Dissertation (MInstAgrar)--University of Pretoria, 1999. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

The contemporary world is continuously evolving and changing. This can be ascribed to technological development. There exists an expanding digital realm that is changing the way society interacts with its surroundings and context. Interior design is a discipline that alters existing structures. This dissertation explores the role of interior design in adapting existing structures to technological development, focusing on digital development. Theories concerning hybrid design were investigated and compared in order to generate a design approach to the problem. Contextual analysis was done in order to establish important factors that would contribute to the generation of an appropriate programme. Thereafter precedents were analysed in order to supplement the body of knowledge. The final product is a mixed-use facility which includes an electronic book (e-book) publishing facility for Van Schaik Publishers as well as a facility for the contextual public where interaction with digital media is facilitated. The dissertation provides a project that acts as a mediator between the material and digital realms. Simultaneously, the product acts as a catalyst for bridging the great ‘digital divide’ one finds in a country like South Africa, where the larger population has no access to the digital realm. / Dissertation MInt(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Architecture / MInt(Prof) / Unrestricted

The Tswaing Meteorite Crater, formed 220 000 years ago, on the farm of Zoutpan, (or also known as the Pretoria Saltpan), had been a topographic and geological riddle for a long period of time. The gathering of salt from the crater was its main attraction for many groups that flocked to the crater, which later became an important beacon of infrastructure, becoming the largest producer of Soda and Salt in the Transvaal in the early 1900’s. Knowledge is an intangible quality of the cultural landscape and its history which can be lost in the blink of an eye if it is not preserved, commemorated and conserved for future generations. Through the investigation of Inclusive Design and the application of its principles, the narrative which is Tswaing, can be made accessible to all by revealing the concealed narrative of the place, tangible and intangible, through time. The afterthought or lack of design for disabled individuals can be seen in many projects. By ensuring accessibility is part of the design process from the onset of the project, valuable resources are not needlessly wasted later. As a result the cultural landscape and its secrets can be uncovered and shared with all. / Dissertation ML(Prof)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Architecture / unrestricted

In this study, two diverse scientific areas of research, namely, biological-chemical and public administration, were drawn upon to find an answer for improved risk governance of genetically modified organisms (GMO/GM) and pesticides. The need for such a study appeared from the constraints experienced with regulatory approval of GMO crops in South Africa. The knowledge gained from research on risk governance of GMOs could also be applied to pesticides. Protracted procedures causing delays in approval and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements of GMOs resulted in negative implications for research, development and commercialisation. Approval of several South African co-developed GMOs has been delayed or rejected that resulted in withdrawal or reducing of research activities, apart from appeals against decisions. The objective of the study was to identify some of the reasons for delays as experienced in risk assessments and to propose remedial actions, including the critical interface between role players in risk governance. The approach taken in this research was to obtain, by means of a questionnaire, a broad view of risk governances of GMOs as measured with criteria of good governance experienced by scientists of biotechnology and related disciplines. This was followed by another questionnaire with focus on one specific area that caused delays for GMO permit applicants. The investigation included analysis of South African legislation, guidelines and interviews. The research on risk assessment narrowed down to the two areas, illustrated by South African applicable case studies, namely, food risk/safety assessment of GMO cassava and environmental risk assessment of GMO sorghum. Approaches to improve assessments are being recommended. Uncertainty in risk assessment is an important reality because of humankind‘s limited knowledge of nature. Uncertainty is further addressed by precautious management, described as the precautionary principle is a norm legislated by the South African government in line with international agreements (the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety). The terminology, precautionary approach and principle are used interchangeably in literature. The application of the precautionary principle in South African legislation and the difficulty that could be experienced in decision making are illustrated in the case study on ‗possible unintended changes in endogenous allergens‘ in GMO maize. The research showed the importance of timely risk communication between risk assessors, risk managers (decision makers) and stakeholders in advance of the commencement of risk assessment. The importance of timely consideration of socio-economic impact of GMOs and pesticides is touched on. Risk governance structures, for both GMOs and pesticides are proposed, based on the most democratic and transparent governance models taking into consideration the European initiatives for improved risk governance. This included an interface for interaction among role players, namely, risk assessors, risk managers, scientists and stakeholders. The up-front role of an array of scientists, as the most trustworthy communicators in contentious scientific issues, is of specific importance because of the fast developing and very broad field of genetic modification of many crops. South Africa‘s national research institutes should play a much bigger role as scientific advisors in scientific risk policy making and framing for risk assessments. It is of great importance that risk assessments are focused on risks and not on the gathering of bucketsful of data; therefore, training in approaches to assessment of risk should be a priority. To achieve improvement on risk governance, the importance of policy development and the roles of all participants should be clear. Proposals for future research cover the many aspects that comprise trust in governance and the increased awareness of consumers and stakeholders of environmental risks and food safety. This study also paves a way for research on governance of phytopesticides and phytomedicines because of growing interest in these rich sources of new information that could be of great benefit to mankind. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Paraclinical Sciences / Unrestricted

The topic of body image has become widely researched in the past thirty years, but preadolescents have been neglected in this area of research. This dissertation explores the body and dieting concerns of pre-adolescent girls in South Africa in order to address this paucity. A qualitative study was conducted, with data collected via a vignette technique and a semi-structured interview which were analysed thematically. A contradiction was noted between what girls expressed to be true in terms of the importance of appearance and how they perceive those that do not adhere to cultural norms of appearance. Weight and appearance were described as unimportant when evaluating a person, but negative attributes were given to the heavier girl in the vignette, opposed to none to the thinner girl. Appearance-control beliefs also emerged as a salient theme, with participants believing that the heavier girl in the vignette could not help that she was overweight. The latter was interpreted as pity, and masked as empathy, as participants suggested ways in which she could lose weight, and it was expressed that she would be a happier person if she did lose weight. Dieting was a well-known concept among participants, with some stating that they had previously engaged in dieting behaviours. / MA / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Psychology / unrestricted

Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Plant Science / Unrestricted

No description available.

Magister Scientiae Dentium - MSc(Dent) / Background: The two-stage implant system has proven to be a successful technique in replacing missing teeth (Nascimento et al., 2008). Nevertheless, the presence of micro-gaps that could entrap microbes at the implant-abutment interface (IAI) is unavoidable. This microbial leakage has been considered as one of the causes of peri-implant infection and bone loss (Scarano et al., 2005). Several companies have attempted to manufacture an implant with a connection design that provides hermetic sealing against bacterial leakage. Studies indicated that implants with internal connection, in particular the conical (Morse taper) design, have better sealing capacity in the implant abutment interface than the external design (Koutouzis et al., 2011, Jaworski et al., 2012). An internal conical implant system with a novel connection design, known as the Grand Morse (GM) connection, is reported to offer secure connection against micro-leakage (Neodent® Implant Systems Inc., 2018). Aims: The aim of this study was to test the sealing ability against bacterial leakage in the implant-abutment interface provided by an implant with a novel deep internal conical (GM) connection design.

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(医学) / 甲第18684号 / 医博第3956号 / 新制||医||1007(附属図書館) / 31617 / 京都大学大学院医学研究科医学専攻 / (主査)教授 生田 宏一, 教授 伊達 洋至, 教授 竹内 理 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Medical Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

No description available.