A geographical analysis of nutrition in the Eastern Cape and Ciskei
- Authors: Fincham, Robert John
- Date: 1985
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:4812 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004905
- Description: From preface: The primary aim of the thesis is to make an anthropometric assessment of levels of nutrition of black pre-school children in selected communities of the Eastern Cape and Ciskei. The communities are those of black labourers and their families on white-owned commercial farms in the Dias Divisional Council area of the Eastern Cape; a rural community of an area of Ciskei known as the Amatola Basin; and Tsweletsl'lele, a 'closer settlement' or resettlement area in Ciskei. A pilot survey of school entrants in the Albany magisterial district also sheds light on the nutrition of children in the small towns, such as Grahamstown, of the Eastern Cape. Through an analysis of nutritional conditions in these disparate communities, it should be possible to begin to establish the geographical variation of nutrition in the region. Black communities in the metropolitan area of Port Elizabeth are not considered in the thesis, but on-going surveillance in the city, by the author, will elucidate nutritional conditions there. In achieving the primary aim of the thesis, attention will be focussed on inter-community rather than intra-community variation in nutrition. Nutrition may vary within communities (intra-community variation), for example, within different parts of the Dias Divisional Council area. While such variation is 1 ikely to be minimal, as will be discussed in the presentation of results in chapter 6, section A(l), it is in itself important, and present research endeavours within the surveillance programme are being geared to explore this dimension of nutritional variation more fully. Inter-community variation in nutrition provides, however, a more than sufficient focus for the thesis. A secondary aim of the thesis is to explore the relationship between nutritional status and socio-economic conditions prevailing in the surveyed communities. The secondary aim makes it possible to obtain a better understanding of the processes whi ch infl uence the geographical pattern of nutrition. A consideration of socio-economic conditions, both within the communities and within the Eastern Cape and Ciskei as a whole, also provides a context in which the nutrition results can be assessed. The third aim of the thesis is to assess possible applications of the survey results to policy formulation, thereby providing an applied dimension to the work.
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- Date Issued: 1985
A historico-theological study of Pentecostalism as a phenomenon within a South African community
- Authors: Pillay, Gerald J
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Pentecostalism -- South Africa Pentecostal churches -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1222 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001552
- Description: Preface: An attempt is made in this thesis to document the history of Pentecostalism among Indians in South Africa and to study and evaluate its religious character and main theological tenets. Obviously the peculiar socio-political situation of the Indians in South Africa has influenced the character of Indian Pentecostalism, which has in turn been able to address itself to the critical, cultural and religious disjunctions within this community. Hence an investigation of the dynamic tensions that obtain between crises in the Indian community and Pentecostalism will not only clarify the course of its history but will also explain its theological emphases. However, several studies on Pentecostalism in other communities have concentrated on the sociological dimension almost exclusively and many have even concluded that Pentecostalism is the spontaneous result of psychosocial; economic or cultural upheavals . This kind of reductionism has been largely the result of the uncritical use of 'functional-type' theories postulated by sociologists of religion. Indian Pentecostalism, while it has to be examined within the complex context of the South African community, cannot as we shall show, be adequately explained by any of the prevailing 'functional-type' theories because these theories reduce religion to a sociological function. Since the functional theory has the effect of limiting the perspective on religion to such an extent that the basis of religion, that is, the relation between the individual and faith, is either belittled or ignored, it has been jettisoned in this thesis for an approach free of any deliberately formulated 'theoretical framework'. However, it is necessary to critically examine some of the more popular 'functional-type' theories and the way they have been applied to the study of the Pentecostal movement here and elsewhere, so that by exposing the shortcomings of their application and the contradictions inherent in their assumptions, the approach adopted in this thesis could be clarified.
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- Date Issued: 1985
Economy and efficiency of human locomotion
- Authors: Goslin, Brian Richard
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Walking -- Physiological aspects , Running -- Physiological aspects , Human locomotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5142 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007177 , Walking -- Physiological aspects , Running -- Physiological aspects , Human locomotion
- Description: Human locomotor economy and efficiency are highly variable. This study investigated the role that stature plays in this variation, by evaluating metabolic and respiratory responses to walking and running at speeds set relative to one's stature. Four groups of subjects: male, high V0₂ max (n = 11); male, average V0₂ max (n = 10); female, high V0₂ max (n = 10); and female, average V0₂ max (n = 11) were habituated to treadmill locomotion prior to the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (V0₂ max). The V0₂ max test entailed 1 km.h⁻¹ increases per min from 3 to 6 km.h⁻¹ walking, and 7 - 17 km.h⁻¹ running then 1% grade increments per min until exhaustion. On each of four other occasions, the subject walked or ran at 6 of a variety of relative speeds - walking at 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, 1.1, 1.3; running at 1.5, 1.7, 1.9 and for selected subjects 2.1, 2.3 and 2.5 statures.s⁻¹ ,and grades - 0%, +3%, -3%. Steady-state respiratory and metabolic responses, and treadmill speed were monitored by an on-line computer system developed for this study. Cadence and RPE were also monitored. All subjects demonstrated an exponential relationship between V0₂ and walking relative speed (st.s⁻¹) (RS) . V0₂ (ml.kg⁻¹.min⁻¹ ) = 4.747 * e(1.371*RS) During running this relationship was essentially linear . The variability of economy at relative speed (9.08%) and absolute speed (9. 01%) did not differ. Male and female subjects did not differ in response to absolute speed but females were more economical at relative speeds (p<0.05). Those with high and average aerobic capacity did not differ in locomotor economy at relative speed. Higher freely-chosen stride length was associated with a higher V0₂ response as velocity increased. The V0₂ of uphill walking was 1.4 times greater than that for downhill walking (running: 1.28 times) . Stride length decreased with increasing speed in uphill locomotion but the reverse was the case for downhill. The economy and efficiency of walking was greater than that of running. Walking economy was maximal between 0.7 and 0.9 st. s⁻¹. Running economy remained essentially unaffected by increased velocity. The setting of locomotor velocity relative to stature does not minimize inter-subject variability in metabolic and respiratory response .
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- Date Issued: 1985
Engel en aarde : gedagtes oor "natuur en bo-natuur" by die lees van Sheila Cussons
- Authors: De Villiers, Johanna Helena
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Cussons, Sheila -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:3619 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006960
- Description: Hierdie studie is In poging om uit die veelgeskakeerde digwerk van Sheila Cussons een draad te neem en dit deur te volg; in die hoop dat dit 'n Ariadne-draad mag word tot beter besef van die ryk gestruktureerdheid en diepte van haar verwysingsveld, en die betekenis daarvan vir ons tyd. Dis dan primer die beeld van die engel wat nagespeur word, as bonatuurlike wese wat nie tot die vlak van die fisiese inkorporeer nie. (From Ch. 1)
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- Date Issued: 1985
Simulation of the visuo-motor processes in the tracking and interception of a tennis ball in play
- Authors: Pappo, Harry A
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Tennis -- Psychological aspects Motor ability -- Physiological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:1365 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001431
- Description: In sports, one might wish to test new ideas regarding player movement, tactics, or strategy without subjecting the athletes to possibly wasteful or even harmful habit formations. If a method of simulation of the athlete can be devised, experiments might reasonably be conducted to evaluate the ideas independently of actual training or trial in the field. Simulation of a complex system generally begins with a long period of analysis. During this time there may be mathematical and programming explorations and constructions to sharpen and examine different approaches. Meetings are usually held by the participants to try to define the task and explore alternatives. Ideas are amplified, possibly discarded as not feasible, or incorporated into the system package. Gradually there evolves a tighter and more acceptable formulation using logical and mathematical expressions (Preface, p. vii)
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- Date Issued: 1985
The ecology of Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (Lepidoptera : phycitidae) in relation to its effectiveness as a biological control agent of prickly pear and jointed cactus in South Africa
- Authors: Robertson, Hamish Gibson
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Insect-plant relationships Lepidoptera -- South Africa Cactus -- South Africa Weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5671 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005356
- Description: The successful biological control of the shrub-like prickly pear Opuntia stricta Haworth in Australia by cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) was not repeated when C. cactorum, derived from the Australian population, was released in South Africa in the 1930's against the tree prickly pear Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller. Resistance of the woody portions of o. ficus-indica to attack by C. cactorum was regarded as the main reason for the poor performance of C. cactorum in South Africa. C. cactorum also oviposits and feeds on Opuntia aurantiaca Lindley, which is currently South Africa's most important weed and which is also considered to be partly resistant to attack by C. cactorum. This study had three main objectives: (i) to compare the ecology and effectiveness of C. cactorum as a biological control agent on O. ficusindica and O. aurantiaca; (ii) to reassess why C. cactorum has not been as effective a biological control agent in South Africa as it has been in Australia; and (iii) to evaluate whether inundative release or the importation of new biotypes of C. cactorum from South America (where it is indigenous) might be feasible methods of improving its effectiveness as a biological control agent of O. aurantiaca in South Africa. All field work was undertaken at a site near Grahamstown in South Africa. The ecology and effectiveness of C. cactorum on O. ficus-indica and O. aurantiaca was assessed in terms of its oviposition behaviour, survival and feeding on these host plants. The proportion of C. cactorum eggs laid on O. ficus-indica and O. aurantiaca was similar and was influenced by the size, conspicuousness and condition of the host plant as well as by the proximity of the host plant to moth emergence sites. Factors affecting oviposition site selection on the plant are also considered. Life tables, compiled for a summer and a winter generation, showed that the survival of C. cactorum was greater on O. ficus-indica than on O. aurantiaca, mainly because higher egg predation by ants occurred on the latter host plant species. During the period of study, the population size of C. cactorum was reduced by a number of mortality factors, of which egg predation and the effects of low temperatures on fecundity were the most important. Although there was evidence of a partial, positive response by predatory ants to C. cactorum egg densities on plants, the extent of egg predation was also affected by other factors, particularly seasonal effects. C. cactorum destroyed a greater percentage of cladodes on O. ficu-indica than on O. aurantiaca, but even on O. ficus-indica it was unable to contain the growth of plants within the study area. C. cactorum larvae rarely killed the woody rooted cladodes of O. ficus-indica and O. aurantiaca and consequently whole plants were not often destroyed. The detrimental effects of host plant resistance, natural enemies and climate on the effectiveness of C. cactorum as a biological control agent all appear to be greater in South Africa than in most of the regions occupied by C. cactorum in Australia. A field experiment conducted at the study site showed that inundative release methods for improving the effectiveness of C. cactorum on O. aurantiaca are not feasible. The importation of biotypes of C. cactorum from South America that might be better suited for destroying O. aurantiaca infestations in South Africa, is also not a viable option. Results of a survey of a 218 ha area that is regarded as being heavily infested with O. aurantiaca, illustrate how this cactus species has been overrated as a weed problem. It is argued that the present strategy for O. aurantiaca control in South Africa is not based on sound economic or ecological criteria.
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- Date Issued: 1985
The life-world of youth in children's homes
- Authors: Mudaly, Balasundran Subramani
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: Children -- Institutional care -- Psychological aspects Self in children Emotions in children Identity (Psychology) in children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:2915 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002080
- Description: The study sought to obtain an insightful understanding of the life-world of youth who have not only experienced long-term separation from their biological parents and families but who have also simultaneously experienced prolonged institutional life in a children'e home. Using a descriptive praxis in the context of an existential phenomenological perspective, the study elicited from participants written descriptions of their personal experiences of the phenomenon of self-fulfilment. The data were structurally analysed, expressed in the form of extended descriptions and utilised as the basis for an exposition/appreciation of the life-world relationships of institutional youth. The target group of teenagers was drawn from a specific children's home. However, in order to enhance the findings of the study, data from a comparative group of youth from intact families in the community were also utilised. The study yielded some useful comparative insights which not only formed the basis for certain recommendations but also served as directions for future research. Hopefully, these recommendations and research proposals will be of some immediate interest and comfort to both reeearchers and practitioners in the field of residential child and youth care
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- Date Issued: 1985