Afrikaans: Die aard, oorsprong, relevansie en hersiening van literere kanons in 'n snel veranderende wereld is tans, nie net in Suid-Afrika nie, maar internasionaal 'n uiters aktuele saak. Oproepe om kanonhersiening word tans nie net uit die geledere van tradisionele minderheidsgroepe (socs vroue en swartmense) gehoor nie, maar ook vanuit establishment-geledere. In hierdie studie word die kanonisering van die Afrikaanse vroulike prosa-outeur tussen die dertiger- en negentigerjare vanuit 'n feministiese perspektief ondersoek. Orie voorbeelde van vroulike outeurs as verteenwoordigers van verskillende literatuur'soorte" word ondersoek, naamlik Hettie Smit ("ernstige" literatuur), die Klerewerkers (werkersliteratuur) en Eleanor Baker (goeie gewilde literatuur). Daar word gepostuleer dat die vroulike prosa-outeur binne die Afrikaanse literere sisteem steeds 'n mindere kanon- en kanoniseringstatus het, hoofsaaklik as gevolg van patriargale vooroordele. Voorts word gevra na maniere waarop s6 'n toedrag van sake gewysig kan word. Die bevindings kan heel moontlik op Afrikaanse vroulike prosa-outeurs in die algemeen betrekking he. Die volgende stellings word bevestig: i. Vroulike prosa-outeurs geniet steeds mindere kanon- en kanoniseringstatus in die Afrikaanse literatuursisteem. Argumente wat die teendeel wil bewys, streef nie daarna om enige dieperliggende problematiek te ontbloot nie. Die oppervlakkige aard van sulke argumente word alleen duidelik wanneer bepaalde kontradiksies en polemieke random die herskrywing van 'n bepaalde auteur aan die lig gebring word. Die herskrywing van Hettie Smit as "vroulike aanvulling" by die manlike Dertigerdigters lei daartoe dat Sy kom met die sekelmaan selfstandige kanonstatus ontbeer, terwyl die "gehalte" -argument in die geval van die Klerewerkers politieke en ideologiese faktore verberg. Die tipering van Baker se produkte as (goeie) "middelmoot" of "populere" tekste, verberg die marginalisering daarvan. ii. Die bestaan van vroulike outeurs wat nie in die kanon opgeneem is nie, en dus geen kanonstatus het nie, kan aangedui word. Die Klerewerkersliteratuur is 'n sprekende voorbeeld van hierdie soort afwesigheid. iii. Die status quo met betrekking tot die vroulike auteur se posisie ten opsigte van Afrikaanse kanons is onaanvaarbaar vanuit 'n feministiese perspektief. Die historiese posisie van die vrou binne die Afrikaanse literatuur is veral onaanvaarbaar - sy is feitlik afwesig uit die vroee geskiedskrywing van ons literatuur. Die eietydse situasie met betrekking tot kanonisering is binne die feministiese raamwerk van pogings tot verandering, ook nog lank nie aanvaarbaar nie. Aandag behoort geskenk te word aan die daarstelling van 'n vroulike tradisie binne die kader van die Afrikaanse literatuur, waarbinne outentieke "vroulike" norme vir literatuur, eerder as die tradisioneel "manlike" norme sal geld. S6 'n vroulike tradisie behoort volgens die riglyne van oorsese feministiese ondersoekers ge'implementeer te word; ook sal dit 'n heeltemal ander karakter he as die paternalistiese nie-outentieke "vroulike" kategorie. 'n Afsonderlike tradisie sal eerder bevrydend as onderdrukkend wees, en kan modelle daarstel vir verdere teksproduksies deur vroue. iv. Die sogenaamde multifunksionele benadering kan op teoretiese vlak die kanonisering van verskillende literatuur''soorte" beskryf en verklaar, en kan op praktiese vlak dien as riglyn vir kanoniseringsprosesse. Die regstelling van patriargale herskrywings moet as prioriteit beskou word. Slegs op hierdie manier kan ('n) algemeen aanvaarbare en verteenwoordigende, asook teoreties-gefundeerde kanon/s van Afrikaanse literatuur werklikheid word. / English: The nature, origins, relevance and revision of literary canons in a fast-changing world is at present a most topical concern, not only in South Africa, but also internationally. Calls for the revision of canons are heard not only from the ranks of traditional minority groups but also from establishment-ranks. In this study the canonisation of the Afrikaans female prose author in the years between the thirties and the nineties is examined from a feminist perspective. Three examples of female authors representing three "kinds11 of literature are examined, namely Hettie Smit ("serious11 literature), the Garment Workers (workers' literature) and Eleanor Baker (good popular literature). It is postulated that the female prose author within the Afrikaans literary system still has an inferior canon and canonisation status, mainly as a result of patriarchal prejudices. Ways in which such a state of affairs can be remedied are examined. On the strength of the results of the investigations the following premises can be confirmed: i. Female prose authors still have an inferior canon and canonisation status in the Afrikaans literary system. Arguments that attempt to prove the opposite do not strive after revealing any more deep-seated problem. The superficial nature of such arguments only becomes clear when specific contradictions and polemics around the rewriting of a certain author are brought to light. The rewriting of Hettie Smit as female supplement to the male Dertiger poets has resulted in her text being denied independent canon status, while the argument of "quality'' has obscured political and ideological factors in the case of the Garment Workers. The characterisation of Baker's products as (good) "popular" texts obscures the marginalisation thereof. ii. It is possible to point out female authors who have been excluded from the canon, thus lacking any canon status. The Garment Workers' literature is an example of this kind of absence. iii. The status quo regarding the position of the female author with reference to Afrikaans canons is unacceptable from a feminist perspective. Especially unacceptable is the historical position of women - they are virtually absent from the early historiography of Afrikaans literature. The contemporary situation is likewise unacceptable within a feminist framework. Attention should be paid to the establishment of a female tradition within the cadre of Afrikaans literature; within which authentic ''female" norms for literature rather than traditional "masculine" norms will operate. A female tradition should be implemented along guiding lines laid down by overseas feminist researchers, resulting in a character completely different from that of the paternalistic non-authentic "feminine" category. A separate tradition would be liberating rather than oppressing, and could set up models for further text productions by women. iv. At a theoretical level the multifunctional approach could describe and explain the canonisation of various kinds of literature, and at a practical level serve as a guideline for canonisation processes. The rectification of patriarchal rewritings should be regarded as a priority. Only in this way can (a) generally accepted and representative, as well as theoretically founded canon( s) of Afrikaans literature become a reality. / Thesis (DLitt)--University of Pretoria, 1997. / Afrikaans / DLitt (Afrikaans) / Unrestricted

Background and motivation Clothing labels concern the permanently attached labels as well as the temporarily attached labels known as hangtags that are found on clothing products. Clothing labels assist consumers when they are deciding whether or not to purchase clothing products, by providing product information and potential care instructions. Clothing labels are made up of two attributes, namely the physical nature of clothing labels in addition to the information on clothing labels. Adequate knowledge, positive perceptions and optimal use of clothing labels may result in satisfied consumers who make responsible and informed purchases. The aim of this study was subsequently, to determine male and female consumers’ knowledge, perceptions and use of clothing labels. The provision of clothing labels does not guarantee that consumers will read, understand or apply the information on clothing labels. Therefore this research is based on retailers’ assumption that the provision of informative clothing labels is sufficient to encourage the usage thereof and that all consumers understand and perceive the clothing labels as intended. Due to the lack of research that exists in South Africa in the field of clothing labels, it is not known whether consumers have adequate knowledge and positive perceptions of clothing labels and the information on them, and whether they use the labels optimally. Methodology The research design of this study was non–experimental, quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive. Questionnaires were used as the measuring instrument to collect the data. The study population included all the consumers in three municipalities in the North–West Province above the age of 18 years, male as well as female, who can read and who had purchased a clothing product some time from one of the selected stores. Data collection was undertaken in the Bonjana, Platinum and Southern district municipalities, which included, Rustenburg, Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom. A total of 304 usable questionnaires were obtained. Results and discussion On average 71% of the respondents had adequate knowledge of the information presented on clothing labels (excluding the care instructions) and 65.6% had adequate knowledge regarding the care instructions. Respondents perceived colours in general (79.9%), letter size (83%) and readability (77.7%) of information on clothing labels as positive. They found it very important that the information on clothing labels will not fade (68.8%), and that the positioning remains constant (78.8%), in addition to not showing (84.9%). Respondents perceived the indication of information on clothing as positive, regarding the fibre content (84.2%), country of origin (61.2%), size indication (89.5%) as well as additional information, such as applied special finishes (76.4%) and indication of eco friendly clothing (69.5%) and licensed trade marks (78%). Respondents sufficiently made use of the care instructions in words (68.1%) and symbols (63.2%) when purchasing similar items. More than half (56.9%) of the respondents used the indication of special finishes applied to clothing during the pre– and post purchasing phase. The indication of eco friendly clothing was used by the respondents (51%) for future reference and 63.5% made use of the licensed trademarks when purchasing similar products. In conclusion the results generally indicated that the respondents had adequate knowledge and positive perceptions of clothing labels, and made use of clothing labels before, during and after purchasing clothing products. Furthermore only small significant differences were found between male and female respondents’ knowledge, perceptions and use of clothing labels. It was established that relationships do exist between respondents’ knowledge, perceptions and use of clothing labels. / Thesis (M. Consumer Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Background and motivation Clothing labels concern the permanently attached labels as well as the temporarily attached labels known as hangtags that are found on clothing products. Clothing labels assist consumers when they are deciding whether or not to purchase clothing products, by providing product information and potential care instructions. Clothing labels are made up of two attributes, namely the physical nature of clothing labels in addition to the information on clothing labels. Adequate knowledge, positive perceptions and optimal use of clothing labels may result in satisfied consumers who make responsible and informed purchases. The aim of this study was subsequently, to determine male and female consumers’ knowledge, perceptions and use of clothing labels. The provision of clothing labels does not guarantee that consumers will read, understand or apply the information on clothing labels. Therefore this research is based on retailers’ assumption that the provision of informative clothing labels is sufficient to encourage the usage thereof and that all consumers understand and perceive the clothing labels as intended. Due to the lack of research that exists in South Africa in the field of clothing labels, it is not known whether consumers have adequate knowledge and positive perceptions of clothing labels and the information on them, and whether they use the labels optimally. Methodology The research design of this study was non–experimental, quantitative, exploratory, and descriptive. Questionnaires were used as the measuring instrument to collect the data. The study population included all the consumers in three municipalities in the North–West Province above the age of 18 years, male as well as female, who can read and who had purchased a clothing product some time from one of the selected stores. Data collection was undertaken in the Bonjana, Platinum and Southern district municipalities, which included, Rustenburg, Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom. A total of 304 usable questionnaires were obtained. Results and discussion On average 71% of the respondents had adequate knowledge of the information presented on clothing labels (excluding the care instructions) and 65.6% had adequate knowledge regarding the care instructions. Respondents perceived colours in general (79.9%), letter size (83%) and readability (77.7%) of information on clothing labels as positive. They found it very important that the information on clothing labels will not fade (68.8%), and that the positioning remains constant (78.8%), in addition to not showing (84.9%). Respondents perceived the indication of information on clothing as positive, regarding the fibre content (84.2%), country of origin (61.2%), size indication (89.5%) as well as additional information, such as applied special finishes (76.4%) and indication of eco friendly clothing (69.5%) and licensed trade marks (78%). Respondents sufficiently made use of the care instructions in words (68.1%) and symbols (63.2%) when purchasing similar items. More than half (56.9%) of the respondents used the indication of special finishes applied to clothing during the pre– and post purchasing phase. The indication of eco friendly clothing was used by the respondents (51%) for future reference and 63.5% made use of the licensed trademarks when purchasing similar products. In conclusion the results generally indicated that the respondents had adequate knowledge and positive perceptions of clothing labels, and made use of clothing labels before, during and after purchasing clothing products. Furthermore only small significant differences were found between male and female respondents’ knowledge, perceptions and use of clothing labels. It was established that relationships do exist between respondents’ knowledge, perceptions and use of clothing labels. / Thesis (M. Consumer Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

No abstract available. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 1977. / gm2014 / Plant Science / unrestricted

Background: Modern culture has stereotyped the divine female body as one that is continually getting leaner, with the internalization of the “thin” ideal possibly resulting in body dissatisfaction, disturbances in body image and exploitation of extreme weight control measures. These shoddy eating behaviours/attitudes may involve body mass and figure anxiety, sub-optimal nutrition or insufficient energy intake (possibly even a combination of both) and use of pathogenic weight control measures (PWCM). Furthermore, low energy availability can be a consequence of disordered eating (DE) behaviour, but can also inadvertently emerge in the absence of clinical eating disorders, DE behaviours and/or restricted dietary intake. Various researchers have concluded that dancers are overly-concerned about dieting and their body mass, and tend to be discontented with their bodies. Every organ system in the body may potentially be negatively affected as a result of the ensuing undernourishment and/or weight loss related to poor nutritional behaviour. The aim of the study was to investigate the DE behaviour, PWCM use, body image and energy status of a group of University female dancers Methods: Fifty two volunteer (18-30 years) dancers (n=26) matched by controls (n=26) of the same race, and comparable age and body mass index were recruited. DE behaviour was assessed with the Eating disorder inventory-3 (EDI3), Cognitive dietary restraint (CDR) subscale of the Three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) and EDI3 referral form (EDI3-RF) behavioural questions. Body image was assessed using the Body Silhouette Assessment Scale. Energy status was assessed using a 5-day weighed food record to measure energy intake and Actiheart® monitor to measure energy expenditure. Results: Dancers presented with significantly higher EDI3-Drive for thinness, EDI3-Body dissatisfaction and TFEQ-CDR raw subscale scores when compared to controls. Furthermore, the majority of dancers scored above the designated cut-off scores for the EDI3-Drive for thinness (46.2%), EDI3-Body dissatisfaction (61.5%), EDI-Bulimia (53.9%) and TFEQ-CDR (52.0%) subscales. Bingeing was the most common PWCM used by both dancers and controls (19.2% vs. 23.1%), followed by weight loss ≥ 9kg within the preceding 6 months (11.5% vs. 15.4%). Vomiting (7.7%), laxatives (11.5%) and excessive exercise (19.2%) for weight loss were used only by the dancers. Current body weight was significantly different to desired body weight for the dancers only (p=0.0004). The discrepancy between current and ideal body image, also termed Feel Minus Ideal Discrepancy (FID), was significantly different between dancers and controls, and indicated that controls were content with their body silhouette while dancers were inclined to want to lose weight. A negative energy balance was found in 80.8% of both dancers and controls. The energy availability of 48.0% of dancers and 52.0% of controls was between 30 and 45 kcal/kg fat-free mass/day. A total of 65.4% of dancers and 38.5% of controls reported to be currently trying to lose weight. Conclusion: Irrespective of the limitations of this study, noteworthy observations were made pertaining to the DE behaviour, body image, and energy status of a group of South African student women dancers. This group of South African university women dancers were vulnerable to DE behaviour, had a propensity to be greatly displeased with their body image, and possessed a low energy status possibly because they were trying to lose weight. / Thesis (MSc (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Background: Modern culture has stereotyped the divine female body as one that is continually getting leaner, with the internalization of the “thin” ideal possibly resulting in body dissatisfaction, disturbances in body image and exploitation of extreme weight control measures. These shoddy eating behaviours/attitudes may involve body mass and figure anxiety, sub-optimal nutrition or insufficient energy intake (possibly even a combination of both) and use of pathogenic weight control measures (PWCM). Furthermore, low energy availability can be a consequence of disordered eating (DE) behaviour, but can also inadvertently emerge in the absence of clinical eating disorders, DE behaviours and/or restricted dietary intake. Various researchers have concluded that dancers are overly-concerned about dieting and their body mass, and tend to be discontented with their bodies. Every organ system in the body may potentially be negatively affected as a result of the ensuing undernourishment and/or weight loss related to poor nutritional behaviour. The aim of the study was to investigate the DE behaviour, PWCM use, body image and energy status of a group of University female dancers Methods: Fifty two volunteer (18-30 years) dancers (n=26) matched by controls (n=26) of the same race, and comparable age and body mass index were recruited. DE behaviour was assessed with the Eating disorder inventory-3 (EDI3), Cognitive dietary restraint (CDR) subscale of the Three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) and EDI3 referral form (EDI3-RF) behavioural questions. Body image was assessed using the Body Silhouette Assessment Scale. Energy status was assessed using a 5-day weighed food record to measure energy intake and Actiheart® monitor to measure energy expenditure. Results: Dancers presented with significantly higher EDI3-Drive for thinness, EDI3-Body dissatisfaction and TFEQ-CDR raw subscale scores when compared to controls. Furthermore, the majority of dancers scored above the designated cut-off scores for the EDI3-Drive for thinness (46.2%), EDI3-Body dissatisfaction (61.5%), EDI-Bulimia (53.9%) and TFEQ-CDR (52.0%) subscales. Bingeing was the most common PWCM used by both dancers and controls (19.2% vs. 23.1%), followed by weight loss ≥ 9kg within the preceding 6 months (11.5% vs. 15.4%). Vomiting (7.7%), laxatives (11.5%) and excessive exercise (19.2%) for weight loss were used only by the dancers. Current body weight was significantly different to desired body weight for the dancers only (p=0.0004). The discrepancy between current and ideal body image, also termed Feel Minus Ideal Discrepancy (FID), was significantly different between dancers and controls, and indicated that controls were content with their body silhouette while dancers were inclined to want to lose weight. A negative energy balance was found in 80.8% of both dancers and controls. The energy availability of 48.0% of dancers and 52.0% of controls was between 30 and 45 kcal/kg fat-free mass/day. A total of 65.4% of dancers and 38.5% of controls reported to be currently trying to lose weight. Conclusion: Irrespective of the limitations of this study, noteworthy observations were made pertaining to the DE behaviour, body image, and energy status of a group of South African student women dancers. This group of South African university women dancers were vulnerable to DE behaviour, had a propensity to be greatly displeased with their body image, and possessed a low energy status possibly because they were trying to lose weight. / Thesis (MSc (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The aim of this research project is three-barrelled: • to ascertain the nature of job satisfaction; • to ascertain which factors, according to literature, lead to the job satisfaction of the female head of department at a secondary school; • to ascertain which factors in the practice of education lead to the job satisfaction of the female head of department at a secondary school. To achieve these goals a literary study as well as an empirical research was undertaken. The literary study was done from primary and secondary sources. A DIALOG computer search was done with the following words: females, sex fairness, leaders, women administrators, career leaders, promotion, motivation, work satisfaction, female teachers, secondary school. Consequently the nature of job satisfaction was discussed. After having identified the management factors that have an influence on the female head of department job satisfaction, these factors were grouped and discussed under the following sub-divisions: • Factors that are situated in the head of department herself • Interpersonal relations • Factors concerning the job situation • Career development • Factors on managerial level that have an influence on job satisfaction Based on these factors a questionnaire was compiled from existing questionnaires (those of Hillebrand, 1989; Esterhuizen, 1989; Du Toit, 1994; Engelbrecht, 1996; Kirsten, 2000 and the Minnesota Importance Questionnaire, 1985). A systemized sample was used by which female heads of department of secondary schools in the North West Province were involved. The questionnaires were sent to the study population. The information thus gathered was statistically processed and interpreted. On account of these data, recommendations were made. The empirical research showed that female heads of department of secondary schools experience to a certain extent job satisfaction, but also that certain factors need attention. Based on the empirical study, recommendations were made. The most important one being the need to look incisively into adaptable scales of salary according to qualifications, as well as compensation that compares well with comparable jobs. It is important that the programme of rationalisation should be completed as soon as possible so that the matter of job security can be looked into seriously. The education authorities need to look into effective and fair evaluation for promotion, as well as into the physical work conditions of the female head of department / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2001

The aim of this research project is three-barrelled: • to ascertain the nature of job satisfaction; • to ascertain which factors, according to literature, lead to the job satisfaction of the female head of department at a secondary school; • to ascertain which factors in the practice of education lead to the job satisfaction of the female head of department at a secondary school. To achieve these goals a literary study as well as an empirical research was undertaken. The literary study was done from primary and secondary sources. A DIALOG computer search was done with the following words: females, sex fairness, leaders, women administrators, career leaders, promotion, motivation, work satisfaction, female teachers, secondary school. Consequently the nature of job satisfaction was discussed. After having identified the management factors that have an influence on the female head of department job satisfaction, these factors were grouped and discussed under the following sub-divisions: • Factors that are situated in the head of department herself • Interpersonal relations • Factors concerning the job situation • Career development • Factors on managerial level that have an influence on job satisfaction Based on these factors a questionnaire was compiled from existing questionnaires (those of Hillebrand, 1989; Esterhuizen, 1989; Du Toit, 1994; Engelbrecht, 1996; Kirsten, 2000 and the Minnesota Importance Questionnaire, 1985). A systemized sample was used by which female heads of department of secondary schools in the North West Province were involved. The questionnaires were sent to the study population. The information thus gathered was statistically processed and interpreted. On account of these data, recommendations were made. The empirical research showed that female heads of department of secondary schools experience to a certain extent job satisfaction, but also that certain factors need attention. Based on the empirical study, recommendations were made. The most important one being the need to look incisively into adaptable scales of salary according to qualifications, as well as compensation that compares well with comparable jobs. It is important that the programme of rationalisation should be completed as soon as possible so that the matter of job security can be looked into seriously. The education authorities need to look into effective and fair evaluation for promotion, as well as into the physical work conditions of the female head of department / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, 2001

The phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the tyrosine amino-acids in proteins play an important role in the regulation of many cellular processes in all eukariotic organisms, including the regulation of cell cycle control, growth control, cellular differentiation and gene and synaptic transmission. The involvement of the phosphatase genes in human carcinogenesis was long-suspected, but PTEN is the first important phosphatase gene proven to be a true tumour suppressor. The basic function of normal PTEN is the dephosphorylation of the kinases and inhibition of the integrin and growth factor mediated kinase signalling pathways. The central hypothesis of this study is that PTEN plays an important role in tumours of the upper female genital tract. The involvement of aberrations in the coding regions of this gene was studied in specific gynaecologic tumours and tissues using polymerase chain reaction based mutation analysis. The research model was to study both the malignant tumour and the closest available pre-malignant or benign counterpart to demonstrate different levels of involvement of PTEN in the evolving steps. The PTEN gene was found to be intimately involved in endometrial carcinogenesis. Involvement was demonstrated in hyperplasia and was common in endometroid carcinoma (54%). Pathogenic PTEN mutations were much more common in cancer than in hyperplasia (10%). Multiple mutations were found in some late stage tumours, suggesting that the already malignant tumour cells accumulate more genetic mutations over time. All tumours with more than one pathogenic mutation occurred in African patients. The latter twofindings are unique to the current study. Selective involvement of the PTEN gene was demonstrated in uterine soft tissue tumours. PTEN involvement was neither found in benign soft tissue tumours nor significantly in leiomyosarcoma or endometrial stromal sarcoma. However, PTEN plays a significant role in uterine carcinosarcoma (13%) and specifically in tumours with an endometroid epithelial component, where mutations were found in 17%. This finding is a highly significant and unique research result which supports the hypothesis of the endometrial origin of these tumours. It also supports the observation of a strong link between this gene and endometroid differentiation, with morphology strongly linked to cellular genetics. PTEN gene mutation was demonstrated in ovarian endometroid carcinoma in ~29% of cases investigated. This finding confirms PTEN involvement in carcinogenesis in this tumour type. The finding suggests that PTEN involvement is linked to endometroid epithelial morphology. We could not sufficiently test the involvement of the gene in benign or pre-malignant ovarian endometroid lesions and thus cannot comment on the chronology of mutations in this tissue type. When all tumour types were included, there was a tendency towards a lower frequency ofPTEN mutations in African women. PTEN mutations correlated with endometroid histology. In combination, these results confirm the racial disparity in tumour type distribution or morphology. In summary this study demonstrated significant though highly selective PTEN gene involvement and a strong and interesting association between genotype and histological phenotype was confirmed. The findings enhance our understanding of carcinogenesis and should lead to translational research into new anti-neoplastic drugs. AFRIKAANS: Fosforilering en defosforilering van die tirosien aminosure in proteine speel ‘n belangrike rol in die regulering van sellulêre prosesse in alle eukariotiese organismes. Dit sluit die regulering van selsikluskontrole, groeikontrole, sellulêre differensiasie sowel as genetiese en sinaptiese oordrag in. Dit word lank reeds gespekuleer dat die fosfatase-gene betrokke is in menslike karsinogenese, maar die PTEN geen is die eerste fosfatase geen wat bewys word om ‘n ware tumoronderdrukker geen te wees. As basiese funksie defosforileer normale PTEN die kinases en inhibeer dit die kinase sinjaal kontrolepaaie wat deur integrien en groeifaktor beheer word. Die sentrale hipotese van hierdie studie is dat PTEN ‘n belangrike rol speel in tumore van die boonste genitale traktus. Die frekwensie van abnormaliteite in die koderingsareas van hierdie geen is bestudeer in spesifieke ginekologiese tumore en weefsels met die gebruik van polimerase kettingreaksie gebaseerde mutasie-analise. Die maligne tumore sowel as die mees verwante pre-maligne of benigne weefsel- of tumortipes wat beskikbaar was, is gebruik as navorsingsmateriaal om sodoende die verskillende vlakke van PTEN betrokkenheid in die ontwikkeling van neoplasie te demonstreer.Intieme betrokkenheid van die PTEN geen is gevind in endometriële karsinogenese. PTEN mutasies is in hiperplasie gevind en dit was algemeen in endometroiede karsinoom (54%). Patogene mutasies was baie meer algemeen in kanker as in hiperplasie (10%). Veelvuldige mutasies is in sommige laat stadium tumore aangetoon, wat suggereer dat reeds maligne selle meer genetiese mutasies oor tyd verkry. Alle tumore waar meer as een patogeniese mutasie gevind is het voorgekom by swart pasiënte. Die laaste twee bevindinge is uniek tot hierdie studie.Selektiewe betrokkenheid van die PTEN geen is gevind in die ontwikkeling van sagte weefsel tumore van die uterus. PTEN mutasies is nie in benigne sagte weefsel tumore gevind nie en geen betekenisvolle betrokkenheid is in leiomiosarkome of endometriële stromale sarkome aangetoon nie. PTEN was egter betekenisvol betrokke in karsinosarkome van die uterus (13%) en veral in tumore met ‘n endometrioiede epiteelkomponent waar mutasies in 17% gevind is. Hierdie bevinding is ‘n hoogs betekenisvolle en unieke navorsingsbevinding wat die hipotese ondersteun dat hierdie tumore uit die endometrium ontstaan. Dit onderskryf ook die indruk dat ‘n sterk band bestaan tussen hierdie geen en endometroiede differensiasie, met morfologie sterk gekoppel aan sellulêre genetika.Mutasie in die PTEN geen is aangetoon in ovariële endometroiede karsinoom in ~29% van gevalle wat ondersoek is. Die bevinding bevestig PTEN betrokkenheid in karsinogenese in hierdie tumortipe. Weereens toon die resultaat dat PTEN betrokkenheid gekoppel is aan endometroiede morfologie. Die ondersoek van benign of pre-maligne letsels in hierdie orgaan was nie voldoende om kommentaar oor die tydsberekening van mutasie te kan lewer nie.Met alle tumortipes in ag genome, is daar ‘n tendens aangetoon van minder PTEN mutasies in swart vroue. PTEN mutasies korreleer met endometroiede histologie. In kombinasie bevestig hierdie resultaat ‘n rasse-diskrepansie in die distribusie van tumourtipe of morfologie. In opsomming is die bevinding van hierdie studie dat daar betekenisvolle dog hoogs selektiewe PTEN geen betrokkenheid in boonste genitale traktus tumore is. ‘n Sterk en interessante verband is bevestig tussen genotipe en histologiese fenotipe. Hierdie resultate verbeter die begrip van karsinogenese en behoort ‘n bydrae te lewer in die soeke na nuwe anti-neoplastiese middels. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Obstetrics and Gynaecology / unrestricted

The roles of females have changed significantly over the past years as females increasingly are entering the labour market in South Africa. This resulted in females having to fulfil multiple roles simultaneously, for example being mother, wife and employee. Therefore the statement can be made that females have a work life and a family life to contend with. This can be enriching, seeing that these domains can generate experiences and resources, which females can use in other domains to enhance the quality. The general objective of this study was to explore various relationships that females experience between work resources, home resources, work engagement, family engagement and work-family enrichment. A cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. A combined purposive and convenience non-probability sample of female workers (N = 420) was taken across the spectrum of several industries in South Africa. Measuring instruments were used for biographical characteristics, work resources (self-developed), home resources (self-developed), work-family enrichment (MACE Work-Family Enrichment Instrument), work engagement (Utrecht Engagement Scale) and family engagement (adapted Utrecht Work Engagement Scale). Omegas and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were used to determine the reliability of the findings, while correlations were employed to identify significant relationships between the constructs. The dual work-family enrichment models and the mediating effect of the various dimensions of work-to-family enrichment, as well as family-to-work enrichment, were also tested by the Mplus statistical programme. Two models in which work-family enrichment and family-work enrichment act as mediators were also tested. The results indicated a positive statistical significant relationship between work resources, and work-family enrichment; also between home resources, and family-work enrichment; and between work-family enrichment and work engagement. However, a very small, but statistical significant, relationship was shown to exist between family-work enrichment and family engagement. Work-family enrichment also mediated the relationship, with a large effect, between work resources, with work engagement as outcome and family-work enrichment mediated the relationship, with a small effect, between home resources, with family engagement as outcome. Recommendations were made for organisations to follow up and for future research on the topic. / MCom (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014