This monograph is a comparative study of past time reference in Spanish and Russian.The ambition is to present a functional perspective of how both languages systemically express temporal and aspectual information. The verb, naturally, attracts the main attention of the thesis and the focus is almost exclusively on verbs in the indicative mood.The definition of the parameters of Time and Aspect plays an important part in the present dissertation. A particular emphasis concerns the elaboration and testing of the ‘ABC’ model, which represents a graphic definition of verbal aspect as a grammatical category.Another important issue is the distinction of aspect and Aktionsart; these concepts are closely related but operate on different functional levels. The analysis is essentially based on linguistic material from parallel corpora, constructed for this purpose. At first the material is treated statistically in order to create astarting point for the qualitative part of the analysis. The three main areas of investigation dealt with are:1) The relation between the simple past tenses, pretérito and imperfecto, in Spanish and their imperfective and perfective counterparts in Russian.2) The relation between the compound tenses in Spanish and the Russian verbal system.The analysis of this relation also comprises a critique of the traditional interpretationof the aspectual contents of the compound tenses.3) The usage of alternative strategies in both languages. In this part of the analysis the focus is widened to include verbal periphrasis, infinite verb forms and subordination. The results of the analysis demonstrate that verbal aspect, according to the definition represented by ‘the ABC model’, works as a grammatical category in both Spanish and Russian. It is also shown that there are systemic differences in the manifestation of this functional category in both languages. Another important result is that the neither the compound tenses nor the progressive express verbal aspect, at least not in a narrow sense of the word but represent different verbal functions related to aspect.

The purpose of the study was to explore teachers’ experiences of teaching learners diagnosed with autism. In particular, information was obtained regarding the assets that learners with ASD have and how these assets can be utilised within classrooms. Teachers also gave insight about the challenges that they encounter while teaching learners with ASD. Current classroom practices were investigated and information obtained about the type of support that teachers provide to learners with ASD. This was done in an attempt to provide guidelines on how to improve classroom practices within various educational settings to best support learners with ASD. Furthermore, I explored whether learners with ASD can be included within mainstream or remedial schools and what assistance they will need if they can be accommodated within these school environments. A case study design was utilized. A total of six participants participated in the study. Data was collected by means of a focus group interview as well as one-on-one interviews. Two research sites were used and the information obtained from these sites was used to establish similarities and differences between teachers’ experiences in the respective school environments. The findings of the studies indicate that teacher training programmes need to be revisited in order to achieve the ideal of authentic inclusive school environments. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

The impact of the diagnosis and the reality of being hearing impaired could trigger uncomfortable feelings at different times in the client's life. With the cochlear implant, these feelings will still be a reality, as the implant does not heal the hearing impairment. Psychological interventions could assist the client during this healing process. The process of cochlear implants could also bring other challenges into the client's life. Expectations of quick healing play a major role and should be addressed throughout the process of implantation and rehabilitation. This is another opportunity for the psychologist to intervene. This research shows that the role of the psychologist could be expanded not only to evaluate but also to bring about change. The treatment model gives a logical and workable explanation of how and where the psychologist may intervene in the process of cochlear implantation. This model was tested and adapted by the cochlear implant team at the University of Pretoria over a period of ten years. The model may be used as a template for new teams. Intervening as described in the model presents the opportunity to address various different needs as they occur. The qualitative research design proved to be a fitting method to explore the experiences of the participants from their own viewpoints. The qualitative research is also congruent with a systemic perspective and emphasises social context, multiple perspectives, complexity, recursion and holism. This study aims to develop a complementary psychological treatment programme and create awareness within professionals working with hearing impairment of the complexity of systems. The study shows that one can only understand the behaviour of any given system by tracking changes that occur within that system and its subsystems and by tracking changes between that system and the larger whole. In this study three different therapeutic interventions are used on three different case studies, two children from different age groups and an adult, to accommodate the multiple realities of the different systems. The aim of the study with cochlear implantees and their families is to stimulate new leads and avenues of enquiry that may be used as a basis for further research. / Psychology / Thesis (D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology))

Les personnes en situation d’itinérance, principalement des hommes, représentent pour certains une culture au sein de laquelle on identifie des personnes atteintes de troubles concomitants de santé mentale et d’abus de substances. Déjà vulnérables de par leur statut domiciliaire précaire, les personnes atteintes de cette concomitance le sont davantage et tendent à être plus isolées de leur famille que celles ne rencontrant pas cette double problématique. Le soutien familial est toutefois reconnu comme un élément favorisant l’engagement de comportements de santé et réduisant l’itinérance. Le but de cette étude était alors de décrire, du point de vue des hommes en situation d’itinérance atteints de troubles concomitants de santé mentale et d’abus de substances, les relations qu’ils entretiennent avec leur famille. Pour ce faire, le devis choisi fût une ethnographie ciblée. Différents degrés d’observation participante au sein de la Mission Old Brewery et des entrevues avec neuf informateurs-clés ont été les principales méthodes de collecte des données. L’analyse des données qualitative était soutenue par le guide proposé par Roper et Shapira (2000) ainsi que l’épistémologie constructiviste et l’approche systémique familiale de Calgary (Wright & Leahey, 2013) qui furent les cadres de référence de cette étude. Les résultats font ressortir trois thèmes explicitant 1) l’influence du contexte de vie dans les relations familiales, 2) la teneur conflictuelle de ces relations ainsi que 3) le soutien familial perçu. Finalement, des recommandations pour la pratique infirmière ainsi que des pistes pour de futures recherches sont suggérées. / Homeless people are largely represented of men and account for some culture in which we identify people with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse. Already vulnerable because of their precarious housing status, people with this conjunction are even more vulnerable and tend to be more isolated from their families than those who don’t meet this dual challenge. Family support is however recognized as an element favoring the commitment of health behaviors and reducing homelessness. The purpose of this targeted ethnography was to described, in terms of men experiencing homelessness suffering from co-occurring mental health and substance abuse, their relationships with their families. Different degrees of participant observation in the Old Brewery Mission and interviews with nine key informants were the main data collection methods. The analysis of qualitative data was supported by the guide proposed by Roper and Shapira (2000) and constructivist epistemology and the family systematic approach of Calgary (Wright & Leahey, 2013) who were the frameworks of this study. The results highlight three themes explaining 1) the influence of the living environment in family relationships, 2) the conflictual content of these relations and 3) the perceived family support. Finally, recommendations for nursing practice and ways to future research are suggested.

The impact of the diagnosis and the reality of being hearing impaired could trigger uncomfortable feelings at different times in the client's life. With the cochlear implant, these feelings will still be a reality, as the implant does not heal the hearing impairment. Psychological interventions could assist the client during this healing process. The process of cochlear implants could also bring other challenges into the client's life. Expectations of quick healing play a major role and should be addressed throughout the process of implantation and rehabilitation. This is another opportunity for the psychologist to intervene. This research shows that the role of the psychologist could be expanded not only to evaluate but also to bring about change. The treatment model gives a logical and workable explanation of how and where the psychologist may intervene in the process of cochlear implantation. This model was tested and adapted by the cochlear implant team at the University of Pretoria over a period of ten years. The model may be used as a template for new teams. Intervening as described in the model presents the opportunity to address various different needs as they occur. The qualitative research design proved to be a fitting method to explore the experiences of the participants from their own viewpoints. The qualitative research is also congruent with a systemic perspective and emphasises social context, multiple perspectives, complexity, recursion and holism. This study aims to develop a complementary psychological treatment programme and create awareness within professionals working with hearing impairment of the complexity of systems. The study shows that one can only understand the behaviour of any given system by tracking changes that occur within that system and its subsystems and by tracking changes between that system and the larger whole. In this study three different therapeutic interventions are used on three different case studies, two children from different age groups and an adult, to accommodate the multiple realities of the different systems. The aim of the study with cochlear implantees and their families is to stimulate new leads and avenues of enquiry that may be used as a basis for further research. / Psychology / Thesis (D.Litt. et Phil. (Psychology))

This research was conducted as part of the formative evaluation of a mother-child interaction intervention, which was incorporated into the Kgolo Mmogo pilot study at the Kalafong Hospital in Tshwane (South Africa). The purpose of the intervention was to encourage the development of parenting skills and to improve mother-child relationships within an HIV context over a six-month period. By promoting more effective interaction between mother and child, child resilience could be enhanced and children could learn the necessary coping skills that would help them deal with the challenges posed by HIV and other life events. The aim of the study was to generate a systemic understanding of families affected by HIV/AIDS. The study explored (1) the effect of HIV on family interaction and (2) the effect of the mother-child interaction intervention on family interaction from the perspective of HIV-infected mothers. The theoretical framework chosen for the study was of a systemic nature and the standpoints, as set out by the Milan family therapy team, were implemented. Ten months after the intervention, four of the HIV-positive mothers who had participated in the intervention were interviewed and encouraged to share their experiences. Circular questions were employed in the interviews as a means of gathering data. A qualitative design was therefore the best option for this study. The research findings of this study coincide with previous literature and research findings; thus, the findings of this study have been consolidated. The current study findings support the importance of bridging the distance that is created by HIV in family relations, particularly between mother and child. Newly-diagnosed mothers often become stuck in their own processes and distance themselves from others in order to make sense of their situation. The broader social stigmas associated with HIV/AIDS contribute further to the sense of isolation that HIV-positive women experience. Often, women perceive HIV to be a disruptive force in their relationships with their partners and children, which creates tension, secrets and uncertainty within the family. HIV-infected mothers generally feel that keeping secrets from their children protects them from being traumatized by the social stigmas surrounding HIV/AIDS. Some HIV-positive mothers also feel that an emotional distance will shield their children from the pain of losing their mother. Because they are grappling with many negative feelings, such as anger and frustration, many HIV-positive mothers resort to strict disciplinary measures and avoid spending time with their children. The children misinterpret their mother’s behaviour and react in a manner that the mother perceives to be both disrespectful and disobedient, thus creating a recurring cycle in which both mothers and children become stuck. The participating mothers perceived the mother-child interaction intervention to focus on their emotional, physical, cognitive and behavioural needs as well as the needs of their children. The mothers experienced the intervention as having been particularly helpful to them and their children. They perceived themselves to be warmer, more supportive, more accepting and to have found meaning in their lives. In addition they felt that their children had begun to behave themselves and were also less avoidant of them. It enhanced their understanding of one another, and strengthened their bond so that they can depend on each other in times of difficulty. Copyright / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Psychology / unrestricted

Today, companies' sustainability work is considered business-critical, and more demands are arising within the area. The requirements are based on environmental factors, where the declining biodiversity and scarce resources make it crucial for companies to find new solutions for both resource efficiency and products. Currently, customers and consumers are putting most pressure on companies, but policies, laws and instruments are also starting to tighten. One industry that is facing major changes and challenges is the food industry, where vegan alternatives are emerging that outcompete the traditional companies. The report examines how food companies in meat and dairy production meet society's sustainability challenges. It studies the companies' sustainability work, what strengths and weaknesses they have, and what their opportunities are considering a long-term survival. In the report, three different categories have been identified, with different attributes and driving forces, to provide guidelines for firms in their future sustainability work. The study shows that many of the traditional companies are not always aware about the vitality of working with a long-term perspective when it comes to sustainability; Thus, missing opportunities to strengthen their competitiveness as well as possible revenue streams and hence miss their chances for long-term survival. Due to the lack of a system perspective and open innovation, companies are working reactively towards the market instead of actively trying to influence it. By working proactively in line with research and daring to work more with open innovation and collaborations, companies instead have an opportunity to steer the market in a favourable direction for both society and for themselves. This way they can also increase the probability of capturing the opportunities that arise and taking advantage of the revenue-generating cascades that are made possible through various collaborations throughout the value chain and outside of it. However, this is based on the companies understanding their role also in systems outside their own value chain, how the environment is affecting them but also how the firms affect the environment themselves. Those firms who have begun to understand the importance of working long-term with sustainability, and thus created more incentives than just financial ones, do not risk prioritize short-term financial gain over their sustainability work. This is believed to benefit the company’s likelihood of dealing with sustainability challenges, since it makes them more self-sufficient, thus increasing their chance to survival long term on the upcoming market. / Idag är företagens hållbarhetsarbete affärskritiskt, och det växer fram allt fler krav och utmaningar från omvärlden som företagen behöver förhålla sig till. Kraven grundar sig ofta i miljömässiga faktorer, där bland annat den minskande biologiska mångfalden och sinande resurser gör det avgörande för företagen att hitta nya lösningar på såväl resurseffektivisering som nya anpassade produkter. I dagsläget är det kunder och konsumenter som hörs mest, men sakta börjar även policys, lagar och styrmedel stramas åt. En bransch som står inför stora förändringar och utmaningar är livsmedelsbranschen, där allt fler veganska alternativ växer fram och börjar utkonkurrerar de traditionella företagen. Genom denna rapport undersöks hur livsmedelsföretag inom kött- och mejeriproduktion egentligen står sig mot samhällets hållbarhetsutmaningar. Här undersöks företagens hållbarhetsarbete, vilka styrkor och svagheter som finns, och vilka möjligheter de har för sin långsiktiga överlevnad.  I rapporten har tre olika kategorier identifierats, med olika attribut och drivkrafter, för att kunna ge riktlinjer för företagen i deras framtida hållbarhetsarbete. Undersökningen visar att många av de traditionella företagen är omedvetna om hur vitalt det är för dem att arbeta långsiktigt med hållbarhet och få det att genomsyra företaget. Därmed missar företagen även sina möjligheter till stärkt konkurrenskraft och nya intäktsströmmar, vilket i slutändan innebär att de också missar sina chanser till långsiktig överlevnad. På grund av ett bristande systemperspektiv och öppen innovation, arbetar företagen även reaktivt mot marknaden istället för att själva aktivt försöka påverka den. Genom att arbeta proaktivt i linje med forskning, samt våga arbeta mer med öppen innovation och samarbeten, har företagen istället en möjlighet att på god grund styra marknaden i en gynnsam riktning för såväl samhället som för sig själva. Därigenom kan de också öka sannolikheten att lyckas fånga de möjligheter som uppstår och ta vara på de intäktsskapande kaskader som möjliggörs genom olika samarbeten över hela värdekedjan och utanför. Detta bygger dock på att företagen förstår sin roll även i system utanför sin egen värdekedja, hur omvärlden påverkar dem som företag samt hur de själva påverkar omvärlden. De företag som börjat förstå vikten av att arbeta långsiktigt med sitt hållbarhetsarbete, och därmed skapat fler incitament än endast ekonomiska, riskerar inte att bortprioritera hållbarhetsarbetet för kortsiktig ekonomisk vinning. Fler incitament gör även företagen mer självgående, vilket tros öka deras sannolikhet att hantera hållbarhetsutmaningarna och därmed överleva långsiktigt på den kommande marknaden.