Betekeniservaring en die betekenisgesag van die woordeboek

The lexicographical definition is the most significant entry in the dictionary article. In this regard it functions as teaching device – on a formal and informal level. The definition relies on the examination of real language usage. The lexicographer creates the relevant definition as a result of citations taken from spoken and written language. The accumulated data (citations) are scrutinized in different ways in order to compile the appropriate definitions. Nevertheless, dictionary users are very often stranded when they try to understand the "basic" meaning of a very specific word defined in a monolingual dictionary – mostly because the definition lacks a conceptual hierarchy. As a result, the definiton does not achieve its "learning aims". This phenomenon is well illustrated when the meaning of the word transform(ation) is examined within its applicable semantic domains. In order to establish its prototypical meaning, etymological and contextual variables are crucial semantic determinants which should be taken into account. In this regard the experiential foundation of its meaning should be related to image schematic features. Consequently, this article argues for a conceptual approach to meaning should the lexicographer wish to establish a constructive definition to support learning. Key Words: lexicography, basic meaning, conceptual hierarchy Sleutelwoorde: leksikografie, basiese betekenis, konseptuele hiërargie Journal for Language Teaching Vol.38(1) 2004: 130-14

Die daad onthul (im)moraliteit

Abstract: In the dramas of NP van Wyk Louw the deed manifests itself in different ways, which probably is the reason why most literary critics, after the publication of the drama Germanicus in 1956, considered the main character, Germanicus, to be very passive. Accordingly, the merits of the drama were called into question. Their criticism centred on their judgement of the nature of the concept deed (revealed as a derived noun deed from the verb to do). Traditionally, the meaning of the Afrikaans verb doen (“to do”) is regarded to be so general that its meaning can be seen as “empty”. The lexical item deed (“daad”), as a noun derived from the verb to do, can therefore be judged in a similar way. In this discussion, the semantic contents of the polysemous meanings of the noun deed are examined against the background of the drama Germanicus, which was created as a conceptual blend of three different historical sources and an imagined world. A distinction is drawn between four different senses of the noun deed, typographically represented as deeda (referring to accomplished non-specific actions, frequently contrasted..

Microcystin-LR equivalent concentrations in fish tissue during a postbloom Microcystis exposure in Loskop Dam, South Africa

The effects of a decomposing cyanobacteria bloom on water quality and the accumulation of microcystin-LR equivalent toxin in fish at Loskop Dam were studied in May 2012. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] was used to confirm the presence of microcystin-LR equivalent in the water and to determine the microcystin (MCYST) concentration in the liver and muscle of fish. The lowest concentration of extracellular MCYST-LR equivalent was recorded in the lacustrine zone, where no cyanobacterial cells were observed, while the highest concentration (3.25 μg l−1), 3.25 higher than World Health Organization standard, was observed in the riverine zone. Extremely high MCYST-LR equivalent concentrations of 1.72 μg MCYST-LReq kg−1 in the liver and 0.19 μg kg−1 in muscles of Labeo rosae, and 2.14 μg MCYST-LReq kg−1 in the liver and 0.17 μg kg−1 in muscles of Oreochromis mossambicus, indicate that the consumption of sufficient fish biomass might cause severe adverse effects in humans. Microscopic analyses of the stomach content of both fish species revealed low numbers of cyanobacterial Microcystis aeruginosa cells in comparison to other phytoplankton. The extracellular MCYST-LR equivalent of the decomposing bloom may have played a major role in the high levels observed in the livers of the two fish species. These findings are important for all downstream water users.The National Research Foundation (NRF; TTK2006062100013); Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Department of Genetics, University of Stellenbosch; and the Department of Biodiversity, University of Limpopo as well as the Belgian Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad University Development Cooperation funding programme.http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/taas20hb2016Paraclinical Science

Clinopyroxene megacrysts from Marion Island, Antarctic Ocean: evidence for a late stage shallow origin

Clinopyroxene megacrysts (up to 5 cm) from a scoria cone on Marion Island, Antarctic Ocean are zoned, with compositionally distinct low (Al + Ti) and high (Al + Ti) patches arranged haphazardly throughout crystals. Inclusions of olivine, pyrrhotite, oxides, sulphides, and rounded inclusions with euhedral micro-crystals interpreted as former melt inclusions are observed. Olivine inclusions have variable compositions, ranging from primary Ti-poor crystals to Ti-rich crystals hosting secondary haematite crystals formed by hydrogenation. The crystals contain voids that are concentrated in the middle of each crystal indicating that the initial crystal growth was skeletal. Subsequent crystallisation filled in the skeletal framework creating the patchy zoning in the crystals. The Marion Island megacrysts are not homogenous, but the combination of crustal clinopyroxene compositions, primary and hydrogenated olivine, and the mode of eruption in scoria eruptions indicates that these crystals most likely formed in a shallow magma chamber. Primary olivines crystallised from a mafic magma and secondary altered olivines were incorporated into a rapidly growing megacryst in a super-saturated, fluid-rich environment, prior to being ejected onto surface in a scoria eruption.http://link.springer.com/journal/710hj2020Geolog

On the avoidability of breast cancer in industrialized societies: older mean age at first birth as an indicator of excess breast cancer risk

Background Breast cancer incidence continuous to increase. We examined at population level the association between the relative excess risk of breast cancer and previous age of mother at first birth. Method Incidence of breast cancer in 34 industrialized countries was obtained from the GLOBOCAN 2002 and SEER databases. Data on age of mother at first birth was collected through national statistics offices. National relative excess risk (RER) was calculated by subtracting the lowest age-specific incidence rate from the rate in each population, and dividing the difference by the latter. Results The national RER in 2002 correlated closely with a higher average age at first birth in 1972, 1982, 1992 and also 2002, Pearson correlation [r] being 0.83, 0.79, 0.72 and 0.61, respectively; P < 0.0001. RER of breast cancer in 2002 for those aged 15–44 years correlated closely with the mean age at first birth in 1982 and 1992 (r: 0.81 and 0.75; P < 0.0001), whereas RER for those aged 45–54 years correlated strongly with age at first birth in 1972 and 1982 (r: 0.81 and 0.76; P < 0.0001), and for those aged 55–64 years with age at first birth in 1972 (r: 0.77; P < 0.0001). Conclusions The rising age at first childbirth of mothers has been followed by marked increases in breast cancer incidence. Later age at first birth seems to characterize secular diffusion of ‘modern’ lifestyles with a potentially large impact on increased breast cancer risk, and hence should be accompanied by greater opportunities for prevention through modifiable risk factors

Early diagnosis is associated with improved clinical outcomes in benign esophageal perforation: an individual patient data meta‑analysis

Background Time of diagnosis (TOD) of benign esophageal perforation is regarded as an important risk factor for clinical outcome, although convincing evidence is lacking. The aim of this study is to assess whether time between onset of perforation and diagnosis is associated with clinical outcome in patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation (IEP) and Boerhaave’s syndrome (BS). Methods We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library through June 2018 to identify studies. Authors were invited to share individual patient data and a meta-analysis was performed (PROSPERO: CRD42018093473). Patients were subdivided in early (≤ 24 h) and late (> 24 h) TOD and compared with mixed effects multivariable analysis while adjusting age, gender, location of perforation, initial treatment and center. Primary outcome was overall mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, re-interventions and ICU admission. Results Our meta-analysis included IPD of 25 studies including 576 patients with IEP and 384 with BS. In IEP, early TOD was not associated with overall mortality (8% vs. 13%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.8–5.1), but was associated with a 23% decrease in ICU admissions (46% vs. 69%, OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2–7.2), a 22% decrease in re-interventions (23% vs. 45%, OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2–6.7) and a 36% decrease in length of hospital stay (14 vs. 22 days, p < 0.001), compared with late TOD. In BS, no associations between TOD and outcomes were found. When combining IEP and BS, early TOD was associated with a 6% decrease in overall mortality (10% vs. 16%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.9), a 19% decrease in re-interventions (26% vs. 45%, OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.2) and a 35% decrease in mean length of hospital stay (16 vs. 22 days, p = 0.001), compared with late TOD. Conclusions This individual patient data meta-analysis confirms the general opinion that an early (≤ 24 h) compared to a late diagnosis (> 24 h) in benign esophageal perforations, particularly in IEP, is associated with improved clinical outcome.publishedVersio

Early diagnosis is associated with improved clinical outcomes in benign esophageal perforation: an individual patient data meta-analysis.

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked DownloadBackground: Time of diagnosis (TOD) of benign esophageal perforation is regarded as an important risk factor for clinical outcome, although convincing evidence is lacking. The aim of this study is to assess whether time between onset of perforation and diagnosis is associated with clinical outcome in patients with iatrogenic esophageal perforation (IEP) and Boerhaave's syndrome (BS). Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library through June 2018 to identify studies. Authors were invited to share individual patient data and a meta-analysis was performed (PROSPERO: CRD42018093473). Patients were subdivided in early (≤ 24 h) and late (> 24 h) TOD and compared with mixed effects multivariable analysis while adjusting age, gender, location of perforation, initial treatment and center. Primary outcome was overall mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, re-interventions and ICU admission. Results: Our meta-analysis included IPD of 25 studies including 576 patients with IEP and 384 with BS. In IEP, early TOD was not associated with overall mortality (8% vs. 13%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 0.8-5.1), but was associated with a 23% decrease in ICU admissions (46% vs. 69%, OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.2), a 22% decrease in re-interventions (23% vs. 45%, OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2-6.7) and a 36% decrease in length of hospital stay (14 vs. 22 days, p < 0.001), compared with late TOD. In BS, no associations between TOD and outcomes were found. When combining IEP and BS, early TOD was associated with a 6% decrease in overall mortality (10% vs. 16%, OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-3.9), a 19% decrease in re-interventions (26% vs. 45%, OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2) and a 35% decrease in mean length of hospital stay (16 vs. 22 days, p = 0.001), compared with late TOD. Conclusions: This individual patient data meta-analysis confirms the general opinion that an early (≤ 24 h) compared to a late diagnosis (> 24 h) in benign esophageal perforations, particularly in IEP, is associated with improved clinical outcome. Keywords: Esophageal rupture; Individual patient data meta-analysis; Time of diagnosis

Afrikaansontmagtiging : disempowerment of Afrikaans

Abstract: Disempowerment of Afrikaans Afrikaans, like any other language, is not merely a medium of communication. Should one hold such an opinion, one tends to consider only the symbolic nature of the specific language. That is exactly the view taken by those who wish to reduce the formal and official status of Afrikaans. It enables them to use metaphorical mappings to link Afrikaans with the stigmatised concept apartheid