Am I my brother's keeper? learner leadership development in a secondary school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Against the background of a re-emphasis of human rights, social justice and democracy, learner leadership has become a topic of interest and importance. An absence of any meaningful form of leadership development among learners in formerly disadvantaged schools in South Africa prompted this interest into exploring the development of learner leadership. A more recent approach to learner leadership in many countries, including South Africa, has been to look at providing the necessary platform for learners to experience a more shared, cooperative, transformative and service approach within schools in order for them to develop their capacity to lead. This is supported by theoretical developments in the field of leadership, such as Distributive Leadership and Servant Leadership, which emphasise shared leadership. These developments were based on dialogue and strong relationships, where learner leaders situated their practices in moral action, with signs of individual growth, social justice and democratic positioning. In spite of this, not much is known of learner leadership development in South Africa. There are very few studies, none using approaches which look at the context and situation holistically. Hence this study, using Cultural Historical Activity Theory and Critical Realism as under-labourer, for its stance on ontological, epistemological and principled expectations of reality and its understandings on agency and structure, is advanced. Transformational leadership theories, in particular Distributive and Servant Leadership, are used as lenses to help make sense of the nature of learner leaders’ practice and the development of leadership. The aim of the single case study was to discover and explore how and under what circumstances learner leadership could be developed. To this end the researcher established a leadership development group at a previously disadvantaged secondary school. This project provided the platform for leadership development initiatives and became the activity which is the focus of this research. The study examines how leadership is learned and practised, and how the participants interrelate and influence learning and practice in their activity system. It examines the challenges that the learner leaders faced within their communities and what the underlying causes of these challenges were. Qualitative semi-structured interviews, document analysis, direct observation and focus groups were used to collect data. Non-probability sampling, in particular purposive sampling, was used in selecting the sixteen learner leader volunteers who participated in the study. These learners represented various ages, gender and leadership positions that were held in the school. Using inductive, abductive and retroductive modes of inference, the data was abstracted and analysed. The Change Laboratory workshop was used to boost the growth of shared collective views of the learner leaders within the changing object and activity system, in order to build and develop new practices, tools and models. The study recognized that learner leadership was generated by numerous mechanisms, which included the need to overcome the calamitous scarcity of virtuous leadership within their communities; the need to address cultural and historical assumptions, prejudices, and values that existed which reinforced their existing perceptions and behaviour towards leadership; the need to create a space for learner leaders to share responsibilities, thoughts, and become reciprocally dependent on each other, developing together due to their cooperative efforts; the need to demonstrate a willingness and the necessary resilience to survive in an environment whose socioeconomic demands and effects are restrictive and disempowering; a need to respond to the demand for impartiality and access to leadership; and a need to know that one is able to transform the practice of leadership, without it necessarily affecting one’s culture, in such a way that the needs of the people are met. This thesis reports on encouraging signs of leadership growth within the activity, observed and documented over a period of three years. The intervention led to behaviour and attitudinal development that suggests transformative learning and agency. The study’s findings further clarify the many challenges the potential learner leaders faced. Chief among these was the lack of adequate and efficient structures and systems in their communities in order for effective leadership to be established and practised in their communities. These included weak social structures in homes that were unable to support and meet the needs of the learner leaders due to the breakdown of families. Negative forces included high levels of authoritarian leadership practised by a restrictive socialised patriarchy. The underlying causes of these challenges include the perceived threat to individual dignity and survival; the fear of change; the feeling of powerlessness; a lack of hope which fuelled an apathy, a low self-esteem and poor attitude to education; adverse socioeconomic conditions; poor communication skills; a lack of adult role models and willpower; the demand for impartiality and access to leadership knowledge. In order to encourage learner leaders to advance their practice of leadership, the study recommends that adolescents be made to feel valued and included in the development process of leadership so that their willingness to engage with the process becomes pre-emptive. Learner leaders prefer structure, so it becomes all the more important to ensure that any rules, policies and guidelines that are established exhibit a demonstration of transparency and accountability. The study also recommends that when developing an understanding of the learner leaders’ behaviour, using their socio-cultural and historical contexts, they are provided with a non-threatening platform. This enables them to become empowered to actively participate, debate and dialogue collaboratively. They have an opportunity to demonstrate a willingness to engage with each other over tensions that arise, breaking the bonds of socialized pathology

Alcohol Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-analysis of More Than 1.9 Million Individuals From 38 Observational Studies.

OBJECTIVE: Observational studies indicate that moderate levels of alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition to providing an updated summary of the existing literature, this meta-analysis explored whether reductions in risk may be the product of misclassification bias. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic search was undertaken, identifying studies that reported a temporal association between alcohol consumption and the risk of type 2 diabetes. No restrictions were placed upon the language or date of publication. Non-English publications were, where necessary, translated using online translation tools. Models were constructed using fractional polynomial regression to determine the best-fitting dose-response relationship between alcohol intake and type 2 diabetes, with a priori testing of sex and referent group interactions. RESULTS: Thirty-eight studies met the selection criteria, representing 1,902,605 participants and 125,926 cases of type 2 diabetes. A conventional noncurrent drinking category was reported by 33 studies, while five reported a never-drinking category. Relative to combined abstainers, reductions in the risk of type 2 diabetes were present at all levels of alcohol intake <63 g/day, with risks increasing above this threshold. Peak risk reduction was present between 10-14 g/day at an 18% decrease in hazards. Stratification of available data revealed that reductions in risk may be specific to women only and absent in studies that adopted a never-drinking abstention category or sampled an Asian population region. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in risk among moderate alcohol drinkers may be confined to women and non-Asian populations. Although based on a minority of studies, there is also the possibility that reductions in risk may have been overestimated by studies using a referent group contaminated by less healthy former drinkers.C.K., S.B., and A.B. are funded by the European Research Council (ERC-StG-2012-309337_AlcoholLifecourse; principal investigator A.B. [http://www.ucl.ac.uk/alcohol-lifecourse]) and the U.K. Medical Research Council/Alcohol Research UK (MR/M006638/1)

Hyperkalaemic complete heart block : a report of 2 unique cases and a review of the literature

The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaTwo White male patients with temporary complete heart block (CHB) secondary to hyperkalaemia are presented. One, a 40-year-old man, developed CHB with ensuing shock within the first 24 hours of repeat aortic valve replacement for a paraprosthetic leak caused by previous endocarditis. This patient experienced iatrogenic hyperkalaemia. The second was an 81-year-old man who had chronic renal failure and presented with Stokes-Adams attacks. This patient was initially thought to have degenerative CHB and nearly underwent inadvertent permanent pacemaker insertion. Both patients were initially treated with emergency temporary cardiac pacing with subsequent successful management. Temporary CHB secondary to hyperkalaemia, from whatever cause, has very rarely been documented in the literature. A review of this potentially lethal complication is undertaken and the significance of unifascicular and bifascicular conduction block as a consequenc of hyperkalaemia is discussed.Publishers' versio

Trajectories of alcohol consumption prior to the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes: a longitudinal case-cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Non-linear associations have been reported between baseline measures of alcohol consumption and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, given that drinking varies over the adult life course, we investigated whether differences existed in the longitudinal trajectory of alcohol consumption according to T2DM status. METHODS: For a case-cohort (916 incident cases; 7376 controls) of British civil servants nested within the Whitehall II cohort, the self-reported weekly volume of alcohol consumption was traced backwards from the date of diagnosis or censoring to the beginning of the study, covering a period of up to 28 years. Mean trajectories of alcohol intake were estimated separately by diagnosis status using random-effects models. RESULTS: Drinking increased linearly among male cases before diagnosis, but declined among male non-cases prior to censoring. At the time of diagnosis or censoring, consumption among those who developed T2DM was 33.4 g/week greater on average. These patterns were not apparent among women. Here, alcohol intake among female cases was consistently below that of non-cases, with the difference in consumption most pronounced around 15 years prior to diagnosis or censoring, at ∼28.0 g/week. Disparities by diagnosis status were attenuated following adjustment for potential confounders, including the frequency of consumption and metabolic factors. Drinking among male and female cases declined following diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in the weekly volume of alcohol consumption are reported in the years leading up to diagnosis or censoring. Although male and female cases predominantly consumed alcohol at volumes lower than or equal to those who were not diagnosed, these disparities appear to be largely explained by a range of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Where disparities are observed between cases and non-cases, adjusted absolute differences are small in magnitude. The decision to drink alcohol should not be motivated by a perceived benefit to T2DM risk

Changes in the mode of travel to work and the severity of depressive symptoms: a longitudinal analysis of UK Biobank.

Although commuting provides an opportunity for incorporating physical activity into daily routines, little is known about the effect of active commuting upon depressive symptoms. This study aimed to determine whether changes in commute mode are associated with differences in the severity of depressive symptoms in working adults. Commuters were selected from the UK Biobank cohort if they completed ≥2 assessment centre visits between 2006 and 2016. Modes of travel to work were self-reported at each visit. Participants were categorised as 'inactive' (car only) or 'active' commuters (any other mode(s), including walking, cycling and public transport). Transitions between categories were defined between pairs of visits. The severity of depressive symptoms was defined using the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2). Scores were derived between zero and six. Higher values indicate more severe symptoms. Separate analyses were conducted in commuters who were asymptomatic (zero score) and symptomatic (non-zero score) at baseline. The analytical sample comprised 5474 participants aged 40-75 at baseline with a mean follow-up of 4.65 years. Asymptomatic commuters who transitioned from inactive to active commuting reported less severe symptoms at follow-up than those who remained inactive (β -0.10, 95% CI [-0.20, 0.00]; N = 3145). A similar but non-significant relationship is evident among commuters with pre-existing symptoms (β -0.60, 95% CI [-1.27, 0.08]; N = 1078). After adjusting for transition category, longer commutes at baseline were associated with worse depressive symptoms at follow-up among symptomatic participants. Shifting from exclusive car use towards more active commuting may help prevent and attenuate depressive symptoms in working adults

Recurrent pancreatitis after partial ileal bypass for hyperlipidaemia : a case report

CITATION: Du Toit, D. F., Knott-Craig, C. & Laker, L. 1985. Recurrent pancreatitis after partial ileal bypass for hyperlipidaemia : a case report. South African Medical Journal, 68:483-484.The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaThe case of a 28-year-old man with alcohol-induced bouts of recurrent acute pancreatitis after a partial ileal bypass performed for hyperlipidaemia is presented. Serial computed tomography proved valuable for assessing the resolution of the pancreatic mass. Peripheral parenteral hyperalimentation for 6 weeks had a beneficial effect on the course of the pancreatitis and proved to be useful for nutritional support.Publisher’s versio

Exploring the Correlation of Two Field Tests with Match-Related Performance in Female Premier League Hockey Players

Background: Field hockey is a stick and ball team sport which is comprised of technical and tactical components and requires elevated physical conditioning. Due to the intermittent and complex nature of field hockey, it has become increasingly difficult for coaches to accurately measure the players hockey specific fitness levels. For this reason, various fitness tests have been developed over the years. However, some of the fitness tests utilised to this day do not incorporate movements similar to match situations, and therefore, do not stress the same energy systems in a similar manner to match-play. Hence, the INTER test and Dynamic Yo-Yo test are being utilised in the current study as they incorporate similar movements seen in match-play, and they incorporate varying rest periods. The INTER test is a test that incorporates shuttles, maximal sprints and agility movements. Whereas the Dynamic Yo-Yo test only incorporates shuttles running with differing changes in angles. However, both of these tests have previously only been used in a soccer context, therefore, the results obtained were compared to soccer specific data. Match-related data was compared to current field hockey data. Aim and Objectives: The main aim of the research study was to determine whether the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test correlate with match-related physiological demands and physical performance. There were three main objectives of the study. First, to determine and describe the physical and physiological responses in selected cohort off hockey players during match-play, the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test. Second, to run correlations between the two field tests and match-play to identify relationships. Third was to identify the differences between the two field tests. Methods: Using a combination of purposive and convenience sampling, a total of 20 field hockey players from the Eastern Cape Premier Hockey League voluntarily participated in the study (age: 22.25 ± 3.16 years; height: 167.3 ± 2.61cm; weight: 59.4 ± 3.87). The participants were monitored during the INTER test, Dynamic Yo-Yo test and the field hockey matches. The following physiological and physical variables were monitored: heart rate, breathing rate, distance and speed. The participants were given a minimum of 24 hours recovery time between field tests and matches to ensure fatigue did not impact results. The monitoring during the field tests and match-play was done by all participants wearing the Zephyr BioHarness and QStarz global positioning system. VI Results: The mean distance achieved in the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test both produced a statistically strong relationship to the mean distance achieved in the matches (r=0.82, p=0.000). The time spent in the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test compared to the time spent in match-play showed a very weak correlation (r=0.19; r=-0.08). Both the mean breathing rate for the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test resulted in a very strong correlations (r=0.8) which was statistically significant (p=0.000). Participants spend on average 72% of match-play at >85% HRpeak compared to the 52% and 78% spent at >85% HRpeak during the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test respectively. The INTER test produced a greater number of statistically significant correlations with the combined matches compared to the Dynamic Yo-Yo test. When identifying the differences between the variables measured in the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test, it was identified that there were many significant differences. Conclusions: Both the Dynamic Yo-Yo and the INTER test can be used by hockey coaches. However, the researcher would recommend the utilisation of the INTER test, because it displayed stronger, more significant correlations to match-play. The set-up of the INTER test is also more convenient as it can be conducted on the astro turf. While, both tests did have some correlations to match-play, additional tests would need to be included in a testing battery to provide coaches with complete profiles of the players in order to assist in team selections.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 202

Lattice-valued uniform convergence spaces the case of enriched lattices

Using a pseudo-bisymmetric enriched cl-premonoid as the underlying lattice, we examine different categories of lattice-valued spaces. Lattice-valued topological spaces, uniform spaces and limit spaces are described, and we produce a new definition of stratified lattice-valued uniform convergence spaces in this generalised lattice context. We show that the category of stratified L-uniform convergence spaces is topological, and that the forgetful functor preserves initial constructions for the underlying stratified L-limit space. For the case of L a complete Heyting algebra, it is shown that the category of stratified L-uniform convergence spaces is cartesian closed

Exploring the Correlation of Two Field Tests with Match-Related Performance in Female Premier League Hockey Players

Background: Field hockey is a stick and ball team sport which is comprised of technical and tactical components and requires elevated physical conditioning. Due to the intermittent and complex nature of field hockey, it has become increasingly difficult for coaches to accurately measure the players hockey specific fitness levels. For this reason, various fitness tests have been developed over the years. However, some of the fitness tests utilised to this day do not incorporate movements similar to match situations, and therefore, do not stress the same energy systems in a similar manner to match-play. Hence, the INTER test and Dynamic Yo-Yo test are being utilised in the current study as they incorporate similar movements seen in match-play, and they incorporate varying rest periods. The INTER test is a test that incorporates shuttles, maximal sprints and agility movements. Whereas the Dynamic Yo-Yo test only incorporates shuttles running with differing changes in angles. However, both of these tests have previously only been used in a soccer context, therefore, the results obtained were compared to soccer specific data. Match-related data was compared to current field hockey data. Aim and Objectives: The main aim of the research study was to determine whether the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test correlate with match-related physiological demands and physical performance. There were three main objectives of the study. First, to determine and describe the physical and physiological responses in selected cohort off hockey players during match-play, the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test. Second, to run correlations between the two field tests and match-play to identify relationships. Third was to identify the differences between the two field tests. Methods: Using a combination of purposive and convenience sampling, a total of 20 field hockey players from the Eastern Cape Premier Hockey League voluntarily participated in the study (age: 22.25 ± 3.16 years; height: 167.3 ± 2.61cm; weight: 59.4 ± 3.87). The participants were monitored during the INTER test, Dynamic Yo-Yo test and the field hockey matches. The following physiological and physical variables were monitored: heart rate, breathing rate, distance and speed. The participants were given a minimum of 24 hours recovery time between field tests and matches to ensure fatigue did not impact results. The monitoring during the field tests and match-play was done by all participants wearing the Zephyr BioHarness and QStarz global positioning system. VI Results: The mean distance achieved in the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test both produced a statistically strong relationship to the mean distance achieved in the matches (r=0.82, p=0.000). The time spent in the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test compared to the time spent in match-play showed a very weak correlation (r=0.19; r=-0.08). Both the mean breathing rate for the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test resulted in a very strong correlations (r=0.8) which was statistically significant (p=0.000). Participants spend on average 72% of match-play at >85% HRpeak compared to the 52% and 78% spent at >85% HRpeak during the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test respectively. The INTER test produced a greater number of statistically significant correlations with the combined matches compared to the Dynamic Yo-Yo test. When identifying the differences between the variables measured in the INTER test and the Dynamic Yo-Yo test, it was identified that there were many significant differences. Conclusions: Both the Dynamic Yo-Yo and the INTER test can be used by hockey coaches. However, the researcher would recommend the utilisation of the INTER test, because it displayed stronger, more significant correlations to match-play. The set-up of the INTER test is also more convenient as it can be conducted on the astro turf. While, both tests did have some correlations to match-play, additional tests would need to be included in a testing battery to provide coaches with complete profiles of the players in order to assist in team selections.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, 202

An investigation of student leadership in an independent school in the Eastern Cape: ʺdo alternative forms of leadership (such as servant leadership) emerge through community building?ʺ

Significant changes have taken place in recent years in leadership theory and practice world wide. Theorizations of effective leadership have evolved from being authoritarian and task-centered to a model in which leaders are encouraged to look beyond their self-interest and prioritize the interests of the group. This study investigates the development of an alternative form of leadership through community building in two male school boarding houses. It attempts to ascertain whether students are able to work collaboratively towards developing an environment conducive to servant leadership. Structured according to the transformative research paradigm, this action research study was conducted in an independent school, Kingswood College, in Grahamstown, South Africa. The College is a traditional independent co-educational school that prides itself on producing leaders. As the school was in the process of reviewing its leadership system, it became an appropriate site to investigate the development of community and to explore possibilities for the emergence of an alternative form of leadership that would reflect the attributes of servant leadership. The participants in the study were volunteers from two boarding houses, who agreed to reflect on their perceptions and experiences of the way in which their houses functioned. My research findings show that through their willingness to engage in moral dialogue, students can transform their boarding houses into closely-knit communities bound together by shared values and beliefs. Closer relationships make for better understanding. As the leaders take on the responsibility of caring for their juniors, a moral obligation begins to manifest itself. Leaders will display the attributes of servant leadership if they are prepared to acknowledge in practice this moral obligation to serve others