Hoe meer kompleks, hoe meer wetenskap? ’n Interaksie met “The complexity of science” deur X

Does more complexity imply more science?Reflection on the article by X allows for appreciative as well as critical remarks. The main gist of the re(inter)action may be formulated as follows: yes, science is a complex phenomenon and as such may follow the behaviour of complex systems in general. But in what way does the complexity of science distinguish it from other equally complex human activities? The underlying problem is one of setting boundaries. We have reservations that the boundaries of science may in one sense be defined too narrowly, and in another sense again be made too encompassing. By making complexity the identifying characteristic of science, we lose sight of other important aspects contributing to the identity of science such as the presence of appropriate method, and a critical/responsible thought altitude. In that sense it is too narrow a definition of science. On the other hand science as (a selforganising rational) complex system is m danger of being regarded as autonomous, thereby stretching its boundaries too far. With regard to that we emphasize that science is continually m interaction with intra- and extra-scientific "systems”. Furthermore, science does not exist solely for its own sake. Guided by the principles of caritas and sapientia, it ought to further the establishment of shalom in society

'n Dowwe spieël? 'n Kerkhistoriese ondersoek na die resente stand van die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk, 1990-2006

AFRIKAANS : Heelwat artikels in dagblaaie, kerkkoerante en ander publikasies in verband met die NG Kerk skep die indruk dat die NG Kerk ‘n krisistyd beleef. Die krisisse wat aan die orde gestel word, hou onder andere verband met die volgende: ‘n identiteitskrisis omtrent spiritualiteit; onduidelikheid oor etiese kwessies; spanning ten opsigte van die kultuur-politieke rol van die NG Kerk en gepaardgaande konflik oor kerkhereniging; die neo-liberale verbruikerskultuur se uitdagings aan die NG Kerk waarop dit nie noodwendig voorbereid is nie. Dit is egter opmerklik dat die NG Kerk tog ook die nuwe millennium met nuwe visie en ywer benader in ‘n soeke na kontekstuele en religieuse relevansie. Daar is min twyfel dat die resente stand van die NG Kerk kompleks is. Dit kan moontlik toegeskryf word aan ‘n verskeidenheid historiese vormingsagente wat die veelvuldige en uiteenlopende kerklike fenomene ten grondslag lê. Deur die geskiedenis van die NG Kerk binne die groter konteks van die Suid-Afrikaanse geskiedenis te bestudeer, is dit moontlik om die oorsaaklike verbande en die samehang van gebeure en verskynsels te bepaal. Op hierdie wyse kan daar aan die resente situasie en konteks van die NG Kerk betekenis verleen word. Die polities-kulturele situasie in Suid-Afrika het sedert 1990 radikaal verander. Hierdie verandering het ook verskillende reaksies tot gevolg gehad. Vir sommiges is die verandering die langverwagte uitkoms van jare se politieke stryd. Vir ander het dit ‘n belewenis van onsekerheid en wanhoop gebring. Die polities-kulturele situasie is egter nie al wat verander het nie. Die verandering in Suid-Afrika word ook omvat deur veranderende sosiale denke en -gedrag. Hierdie nuwe manier van dink en doen verteenwoordig die postmoderne paradigma. Toenemende sekularisasie is ook waarneembaar. Die NG Kerk staan binne die invloedsfeer van hierdie gebeure. Die nuwe politieke en kulturele situasie het implikasies vir die identiteit van die NG Kerk. Die verandering van wêreldbeskouings bring ook uitdagings wat vormend inwerk op die selfverstaan van die NG Kerk. Die begrip wat die kerk vir die betekenis van hierdie gebeure toon, sal bepaal waartoe die NG Kerk in toekoms verander.ENGLISH : Many newspapers, church newspapers and other publications report that a crisis is immanent in the Dutch Reformed Church today. The crisis is seen in the incidence of the following: an identity crisis concerning spirituality; ambiguity about ethical matters; tension over the DR Church’s cultural and political role in South Africa as well as conflict over church unity with the members of the DRC family; the fact that the DR Church is caught offhanded by the challenges of the neo-liberal consumer culture. It must be said that despite this crisis, there are signs of the DR Church seeking contextual and religious relevance in the new millennium. There is little doubt that the recent state of affairs in the DR Church is complicated. The reason can be ascribed to a variety of historical incidents that underlie the numerous and diverse phenomena in the church. Against the background of the South African history, the history of the DR Church should be studied. This way it is possible to identify the causality and cohesion of historical events and phenomena. This process could help to give meaning to the recent situation and context of the DR Church. Since 1990 the political and cultural situation in South Africa has changed radically. People reacted differently to this change. For some it was the long-anticipated outcome of years of political struggle. For others it has brought uncertainty and despair. But this was not the only change since 1990. The change in South Africa is encompassed by a new way of social thinking and behaviour, which represents what is known as the postmodern paradigm. Secularisation of everyday life and institutions is also escalating. The DR Church stands within the sphere of influence of these phenomena. The new political and cultural situation has implications for the identity of the DR Church. The postmodern paradigm brings challenges for the way in which the DR Church understands itself as a church and its mission within the South African context. What the church in future will become, depends on the church’s comprehension of the meaning of these phenomena.Dissertation (MA(Theology))--University of Pretoria, 2008.Church History and Church Policyunrestricte

'n Kritiese ondersoek na die inligtingsverwerkingsbenadering in die kognitiewe sielkunde

Text in Afrikaans'n Ondersoek word gedoen na die aard, die oorsprong en die geloofwaardigheid van die inligtingsvetwerkingsbenadering in die kognitiewe sielkunde. Reeds vir die antieke Griekse denkers vorm logika 'n uitdrukking van die essensie van rede. Hierdie beskouing sou tydens die sewentiende eeu ontwikkel word tot die gedagte aan die subjek as 'n innerlike ruimte waarbinne die wereld van objekte in terme van logies-wiskundige rekonstruksies geken word. Die materialistiese beskouing reken dat alle dinge op hierdie wyse kenbaar is, maar ontken die subjek as vootwaarde vir sulke kennis, deur te poog om ook dit tot die objektiewe orde te reduseer. Die inligtingsteorie volg uit die ontstaan van die wiskundige logika, en hied 'n algemene teorie van probleemoplossing, die teorie van formele sisteme. Dit lewer 'n model vir die denke as die manipulering van simbole d.m.v. formele manipulasiereels. Hierdie simbole is abstrakte objekte, slegs onderskeibaar aan die hand van hulle vorm, maar kan onderling in hulle logiese samehang die wetmatige relasies tussen dinge soos dit in die wereld voorkom behou, en so dien as voorstellings van die wereld. Die funksionalistiese benadering tot denke is 'n poging om die probleem van die verhouding tussen denke en gedrag (die subjek-objekprobleem) op te los deur 'n toepassing van die inligtingsteorie. Funksionaliste wat die betekenisaspek of intensionele inhoud van die denke emstig opneem, reken dat terwyl voorstellings innerlik funksioneer as simbole in 'n formele sisteem, dit ook dien as verwysings na objekte in die ervaringswereld. Diegene wat 'n materialistiese reduksionisme aanvaarbaar vind ontken bloot die verwysingsvlak, en beskou die innerlike vetwerkings suiwer as sintaktiese prosesse. Aan die hand van 'n ontleding van die inligtingsvetwerkingsbenadering in verskillende manifestasies daarvan, word aangetoon dat die oplossing wat gebied word vir die probleem van die verhouding tussen denke en gedrag onsuksesvol is. Solank die onderliggende objektivistiese vooraannames gehandhaaf word, is die probleem waarskynlik in beginsel onoplosbaar. 'n Verskuiwing van perspektief is wenslik. Aandag moet gegee word aan die konkrete betrokkenheid van 'n mens in sy wereld, wat hy in handeling tot uitdrukking bring, en wat in taal binne 'n gemeenskaplike raamwerk geplaas word.An inquiry is conducted into the nature, origins, and tenability of the information processing approach in cognitive psychology. Logic regarded as the essence of reason originates with classical Greek philosophy. In the seventeenth century this developed into the idea of the subject as an inner space where the world of objects is known by way of a mathematical-logical reconstruction. To materialists all things are known in this way, but the existence of the subject as a precondition for such knowledge is denied, by attempting to reduce it to the world of objects. Information theory developed in the wake of mathematical logic, and presents a general theory of problem-solving in the theory of formal systems. This suggests a model of the mind in terms of the manipulation of symbols by way of formal rules. Such symbols are abstract objects, individuated only by their form. Through the logical relationships among them they are able to maintain the lawlike relationships that exist among things in the world. In this way they serve as representations of the world. The functionalist approach to mind is an attempt to solve the problem of the relationship between thought and behaviour (i.e. the subject-object problem) by the application of information theory. Those functionalists that take the aspect of meaning or the intentional content of the mind seriously, argue that while representations function inwardly as symbols in a formal system, they also refer to objects in the world of experience. Materialist reductionists simply deny the level of referral, and view the inner computations as a purely syntactical process. By analyzing the information processing approach in various guises, it is shown that the solution given to the problem of the relationship between mind and behaviour does not succeed. As long as the underlying objectivist assumptions are maintained, this problem appears to be insoluble. A shift of perspective is suggested. Attention should be directed to the concrete involvement of a person with his world, as expressed in action, and how this is placed in a communal frame of reference through the power of language.PsychologyD. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology

Cellphone banking at the bottom of the pyramid

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis investigate the di erent available GSM bearer channels that can be used to launch a cellphone banking application. Speci c attention is given to launch such a cellphone banking application to the so called \bottom of the pyramid". In South Africa, there are an estimate 11 to 13 million people with no bank accounts. The cellphone create an ideal opportunity to be used as a tool to reach this untapped market segment that today mainly uses cash to pay for day to day living expenses. The thesis provide more information on the cellphone banking arena in South Africa as well as certain projects in other parts of the world. The thesis also highlight new devel- opments on cellphone technology that include Android and IPhone delivery channels. Focus is placed on how the cellphone banking presentation layer must be delivered through the USSD GSM bearer channel. USSD is at the current moment the ultimate channel to consider due to its extensive reach and ability to work on any GSM cellphone handset. In conclusion, although cellphone banking can be used by any person, the bene t to bring nancial services to the bottom end of the pyramid must be considered to achieve nancial inclusion. The cellphone due to its reach is the ideal medium to access this lower end market.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis ondersoek beskikbare GSM selfoon kanale wat gebruik kan word om 'n selfoon bankdienste toepassing te initieer. Spesi eke aandag word gegee om so 'n selfoon bankdienste toepassing uit te rol na die sogenaamde onderste gedeelte van die bevolkings piramiede. Die tesis verskaf meer informasie oor die selfoon bankdienste arena in Suid Africa maar dit brei ook ooit oor sekere soortgelyke projekte in ander dele van die wereld. Die tesis lig ook nuwe ontwikkelings uit in selfoon tegnologie wat Android en IPhone mediums insluit. Fokus word geplaas op die selfoon bankdienste vertoning deur die USSD GSM kanaal. USSD is huidiglik die beste kanaal om te oorweeg as gevolg van die wydverspreide beskik- baarheid omdat die tegnologie op enige selfoon handstuk werk. Die uiteindelike gevolgtrekking uit die werkstuk is dat selfoon bankdienste deur enige persoon gebruik kan word, maar selfoon bankdienste is 'n goeie idee om te oorweeg om mense in te sluit uit die onderste gedeelte van die bevolkings piramiede. Die selfoon kan dus as 'n ideale medium gebruik word om hierdie mense te betrek by nansiele dienste

The prevalence of common mental health problems and associated psychosocial issues in elite swimmers

Introduction: The mental health of elite athletes has been recognised as of great importance. There have been relatively few studies examining the prevalence of mental health problems in swimmers. None have commented on the range of psychosocial problems associated with mental ill-health. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of common mental health problems and psychosocial problems in elite swimmers. Methods: The study was conducted on a national swimming squad competing at the international level. All athletes (n=55) were invited to participate. The response rate was 63.3% (n=36). The study was cross-sectional in design. Data was collected using a battery of psychometric tests yielding information on distress (The Distress Screener), anxiety and depression (PHQ-9, K10), sleep disturbance (PROMIS scale), alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C), smoking behaviour, adverse nutrition behaviour, career satisfaction (Career Satisfaction Scale) and mental toughness (Mental Toughness Index). Results: The prevalence of depression was 14% (n=5). Six percent (n=2) reported suicidal ideation in the last 2 weeks. Fourteen percent met criteria for distress. There were positive correlations between depression and sleep disturbance ( r=.343, p<.05), between anxiety/depression and distress ( r=.380, p<.05), and between depression and distress ( r=.531, p<.01). Career dissatisfaction was identified in 46% of participants and was inversely correlated with mental toughness ( r=.485, p<.01). Low mental toughness and adverse alcohol use were identified in 37% and 23% of participants, respectively. Conclusions: Elite swimmers experience common mental illnesses and associated psychosocial problems. There is a relationship between career dissatisfaction and low mental toughness. Sport governing bodies should assess their own athlete populations and implement programmes to support mental health

An investigation into exercise behaviour, preferences and quality of life of primary brain tumour patients

Brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer deaths in young adults ages 20-39. According to the South African Medical Research Council, there was an estimated 801 deaths from brain cancer in South Africa in 2000. Primary and metastatic tumors are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients worldwide. The purpose of this study was to further the knowledge and expertise on exercise as an adjuvant therapy in brain tumor patients to improve quality of life (QoL). A sample of 14 brain tumor patients in various stages of the illness was recruited. Based on the objectives of this study, an Exercise and Quality of Life questionnaire (Fact-Br) was compiled. It contains 53 questions with high validity and good psychometric properties and efficacy to assess QoL in patients in the population. The main objective of the study was to find a correlation of QoL and physical activity. A positive correlation was evident, which indicated that physical activity would improve the QoL of the brain tumor patient. There was a statistically significant difference between patients who participated in exercise before diagnoses and those who did not in terms of perceptions of QoL (p=0.034). In the survey it showed that 59-71% patients engaged in mild to moderate exercise. There is a considerable rationale for promoting multimodal exercise interventions to improve physical capacity, vitality, and physical and mental well-being and to relieve fatigue during chemotherapy, thereby supporting cancer patients’ daily activities.http://www.ajol.info/journal_index.php?jid=153&ab=ajpherd2015-06-30am201

Hydrotherapy and its effects on chronic pain intensity, physical functionality and quality of life in the elderly

Chronic pain is often associated with impaired muscle strength and limited physical activity and performance, resulting in impaired physical functioning. This study aimed to determine whether voluntary participation in a structured 6-week hydrotherapy exercise programme would improve pain management, functionality and quality of life in an elderly population (n = 22; 77.7 ± 6.6 y)suffering from chronic pain and living in nursing homes in Tshwane. The experimental group (n= 13) attended hydrotherapy classes twice a week for six weeks, while the control group (n = 9)did not. Questionnaires were completed (Chronic Pain Grade, Functional Status Index, and the SF 36), and functional testing performed, in both groups at weeks 0, 3 and 6. The experimental group reported reduced pain intensity at week 3 (p = 0.051); reduced pain-induced disability at week 6 (p = 0.080); reduced assisted help required for activities of daily living (ADL) at week 3 (p = 0.040); reduced difficulty on performing ADL at week 3 (p = 0.012) and reduced pain experienced with ADL at week 3 (p = 0.007) and week 6 (p = 0.014). Improvements in upper body strength and agility were demonstrated. Improvements in sub-scales for quality of life were demonstrated at weeks 3 and 6. The control group showed no statistically significant changes in the above parameters. In conclusion, participation in structured hydrotherapy classes has been shown in this small study to be a beneficial intervention strategy for managing chronic pain in the elderly.http://www.ajol.info/journal_index.php?jid=153&ab=ajpherd2017-12-31am201

The incidence of chronic low back pain on employment status in working adults in South Africa

Low back pain has become one of the most influential musculoskeletal disorders of modern society. Exercise has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain. The goal of the study was to test the effect of two exercise intervention programmes (conservative or progressive-aggressive programmes) for 12 weeks on low back muscle strength as well as psychological factors in participants with chronic low back pain. In total 32 participants were recruited for the study and randomly assigned to two exercise groups. However, due to medical and work related reasons a number of subjects dropped out. At the end there were 10 subjects in the conservative exercise group and 11 in the progressive-aggressive group. Statistically significant differences at the 5% level of significance were found at the post-test measurements between the two groups. The results from the present study indicate that both types of programmes have shown to be very effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain, but that an aggressive-progressive exercise programme may be slightly more effective than a more conservative exercises programme.http://reference.sabinet.co.za/sa_epublication/ergosahb201

The effect of a conservative versus an aggressive-progressive exercise programme on chronic low back pain and disability

Thirty-two (N= 32) full-time working subjects between the ages of 20 and 55 years participated in a 12-week exercise intervention study. Subjects were randomly divided into a control group receiving conservative exercises and low intensity back school and an experimental group receiving aggressive-progressive exercises and high intensity back school. Pain and disability were measured with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). The ODI is used to determine the impact of low back pain on the activities of daily living. Results showed that both groups improved significantly from baseline, but there was no significant difference between the groups. The experimental group improved from 54.44 to 17 and the control group improved from 52.57 to 13.40 for the VAS and from 23.72 to 8 for the experimental group and from 20.7 to 11.00 for the control group for the ODI respectively. The results from the experimental group were compared to results from similar studies to obtain an indication of results achieved versus those achieved in developed countries. In conclusion, the VAS and ODI results achieved by the South African subjects were equal to or better than those achieved by patients in developed countries.http://www.ajol.info/journal_index.php?jid=153&ab=ajpher

Comparison of physical fitness outcomes of young South African military recruits following different physical training programs during basic military training

Physical training (PT) is an integral part of developing operational fitness. The objective of the study was to compare the physical fitness outcomes of two groups of young South African military recruits completing 12 weeks of Basic Military Training (BMT) who followed different PT programs. A historical control group (NCPG: female n=115, male n=73) that followed a traditional PT program and an experimental group (CPG: female n=85, male n=100) that followed a new cyclic-progressive PT program participated. The standardised PT test was taken at the beginning, the fifth week and the end of the BMT period. The changes in the fitness components evaluated by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) standardised PT test were compared. Although the new cyclic-progressive PT program elicited more change (p<0.05) in the fitness parameters measured, it only yielded superior performance at the final measurement in the men’s push-ups (p=0.0001). This may be attributed to the relatively greater amount of upper body exercises performed by the CPG and by the additional resistance offered by pole PT. The new cyclic-progressive PT program has been mandated for all BMT units across the SANDF.http://academic.sun.ac.za/sajrsper/am201