scholarly journals Late childhood and adolescence growth sensitivity to political transition: the case of South African Cape coloured schoolchildren during and post-apartheid

2012 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madelief G.B.C. Bertens ◽  
Stanley Ulijaszek ◽  
Sławomir Kozieł ◽  
Maciej Henneberg
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Low Ses ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Nelson Mandela ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Measurement Period

Abstract South Africa underwent major social and economic change between 1987 and 1995. The release of Nelson Mandela in February 1990 proclaimed an end to the political system of apartheid, and the first freely elected non-White government in 1994 instigated social and economic reforms aimed at alleviating the consequences of apartheid. This paper aims to examine the impact of these socio-economic and political changes on height, weight and body mass index (BMI) in childhood and late adolescence. An analysis was carried out of longitudinal data of 258 urban and rural South African Cape Coloured schoolchildren (6-18 years old) across the transitional periods from apartheid between 1987 and 1990, to this transition between 1991 and 1993, and finally to post-apartheid between 1994 and 1995. The anthropometric measures were standardized into age independent Z-scores. Analyses of variance with repeated measures were conducted to examine the growth in height, weight and BMI across these periods. The results show a significant main effect of measurement periods on height, weight and BMI Z-scores. Across time, the subjects increased in overall size, height, weight and BMI. For all the anthropometric measures there was a significant interaction effect between measurement period and sex, but none between measurement period and SES. The average increase in height, weight and BMI across time differed significantly for girls and boys, the average z-scores being greater in girls than in boys. For boys, there was little difference in height, weight and BMI Z-scores according to SES, and little increase across periods. Girls were generally taller, heavier with greater BMI than boys, and their scores increased across the time periods. High SES girls were taller, heavier and had higher BMI than low SES girls. Across the measurement periods, BMI and weight somewhat converged between the high and low SES girls. In the discussion these differences reflecting social sex distinctions are addressed.

scholarly journals Going green: An SMME perspective

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Suzette Viviers
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Management ◽  
South African ◽  
Tax Incentives ◽  
Key Words And Phrases ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Environmental Legislation ◽  
Nelson Mandela ◽  
Electricity Use ◽  
Recycle Paper ◽  
The Impact

<p>The purpose of this research was to investigate the level of environmental awareness and engagement among local SMME owners/managers. The views of 250 SMME owners/managers in the Nelson Mandela Bay region were obtained by means of a survey questionnaire. The findings indicate that respondents are becoming more aware of the impact of their actions on the natural environment and engage in actions to reduce electricity use, recycle paper and replace hazardous materials. Most respondents, however, view environmental management as costly and consider stricter environmental legislation and enforcement, as well as tax incentives, as effective measures to promote “greener” business practices among South African businesses.</p><p><strong>Key words and phrases:</strong> Environmental management; environmental legislation; “going green”; SMMEs; environmental tax incentives</p>

A-022 Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone to Examine Changes in Cognitive Functioning

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 812-812
Author(s):  
Hansel J ◽  
Roberts J ◽  
Stypulkowski K ◽  
Thayer R
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cognitive Change ◽  
Normal Group ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Final Sample ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Adult Cognition

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine changes in cognitive function over time as measured by a telephone-delivered cognitive assessment. Method Cognitive and biomarker data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study were used. Missing data were excluded through listwise deletion resulting in a final sample of 2,378 adult respondents with MIDUS 2: Cognition data available at baseline (T1; Mage = 53.49, SD = 10.63) and 9-year follow up (T2; Mage = 63.64, SD = 11.35). Cognition was measured using Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT) composite z-scores (“severe” = &lt;−2.01 SD; “mild” = −1.01 to −2.00 SD; “normal”= &gt; −1.00 SD). Results A Two-Way Repeated Measures ANOVA revealed main effects for time (F1, 2,375 = 46.73, p &lt; .001) and group (F2, 2,375 = 499.34, p &lt; .001). BTACT scores at T1 (M = -1.06, 95% CI[−1.21, −0.92]) were significantly lower than scores at T2 (M = -0.70, 95% CI[−0.82, −0.59]). As expected, BTACT scores for the normal group (M = 0.39, 95% CI[0.35, 0.42]) were significantly greater than both the mild (M = -1.33, 95% CI[−1.36, −1.30]) and severe (M = -2.25, 95% CI[−2.33, −2.16]) groups. A significant interaction effect was observed between time and group (F2, 2,375 = 204.10, p &lt; .001). Bonferroni post-hoc comparisons indicated that cognitive function scores significantly declined for those in the normal group, but significantly improved for those in the mild and severe groups (all ps &lt; .001). A regression model using biomarkers as predictors of cognitive change for the impaired groups was nonsignificant. Conclusion(s) Improvement in the mild and severe groups was unexpected and could not be explained by cardiovascular or metabolic risk factors at T1. These findings suggest cautious interpretation of cognition scores obtained via telephone measures.

scholarly journals The Effectiveness of Mentoring-Based Professional Development on Physical Education Teachers’ Pedometer and Computer Efficacy and Anxiety

2008 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey J. Martin ◽  
Nate McCaughtry ◽  
Pamela Kulinna ◽  
Donetta Cothran ◽  
Roberta Faust
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Computer Anxiety ◽  
Physical Education Teachers ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

The purpose of our study was to examine the impact of mentoring-based professional development on physical education teachers’ efficacy. Experienced mentor teachers were paired (n = 15) with inexperienced protégé teachers (n = 15) at the beginning of a yearlong intervention study. It was hypothesized that teachers would increase their efficacy to use pedometers and computers to enhance instruction, and reduce their computer anxiety. Repeated-measures ANOVAs for mentors and protégés revealed a variety of significant main effects. We found increases in computer and pedometer efficacy. A second set of repeated-measures ANOVAs based on mentors’, protégés’, and control groups’ scores revealed a significant interaction for computer efficacy, indicating that both mentors and protégés significantly increased their computer efficacy compared with the control group. Finally, a significant interaction effect was also found for pedometer efficacy, again indicating that both groups significantly increased their efficacy compared with control teachers.

scholarly journals Effect of Oral Nutritional Supplementation on Growth in Children with Undernutrition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3036
Author(s):  
Zhiying Zhang ◽  
Fei Li ◽  
Bridget A. Hannon ◽  
Deborah S. Hustead ◽  
Marion M. Aw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Nutritional Intervention ◽  
Nutritional Risk ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Oral Nutritional Supplements ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Usual Diet

Oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are used to promote catch-up growth in children with undernutrition. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence of ONS intervention effects on growth for 9-month- to 12-year-old children who were undernourished or at nutritional risk. Eleven randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria; trials compared changes in anthropometric measures in children using ONS or ONS + DC (dietary counselling) to measures for those following usual diet or placebo or DC alone. The RCTs included 2287 children without chronic diseases (mean age 5.87 years [SD, 1.35]; 56% boys). At follow-up time points up to 6 months, results showed that children in the ONS intervention group had greater gains in weight (0.423 kg, [95% confidence interval 0.234, 0.613], p < 0.001) and height (0.417 cm [0.059, 0.776], p = 0.022) versus control; greater gains in weight (0.089 kg [0.049, 0.130], p < 0.001) were evident as early as 7–10 days. Longitudinal analyses with repeated measures at 30, 60, and 90 days showed greater gains in weight parameters from 30 days onwards (p < 0.001), a trend towards greater height gains at 90 days (p = 0.056), and significantly greater gains in height-for-age percentiles and z-scores at 30 and 90 days, respectively (p < 0.05). Similar results were found in subgroup analyses of studies comparing ONS + DC to DC alone. For children with undernutrition, particularly those who were mildly and moderately undernourished, usage of ONS in a nutritional intervention resulted in significantly better growth outcomes when compared to control treatments (usual diet, placebo or DC alone).

Some Reflections on Reparation in Post-Apartheid South Africa, using a Couple Therapy Intervention as a Microcosm of South African Society

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Hill ◽  
Sylvia Poss
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Couple Therapy ◽  
South African Society ◽  
Depressive Position ◽  
Central Hypothesis ◽  
Transference And Countertransference ◽  
Constructive Engagement ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Therapy Intervention

The paper addresses the question of reparation in post-apartheid South Africa. The central hypothesis of the paper is that in South Africa current traumas or losses, such as the 2008 xenophobic attacks, may activate a ‘shared unconscious phantasy’ of irreparable damage inflicted by apartheid on the collective psyche of the South African nation which could block constructive engagement and healing. A brief couple therapy intervention by a white therapist with a black couple is used as a ‘microcosm’ to explore this question. The impact of an extreme current loss, when earlier losses have been sustained, is explored. Additionally, the impact of racial difference on the transference and countertransference between the therapist and the couple is explored to illustrate factors complicating the productive grieving and working through of the depressive position towards reparation.

The Final ‘Thank You’

Derrida Today ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-36
Author(s):  
Grant Farred
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Jacques Derrida ◽  
Political Transition ◽  
The Other ◽  
World Cup ◽  
The Core ◽  
Nelson Mandela ◽  
Black President ◽  
The Moment

‘The Final “Thank You”’ uses the work of Jacques Derrida and Friedrich Nietzsche to think the occasion of the 1995 rugby World Cup, hosted by the newly democratic South Africa. This paper deploys Nietzsche's Zarathustra to critique how a figure such as Nelson Mandela is understood as a ‘Superman’ or an ‘Overhuman’ in the moment of political transition. The philosophical focus of the paper, however, turns on the ‘thank yous’ exchanged by the white South African rugby captain, François Pienaar, and the black president at the event of the Springbok victory. It is the value, and the proximity and negation, of the ‘thank yous’ – the relation of one to the other – that constitutes the core of the article. 1

The CEO’s route to the top: The South African experience

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-120
Author(s):  
Chris Van Melle Kamp ◽  
Karl Hofmeyr ◽  
Mandla Adonisi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Chief Executive ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Next Generation ◽  
Chief Executives ◽  
Leadership Challenges ◽  
African Experience ◽  
Depth Interviews

In this study we draw on a series of in-depth interviews with chief executives of some of South Africa’s most prominent businesses, to investigate how their careers unfolded as they rose to the top of their organisations.Twenty-seven CEOs of South Africa’s top companies were interviewed. Eleven of these companies are listed among the top 50 South African companies.We trace the evolution of leadership, from its embryonic beginnings in childhood and adolescence, through the different stages of a developing career to the crucial transformation of an operational mindset into a strategic one.We examine the circumstances that led to these CEOs being appointed and describe the difficulties of transitioning from a senior management role into that of chief executive. We look at the competencies and experience necessary to be effective as the leader of an organisation, as well as the role played by motivation and self-belief. Finally, we identify the unique leadership challenges faced by chief executives in South Africa and pass on their advice to the country’s next generation of leaders.

ADOLESCENTS' PERCEPTIONS OF STRESSORS CONTRIBUTING TO SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-213
Author(s):  
Henriëtte Van den Berg ◽  
Hester Tancred ◽  
Dap Louw
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Family Environment ◽  
Family Relationships ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Peer Group ◽  
Conservation Of Resources ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
The Impact

South African adolescents show increased levels of suicidal behaviour. This article explores the perceptions of adolescents at risk of suicide regarding the psychosocial stressors they believe contribute to suicidal behaviour among South African adolescents. This study was conducted on 214 adolescents from the Western Cape Province with a high suicide risk. The group was selected on the basis of their high scores on the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire. A qualitative content analysis was performed with their responses on a question about the reasons for adolescent suicide. The analysis highlighted risk factors relating to substance abuse, negative emotional experiences, lack of self-esteem, problem-solving ability and hope for the future; negative family environment and conflict in family relationships; peer group and romantic relationships; stressful life events; and socioeconomic factors. Guided by the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory suggestions were made for adolescent resource development to counter-act the impact of the various stressors they experience.

High dietary restraint improves performance on a food-motivated probabilistic selection task

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer R Sadler ◽  
Grace Elisabeth Shearrer ◽  
Nichollette Acosta ◽  
Kyle Stanley Burger
Keyword(s):  
Reinforcement Learning ◽  
Instrumental Conditioning ◽  
Food Reinforcement ◽  
Dietary Restraint ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Brain Response ◽  
Anthropometric Measures ◽  
Instrumental Task ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Reward And Punishment

BACKGROUND: Dietary restraint represents an individual’s intent to limit their food intake and has been associated with impaired passive food reinforcement learning. However, the impact of dietary restraint on an active, response dependent learning is poorly understood. In this study, we tested the relationship between dietary restraint and food reinforcement learning using an active, instrumental conditioning task. METHODS: A sample of ninety adults completed a response-dependent instrumental conditioning task with reward and punishment using sweet and bitter tastes. Brain response via functional MRI was measured during the task. Participants also completed anthropometric measures, reward/motivation related questionnaires, and a working memory task. Dietary restraint was assessed via the Dutch Restrained Eating Scale. RESULTS: Two groups were selected from the sample: high restraint (n=29, score &gt;2.5) and low restraint (n=30; score &lt;1.85). High restraint was associated with significantly higher BMI (p=0.003) and lower N-back accuracy (p=0.045). The high restraint group also was marginally better at the instrumental conditioning task (p=0.066, r=0.37). High restraint was also associated with significantly greater brain response in the intracalcarine cortex (MNI: 15, -69, 12; k=35, pfwe&lt; 0.05) to bitter taste, compared to neutral taste.CONCLUSIONS: High restraint was associated with improved performance on an instrumental task testing how individuals learn from reward and punishment. This may be mediated by greater brain response in the primary visual cortex, which has been associated with mental representation. Results suggest that dietary restraint does not impair response-dependent reinforcement learning.

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