Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Species of Campylobacter, Arcobacter and Helicobacter have been associated with various diseases in humans and animals; and chickens have been identified as a reservoir of these microorganisms. Two published techniques and a new technique, developed in this dissertation, were evaluated to test its efficiency in removing PCR inhibitors from chicken samples. All of the techniques were based on agarose/DNA slants and were evaluated using multiplex PCR and an Internal Amplification Control. The new technique was found to be most effective and consequently used further in the study. A novel study was done to evaluate the survival of Campylobacter, Arcobacter and Helicobacter strains in chicken blood at -20, 4, 37 and 42ºC as well as at ambient room temperature (±222ºC). It was found that all strains could survive at all temperatures, albeit at different duration times. Most notably, an A. butzleri strain was able to survive at 4ºC for up to 297 days. / South Africa

Objective: The objective of this cross sectional study was to compare the clinical presentation and response to treatments, in HIV positive and TB smear positive patients treated during the pre-Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) era (2004 and 2007), in St Joseph’s hospital Roma Lesotho. Comparison was done in terms of age, sex, sputum conversion at 2months and 6months end of TB treatment, baseline and 6 months end of TB treatment weight, weight gained and radiological presentation and resolution. Method : It was a cross sectional study design. Data was captured from the TB/HIV register, for pre-HAART era data of patients registered in the 2004 TB/HIV was captured and for the HAART era data of patients registered in the 2007 TB/HIV was captured. Cases were individuals with sputum smear positive tuberculosis and confirmed HIV infection, presenting in the pre HAART era (2004) and in the HAART era (2007). For inclusion in the HAART era, an individual had to be on HAART for at least2 weeks or more. A total of 113 Patients were analysed and 85 patients the HAART era. Comparison of continuous measurements was done with a t-test and categorical measurement was done with a chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to detect differences between the pre-HAART and HAART era Result: One hundred and thirteen (113) patients were analysed in the pre-HAART era and eighty five (85) in the HAART era. Mean age of presentation was lower in the pre-HAART era 36.1 years compared to HAART era 39.3 years with statistically significant result (p=0.0362). Pattern of sex distribution was similar in both era, (p-value=0.85). Sputum conversion showed statistically significant differences at 2 months, 95.2% of the HAART patients had sputum reverted whereas, 83.2% of the pre-HAART had sputum reversion (p-value=0.009), but no statistically significant result was seen at 6 months (p-value=0.38). Weight did not differ significantly between the two time periods, but there was a statistically significant difference in terms of mean weight gained in Haart era. Patients in the HAART era gained 0.92kg at the end of treatment compared to pre HAART era (p-value=0.001). Radiological presentation and resolution did not differ significantly between the two time periods. (p-value= 0.36). Conclusion : Smear positive TB/HIV co-infected patients in the HAART era were older at presentation, had better sputum conversion at 2 months and improved weight gain at 6 months end of TB treatment. Comparison with a historical control group alone however does not conclusively prove that this effect is due to HAART. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH) / Unrestricted

A qualitative transcendental phenomenological methodology was used to identify the essence of healthcare workers' perceptions at the workplace. In-depth interviews were conducted on 25 physical therapists and physical therapist assistants consisting of over 214 years of clinical experience representing 11 clinical sites in the South Florida area. The perceptions towards their coworkers and managers during times of change were explored from a variety of angles and yielded an insightful essence of the work they do on a day to day basis as front-line medical professionals. There were eight major concerns identified as influential factors that impact job performance, coworker and manager relationships, and patient care in this segment of the healthcare system. Based on the essence derived from the therapists' and assistants' experiences, 14 functional propositions were posited and lay the foundation for future research. Managerial recommendations along with the Healthcare Workers Systematic Daily Flow Model were offered to guide in the development of the recommended initiatives.

study documents the occurrence of the intellectual hero in anime, focussing on the anime series of Monster (2004), Paranoia Agent (Kon 2004) and Umineko no Naku Koro ni (Kon 2009). The characters, Doctor Kenzo Tenma, Detective Keiichi Ikari and Battler Ushiromiya represent the concept of the intellectual hero in anime. Each intellectual hero in anime exists as an embodiment of literature pertaining to the hero and the anime hero. The intellectual hero in anime is derived from key aspects of Thomas Carlyle's (1796-1881) writings concerning heroes and hero-worship. Antonia Levi and Susan Napier contribute further aspects pertaining to the depiction of the intellectual hero in anime, by discussing the concept of the anime hero. As such, the intellectual hero in anime exists as a concept encompassing elements of both the traditionally perceived styled hero and anime hero. Carlyle's theories reveal the intellectual hero in anime's preference for intelligence, genius and order versus disorder; while exhibiting aspects of an inborn morality. Levi and Napier document the fallibility, sincerity, the complex divided self, moral ambiguity and turmoil of the anime hero. This combined definition communicates an intelligent and exceptional character experiencing failure during his encounter with the antagonist -- an agent of disorder. This study thus appropriates these concepts on the hero and anime hero to construct a concise and viable definition. Moreover, this study strives to identify and promote the existence of the intellectual hero. The intellectual hero in anime acts as a possible bridge between the traditionally perceived hero and anime hero. By identifying this concept, the study opts to prove the validity of the intellectual hero in anime, by means of a qualitative content analysis. Furthermore, a semiotic analysis documents the visual depiction of the intellectual hero in anime. As such, the aim of the study is to document the occurrence of the intellectual hero in anime by means of a qualitative content analysis and semiotics. / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Visual Arts / MA / Unrestricted

The education system in South Africa encourages the use of indigenous languages through policies that require full participation of teachers and elders. This case study explored the perceptions of teachers and elders of the use of folktale storysinging when teaching Setswana to young learners in the selected four provincial rural schools and villages. The aim was to investigate what folktale story songs they know and how they use them to communicate cultural customs and traditions embedded in them for young children’s future actualisation. The framework of the study was based on structuralism, functional-linguistic and ethnography of communication theories. A qualitative approach was undertaken in the form of group interviews, observations, field notes and documentation, including photo-voice. These instruments were analysed and grouped in themes and subthemes. The study assumed that teachers are professionals and are able to present Setswana folktale story lessons. The findings revealed that teachers, though being passionate and willing, were challenged by the folktale story books containing songs that they could not sing and contained grammatical errors as well as English words and sentences. They called on the parents (elders) with their totem understanding, for assistance, as the government seemed to be failing them through the implementation of language policies. However, it was found that elders sing folktale story songs to young children and even have the opportunity to give performances at the gatherings at the chief’s kraal but they did not regard themselves to be acknowledged by the teachers as responsible to give assistance to them. In the complex linguistic context in South Africa, speakers of a minority language need to understand that language and culture can be retained and transmitted but this understanding needs commitment from the speakers; in this case Setswana. / Tsamaiso ya thuto mo Aferika Borwa e rotloetsa tiriso ya dipuo tsa bantsho tsa setso ka go latela melaotheo e e gwetlhang barutabana le bagolo go tsaya karolo. Dipatlisiso tse di begwang mo, di tsenelela sebopego se barutabana le bagolo ba dirisang molodi-dinaaneng go ruta bana ba bannye Setswana mo dikolong tse dipotlana le metse-magaeng e e mabapi go tswa mo dikgaolopusong tse nne. Maikaelelomagolo ke go lekola gore ke melodi efe ya dinaane e ba e itseng le gore ba e dirisa jang go goroseng molaetsa wa ngwao ya setso o o leng mo dinaaneng, go ruta bana ba bannye gore ba tshele ka tsona fa ba gola. Tshekatsheko e, e theilwe godimo ga diteori tsa molebokagego, molebobodirisego le molebo wa setso wa tlhaeletsano. Leano la go kokoanya kitso ya go dira dipatlisiso le go fitlhela batsayakarolo go ntsha maikutlo a bona, e nnile ka mokgwa wa dipuisano ka setlhopha, go lebelela, go kwala le go buisa dikwalwa. Didiriswa tse tsa dipatlisiso, di dirisitswe go sekaseka kitso e e tswang go batsayakarolo, moo go neng ga runya dikarolo le dikarolwana tsa melaetsa maleba le kgang e ya go batlisisa ka ga molodi-naaneng. Tshekasheko e e dirilwe ka kgopolo ya gore barutabana ke bomaitseanape mo tirong ya bona, ba kgona le go ruta molodi wa dinaane tsa Setswana. Tshenolo ya dipatlisiso e supile gore le fa barutabana ba rata e bile ba na le tlhoafalo mo tirong ya bona, ba ne ba sitiswa ke dibuka tse ba di dirisang go ruta dinaane ka di ne di na le dipina tse ba sa kgoneng go di opela, gape di ne di na le diphoso tsa mokwalo le tiriso ya mafoko a sekgowa. Ka la ntlheng, go tsweletse gore bagolo bona ba opelela bana dipina tsa dinaane e bile ba kgona go bona tšhono ya go di tsweletsa mo dikopanong kwa kgosing. Le gale, ba ne ba bona gore barutabana ga ba lemoge mosola wa bona wa go ka tsaya karolo mo go ruteng bana dipina tsa dinaane. Fela jaaka go na le dipuo tse di farologaneng mo Aferika Borwa, bengdipuo-potlana ba tshwanetse go tlhaloganya loleme lwaabo gore ba kgone go somarela setso sa bona le go fetisetsa loleme loo tshikatshikeng. Foo go batlega itapiso go tswa go bengpuo ya Setswana mo kgannyeng e. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / EU DHET / Early Childhood Education / PhD / Unrestricted

There are several motivational factors for why entrepreneurs start a venture, continue to run the venture and also exit the venture. A prevalent theme in previous literature regarding entrepreneurial motivation, is the dichotomy of push and pull theory. This suggests that an entrepreneur can either be a necessity entrepreneur or an opportunity entrepreneur, meaning their motivation comes from either push or pull factors. Newer research argues that push and pull factors can co-exist and also change over time, highlighting that this dichotomy is ambiguous. However, this is still an under-researched area and many researchers call for more empirical findings concerning this topic. To gather more information regarding this disagreement, a qualitative study was executed, through semi-structured interviews with Swedish entrepreneurs from different entrepreneurial phases. The findings in this study indicate that motivational push and pull factors can be present simultaneously in an individual, and also change over time, depending on dynamic internal and external factors regarding the entrepreneur themselves and/or the venture.

Recently, the debate on passive versus active fund management has been a major focus on the Swedish capital market. Passive management is gaining more and more market shares. However, theories and previous research show that Smart Beta strategies outperform their passive benchmark index. The Smart Beta strategy is described as a hybrid between active and passive fund management, where it takes advantage of the low management cost of passive fund management and active fund management’s ability to select. This study presents three new Smart Beta strategies based on the key ratios ROA, profit margin and gross margin. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether any of the three Smart Beta portfolios can perform better than the Swedish market based on OMXS30 from a risk-adjusted perspective. Previous studies have shown that Smart Beta portfolios outperform their benchmark index. However, this study's contributing key figures show no excess return for the investigated period on the Swedish stock market.

Spanish is the second-largest speaking language in the United States, and while many government agencies have developed programs to help immigrants learn English, little is known about how program participants perceive the programs in terms of utility in transitioning to life in America or the usefulness of skills learned. Using Blalock's racial power-threat theory as the foundation, the purpose of this general qualitative study was to examine the perceptions of one such program in a mid-Atlantic city specifically oriented toward Spanish speaking immigrants. Data were collected from 15 adults, Spanish speaking program facilitators and a review of publicly available documentation related to the program. These data were inductively coded and subjected to a thematic analysis procedure. The primary theme of this study is that program participation is valuable and useful in cultural acclimation, but the programs are difficult to find within the local government structure. Generally speaking, it was determined that power-threat theory may explain the perceived lack of accessibility of the programs to some extent. Recommendations resulting from this study include advice to local government decision-makers about expanding outreach and staging of programs in order to increase participation, thereby supporting positive social change in better accommodating the needs of a diverse population of residents.

One in four women experience sexual assault during college. With rates of sexual assault on college campuses continuing to increase, the need for advanced analysis utilizing contemporary variables is justified. The purpose of this quantitative study was to compare two groups of female college-attending students. One group was certain and the other suspected that they were sexually assaulted while incapacitated (independent variables). Dependent variables compared between groups were offender type (interest on offenders with fraternal affiliations), law enforcement reporting decisions, and barriers to reporting sexual assault. Four research questions measured whether there was a statistically significant difference amongst the dependent variables when compared to the independent variables. The theoretical foundation for this study was empowerment theory. A comparative research design was used to examine archival data from the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research. Logistic regression and chi-square analysis showed mostly significant results: fraternal membership, reporting to law enforcement, and barriers to reporting to law enforcement were statistically significant. In addition, ad hoc tests were significant, indicating that being on a date with the offender, university disciplinary action taken, and whether the offender was arrested were all statistically significant variables. Social change is achievable at two levels, organizational and societal. Universities, advocacy groups, and governmental agencies may all benefit from contemporary findings. Furthermore, improved societal understanding of campus sexual assault culture and victimology can create a safe space for victims to report sexual assault on a college campus when it involves incapacitation.

Social interaction is key to students' learning in blending learning discussions. Although there is research on interactions in online courses and traditional classes, there is little on whether blended learning discussions are meeting students' social interaction and educational development needs. The purpose of this multicase study was to examine attitudes of first-year and final-year business and technology students and faculty members for patterns of interaction and knowledge construction. The study was conducted in the northeastern United States. Piaget's cognitive constructivism, Vygotsky's social constructivism, and Knowles's andragogy constituted the conceptual framework. Using maximum variation sampling, participants were 8 students and 4 faculty for 2 first-year and 2 final-year classes. Data sources were interviews and discussion responses coded using Straus and Corbin's open, axial, and selective coding procedures. Coded data were analyzed using Merriam's cross-case analysis method. The business students displayed the first three phases of knowledge construction: (a) sharing and comparing (b) discovery and exploration, and (c) negotiation of meaning; the technical students progressed to the fourth phase: testing and modification of proposed synthesis. Knowledge construction often occurred in a positive, challenging form of interaction. The professors expressed that gender, VoiceThread media, and discussion content influenced students' learning. These findings contribute to positive social change by informing stronger learning processes that students and teachers can use in their blended learning classes to facilitate collective knowledge construction.