This research examines present day urban Anglican churches in Zambia which are ethnically “homogeneous” in a heavily multi-ethnic environment. I give Attention to the understanding of the biblical, theological, and missiological background and seek to find a way to attract many ethnic groups into the churches. The research notes that the present scenario does not represent a healthy urban church. I argue that a biblical, theological and holistic Gospel proclamation, that is, in word and deeds, will attract other ethnic groups into the urban church and make it truly multi-ethnic and multi-cultural. / Thesis (MA (Missiology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The "throwaway society" and the resulting effect on the environment combined with the exploitation of natural resources have resulted in a global environmental crisis. As a response to this crisis a concept developed that is known as sustainable development (SD). The concept of SD that is accepted world-wide is guided by a set of principles (Agenda 21) that had been officially launched at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. After the 1994 political transition in South Africa the government implemented widespread environmental policy and law reforms as a response to the global environmental crisis and the global trend towards SD. This study was undertaken to assess the existing environmental management (EM) principles within environmental policy and law in South Africa. EM in South Africa operates within the framework of Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) but it was discovered during the study that there are not only one set of EM principles but a few within South African environmental policy and law. This study attempted to identify and sort these different sets of principles and then to measure it against the international standard of Agenda 21. It was concluded that EM in South Africa within the framework of IEM is an adequate response to the world-wide trend towards SD. Unfortunately the outcome that was hoped for in South Africa was slower than anticipated. It didn't seem as if the environmental law and policy reforms had an impact at grassroots level. Two possible scenarios were presented (1) it's failure to be effectively implemented at grassroots level or (2) that the principles of SD in itself are unsound and therefore ineffective. It was concluded that some of the normative assumptions of SD are unsound and contribute to the environmental crisis. The approach of Christian stewardship was presented as a possible alternative. / Thesis (M. Environmental Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Thematic interrelation is an underdeveloped field of inquiry in Lukan studies. The design and elegance of Lukan theology begs for guided investigation into a possible system of organisation that governs history and theology, that is, narrative and theme. Based on the Greimasian Actantial Model, morpho–syntactical structural–critical analysis of Luke and Acts reveals that the covenant concept in its operative aspect of service functions as an organising principle, structuring the narratives and facilitating thematic interrelation. A survey of representative Lukan research consisting of five methodologically determined approaches shows a commonality regarding Lukan purpose. These all share the “plan of God” as a fundamental concept, thus intimating its plausibility as a common organisational principle in the text. This observation encourages further analysis of Lukan narrative and meta–narrative as relevant subject matter. Investigation into the purpose and goals of Ancient Jewish and Ancient Greek literature suggests that the concepts of piety/holiness and justness combined with a notion of divine order and expectation demonstrates organisational capacity. Under the terms and conditions of the Old Covenant three non–exclusive themes/concepts hold organisational functionality and ability to facilitate thematic interrelation: Exodus typology, the covenant concept and the eschaton idea. Exodus typology connects narrative with theme, developing Israel’s story. The covenant idea frames stories using parallelism and gives the meta–story progression. The eschaton idea presents the Day of YHWH as an organisational principle guiding the story of judgment to restoration. It is observed that the covenant concept is the most prevalent of these themes/ideas. Assuming the conceptual unity of Luke and Acts and adopting a morpho–syntactical structuralist approach, it was observed that the covenant concept in its operative aspect of service occurred as Helper at ten places, determining the development and structure of the meta–narrative. According to the Greimasian Actantial Model, Israel failed to fulfil its covenant–based mandate to serve God and shine God’s light of mercy to the nations. Jesus, Israel’s new Helper, becomes the Subject and by his covenant–based ministry, characterised as the greatest service, resolves the problem that prevents Israel from carrying out its divine mandate and sets the stage for its fulfilment. In Jesus Israel is given new leaders, an ethical platform of discipleship and the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul as the epitomised and exemplary witness and servant of Jesus fulfils what Israel could not. He is vindicated in righteousness and shares in the Isaianic ministry of Jesus, to bear witness to leaders and to shine God’s light to the nations. Paul is unhindered in this ministry. Additionally, in thematic–critical terms, the key placement of the covenant concept in its operative aspect of service at plot–defining junctures features its catalytic dynamic as a “template” concept advancing the re–conceptualising of themes and providing a platform for meaningful relation. The evidence thus suggests that the covenant concept in its operative aspect structures the conjoined narratives of Luke and Acts. It also provides a basis for relation between the divine and humans in the context of the history of God’s salvation, linking history and theology, and makes possible a discernible means to thematic interrelation. / Thesis (Ph.D. (New Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

We prove that a smooth generic embedded CR submanifold of C^n obeys the maximum principle for continuous CR functions if and only if it is weakly 1-concave. The proof of the maximum principle in the original manuscript has later been generalized to embedded weakly q-concave CR submanifolds of certain complex manifolds. We give a generalization of a known result regarding automatic smoothness of solutions to the homogeneous problem for the tangential CR vector fields given local holomorphic extension. This generalization ensures that a given locally integrable structure is hypocomplex at the origin if and only if it does not allow solutions near the origin which cannot be represented by a smooth function near the origin. We give a sufficient condition under which it holds true that if a smooth CR function f on a smooth generic embedded CR submanifold, M, of C^n, vanishes to infinite order along a C^infty-smooth curve  \gamma in M, then f vanishes on an M-neighborhood of \gamma. We prove a local maximum principle for certain locally integrable structures. / <p>Funding  by FMB, based at Uppsala University.</p>

With the increase of world population and industrial growth of developing countries, demand for energy, in particular electric power, has gone up at an unprecedented rate over the last decades. To meet the demand, electric power generation by use of fossil fuel has increased enormously thereby producing increased quantity of greenhouse gases. This contributes more and more to atmospheric pollution, which climate scientists believe can adversly affect the global climate, as well as health and the welfare of the world population. In view of these issues, there is global awareness to look for alternate sources of energy such as natural gas, hydropower, wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. It is recognized that this requires replacement of existing infrastructure with new systems, which cannot be achieved overnight. Optimal control theory has been widely used in diverse areas of physical sciences, medicine, engineering and economics. The main motivation of this thesis is to use this theory to find the optimum strategy for integration of all currently available renewable energy sources with the existing electric power generating systems. The ultimate goal is to eliminate fossil fuels. Eight main energy sources namely, Coal, Petroleum, Natural Gas, Conventional Hydro, Wind, Solar, Geothermal and Biomass are considered in a dynamic model. The state of the dynamic model represents the level of energy generation from each of the sources. Different objective functions are proposed in this thesis. These range from meeting the desired target level of power generation from each of the available sources at the end of a given plan period, to reducing the implementation and investment costs; from minimizing the production from polluted energy sources to meeting the electricity demand during a whole plan period. Official released data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration have been used as a case study. Based on real life data and the mathematics of optimal control theory, we present an optimal policy for integration of renewable energy sources to the national power grid.

Lygybės prieš įstatymą, teisės apsaugos ir nediskriminavimo principai yra laikomi žmogaus teisių pamatinėmis normomis, kuriomis turi būti grindžiama teisės sistema. Lygybė reiškia, kad visi žmonės gimta laisvi ir lygūs, turi tokias pačias teises, yra vienodai gerbiami ir vertinami tiek šeimos, tiek ir visuomeniniame gyvenime. Vadovaujantis lygybės principu, visi žmonės yra lygūs savo prigimtinėmis teisėmis bei orumu, todėl niekam neturėtų būti paneigtos žmogaus teisės dėl tautybės, etninės kilmės, rasės, religijos, lyties, amžiaus, kalbos, seksualinės orientacijos, negalios, politinių ir kitų pažiūrų, bei remiantis kitais diskriminaciniais pagrindais. Lygybės principas yra neatskiriamas nuo nediskriminavimo principo, kuris jį papildo, bei sudaro bendrą ir pagrindinį žmogaus teisių principą. Nediskriminavimo principas iš tiesų reiškia, kad turi būti lygios teisės tarp vyrų ir moterų visose gyvenimo srityse. Nors žmogaus teisių apsauga sulaukia vis didesnio dėmesio tarptautinėje bendruomenėje, tačiau,vis tik išlieka susirūpinimas dėl moterų teisių apsaugos, kadangi ne visada tarptautiniai žmogaus teises ginantys dokumentai yra pajėgūs užtikrinti vyrų ir moterų lygiateisiškumą, o moterų teises ginantys dokumentai nesulaukia pakankamo musulmoniškų šalių pripažinimo, ypač tose srityse, kurios glaudžiai susijusios su musulmonų religijos ir kultūros aspektais. Magistriniame darbe bus kompleksiškai išanalizuotas lyčių lygybės principas šeimos teisiniuose santykiuose... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Equality before the law, protection of the rights and non-discrimination are considered as core set of human rights norms and must form the whole legal system. Equality means that all people are born free and equal, have same rights and are equally respected and valued both in family and society. In accordance with the principle of equality of all people are equal in their natural rights and dignity, so no one should be denied human rights on grounds of nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, age, language, sexual orientation, disability, political or other opinion which are based on other discriminatory basis. The principle of equality is inherent in the principle of non-discrimination which it complements and includes general and basic human rights. Non-discrimination principle in fact implies that there must be equality of rights between men and women in all spheres of life. Although the protection of human rights receive growing attention in the international community, however, there is still a concern for women's rights, as not always protecting international human rights and not always welcomed by Muslim countries, especially in areas that are closely associated with the Muslim religion and culture. This master's thesis will be analyzing a comprehensive gender equality in the legal family relations at the international level which is based on Sharia law. It will be focusing on the situation of women in the legal assessment of family relationships through... [to full text]

Thematic interrelation is an underdeveloped field of inquiry in Lukan studies. The design and elegance of Lukan theology begs for guided investigation into a possible system of organisation that governs history and theology, that is, narrative and theme. Based on the Greimasian Actantial Model, morpho–syntactical structural–critical analysis of Luke and Acts reveals that the covenant concept in its operative aspect of service functions as an organising principle, structuring the narratives and facilitating thematic interrelation. A survey of representative Lukan research consisting of five methodologically determined approaches shows a commonality regarding Lukan purpose. These all share the “plan of God” as a fundamental concept, thus intimating its plausibility as a common organisational principle in the text. This observation encourages further analysis of Lukan narrative and meta–narrative as relevant subject matter. Investigation into the purpose and goals of Ancient Jewish and Ancient Greek literature suggests that the concepts of piety/holiness and justness combined with a notion of divine order and expectation demonstrates organisational capacity. Under the terms and conditions of the Old Covenant three non–exclusive themes/concepts hold organisational functionality and ability to facilitate thematic interrelation: Exodus typology, the covenant concept and the eschaton idea. Exodus typology connects narrative with theme, developing Israel’s story. The covenant idea frames stories using parallelism and gives the meta–story progression. The eschaton idea presents the Day of YHWH as an organisational principle guiding the story of judgment to restoration. It is observed that the covenant concept is the most prevalent of these themes/ideas. Assuming the conceptual unity of Luke and Acts and adopting a morpho–syntactical structuralist approach, it was observed that the covenant concept in its operative aspect of service occurred as Helper at ten places, determining the development and structure of the meta–narrative. According to the Greimasian Actantial Model, Israel failed to fulfil its covenant–based mandate to serve God and shine God’s light of mercy to the nations. Jesus, Israel’s new Helper, becomes the Subject and by his covenant–based ministry, characterised as the greatest service, resolves the problem that prevents Israel from carrying out its divine mandate and sets the stage for its fulfilment. In Jesus Israel is given new leaders, an ethical platform of discipleship and the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul as the epitomised and exemplary witness and servant of Jesus fulfils what Israel could not. He is vindicated in righteousness and shares in the Isaianic ministry of Jesus, to bear witness to leaders and to shine God’s light to the nations. Paul is unhindered in this ministry. Additionally, in thematic–critical terms, the key placement of the covenant concept in its operative aspect of service at plot–defining junctures features its catalytic dynamic as a “template” concept advancing the re–conceptualising of themes and providing a platform for meaningful relation. The evidence thus suggests that the covenant concept in its operative aspect structures the conjoined narratives of Luke and Acts. It also provides a basis for relation between the divine and humans in the context of the history of God’s salvation, linking history and theology, and makes possible a discernible means to thematic interrelation. / Thesis (Ph.D. (New Testament))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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The concept of 'ageism' has often been thought to be of limited moral concern, especially in comparison to other forms of discrimination such as racism and sexism. Nevertheless, there are also those who believe that ageism is morally significant, and there are diametrically opposed views within liberal and egalitarian theory as to whether age discrimination is or is not just. This thesis has two objectives. Firstly, it seeks to overcome the apparent vagueness of the concept that has given rise to such diametrically opposed views concerning ageism by examining exactly what the phenomenon involves. It defines the wrongfulness of much age discrimination as originating in either the nature of the reasons for which people discriminate against the old or the nature of the consequences for the individuals affected. In the course of the thesis I make several important distinctions, the most important of which are between the social and moral worth of a person, and between the synchronic and diachronic interests of a person. These distinctions allow us to distinguish between a culturally oppressive ageism and ageism that is justified by reasons of equality and efficiency. The former is intrinsically morally wrong, the latter extrinsically wrong. The second aim of the thesis is to develop an anti-ageist ethical principle capable of challenging both forms of ageism in a comprehensive way, and which is consistent with a broader liberal egalitarian political theory. This is achieved by drawing on the distinction between the irreducible nature of each person's synchronic and diachronic interests. I have identified the principle that we should protect the synchronic interests of older persons with a democratic social egalitarianism that seeks to equalise the social relations between citizens rather than concentrating upon an equality of distribution. It is in this way that I also connect the debate about the morality (or otherwise) of age discrimination with debates within contemporary liberal egalitarian philosophy.

Fundamental notions: Publicity principle, Pretrial investigation, The secrecy of the data of pretrial investigation. The content of publicity principle in penal code has been analyzed applying the methods of data analysis, comparison and classified analysis, and the place of the content in the system of the other principles of penal code has been assessed. The standards of penal code of the Republic of Lithuania regulating the run of publicity principle in pretrial investigation have also been analyzed. The content of the above mentioned standards has been revealed analyzing the practice of European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania. The conception of publicity principle and its place in the system of penal code is presented in the work; hereinafter the possibilities of participants and people who are uninterested in the result of criminal process are analyzed. The Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania consolidates the principles of free speech and other principles of democratic states, which guarantee the right to get information about all events and processes, including the investigation of criminal act and at the same time to enable the control of these processes and to influence them. The Law on Criminal Process of the Republic of Lithuania consolidates the attitude that the data of pretrial investigation cannot be declared. The secrecy of the data like the right to free speech cannot be considered as absolute value... [to full text]