Browsing by Author "Koornhof, Pieter G.J."
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Item An overview of recent changes to corporate governance frameworks as it pertains to executive remuneration(University of Fort Hare, 2012) Koornhof, Pieter G.J.Item The enforceability of incorporated term in electronic agreements(University of Fort Hare, 2013) Koornhof, Pieter G.J.This article seeks to evaluate the validity of different methods of incorporating terms into electronic agreements, and to what extent the use of these different methods may influence the enforceability of the incorporated terms. The two most common methods of electronic incorporation, namely click-wrap and web-wrap, are set out, and the status of their incorporation is analysed by studying positions in the United States of America (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), before referring to South Africa. The common law position regarding incorporated terms for both signed as well as unsigned documents is discussed. It is argued that, irrespective of the method of incorporation adopted, incorporated terms would most likely be valid in light of the provisions of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act. This notwithstanding, due care must be taken in how the different methods in themselves are used, as this might still affect whether particular incorporated terms will be enforced. This is especially pertinent in the light of contracts which may fall under the ambit of the new Consumer Protection Act. However, neither the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act nor the Consumer Protection Act seeks to replace the common law, but rather adapt it and create a general framework for such types of agreements and transactions to operate in. It is submitted that the law applying to incorporation by reference in signed documents should apply to those instances where click-wrap is used, whereas the law applying to that of unsigned documents should apply when web-wrap is used.Item Ethical and legal implications of whole genome and whole exome sequencing in African populations(BioMed Central, 2013) Wright, Galen E.B.; Koornhof, Pieter G.J.; Adeyemo, Adebowale A.; Tiffin, NickiBACKGROUND: Rapid advances in high throughput genomic technologies and next generation sequencing are making medical genomic research more readily accessible and affordable, including the sequencing of patient and control whole genomes and exomes in order to elucidate genetic factors underlying disease. Over the next five years, the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Initiative, funded by the Wellcome Trust (United Kingdom) and the National Institutes of Health (United States of America), will contribute greatly towards sequencing of numerous African samples for biomedical research. DISCUSSION: Funding agencies and journals often require submission of genomic data from research participants to databases that allow open or controlled data access for all investigators. Access to such genotype-phenotype and pedigree data, however, needs careful control in order to prevent identification of individuals or families. This is particularly the case in Africa, where many researchers and their patients are inexperienced in the ethical issues accompanying whole genome and exome research; and where an historical unidirectional flow of samples and data out of Africa has created a sense of exploitation and distrust. In the current study, we analysed the implications of the anticipated surge of next generation sequencing data in Africa and the subsequent data sharing concepts on the protection of privacy of research subjects. We performed a retrospective analysis of the informed consent process for the continent and the rest-of-the-world and examined relevant legislation, both current and proposed. We investigated the following issues: (i) informed consent, including guidelines for performing culturally-sensitive next generation sequencing research in Africa and availability of suitable informed consent documents; (ii) data security and subject privacy whilst practicing data sharing; (iii) conveying the implications of such concepts to research participants in resource limited settings. SUMMARY: We conclude that, in order to meet the unique requirements of performing next generation sequencing-related research in African populations, novel approaches to the informed consent process are required. This will help to avoid infringement of privacy of individual subjects as well as to ensure that informed consent adheres to acceptable data protection levels with regard to use and transfer of such information.