DNA methylation plays a role in several biological functions, such as gene expression regulation, and several endogenous and exogenous factors affect these DNA methylation patterns in the cell. One such alteration of a cell line's DNA methylation pattern is caused by the insertion of a vector into the cell line. Using the cytosine–extension assay and realtime methylation–specific PCR, alterations of DNA methylation levels on both global and gene–specific levels were investigated. In some cell lines the cellular transformation led to an increase in DNA methylation levels, and in others a decrease in DNA methylation amounts was observed. The same phenomenon was seen in the promoter regions of specific genes, showing that vector–insertion into a cell line caused DNA methylation alterations in many regions of the genome. These alterations in DNA methylation are investigated in this reduced representation study using enrichment of the methylated fraction of fragmented DNA and subsequent GS FLX Titanium sequencing of these methylated fragments. The results of sequence data analysis showed that methylated fragments are distributed over the whole genome, but could be related to only a few specific genes. These results have implications for cell culture work, biotechnological applications and uses in gene therapy. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Biochemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

DNA methylation plays a role in several biological functions, such as gene expression regulation, and several endogenous and exogenous factors affect these DNA methylation patterns in the cell. One such alteration of a cell line's DNA methylation pattern is caused by the insertion of a vector into the cell line. Using the cytosine–extension assay and realtime methylation–specific PCR, alterations of DNA methylation levels on both global and gene–specific levels were investigated. In some cell lines the cellular transformation led to an increase in DNA methylation levels, and in others a decrease in DNA methylation amounts was observed. The same phenomenon was seen in the promoter regions of specific genes, showing that vector–insertion into a cell line caused DNA methylation alterations in many regions of the genome. These alterations in DNA methylation are investigated in this reduced representation study using enrichment of the methylated fraction of fragmented DNA and subsequent GS FLX Titanium sequencing of these methylated fragments. The results of sequence data analysis showed that methylated fragments are distributed over the whole genome, but could be related to only a few specific genes. These results have implications for cell culture work, biotechnological applications and uses in gene therapy. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Biochemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Occupational risk management can be a catalyst in generating superior returns for all stakeholders on a sustainable basis. A number of companies in South Africa have implemented Cardinal Rules of Safety adopted from international companies to ensure the safety of their employees. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of the cardinal rules on employee safety behaviour implemented at power stations in Mpumalanga. The empirical study was done by using a questionnaire as measuring instrument. The questionnaire was developed from a literature review and contains questions and items relevant to the initial research problem. The questionnaire comprised of five–point Likert scale type questions.The convenience sampling method was applied identifying 90 participants at three different power stations in Mpumalanga taking part in the study. Statistical analysis was performed by the Statistical Consulting Service of the North–West University using SPSS. Cronbach’s alpha co–efficients was used to determine the reliability of the factors. Descriptive statistics (Mean, standard, deviation, were used in the compiling of the profile of the results. While Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was calculated to identify practically significant associations between variables and factors The research findings suggest that there is practical significant correlation between the factors that were measured. The opinion given by respondents suggests that cardinal rules of safety were implemented, given all the necessary support by management and enforced throughout the organisation. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Biochemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

Occupational risk management can be a catalyst in generating superior returns for all stakeholders on a sustainable basis. A number of companies in South Africa have implemented Cardinal Rules of Safety adopted from international companies to ensure the safety of their employees. The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of the cardinal rules on employee safety behaviour implemented at power stations in Mpumalanga. The empirical study was done by using a questionnaire as measuring instrument. The questionnaire was developed from a literature review and contains questions and items relevant to the initial research problem. The questionnaire comprised of five–point Likert scale type questions.The convenience sampling method was applied identifying 90 participants at three different power stations in Mpumalanga taking part in the study. Statistical analysis was performed by the Statistical Consulting Service of the North–West University using SPSS. Cronbach’s alpha co–efficients was used to determine the reliability of the factors. Descriptive statistics (Mean, standard, deviation, were used in the compiling of the profile of the results. While Spearman’s rho correlation coefficient was calculated to identify practically significant associations between variables and factors The research findings suggest that there is practical significant correlation between the factors that were measured. The opinion given by respondents suggests that cardinal rules of safety were implemented, given all the necessary support by management and enforced throughout the organisation. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Biochemistry))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.