When consumers with limited product related consumer socialization migrate to more affluent communities and adopt new life styles later in life, they have to deal with a choice explosion that manifests as the paradox of progress and creates fertile ground for exploitation in the market place. Limited evidence could be found of how inexperienced consumers judge the quality of products as an indication of product reliability. This research was part of a larger research project that focused on major household appliances as a desirable commodity in modern households. This part of the project specifically aimed to identify the indicators (extrinsic factors) that are used to discriminate the quality of appliances during pre purchase evaluation. It was hypothesized that limited consumer socialization may result in a dependence on hedonics/ surrogate indicators of quality to compromise for the absence of appropriate product knowledge and personal product experience. A positivistic orientated research project that implemented a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques was designed to determine the quality judgment of major household appliances of more mature, previously deprived consumers in a specific geographical area. Experience with electricity and ownership of appliances were used to identify and recruit suitable individuals for participation. Supportive theory for this research included the theory of consumer socialization including product related consumer socialization, as well as the basic theory of consumer decision-making as it applies to quality judgment of major household appliances during pre-purchase evaluation. The inexperience of consumers in this part of the project was confirmed by their limited experience with electricity in their own households and limited ownership of appliances over time. A lamentable discrepancy was found between the anticipated and the reported service life figures for a list of 13 appliances. Although replacement purchases may be influenced by socio-economic variables, product characteristics and time factors, an upsetting low average service life for major appliances was calculated. Premature replacements could signify several problems e.g. irresponsible choice behaviour; poor after sales service, ignorance in terms of maintenance and care. Inexperienced consumers may for example also have unrealistic expectations. In terms of the criteria that are used to discriminate quality, BRAND NAME is apparently relied on strongly by all consumers, irrespective of their experience and socio economic status, which confirmed Dawar and Parker’s (1994) view of the existence of criteria of so-called “universal importance”. The inexperienced consumers in this part of the project revealed a significant higher reliance on surrogate indicators of quality such as PRICE, GUARANTEE and ADVERTISING. In terms of the product knowledge test that was included, the mean score for the sample was calculated to give an indication of participants’ potential to conclude informed buyer decisions in terms of knowledge of certain basic functional and performance attributes of appliances. Inexperienced consumers’ score in terms of product knowledge was alarmingly low. This confirms the theory of product related consumer socialization that proposes limited product knowledge with limited product related experience. Findings revealed a remarkable incongruity with respect to participants’ personal rating of the importance of quality in terms of the evaluation of household appliances and their apparent ability to do so. Only 3.2% of the older inexperienced consumers indicated quality per se to be of LITTLE or NO IMPORTANCE. The rest regarded it as very IMPORTANT or VERY IMPORTANT. When confronted with specific questions and tasks relating to product evaluation and quality judgment, the participants could not convince that they had the relevant product knowledge to discriminate quality in order to conclude informed, responsible buyer decisions with respect to major household appliances. In terms of the larger project, reliance on surrogate indicators during quality judgment manifested stronger among the inexperienced consumer groups. Findings also support Erdem et al (1999) who reported that materialistic values of aspirational groups generally result in dominance of social factors during product evaluation. / Dissertation (M (Consumer Science))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Consumer Science / unrestricted

Fifteen middle-aged to older, overweight cats were investigated to rule out hyperadrenocorticism as a cause of their weight problem, using two different protocols for the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. The cats received intravenous synthetic ACTH (tetracosactrin) at a dose of 125 µg initially and then, between 2 and 3 weeks later, a second test was performed using a dose of 250 µg intravenously. The peak of the mean serum cortisol concentrations taken at all time points, occurred at 60 minutes following the 125 µg dose and at 120 minutes following the 250 µg dose. There was no statistically significant difference between the cortisol peaks attained using either dose of tetracosactrin. There was, however, a significantly higher serum cortisol concentration attained after the higher dose at the 180 minutes time point, indicating a more prolonged response, when compared with the lower dose. The mean basal cortisol concentration was 203 nmol/l (range 81 – 354 nmol/l). The cats were followed up for one year after the initial investigations. Urine obtained one year later in the cats’ home environment, showed a mean urinary cortisol/creatinine ratio (UCCR) of 3.3 x 10 -6 (range 0.85 - 8.67 x 10 -6). A mean weight loss of 6 per cent was achieved over the period of the study. The weight loss, lack of development of clinical signs and the normal UCCR’s confirm that none of these cats had gone on to develop hyperadrenocorticism. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Med))--University of Pretoria, 2001. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

Feline babesiosis is caused by the small intra-erythrocytic haemoprotozoan parasite, Babesia felis. Only in South Africa does it cause a significant clinical disease among domestic cats. A study was undertaken to further describe signalment and clinico-pathological changes and to identify concurrent infections. Fifty-six cats with naturally occurring B. felis infection, presented to private veterinarians for examination and treatment, were studied. An age predisposition seemed to be present, as most affected cats were young adults of less than three years of age. Although no breed or sex predisposition was evident, Siamese cats seemed to be over-represented amongst purebred cats. Typical clinical signs included anorexia, listlessness and anaemia. Less common signs included icterus, weakness, weight loss, constipation and pica. Feline babesiosis was diagnosed by identification of parasites on stained, thin blood smears. Parasitaemias were variable and ranged between very low (0.3%) and extremely high (42.3%). A strong correlation existed between central and peripheral parasitaemias, indicating that sequestration does not occur. Macrocytic, hypochromic, regenerative anaemia was the most consistent haematological finding; this became quite severe in advanced cases of disease. The anaemia was further classified as haemolytic, presumably resulting from both intravascular and extravascular erythrocyte destruction. Almost half the cats (43%) were not anaemic. No characteristic changes were seen in total or differential leukocyte counts; when abnormal values were present they were often accompanied by concurrent illness or infection. Thrombocyte counts were variable and thrombocytopaenia was an inconsistent finding. In-saline agglutination tests were positive in a number of cases, indicating that secondary immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia could also be a feature of this disease. The most remarkable clinico-pathological changes were elevation of hepatic cytosol enzyme activities and total bilirubin concentrations. Serum alanine transaminase was significantly elevated in the majority of cases, whereas alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyltransferase were generally within normal limits. This provides evidence of primary hepatocellular injury or inflammation in feline babesiosis. The hyperbilirubinaemia was most likely a result of haemolysis, but secondary hepatocellular injury was probably an additional contributing factor. No characteristic changes in renal parameters were observed and serum urea and creatinine levels were mostly within normal limits, indicating that gross renal damage was not a consistent feature of the disease. No characteristic pattern of changes in serum electrolytes (sodium and potassium) was seen, although a variety of electrolyte disturbances occurred in a number of cases. Serum protein values were mostly normal, but elevations were seen in some cases. Hyperalbuminaemia was considered indicative of patient dehydration. Polyclonal gammopathies were observed in all cats with hyperglobulinaemia and were ascribed to a combination of acute- and chronic-phase proteins produced in response to the Babesia antigens. Concurrent infections with Haemobartonella felis, feline leukemia virus and/or feline immunodeficiency virus were identified in a number of cats in this study and seemed to have profound effects on response to treatment and outcome of the disease. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Med))--University of Pretoria, 2001. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

Effective recruitment&selection is of cardinal importance to any organisation, because it is a very expensive process and recruiting the wrong applicant can have a large cost implication for the organisation. Effective recruitment and selection also decrease staff turnover and increases productivity. To be able to give good customer service or deliver a good product, it is important for any organisation to recruit motivated, loyal and customer oriented employees. This starts by recruiting the most suitable candidate for the vacant position. Recruitment is the process of obtaining the most suitable candidates for a specific position. The selection process follows after recruitment. It is done by means of pre-selection, interviewing, testing&assessment as well as confirmation of references. The applicant forms its first impression of the organisation during the recruitment and selection process. This image can either be positive or negative and unrealistic expectations could also be formed by the applicant that can lead to conflict during his/her period of employment at the organisation. The process does not stop with the placement of the most suitable candidate. The newly appointed employee has to go through orientation and also receives the necessary training and development to be successful in the appointed position. According to the Labour Relations Act of 1956, employers had free reign with regards to the steps followed in the recruitment and selection process. There were no restrictions with regards to the inclusion of candidates in the recruitment and selection process. After the passing of the new Labour Relations Act of 1995, all employers had to revisit their recruitment and selection process. More questions arose, for instance : “Is this reasonable labour practice ?” and “When is it discrimination ?”. After the elections in 1994, aspects like affirmative action became a strong focus for all employers. Recruitment and selection became more complicated, especially after implementation of the Labour Relations Act of 1995. Employees received more information regarding their rights, which led to a situation where they insisted on reasons and feedback in cases where their applications were not successful. / Dissertation (MCom (Human Resources Management))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

African swine fever (ASF), a hemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs, is caused by a large enveloped icosahedral arbovirus of the Asfivirus genus in the family Asfarviridae . It has a linear, covalently close-ended, double stranded DNA (dsDNA) genome, 170 – 190 kbp in size. Warthogs (Phaecochoerus aethiopicus ), bushpigs (Potamochoerus porcus ) and soft ticks of the Ornithodoros genus are natural reservoirs of ASF virus (ASFV) in Africa. Serological differentiation between field strains is not possible and as no vaccine is available, control relies on stamping out and strict zoosanitary practices. In order to identify possible sources of virus and prevent further introductions, ASFVs need to be differentiated on genotype basis. Genotyping of East African ASFV isolates was achieved in this study by characterization of the C-terminal region of the major capsid protein gene, p72 . Thirteen genotypes were identified among East African sylvatic and domestic hosts. Of significance was the recovery of an apparently geographically restricted homogenous domestic pig cycle in the region, as well as the presence of viruses of the ESACWA genotype, formerly believed to be confined to Europe, South America, the Caribbean Islands and West Africa. Due to the conserved nature of the p72 gene, intra-genotypic relationships of viruses recovered from a homogeneous domestic pig-associated lineage, genotype VIII, could not be resolved. In an attempt to address this short-coming, genetic characterization of the Central Variable Region (CVR) within the 9-RL open reading frame (ORF) of the central conserved region of ASFV genome was conducted. Eight groups were resolved, some of which confirmed prolonged periods of circulation of a particular virus type, whilst others confirmed transboundary transmission of the disease. The complexity of ASF epidemiology in East Africa exemplified by the presence of a sylvatic and domestic pig cycle, multiple genotypes within countries and identical genotypes shared by multiple countries, was revealed. The East African ASFV molecular epidemiological database created in this study will be of great assistance to veterinary officials implementing prevention and outbreak control strategies. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

The aim of the study was to assess the constraints to accurate reporting of cattle mortality in Odi district, North West Province. The method that was followed in this study was based on participatory action research. The cattle owning community of Odi district participated at every phase. They were the ones who first spoke to veterinary services about ways to decrease the diseases and mortalities of their cattle. Out of this came a questionnaire so that the actual facts could be determined. A total number of 60 farmers were randomly selected from 12 villages. One farmer pulled out and we were left with 59 farmers. Since the area of study was communal, most farmers were men (n=55) and only four of them were female. It was suspected that there was a communication problem and this was proven, as 23 farmers were not even aware that mortalities have to be reported by law. The real problem was that causes of death were not being diagnosed because farmers were not aware that a necropsy could give information on the causes of death. Farmers were keen to receive training in necropsy techniques so as to be able to discuss the cause of death of cattle with the state veterinarian. A skills training course was done with the farmers at the Department of Veterinary Pathology of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria. Farmers were taught to recognise the names and characteristics of normal organs and how to cut open a carcass correctly. A necropsy was demonstrated and thereafter farmers were given cattle organs from the abattoir to cut open themselves using gloves and protective clothing. Diagnostic skills were not taught as diagnosis of diseases is the province of a registered veterinarian. Farmers were given a checklist of organs and encouraged to contact the state veterinarian to describe what the carcass and organs looked like as soon after death as possible. The state veterinarian could give a tentative diagnosis over the telephone. A CD-Rom was developed as a training aid for skills training of small-scale farmers and animal health technicians (AHT’s), in elementary necropsy techniques. Farmers were thereafter visited monthly for 12 months by the state veterinarian and the AHT`s to record cattle mortalities and possible causes of death. As a result of the skills training, the number of animals reported dead did not change, but the number of unknown causes of death dropped significantly, as owners were able to correctly describe necropsy lesions in the carcasses and organs of the cattle that had died. It was concluded that the skills training technique used was an effective method of extension for recognizing causes of death in cattle and it is suggested that the CD-Rom that was developed, be used for training purposes by the state veterinary services of North West Province. / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Paraclinical Sciences / unrestricted

The presence of free haemoglobin in serum or plasma can markedly affect the outcome of laboratory tests. Normal concentrations of plasma haemoglobin in carefully obtained specimens are less than 0.025g/l. The presence of free haemoglobin in a sample increases the spectrophotometric absorbance of tests run at wavelengths within the absorbance range of haemoglobin (400 – 440nm). Little is known about the effects of haemolysis on the determination of antithrombin levels in canine plasma samples. Two plasma pools, designated AT 100 and AT 70 were prepared. The AT 70 pool was prepared by diluting pooled plasma with 0.9% saline in a ratio of 7:3. A unit of whole blood was collected from a healthy donor animal. The erythrocytes were lysed by freezing and thawing. The solution was centrifuged, the supernatant collected and filtered using 1.2 um and 0.22 um filters sequentially to remove residual red cell stroma. The haemoglobin concentration of the solution was determined using a modification of the automated Drabkin method. Intermediate haemoglobin solutions of decreasing known concentrations were prepared by the addition of saline. The intermediate solutions were added to the plasma pools in a 1+9 manner and a series of samples were prepared with final calculated and measured haemoglobin concentrations of 0.0; 0.5; 1.5; 2.5; 3.5; 4.5 and 5.5 g/l. The AT determinations were performed using a functional chromogenic assay and the spectrophotometric absorbances were read using a 405 nm filter, as specified. Increasing concentrations of haemoglobin resulted in a decrease in the AT value measured. A simple linear regression analysis was performed on both AT70 and AT100 using a two-step regression analysis. The slopes up to [Hb] 1.5g/l were not significant whereas the slopes at between [Hb] 1.5 – 5.5 g/l were significant ( p< 0.001). The slope equation for AT 100 was y= -5.742X+ 115.24 with R 2 = 0.794 and for AT 70 was y = - 4.2037X + 66.821, with R 2 = 0.936. A conversion table was created by interpolation of data between these two lines. These results show that it is possible, using a conversion equation, to perform the AT assay in haemoglobinaenic serum, thus opening the way to further evaluation of the coagulation status in patients with haemolytic disease processes. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Med))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

Canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is characterized by a disruption of gut barrier function, which allows the systemic entry of bacteria and endotoxin, and the development of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Despite the lack of prospective data, conventional wisdom has dictated that “gut rest” with initial nil per os (NPO) remains the nutritional treatment of choice for CPV enteritis. However, early enteral nutrition (EEN) has been shown to be superior to starvation in human critical illnesses associated with gut barrier dysfunction. Documented benefits of EEN include improved intestinal permeability, reduced incidences of bacteremia, endotoxemia, SIRS and MODS, decreased catabolism, and improved clinical outcome. A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of EEN on intestinal permeability, protein-losing enteropathy, and clinical outcome in naturally occurring severe CPV enteritis in 30 puppies. Parvoviral infection was confirmed by fecal electron microscopy, and dogs were hospitalized for 6 days. Dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Fifteen dogs received nil per os until vomiting had ceased for 12 hours, after which a low fat diet was fed (initial NPO group; control). Fifteen dogs were fed immediately (Pedigree® Canine Concentration Instant Diet) by nasoesophageal tube (EEN group). All other treatments were identical. Disease severity was semi-quantified by a clinical scoring system. Intestinal permeability was assessed using urinary lactulose and rhamnose recoveries (%L and %R) and L/R ratios. Fecal <FONT FACE=”SYMBOL”>a</FONT>1-proteinase inhibitor concentrations (<FONT FACE=”SYMBOL”>a</FONT>1-PI) quantified protein-losing enteropathy. Enteral tube feeding was not associated with any significant complications. The median time taken to normalization of habitus and appetite, and the resolution of vomiting and diarrhea, was consistently 1 day shorter for the EEN group for each parameter. Body weight remained stable in the NPO group, while EEN was associated with significant weight gain (8.4% by day 6). This supports reduced catabolism with EEN. Compared with reference values, urinary %Ls were elevated, %Rs reduced, and L/R ratios increased throughout the study for both groups. %L behaved significantly differently between groups (p=0.035), with a progressive decrease in the EEN group vs. a progressive increase in NPO. This may indicate earlier repair of intestinal epithelial necrosis, or improved tight junction structure and/or function due to EEN. Such an improvement in gut barrier function might potentially limit endotoxin and/or bacterial translocation. The decreased %R in both groups is consistent with villus atrophy. There were no significant differences in %R or L/R ratios between the two groups over time. Fecal <FONT FACE=”SYMBOL”>a</FONT>1-PI concentrations were increased throughout the study in both groups. There were no significant differences between the declines over time for fecal <FONT FACE=”SYMBOL”>a</FONT>1-PI concentrations between groups. Thirteen of 15 NPO dogs (87%) and all of the EEN dogs (100%) survived (non-significant; p = 0.48). This study demonstrates that EEN may be effectively instituted in CPV enteritis, and supports the use of EEN in gut barrier dysfunction. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Med))--University of Pretoria, 2002. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of and potential risk factors for hypoglycaemia in canine babesiosis due to Babesia canis rossi. Plasma glucose concentration was measured at presentation in 250 dogs with babesiosis, of which 111 were admitted to hospital. The overall prevalence of hypoglycaemia (< 3.3 mmol/l) was 9% (23/250). Twenty-two hypoglycaemic dogs required admission, making the prevalence of hypoglycaemia in admitted cases 19.8%. Sixteen dogs had severe hypoglycaemia (¡Ü 2.2 mmol/l) of which 5 had a blood glucose < 1 mmol/l. Hyperglycaemia (> 5.6 mmol/l) was present in 38 (38/250; 5.2%) dogs of which 21 (21/250; 8.4%) were admitted and severe hyperglycaemia (> 15 mmol/l) did not occur. Risk factors for hypoglycaemia identified by univariable analysis were: Collapsed state (P < 0.00001), severe anaemia (P = 0.0002), icterus (P = 0.003), age below 6 months (P = 0.02) and vomition (P = 0.03). After logistic regression analysis, collapsed state (OR = 17.8, 95% CI: 1.9 to 171, P = 0.01) and young age (OR = 2.8, 95% CI: 0.8 to 9.7, P = 0.1) remained significantly associated with hypoglycaemia. Toy breeds and pregnant bitches were not at higher risk for hypoglycaemia than other dogs. Hypoglycaemia was only associated with overt neurological signs in two dogs. Blood glucose concentration should ideally be measured in all dogs requiring treatment for babesiosis, but is mandatory in collapsed dogs, puppies and dogs with severe anaemia, vomition or icterus. Many cases have probably been misdiagnosed, as cerebral babesiosis in the past and hypoglycaemia should be suspected in any case with coma or other neurological signs; however, this should in no circumstances be the only reason to suspect hypoglycaemia. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Med))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted

Diminazene is the therapy of choice for canine babesiosis in South Africa. Differences in the dosage described for diminazene usage and the occurrence of mortality at doses equal to or close to the recommended treatment dose for the treatment of canine babesiosis have been described. This has necessitated the need to more fully understand the absorption and disposition of diminazene in dogs. An intravenous (i.v.) as well as an intramuscular (i.m.) pharmacokinetic study was conducted to determine the pharmacokinetics of diminazine in healthy dogs as well as to describe the binding characteristics of diminazine (in the blood) in vivo and in vitro. Diminazene pharmacokinetics showed a large inter-individual variation after i.m. administration at 4.2 mg/kg (% CV 37 – 163) with a rapid absorption (K01-Hl - 6.6 + 10.8 min resulting in a Cmax of 1849 + 268.7 ng/ml at Tmax of 20 min. There was a rapid distribution phase (T½a 21.6 + 11.4 min) with the distribution into the peripheral compartment being more rapid than the distribution back in to the central compartment. A mean elimination half-life (T½<FONT FACE="SYMBOL">b</FONT> 5.31 + 3.89 h) was derived. At 1 h after i.m. injection, 75 % of the diminazene in whole blood was in the plasma fraction. Compartmental analysis of the i.v. data after diminazene administration at 2 mg/kg revealed a Cmax of 3725 + 1672.8 ng/ml with a rapid distribution phase (T½a 7.0 + 6.2 min) with a long elimination half-life (T½<FONT FACE="SYMBOL">b</FONT> - 32.0 ± 28.8 h). The distribution into the peripheral compartment was more rapid than the distribution back into the central compartment as measured by K12 and K21 (K12 - 8.78 + 8.71; K21 0.32 + 0.25). The i.v. pharmacokinetic results were very variable between the dogs with a % CV of 55.5 – 137.2. We hypothesize that the rapid distribution phase is a result of diminazene being sequestered into the liver, followed by a slow terminal phase were diminazene is both redistributed to the peripheral tissues and renally excreted. The T½<FONT FACE="SYMBOL">b</FONT> of 32.0 ± 28.8 h in the i.v. study is considerably longer than the elimination half-life (T½<FONT FACE="SYMBOL">b</FONT> - 5.31 + 3.89 h) found in the i.m. study. This is most likely due the 25 ng/ml limit of detection of the HPLC, detecting the i.v. tail but not the i.m. tail. This is not surprising as the Cmax levels following i.v administration were more than 2 times higher than after i.m. administration. Further pharmacokinetic studies with diminazene in dogs should take account of the rapid absorption of diminazene after i.m. administration and the low levels of diminazene in the terminal phases. The initial sequestration of diminazene in the liver and distribution to the peripheral compartment needs further clarification. With the knowledge gained of the pharmacokinetics of diminazene in healthy dogs, a population pharmacokinetic study in dogs with babesiosis is recommended. This will allow us to more fully appreciate alterations in the pharmacokinetics of diminazene in diseased populations and the potential covariants exerting an effect. It is our current recommendation that diminazene given i.m. at 4.2 mg/kg not be repeated within a 21 day period. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Med))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Companion Animal Clinical Studies / unrestricted