In Johannine studies, the interpretation of σημεία is diverse. Traditionally, scholars tend to support that seven signs are chosen in John’s Gospel to structure Jesus’ public ministry (John 1:20—12:50). Some scholars, influenced by Bultmann’s hypothesis of a signs-source, scrutinize the underlying source, redaction, or traditions about the Johannine σημεία; others employ the literary narrative approach using either a Western or an ancient literary framework. Still others examine σημεία through a theological thematic lens chosen from John or the Old Testament. However, two fundamental questions remain unresolved: (1) Does John mean to include only seven signs to structure the public ministry when signs are claimed in the conclusion to be the theme of the Gospel (John 20:30-31)? (2) What among the many things Jesus does in the account qualify as signs for John? From a new perspective, this research points out that the Johannine σημεία, as specified in the text, refer to Jesus’ body as the new temple (his death and resurrection, John 2:18-22) and the provision of manna as the signs (John 6:30-35) forming the foundation for interpreting the use and selection of σημεῖα in John. This indicates a relationship between Jesus’ signs and the tabernacle signs which involve complex metaphors and associations including non-tabernacle signs in the OT in structuring the Gospel in its final form (John 20:30-31). Using a comparative method adapted from Hasan’s sociolinguistic theory of contextual configuration, I argue that Jesus’ signs represent the functions of the four tabernacle signs (a pot of manna, Aaron’s staff, the bronze altar cover, and the bronze serpent) along with other metaphors and associations in three phases (John 1-5; 6-12; 13-21) through which to reveal his grace and life-giving power and to authenticate his identity. Ultimately, through Jesus’ “all inclusive” σημεΐον in his Passion—the self-sacrificial crucifixion, resurrection, and appearances—his believers become the children of God and their faith is built not by seeing signs but by following Jesus’ words (i.e. loving one another and caring for other believers’ needs) to love him daily so that they have life in him. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Magister Pharmaceuticae - MPharm / Due to the contribution of hypertension to various cardiovascular diseases, many studies are currently focused on identifying efficient bioactive compounds with antihypertensive activity and thus reducing the levels of cardiovascular disease. ACE inhibitors are an important component of the therapeutic regimen for treating hypertension, but due to the increase in the prevalence of side effects of synthetic compounds, alternative and complementary medicines which may consist of pure bioactive compound or a combination of various compounds from natural sources are gaining importance in overcoming hypertension. Hypericum perforatum has been studied for various activities including anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-oxidant properties, but studies on its cardiovascular effects specifically ACE inhibitory activity have not yet been explored. In this study, ACEI assay-guided fractionation of the ethanol extract of Hypericum perforatum was carried out other to isolate a compound with ACE inhibition. A compound – (3-hydroxy 4, 4 dimethyl-4-butyrolactone) was isolated from an active fraction of the plant extract and was tested for ACE inhibition and its chemical structure elucidated using 1HNMR and C13NMR spectrometry and further characterized using mass spectrometry and FTIR.

Abstract Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s wort) is a medicinal plant widely utilized for the treatment of depression. The antidepressant activity is mainly attributed to the phenolic compounds hypericins and hyperforins, which also have a wide range of other pharmacologically interesting properties. The biosynthetic routes leading to hypericins and hyperforins are poorly understood, although a polyketide pathway including type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) has been suggested to be involved. Furthermore, a gene called hyp-1 is assumed to attend to the final stages of the hypericin biosynthesis. In the present work, the biosynthesis of hypericins and hyperforins in H. perforatum was further studied by focusing on the elucidation of the precursors and genes involved. The incorporation of isotopically labelled branched-chain amino acids into hyperforins was investigated as well as the possibilities to enhance the production of hyperforins in H. perforatum in vitro cultures by feeding them with amino acid precursors. Furthermore, two novel cDNAs encoding for type III PKSs were isolated from H. perforatum. The functions of these new genes, designated HpPKS1 and HpPKS2, as well as the role of hyp-1 were elucidated by comparing their expression with the levels of hypericins and hyperforins in H. perforatum tissues. The enzymatic activity of the recombinant HpPKS2 protein was also analyzed. To study Hyp-1 at a protein level, a protein extraction method was optimized for tissues of Hypericum species. The results show the incorporation of valine and isoleucine into the acyl side chain of hyperforin and adhyperforin, respectively. Through the biotransformation of the amino acid precursors, it is possible to enhance the levels of adhyperforin, but not hyperforin, in H. perforatum shoot cultures, which demonstrates the tight regulation of the hyperforin biosynthesis. A correlation between HpPKS1 expression and hyperforins was detected in H. perforatum tissues. The localization of HpPKS2 mRNA in dark glands in which hypericins accumulate as well as the octaketide synthase activity of the recombinant HpPKS2 suggest that HpPKS2 is associated with possible co-operating tailoring enzymes in the biosynthesis of hypericins. The presence of both hyp-1 mRNA and Hyp-1 protein in distinct places compared with hypericins in H. perforatum tissues does not support the idea that Hyp-1 would be involved in the biosynthesis of hypericins in dark glands, although mobility of the Hyp-1 protein was shown to be possible. The present thesis extends knowledge about the biosynthesis of hypericins and hyperforins in H. perforatum by providing new candidate genes for their biosynthesis and by identifying precursors for hyperforins. Moreover, new information was obtained about the role of hyp-1 in H. perforatum.

Picture a historical library and a historical art museum coming together to challenge the interaction between each other to help experience, explore, and discover the past within the present. While it sounds like a good idea, it is rare to see a library and museum under one roof. With the increasing population of tourists looking to visit places and buildings that reconnect with history, there is a higher demand for places to be able to 're-live the past' through art and literature. People enjoy visiting places where history was made and where it becomes part of a city's identity. With modern developments taking over, historical buildings are beginning to disappear. Designing a library and museum partnership is a solution to creating two institutions under one roof while preserving the space usually needed for both institutions if built separately. In order to challenge the idea of a hybrid building within a historical city, there needs to be an element of culture and historical remembrance that creates a shield against that city's potential loss of identity. Memory has become a key element in our true identity, becoming a form of support against erasure. It is that sense of culture and historical remembrance that will create recognition of things past. In order to address Florida's historical culture, the proposed site will be located in St. John's County, which includes America's oldest city St. Augustine. There are many different historical periods in St. Augustine that create its current cultural atmosphere. It is important to choose an environment where historical events took place because it allows the memory process of a place to create past experiences to be shared with new experiences. Through a methodology of the historical culture and conditions of the site, this thesis project will honor St. Augustine's culture by integrating the past with the present and creating a modern hybrid institution for the city. Furthermore, integrating the past with the present will allow users to enjoy St. Augustine as it used to be and as it currently is today.

This study analyses the social function of glossolalia in the narrative world of the book of Acts. In so doing, it addresses the lack of scholarship related to treating glossolalic references from social scientific perspectives. Particularly noted is the absence in the literature of adequate treatments of the Ephesian disciples pericope in Acts 18:24–19:7, which this study seeks to correct. Through application of Berger and Luckmann’s sociology of knowledge models, this study argues that reading Luke-Acts as the author’s legitimation of the Jesus movement’s social world is a valid, even preferred reading of the literature. Tracing the development of Luke’s legitimation conceptual machinery reveals the social conflict background that to a large degree motivated its writing and organized its content. The purity-related conflicts between circumcision loyalists and Jesus followers from the Gentile world that dominate the second half of Acts is of particular interest to this research. This study demonstrates how Luke uses glossolalia as a divinely initiated marker of Gentile purity status to legitimate new social boundaries that supersede circumcision. These new social boundaries, marked by glossolalia, represent an integral component of the Jesus movement’s revised purity map, relative to temple-centred Yahwism. The legitimation reading, including Luke’s construction and validation of the Jesus group’s symbolic universe and its conclusions regarding the social function of glossolalia, is applied to the Ephesian disciples pericope. This study argues that the events narrated in this passage represent a continuing social conflict between circumcision loyalists and Gentile converts. Luke narrates the events in Acts 18:24–19:7 in order to correct a deviant baptism teaching (John’s baptism) that was propagated with the intent, based on purity concerns and prejudice, to marginalize Gentiles from full social integration into the Jesus community. Demonstrating that glossolalia functions as a social boundary marker that supersedes circumcision and that this best informs our interpretation of the Ephesian disciples pericope fully integrates this narrative event into Luke’s literary programme. / New Testament / D. Th. (New Testament)

This study analyses the social function of glossolalia in the narrative world of the book of Acts. In so doing, it addresses the lack of scholarship related to treating glossolalic references from social scientific perspectives. Particularly noted is the absence in the literature of adequate treatments of the Ephesian disciples pericope in Acts 18:24–19:7, which this study seeks to correct. Through application of Berger and Luckmann’s sociology of knowledge models, this study argues that reading Luke-Acts as the author’s legitimation of the Jesus movement’s social world is a valid, even preferred reading of the literature. Tracing the development of Luke’s legitimation conceptual machinery reveals the social conflict background that to a large degree motivated its writing and organized its content. The purity-related conflicts between circumcision loyalists and Jesus followers from the Gentile world that dominate the second half of Acts is of particular interest to this research. This study demonstrates how Luke uses glossolalia as a divinely initiated marker of Gentile purity status to legitimate new social boundaries that supersede circumcision. These new social boundaries, marked by glossolalia, represent an integral component of the Jesus movement’s revised purity map, relative to temple-centred Yahwism. The legitimation reading, including Luke’s construction and validation of the Jesus group’s symbolic universe and its conclusions regarding the social function of glossolalia, is applied to the Ephesian disciples pericope. This study argues that the events narrated in this passage represent a continuing social conflict between circumcision loyalists and Gentile converts. Luke narrates the events in Acts 18:24–19:7 in order to correct a deviant baptism teaching (John’s baptism) that was propagated with the intent, based on purity concerns and prejudice, to marginalize Gentiles from full social integration into the Jesus community. Demonstrating that glossolalia functions as a social boundary marker that supersedes circumcision and that this best informs our interpretation of the Ephesian disciples pericope fully integrates this narrative event into Luke’s literary programme. / New Testament / D. Th. (New Testament)

College completion agendas necessarily presume year-to-year student persistence. Institutional efforts to retain admitted students has emerged for a variety of reasons, some intrinsic and others extrinsic. Some of these reasons include (1) financial exigency as institutions strive to retain tuition-paying students or meet prescribed enrollment and retention criteria currently used in performance funding strategies; (2) reputation enhancement as institutions attempt to ascend annual publications such as the U.S. News & World Report which rely on retention rates as one of several indicators used to measure institutional quality; (3) gaining a perceived advantage in admissions, marketing, and fundraising as persistence rates have, for better or worse, become a de facto measure of quality undergraduate programs; and (4) mission fulfillment as institutions, especially public institutions, are tasked with contributing towards broadly cast social goals such as access to education, economic competitiveness, and community development. Knowledge about forces that impact student attrition is critical to the development of preventative strategies that seek to improve student persistence rates. One such environmental force that has an impact on student persistence is financial aid and a student’s ability to pay for their college education. While research examining the impact of financial aid on student persistence has accumulated over the years, little is known about how the loss of certain types of aid, specifically, state-based merit aid, affects students once they enroll in an institution. The majority of studies about financial aid’s impact on student persistence were conducted prior to the establishment of many state-wide merit scholarship programs. Tinto’s (1975, 1986, 1993) interactional theory of student departure serves as the theoretical framework employed in this study. Tinto (1975) states that entering college students bring with them specific background characteristics and initial commitments that influence the student’s social and academic integration at the institution that, in turn, impact subsequent institutional and goal commitments and, ultimately, persistence. This study intends to examine pre- and post-matriculation data gathered through the admissions and financial aid processes to develop predictive models useful in calculating the probabilities associated with Bright Futures scholarship retention, institutional persistence after losing a Bright Futures scholarship award at the conclusion of a student’s first year of enrollment, and a student’s eligibility to recapture a Bright Futures scholarship award in their third year of enrollment. Data was collected passively from institutional databases on 2,418 students meeting the study criteria for inclusion in the model building process. Findings indicate that the models developed throughout the course of this study hold potential for informing institutional retention initiatives among Bright Futures scholarship award recipients.

The author of the Fourth Gospel delivers the true divine identity and significance of Jesus throughout the entire narrative. He aims at guiding his readers through the narrative of the Gospel with the purpose that they will “see” (meet) Jesus, confess him as Christ, and receive eternal life. John actually planned that the text of the Gospel should actively change people. Furthermore, the Gospel of John has wide spectrum of the reader. This means that John opens his message to the all the generations who are no longer in a position to see Jesus physically. Nobody reading this text should or could stay the same, since he or she will be confronted with the protagonist of the text, namely Jesus. By accepting this message, that person will receive life; by rejecting the message, a person will perish. This truth is rehearsed over and again in the narrative for every reader to see. The text of the Gospel thus becomes the “presence of Jesus” among the readers. This functional purpose of the Gospel accounts for the first farewell discourse in John 13:31-14:31. In response to previous scholarship that understands the Johannine farewell discourses solely as a testament, the present study convinces that the discourses interface with classical literature, specifically the following literary styles: Greek tragedy, consolation literature, and the literary symposium tradition. The multiplicity of the generic associations of the discourses sheds new light on the nature of Jesus’ departure as well as his continuing presence in spite of that departure. No longer designed to evoke only the themes of departure and absence, the testament of Jesus in John emphasises instead Jesus’ abiding presence. While the material from Greek tragedy will only further emphasise the theme of departure, the material from classical consolation literature and the literary symposium tradition will accentuate the theme of continuing presence. John has thereby transcended the usual expectations of the testament. Thus the physically absent Jesus becomes present through his first farewell discourse: the reader is confronted with a dynamic portrait of Jesus and this confrontation results in an acceptance of Jesus as Christ, as well as the receiving of eternal life. According to the first farewell discourse, eschatological promise, knowing and seeing the Father, glory, love, pastoral ministry, deeds, prayer, Paraclete, remembering, faith, peace and joy, and the words of Jesus all serve as the replacement of the physical Jesus. Therefore, the first farewell discourse does not indicate the separation of Jesus from his disciples but rather the permanent presence of the risen Jesus in and among them. This is their basis for perseverance, in other words, the foundation of their spreading the gospel messages to non-believers, even though they were in a difficult place. the gospel of John, John 13:31-14-31, the purpose of John’s gospel, the presence of Jesus, the recipient of the Fourth Gospel, the farewell discourse(s), Biblical hermeneutics, glory, eschatological promise, the Paraclete, mutual love, peace and joy / Thesis (PhD (New Testament Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / New Testament Studies / unrestricted