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Fire suppression, combined with lack of forest thinning and short-rotation, monodominant management, has drastically altered the landscape in the southeastern U.S., leading to the loss of open pine ecosystems and associated avian species. Management of open pine ecosystems is a common practice; yet, there remains uncertainty regarding how vegetation structure impacts priority species. Using empirical data, I assessed changes in species abundance and associated vegetation characteristics before and after management. I also sought to identify vegetation characteristics that influence home range establishment and microhabitat selection of Bachman’s Sparrows. Priority species were negatively associated with hardwood midstory and abundance per site increased following management. Home range establishment of Bachman’s Sparrows was influenced by disturbance, canopy cover, and slope, while microhabitat selection was influenced by pine basal area, available perching options, vegetation density, and herbaceous groundcover. Understanding how vegetation structure impacts priority species may be helpful in guiding conservation and management efforts.

This paper presents a numerical investigation into the behaviour of headed shear stud in composite beams with profiled metal decking. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed using general purpose finite element program ABAQUS to study the behaviour of through-deck welded shear stud in the composite slabs with trapezoidal deck ribs oriented perpendicular to the beam. Both static and dynamic procedures were investigated using Drucker Prager model and Concrete Damaged Plasticity model respectively. In the dynamic procedure using ABAQUS/Explicit, the push test specimens were loaded slowly to eliminate significant inertia effects to obtain a static solution. The capacity of shear connector, load-slip behaviour and failure modes were predicted and validated against experimental results. The delamination of the profiled decking from concrete slab was captured in the numerical analysis which was observed in the experiments. ABAQUS/Explicit was found to be particularly suitable for modelling post-failure behaviour and the contact interaction between profiled decking and concrete slabs. It is concluded that this model represents the true behaviour of the headed shear stud in composite beams with profiled decking in terms of the shear connection capacity, load-slip behaviour and failure modes.

This study consists of three self-standing parts, each dealing with a different aspect of design of composite steel-concrete flexural members. The first part deals with a new type of shear connection in composite joists. Composite steel-concrete flexural members have increasingly become popular in design and construction of floor systems, structural frames, and bridges. A particularly popular system features composite trusses (joists) that can span large lengths and provide empty web space for installation of typical utility conduits. One of the prominent problems with respect to composite joists has been the installation of welded shear connection due to demanding welding requirements and the need for significant welding equipment at the job site. This part of the study presents a new type of shear connection developed at Virginia Tech— standoff screws. Results of experimental and analytical research are presented, as well as the development of a recommended design methodology. The second part deals with reliability of composite beams. Constant research advances in the field of composite steel-concrete beam design have resulted in numerous enhancements and changes to the American design practice, embodied in the composite construction provisions of the AISC Specification (AISC 1999). Results of a comprehensive reliability study of composite beams are presented. The study considers specification changes since the original reliability study by Galambos et al. (1976), considers a larger database of experimental data, and analyses recent proposals for changes in design of shear connection. Comparison of three different design methods is presented based on a study of 15,064 composite beam cases. A method to consider effect of degree of shear connection on strength reduction factor is proposed. Finally, while basic analysis theories between the two are similar, requirements for determining the strength of composite beams in Eurocode 4 (CEN 1992) and 1999 AISC Specification (AISC 1999) differ in many respects. This is particularly true when considering the design of shear connections. This part of the dissertation explores those differences through a comparative step-by-step discussion of major design aspects, and accompanying numerical example. Several shortcomings of 1999 AISC Specification are identified and adjustments proposed. / Ph. D.

No / In composite beam design, headed stud shear connectors are commonly used to transfer longitudinal shear forces across the steel¿concrete interface. Present knowledge of the load¿slip behavior and the shear capacity of the shear stud in composite beam are limited to data obtained from the experimental push-off tests. For this purpose, an effective numerical model using the finite element method to simulate the push-off test was proposed. The model has been validated against test results and compared with data given in the current Code of Practices, i.e., BS5950, EC4, and AISC. Parametric studies using this model were preformed to investigate variations in concrete strength and shear stud diameter. The finite element model provided a better understanding to the different modes of failure observed during experimental testing and hence shear capacity of headed shear studs in solid concrete slabs

Text in English / Background: Children living in child-headed households have health needs that require treatment and care. Matsanjeni is one of the poorest socio-economic areas of Swaziland with the high number of children orphaned by HIV and AIDS who are often living without adequate family and social supports. These conditions are known for increasing people vulnerability to diseases and hindering access and utilization of health services. However, children living in child-headed households in Matsajeni community do attend the primary health care (PHC) services on regular basis. What influence the utilization of the above services by children living in child-headed households in the Matsanjeni community is not clear and well documented. Aim of the study: To explore and describe the views of children living in child-headed households in a rural community of Swaziland regarding factors influencing their utilization of PHC services. Design: A qualitative descriptive design was used to guide the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the most senior child from child-headed households in a rural community. Semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews were used to generate data. Data saturation was reached after twenty interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data. The researcher used Andersen behavioural model was to identify and organised the emerged themes. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committees of the University of South Africa and the Ministry of Health of Swaziland. Results: Fear to develop a deadly disease, perceived seriousness of the condition, desire for compliance to medical treatment, and community support emerged as enablers of primary health care services utilisation among children living in child-headed households. While lack of money, ignorance, shortage of healthcare personnel, negative behaviour and attitude of health professionals, long waiting hours, unreliable transportation system, and long distance emerged as inhibitors of primary health care services utilisation among children living in child-headed households. Conclusion and recommendation: The results of this study add to our understanding factors that positively and negatively influence the utilisation of primary health care services among children living in child-headed households in rural communities. The findings suggest that the utilisation of primary health care services among children living in child-headed households is influenced by need for care-enabling resources-experience of care triad. Behavioural and social welfare interventions are needed to enhance the utilisation of primary health care services among this vulnerable section of the community in Swaziland. Recommendation for further research is also articulated. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Text in English / Background: Children living in child-headed households have health needs that require treatment and care. Matsanjeni is one of the poorest socio-economic areas of Swaziland with the high number of children orphaned by HIV and AIDS who are often living without adequate family and social supports. These conditions are known for increasing people vulnerability to diseases and hindering access and utilization of health services. However, children living in child-headed households in Matsajeni community do attend the primary health care (PHC) services on regular basis. What influence the utilization of the above services by children living in child-headed households in the Matsanjeni community is not clear and well documented. Aim of the study: To explore and describe the views of children living in child-headed households in a rural community of Swaziland regarding factors influencing their utilization of PHC services. Design: A qualitative descriptive design was used to guide the study. Purposive sampling was used to select the most senior child from child-headed households in a rural community. Semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews were used to generate data. Data saturation was reached after twenty interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse data. The researcher used Andersen behavioural model was to identify and organised the emerged themes. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethics Committees of the University of South Africa and the Ministry of Health of Swaziland. Results: Fear to develop a deadly disease, perceived seriousness of the condition, desire for compliance to medical treatment, and community support emerged as enablers of primary health care services utilisation among children living in child-headed households. While lack of money, ignorance, shortage of healthcare personnel, negative behaviour and attitude of health professionals, long waiting hours, unreliable transportation system, and long distance emerged as inhibitors of primary health care services utilisation among children living in child-headed households. Conclusion and recommendation: The results of this study add to our understanding factors that positively and negatively influence the utilisation of primary health care services among children living in child-headed households in rural communities. The findings suggest that the utilisation of primary health care services among children living in child-headed households is influenced by need for care-enabling resources-experience of care triad. Behavioural and social welfare interventions are needed to enhance the utilisation of primary health care services among this vulnerable section of the community in Swaziland. Recommendation for further research is also articulated. / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

school learnersChild-headed household is a phenomenon that is growing in South Africa. As such, it is imperative to uncover the realities of children in this situation. This study explores and describes the schooling experiences of secondary school learners from child-headed households. This qualitative study included a sample of 20 grade 10 and 11 learners from four secondary schools. Data were collected through structured interviews and document analysis. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the data. The findings suggest that secondary school learners from child-headed households live in poverty and encounter experiences such as absenteeism, psychological trauma, gender-based discrimination, lack of adequate food and scholastic materials, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. These experiences impact negatively on their schooling. The study recommends that learners from child-headed households should get more care and support from educators and other stakeholders. / Science and Technology Education / M.A. (Socio-Education)

This dissertation is a study of appetite in Plato’s Timaeus, Republic and Phaedrus. In recent research is it often suggested that Plato considers appetite (i) to pertain to the essential needs of the body, (ii) to relate to a distinct set of objects, e.g. food or drink, and (iii) to cause behaviour aiming at sensory pleasure. Exploring how the notion of appetite, directly and indirectly, connects with Plato’s other purposes in these dialogues, this dissertation sets out to evaluate these ideas. By asking, and answering, three philosophically and interpretatively crucial questions, individually linked to the arguments of the dialogues, this thesis aims to show (i) that the relationship between appetite and the body is not a matter of survival, and that appetite is better understood in terms of excess; (ii) that appetite is multiform and cannot be defined in terms of a distinct set of objects; and (iii) that appetite, in Plato, can also pertain to non-sensory objects, such as articulated discourse. Chapter one asks what the universe can teach us about embodied life. It argues that Plato, in the Timaeus, works with an important link between the universe and the soul, and that the account of disorder, irrationality and multiformity identifying a pre-cosmic condition of the universe provides a key to understanding the excessive behaviour and condition of a soul dominated by appetite. Chapter two asks why the philosophers of the Republic’s Kallipolis return to the cave, and suggests that Plato’s notion of the noble lie provides a reasonable account of this. By exploring the Republic’s ideas of education, poetry and tradition, it argues that appetite – a multiform and appearance oriented source of motivation – is an essential part of this account. Chapter three asks why Socrates characterizes the speeches of the Phaedrus as deceptive games. It proposes that this question should be understood in the light of two distinctions: one between playful and serious discourse and one between simple and multiform. It argues that the speeches of the Phaedrus are multiform games, and suggests that appetite is the primary source of motivation of the soul addressed, personified by Phaedrus.

HIV/AIDS is a terrible scourge that affects the whole of humanity. This is something nobody can deny or ignore. It is not only HIV infected people who are affected by this. Millions of others suffer too. Millions of Aids orphans live in poverty and are stigmatized by their communities. If one or both of the parents died of AIDS these orphans will have to burden the ensuing grief, hunger, illiteracy, sibling care, abuse and sometimes having AIDS themselves. Grandparents lose there children and get the responsibilities of raising their grandchildren thrust upon them. Other family members and friends sometimes have to share these unforeseen responsibilities too. The state faces an ever-increasing financial drain on its resources, and tries to keep up with ever changing legislation. The church, especially the local church is also deeply affected by this reality. She cannot shirk her responsibilities in the matter. She cannot turn a blind eye to the overwhelming need out there. The methodological model of Zerfass is being used in the study. The crux of this study concerns the church's duty in this matter. Matthew 25 : 31 - 46 and their supportive texts will test the local church on their involvement in this universal need. This study endeavours to find adequate and novel ways and forms of dealing with need with reference to Practical Theology, relevant Scriptural quotes and the historical churchly tradition of communal aid as witnessed in the early church. The social sciences are involved in this endeavour to fathom the depth of human need in connection with HIV/AIDS. This study clarifies what HIV/AIDS really means to people, the extent of the challenge, the stigma attached to the affliction, reasons for its spread, poverty, a shortage of ARV's, its incurability, the problems of Aids orphans. In addition this study will explore the challenges facing caregivers, substitute parents like grandparents or family members, formal or institutional care and children acting as heads of families. Their experiences are dealt with, as well as people's material and spiritual wants, and what they need, in order to survive and even grow in dire circumstances. The local church has a pastoral duty that encompasses much more than the needs of its parishioners. It needs to equip church members with missionary skills to strengthen those in need with the hope and good news of the Gospel. The impact of a concerted effort of a possible 33 000 Christian congregations in South-Africa cannot be underestimated. A study on small groups identify small groups as empowering bodies in the church's pastoral obligation. In one qualitative study the focus is on the daily life of a range of substitute caregivers: Grandparents, relatives, the experiences of substitute caregivers within institutionalized care, the experiences of people of European descent that run a house of safety and lastly the story of a kid acting as a family head over her siblings. There is the excitement of church involvement and the disappointment over church apathy. This practical model envisions a coordinated plan whereby the local church can serve and aid these substitute caregivers, to be part of the solution and not of the problem concerning HIV/AIDS. This could be called a "Flexi model". All local churches do not have the same resources, training and infrastructure. Nevertheless several possible solutions are possible, so that caregivers can be involved and empowered, to do what they have to do. The consequences of a successful outreach could be spiritual growth in a local church, inner mental and spiritual health, identification of new and suitable caregivers, reciprocity, poverty alleviation, the breaching of boundaries, empowerment of church members in the exercising of spiritual gifts, development of spiritual zeal, information exchange about the real challenges of AIDS, and the ongoing empowerment of caregivers to the lasting benefit of Aids orphans. The positive outcome is the inner transformation of a local church. Matthew 25 : 31 - 46 especially verse 40b will become relevant to everyone: "In as much as you have done it to the lesser most of these brethren, you have done it to me." / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.