Stochastic models of discrete populations appear in a broad range of contexts. In this thesis, three of these modelling settings are considered: epidemics which spread through both blood transfusion and surgery, stochastic gene expression, and the accumulation of error in…

Formation of precise neuronal networks during development is fundamental for the normal function of the nervous system. As two important domains of a neuron, the axon and the dendrite are required to grow, correctly navigate, and accurately target to their…

The Accurate Mass and Time (AMT) tag approach to high-throughput proteomics uses reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) coupled to high accuracy mass spectrometry to measure both the masses and chromatographic retention-times of tryptic peptides in complex mixtures. These measurements are matched…

This study develops a higher-order conceptual model of benevolent leadership based on four paradigms of common good in organizational research: Morality, spirituality, positivity, and community. This study is based on the assumption that these four areas of research can provide…

Travel as a primary human activity has long been examined in all its different facets and functions: exploration, discovery, conquest, quest for the unknown. It has been considered a means of self-discovery and self-determination. The scholarly literature on this topic…

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) currently infects over 33 million individuals worldwide. The development of a protective HIV vaccine would provide the ideal tool to fight this pandemic. Recent clinical trials testing candidate T- and B-cell based vaccine strategies have…

AIDS in the shack settlements of Durban, South Africa, takes on all kinds of forms. In this thesis I tell the stories of a mother facing her death from AIDS-related illnesses, an HIV-positive orphan left to die in the shacks,…

This thesis consists of three studies with the general aim of investigating controlled attention and working memory in the visual and auditory modalities in monolingual and bilingual children equated in visual and verbal working memory as well in bilingual children…

The ferric hydroxamate uptake (Fhu) system of Escherichia coli transports ferric hydroxamate-type siderophores. This system comprises outer membrane (OM) receptor FhuA, periplasmic binding protein FhuD, and ABC permease FhuB/C. In addition, transport through FhuA requires energy input provided by the…

This study examines the development of Julia Kristeva's thought on religion and its relevance to her critique of modernity. The study argues that Kristeva's concern with the 'crisis of religion' occupies a central place in her work and permeates all…