevel, resulting in the formulation of fifty–nine (59) concluding problem statements. These concluding statements formed the basis for the strategy development for Nurse led change to influence HIV and AIDS workplace policy, which was the only objective of the second phase of the research. The strategy for Nurse led change to influence HIV and AIDS workplace policy was developed by using a strategic process to determine the vision, mission, values, principles, assumptions, strategic objectives and functional tactics based on the concluding problem statements. Finally, the research was evaluated, limitations were identified and recommendations were formulated for practice, education, research and policy. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Nursing))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.