We are surrounded by three skins. The first being our own, the second the clothes we layer ourselves with, and the third the skin of the building. The initial purpose of this project was to explore the influence architecture has on other design disciplines, in particular fashion design. But it became evident that so many things other that their immediate environment inform fashion designers, that the pursuit of an architecture that inspires fashion is futile. Fashion transcends the spirit of the day. Instead of architecture influencing fashion design, architecture embodies fashion’s identity while fashion and architecture together facilitate an identity for the consumer and the place of consumption. Consumption is seen as a form of cultural production. A shift from production to consumption, and visa versa, has changed the focus of how buildings are used and experienced, and by extension, how and why buildings are erected. The primacy of the skeleton has given way to the primacy of the skin. For fashion houses, the skin of a building has become an essential medium for the promotion of their identity. The emphasis of the project thus shifts to the exploration of architecture as the identity giver to a site and its context, the client and the consumer. / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted

This book is a discourse about the impact that consumerism and globalism have on South African and global architecture. It is irrelevant whether the impact is negative or positive. Architecture has to deal with a reality that’s rooted in a context informed by market driven decisions. As the growth and expansion of cities are uncontrollable, architects become interveners, not masterplanners. The brief asked for a heliport and a boutique hotel (aptly named H²). The site for H²is next to a major regional shopping center, and a national highway. The building will be adaptable, and transformable to cater for future growth and needs; and no urban masterplanning was done, as the building intervenes rather than dictates. Much of the debate in this book revolves around the impact advertising has on our urban realm. The design of H² borrows from the principles and tactics employed by advertising companies to create desire in consumers. H² responds to the highway and to the consumer ‘cathedral’ next to it on a subconscious level, and like a advertisement, piece of music, or a film, aims to amplify the responses and emotions of visitors and passerby’s alike. / Dissertation (MArch (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted

The research comprises of two divisions. Firstly a literature study and secondly an empirical research which was performed by the compiling and completion of a questionnaire. The researcher’s investigation was a reconnoitring study and can be the foundation of further research in this field. The literature study made the compilation of the questionnaire possible and thus provides the context within which the empirical study was conducted, by means of discussing the following: Ø The developmental phase of the toddler Ø The developmental characteristics of the toddler Ø The implication of being in need of care on the development of the toddler Ø The role and tasks of the child care worker in the context of lifespace work with children The empirical study comprised of the completion of a questionnaire that determined the training needs of the child care worker who works with the toddler. Based on the data received through the empirical study the conclusion was made that child care workers, working with the toddler experience numerous training needs. Recommendations are made concerning ways in which organisations who are involved in child and youth care can see to it that the child care workers receive adequate training that will equip them to execute their task successfully. / Dissertation (MA (SW) (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC) is a new technique with a promising future in analytical chemistry. Researchers have already shown the advantages of this technique to unravel complex samples consisting of hundreds of compounds. The predominant advantage of GC x GC above conventional one-dimensional gas chromatography is the greatly enhanced peak capacity. To fully utilise this enhanced peak capacity the instrumentation needs to be run at optimum conditions. The optimisation of one-dimensional gas chromatography (GC) is done on a routine basis in analytical laboratories and handbooks are available to cover these optimisation strategies. This study was aimed at providing similar guidelines for GC x GC. Since the underlying theory of GC and GC x GC are essentially the same, conventional GC optimisation strategies were the point of departure for this research. The different operational parameters in GC x GC were identified and emphasis was then placed on a method to simultaneously optimise the flow rate in both columns, taking into consideration the common practice of series-coupling of columns of different internal diameters. The influence of second-dimension stationary phase, temperature program and modulator operation on the distribution and shape of chromatographic peaks in the two dimensions is also investigated. The results obtained from this study provide a useful new approach to optimise a GC x GC system where two gas chromatographic columns of various dimensions are connected in series. The use of diesel samples in this optimisation process presented some useful applications for future research in the petrochemical industry. Examples of potential applications such as “fingerprinting techniques” and compositional analysis are also discussed. / Dissertation (MSc (Chemistry))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Chemistry / unrestricted

Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is an established instrumental technique used for the analysis of fire debris for accelerant detection. However, matrix problems, such as pyrolysis product interference, are still encountered. These interferences often lead to inconclusive interpretation of the chromatographic results. This study describes methods for analysing arson accelerants using gas chromatography coupled with ion trap mass spectrometry. The latter technique lends itself to both conventional (GC-MS) as well as tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS-MS). Since petrol (gasoline) is one of the more common distillate blends used by arsonists, especially in South Africa, the identification of petrol in fire debris samples was investigated. In order to overcome pyrolysis product interference and improve detection selectivity of the aromatic hydrocarbons in petrol residues, tandem mass spectrometry was used in combination with capillary gas chromatography. The added parameter of the third dimension of selectivity proved to be superior to conventional GC-MS in obtaining characteristic aromatic hydrocarbon profiles for petrol without interference from pyrolysis artefacts. / Dissertation (MSc (Applied Chemistry))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Chemistry / unrestricted

The Hersiliidae of the Afrotropical Region is revised and the phylogenetic positions of taxa within the family cladistically analysed. The following genera have been newly erected: Tyrotama gen. nov. for Tama arida and seven additional species, and Prima gen. nov. for P. ansieae spec. nov. and one additional species. The genera Murricia Simon and Neotama Baehr&Baehr are recorded for the first time from the Afrotropical Region. All valid species are redescribed. The following 20 species are newly described: Hersilia beva, H. bubi, H. caronae, H. dilumen, H. eloetsensis, H. moheliensis, H. plara, H. salda, H. taita, H. tamatavensis, H. unca, H. woutrinae, Murricia emlynae, M. uva, Prima ansieae, P. syda, Tyrotama gamkasiensis, T. taris, T. makalaliensis, T. Namibia. The males of T. arida and T. bicava are described for the first time. The following species have been synonymized: Hersilia segeregata Benoit with H. occidentalis Simon, Hersilia nossibeensis Strand with H. insulana Strand, Tama obscura Smithers with Tyrotama arida (Smithers). For Hersilia insulana Strand a lectotype and paralectotype have been designated; a neotype has been designated for H. vinsoni Lucas. Hersilia corticola Lawrence was transferred to Neotama and Hersiliopsis madagascariensis Wundelich was transferred to Hersilia Audouin. The following species remain doubtful: Hersilia kauderni Strand, H. stumpfi Strand, H. fossulata Karsch. A total of 47 hersiliid species are recorded for the Afrotropical Region. Keys are provided to the six genera of the Afrotropical Hersiliidae and the species of Hersilia and Tyrotama. A cladistic analysis based on 48 characters and 22 species inferred the following phylogeny: ((Hersiliola Tyrotama) (Neotama (Prima (Murricia Hersilia)))). Morphological data supports the monophyly of Tyrotama and the phylogeny suggests that the genus is not closely related to Tama. The new genus Prima is weakly supported as the sister taxon of Neotama. Support for the genus Hersilia is weak and synapomorphies that unite five identified species groups within the genus are much more consistent than those that unite Hersilia. However, the genus Hersilia is retained until a comprehensive generic level analysis for the world is conducted. / Thesis (PhD (Zoology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Zoology and Entomology / unrestricted

The research proposes that the adoption of a hybrid leadership and governance framework by the South African public service is crucial for improving service delivery in South Africa. The leadership and governance framework of the South African public service has had a negative impact on its effectiveness and efficiency. The study analysed service delivery performance in four South African public service departments against the backdrop of their leadership and governance frameworks, namely: Departments of Health, Housing, Justice and Constitutional Development and Safety and Security. The study found that the frameworks currently in use are not very effective in redressing service delivery imbalances and inequities in South Africa, especially in previously disadvantaged communities. The needs and demands of the South African public are not being adequately met. The study found that there are a number of interrelated variables, which were hampering the effectiveness of the public service. The most important of these variables were identified as human resource and financial constraints, the lack of technical skills, the lack of co-ordination, ineffective intergovernmental relations (IGR) between the three spheres of government, ineffective policy implementation, conflict between the classical public administration model and the new public management (NPM) paradigm, and the lack of effective monitoring and evaluation systems. In view of the challenges facing the South African public service, this thesis presents an alternative, hybrid leadership and governance model. This model has been designed in response to the unique circumstances faced by the public service in the post-apartheid era (post-1994) public service. It requires a conception of public service leadership and governance that draws on various relevant approaches while adapting these to the prevailing local narratives already existing in the country. It incorporates traditional African ethics and values, transformational leadership and team leadership, and encompasses effective governance approaches, such as civic governance. It also includes accountability, transparency and public participation. It is evident from the four cases presented herein, that such transformation is crucial for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the South African public service. The leadership and governance framework developed in this study is flexible, as it can be applied to diverse settings and circumstances. This study thus advances a pragmatic transformational African model for the improvement of service delivery in South Africa. / Thesis (PhD (Public Affairs))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) / unrestricted

No other references could be found in the literature where IVP embryos, exposed to FMDV were rendered free of the virus. To the best of my knowledge this is the first report that describes the association of FMDV with IVP embryos during IVM and IVF. Also, this is the first description of a treatment protocol where IVP embryos can be cleared of infective FMDV. Washing embryos in accordance with IETS regulations was ineffective in clearing FMDV from IVP embryos when IVM and IVF were done in the presence of FMDV; however, treatment with acid as described during these experiments was effective for achieving FMDV - free IVP embryos. This work might enable the production of IVP embryos in countries where FMDV is endemic, permitting the subsequent movement of the embryos to other countries. Also, it might serve as a way of preserving genetic material from animals during an outbreak of the disease, in countries where FMD is not endemic, through the production of disease-free embryos. This work might also be of use to the wildlife industry in South Africa. If a protocol was developed for the in vitro production of game animal embryos, notably buffalo, treatment with MES could enable the production of embryos free of FMDV. This would facilitate movement of embryos from areas in South Africa where FMDV is endemic. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Gyn))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Production Animal Studies / unrestricted

An investigation of complaints about the cause of poor product quality and performance pointed to critical control points (CCP’s) in the pelleting process that were either absent or not monitored and controlled. The non-conformance cost due to poor pellet quality and product inconsistency is quite significant. The positive relationship between pellet quality and animal performance is well known. Poor and inconsistent quality of pelleted feed is the consequence of many contributing factors such as formulation, processing variables, people and the manufacturing environment, which affect pellet quality either individually or in combination. Data collected on the control of some critical elements in the production process revealed that many production parameters are often not closely monitored or controlled, and that quality control limits are often poorly enforced or non-existent, explaining the varying causes for complaints on the quality and inconsistency of pelleted feed. Production facilities differ in layout and the success of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program exists in its systematic method of process analysis, applying appropriate risk controls and timely corrective protocols. Modified HACCP programs can be utilized to reduce process parameter variation resulting in improved product quality and consistency. A HACCP system modified for the pelleting environment was used as an intervention tool to address poor pellet quality and product inconsistency in a broiler feed mill. Implementation of the system was achieved by measuring the quality and variability of products and processes prior to implementation. The processing layout was identified, analysed, CCP’s and limits set after which the CCP’s were measured and compared to ideal targets. Corrective actions and changes to the production process were prioritised in order of each CCP’s contribution to pellet quality. Monitoring, control and corrective protocols were introduced for CCP’s through consecutive training and work sessions. Re-assessment of the pellet quality and product variation concluded the intervention phase. Data analysed from the first phase helped to facilitate the restructuring of the production process and the implementation of improvement phases. Systematic analysis identified formulation (fat addition levels and point of addition) and mash grinding fraction as key areas of improvement. This was achieved by lowering the fat percentage in the mixer from 3.50 to 0.5%, thereafter adding the fat by means of a post pelleting fat coater. The coarse pre-pelleting mash fraction (particle size being above 2360mm), was reduced from 28.5 to 1% on average and the ideal target particle size (being from 600mm to 1440mm), was increased from 20.5 to 51% on average. This increase was achieved by correcting and improving grinding operation with a larger capacity hammermill. Conditioning temperature increased from 64.5 to 74.5oC. Correcting the above changes to critical factors contributed to increasing the pellet percentage of the final product at loading from 63.05 to 86.18%. Improved monitoring of CCP’s and timely corrective protocols led to a further improvement in loaded pellet percentage from 86 to 90% and also improved the repeatability in obtaining better pellet quality at loading. The STDEV of the final product pellet percentage showed an improvement of 13.3 to 5.39. Hazard analysis and the collection of data helped in identifying further areas of improvement. In conclusion, the HACCP system as implemented in this plant, resulted in the improvement of pellet quality (percentage of pellets at loading and pellet durability) as well as a reduction in its variability. It is recommended that HACCP systems should be used more pro-actively as a quality assurance tool for process improvement, assuring product safety, reducing process variation and increasing product quality. / Dissertation (MSc (Production Animal Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Production Animal Studies / unrestricted

No abstract available / Researchers require an accurate measurement of fertility in the bitch for the comparison ofinsemination methods, assessing the effects of procedures on fertility and assessing the effectsof drugs on fertility. In clinical practice, a prospective measurement would enable thepractitioner to select bitches with the largest numbers of follicles for breeding by artificialmeans or natural mating with valuable semen or studs. The ratio between the numbers ofcorpora lutea or follicles and litter size is a more sensitive measurement of fertility than islitter size, as the latter does not reflect the total number of oocytes that were available forfertilization. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has proven to be of value in diagnosticimagery of particularly soft tissues. This is the first study that evaluated the use of MRI incanine reproduction and was done to determine whether the numbers of corpora lutea orfollicles can be counted accurately by means of MRI.The study was divided into two experiments. In Experiment 1, 16 bitches were used. Apartfrom one bitch that was in anoestrus, they were either in the follicular, early, or late lutealphase. Their ovaries were collected via ovariohysterectomy and placed into a phantom forMRI. The phantom was then scanned in three planes with a slice interval and slice thickness of 1 mm, using a 1.5 Tesla SIEMENS Magnetom Symphony scanner. A circular polarizedhead array coil was also used around the phantom. The T2-weigthed images were consideredbetter than T1-weighted images. This study showed that although the corpora lutea or folliclescould be identified in most but not all images, it was not possible to accurately count thenumber of corpora lutea or follicles in the ovaries of bitches using MRI techniques andapparatus commonly used in human MRI units. Follicles were commonly confused withcorpora lutea on the images. Although the study was not designed to detect ovarian pathology,MRI of the ovary in the phantom study, showed promise in detecting cystic ovarian disease.In Experiment 2, it was attempted to find the ovaries, and count the structures in them, bydoing MRI on two live, sedated bitches that were in the late follicular phase, whereafter thebitches were spayed and the ovarian structures counted. The effect of motion was so great thatno image could be generated on which any ovary or its structures could be identified.There still exists no reliable, non-invasive means by which the number corpora lutea orfollicles can be counted in the bitch. Further studies are required to evaluate more advancedMRI techniques and apparatus. / Navorsers benodig 'n akurate meting van vrugbaarheid in die teef vir die vergelyking vaninseminasiemetodes en vir die beoordeling van die effekte van prosedures en middels opvrugbaarheid. In praktyk sou veral 'n prospektiewe meting van vrugbaarheid nuttig wees,omdat dit die klinikus in staat sal stel om daardie tewe met die grootste aantal follikels teselekteer vir teling in gevalle waar die koste van òf die semen òf dekking baie hoog is. Dieverhouding tussen die aantal korpora lutea of follikels en werpselgrootte is 'n sensitiewermaatstaf van vrugbaarheid as werpselgrootte op sigself; omdat laasgenoemde nie dievolledige aantal oösiete wat beskikbaar was vir bevrugting in bereken bring nie. Magnetieseresonansie beelding (MRB) is reeds bewys as 'n waardevolle tegniek vir die verkryging vandiagnostiese beelde van veral sagte weefsels. Hierdie is die eerste studie wat die gebruik vanMRB op die geslagstelsel van honde beoordeel en was spesifiek uitgevoer om vas te stel ofdie korpora lutea of follikels in die eierstokke van tewe d.m.v. MRB akkuraat getel kan word.Die studie was verdeel in 2 eksperimente. In Eksperiment 1 was 16 tewe gebruik. Behalwe vireen teef wat in anestrus was, was hulle òf in die follikulêre fase, òf in die vroeë òf in die laatluteale fases. Hul eierstokke was versamel deur middel van ovariohistorektomie en in 'nfantoom geplaas vir MRB. Die fantoom was geskandeer in drie oriëntasies reghoekig totmekaar, en 'n snitdikte en 'n snitinterval van 1mm is gebruik. Die MRB aparaat was 'n 1.5 Tesla SIEMENS Magnetom Symphony skandeerder. 'n Kopspoel was gebruik rondom diefantoom. Die T2-gerigte beelde was beter as die T1-gerigte beelde. Hierdie studie het getoondat alhoewel die korpora lutea of follikels in die meeste beelde van die eierstokkegeïdentifiseer kan word, dit nie moontlik is om hierdie strukture in die eierstokke van tewe tetel m.b.v. die apparaat wat oor die algemeen in die gemidelde privaathospitaal beskikbaar isnie. Dit was ook nie moontlik om altyd korpora lutea van follikels te onderskei nie. Alhoeweldie studie nie ontwerp was om vir patologiese letsels op die eierstokke te soek nie, was diemeeste ovariële siste duidelik sigbaar op die beelde in die fantoomstudie, wat daarop dui datMRB in hierdie verband belowend mag wees.In Eksperiment 2 is gepoog om die eierstokke in twee lewendige tewe wat laat in diefollikulêre fase en onder berusting was, d.m.v. MRB op te spoor en die strukture daarin te tel,waarna 'n ovariohisterektomie op elke teef uitgevoer was en die strukture getel was. Die effekvan beweging wat deur asemhaling teweeg gebring is was egter só groot dat daar geen beeldgegenereer kon word waarop 'n eierstok of sy strukture herken kon word nie.Daar bestaan steeds geen betroubare manier, anders as disseksie van die eierstokke, om diefollikels of korpora lutea indie eierstokke van tewe akkuraat te tel nie. Verdere navorsing isnodig om meer gevorderde MRB tegnieke en apparaat vir hierdie doel te evalueer. / Dissertation (MMedVet (Reproduction))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Production Animal Studies / unrestricted