Convergence behaviour in exogenous growth models

This paper analyzes several aspects of convergence behaviour in the Solow growth model. In empirical work, a popular approach is to log-linearize around the steady-state. We investigate the conditions under which this approximation performs well, and discuss convergence behaviour when an economy is some distance from the steady-state. A formal analysis shows that convergence speeds will be heterogeneous across countries and over time. In particular, the Solow model implies that convergence to a growth path from above is slower than convergence from below. We find some support for this prediction in the data.convergence, economic growth, Solow model

Exploring teachers’ reflections on the teaching of the cash-flow statement in Grade 12 Accounting on Mashona Circuit, Mahlabathini CMC in KwaZulu-Natal.

Masters Degree. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.The aim of this action research was to explore the reflections of Accounting teachers on the teaching of the cash-flow statement in Grade 12 in rural schools on the Mashona circuit, Mahlabathini CMC in KwaZulu-Natal. There is a decline in the pass rate in Accounting. One of the sections that contributes to this failure rate is the cash-flow statement section. Thus, this study aims to gain in-depth knowledge and transformation in the teaching of the cash-flow statement in Grade 12 Accounting. For this reason, it is adopted as a critical paradigm. The research also intended to answer the following research question: What are the teachers’ reflections on the teaching of the cash-flow statement in Grade 12 Accounting in rural schools of Mahlabathini? The second research question was based on what informs teachers’ reflections on the teaching of the cash-flow statement in Grade 12 Accounting in rural schools of the Mashona circuit. Data was generated through reflective activity, one-on-one semi-structured interviews, and a focus-group discussion. Purposive and convenience samplings were used in grouping teachers for easy accessibility. Data were analysed using guided analysis. The study was framed by the concepts of the curriculum spider web to explore teachers’ reflections on their teaching practices. The findings outlined that teachers draw from self-reflection, verbal-reflection, and written-reflection in their teaching. The findings from studies further indicated that teachers were mostly influenced by self-rationale and verbal rationale in the teaching of the cash-flow statement as a subtopic of financial statements. Findings also revealed that teachers are not aware of all factors underpinning their teaching practices, having unequal acknowledgement of schools’ quintiles, which could badly affect prescribed, enacted, and assessed curriculum. This study recommends that teachers draw from all reflections for balanced implementation of the cash-flow statement section

Male students’ understandings about sexual violence at the University of KwaZulu-Natal residences.

Master of Education in Education Studies. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood 2017.Considerable research highlights that sexual violence is a worldwide issue, which is experienced by some groups at a high rate in the society and one of these groups, is university students. This study explores fifteen male students` understandings about sexual violence at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood campus residences. The study focused on understanding what these male students regarded as sexual violence, what meanings they attach to sexual violence and what they suggest to be possible ways of preventing sexual violence in the university residences. Using a qualitative research approach, the methods utilised in this study comprised semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions. Theories of masculinities were drawn to frame the study. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that sexual violence is prevalent at a high rate at the university residences. Findings reveals that sexual violence at the university residences is aggravated by campus life that exposes students to freedom and alcohol, dressing in an improper way and poverty that makes females students vulnerable to sexual violence from sugar daddies. “Sugar daddy” is a term is associated with the phenomenon of transactional sex. Findings indicate that the influence of culture on male dominance fuels the rate of sexual violence in the university residences. The data reveal how male university students use their masculinities, and how by conforming to the societal norms they add to the prevalence of sexual violence in the university residences. The findings also illustrate how patriarchal societies promote male domination and how female subordination results in the normalisation and under-reporting of sexual violence at the university residences. The findings of this study emphasises the serious consideration and possible initiatives that the university and students should implement in dealing with issues of sexual violence in the university residences. Possible initiatives such as the training and active engagement of university administrators, students and staff on striving to prevent the issues of sexual violence are proposed

A continuing education programme for family nurse practitioners in Swaziland

Text in EnglishIn Swaziland, family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are professional nurses who have undergone preparation as general nurse, midwife and FNP. These nurses play an important role in the delivery of primary health care (PHC). Family nurse practice is an evolving concept introduced in Swaziland in 1979. It is a means of exploring nursing roles and primary health care services for deployment in under-served areas and to enable nurses to serve as the primary providers of health care services in clinics, health centres and in the outpatient departments of hospitals. Changing responsibilities within the health care setting require different skills and more knowledge. The expansion and extension of the nurses' role, including the techniques of diagnosing and treating, was a priority of the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOH&SW) in Swaziland's five-year development plan for 1978-1983. It was regarded as a necessary component for raising the quality and effectiveness of PHC services. Some of the major and urgent challenges that confront FNPs today are the advent of the human immune virus/acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) scourge and the re-emergence of the tuberculosis epidemic. Both these health problems require proficient diagnosis and case management skills as well as new approaches. If FNPs are to remain relevant and to continue to provide quality services in spite of prevailing challenges, they have to engage in continuing education (CE). The main aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of the FNP role, CE needs and issues relevant to the current practice of FNPs in Swaziland. A further aim was to establish a structure or framework for a CE programme that would contribute to the strengthening of CE for FNPs and identify enabling factors and barriers in the practice and education ofFNPs. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used for data collection. A survey was conducted to collect data from 5 7 FNPs and 11 nurse managers and nurse educators. The transcript from the questionnaires was subjected to quantitative-based content analysis. A total of thirty nurse managers, nurse educators and MOH&SW nurse executives participated in the focus group interviews. The collected data was subjected to qualitativebased content analysis. The findings identified the role of the FNP as manager, clinical practitioner, educator and researcher. The analyses highlighted the CE needs of FNPs, and the question of updating and upgrading the skills of practising FNPs. The identified enabling factors and barriers, although perceived as issues that are peripheral and auxiliary to the curriculum, appeared to have a strong bearing on programme planning. The findings from this study have implications for a structured CE programme for FNPs at the University of Swaziland.Health StudiesD. Litt et Phil. (Nursing Sciences

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRIMARY HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON HYPERTENSION AND COMPLIANCE WITH SODIUM RESTRICTED DIET THERAPY, AT A REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN SWAZILAND

One of the major health concerns in the healthcare field is the increasing number of primary hypertensive patients. Primary hypertension is a condition that occurs without underlying health problems, it is an asymptomatic, chronic, debilitating, and silent killer disease if it is uncontrolled. However, primary hypertension can be prevented and successfully controlled. This descriptive correlational study assessed: the primary hypertensive patients’ knowledge about hypertension, level of compliance with sodium restricted diet therapy, and the relationship between the primary hypertensive patients’ knowledge and compliance with sodium restricted diet therapy. The study was conducted at the Mbabane Government Hospital. The systematic probability sampling method was utilized to obtain a sample of N = 90 primary hypertensive patients. The researchers selected every fifth participant. There were 74 (82%) females and 16 males (18%), between 35 and 65 years of age. Subjects’ knowledge scores on hypertension was 58%, and compliance with sodium restricted diet therapy was 64% among both males and females. The correlation coefficient indicated a relationship that was not statistically significant (r = .09, p > .05).between knowledge and compliance. The findings suggest that there may be other factors that influence self-care on compliance, besides knowledge on hypertension

The relationship between dietary intake and adiposity in South African female adolescents : a systematic review

: The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly in developing nations over the past decade, particularly among adolescent girls. To assess the scale of this epidemic among female adolescents in South Africa, a systematic review was undertaken to investigate the connection between diet and obesity. Multiple databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched to identify studies investigating the associations between diet and various adiposity indices as outcomes. Of the 56 studies identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. The age range of participants spanned from 11 to 21 years. Tabulation was used to report the data, study by study. The consumption of nutrients from animal sources exhibited a positive correlation with higher BMI-for-age Z scores (p = 0.02). Eating habits such as sporadic family meals (p ≤ 0.02), irregular breakfast consumption (p ≤ 0.05), and a high energy intake derived from fat were linked to an increased risk of adiposity. Additionally, factors such as socioeconomic status and residential location revealed associations with certain dietary intakes and adiposity. As more studies identify the causative role of diet in obesity, there is an urgent need for policy intervention and strategies to address the growing non-communicable disease burden in South Africa.The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly in developing nations over the past decade, particularly among adolescent girls. To assess the scale of this epidemic among female adolescents in South Africa, a systematic review was undertaken to investigate the connection between diet and obesity. Multiple databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched to identify studies investigating the associations between diet and various adiposity indices as outcomes. Of the 56 studies identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. The age range of participants spanned from 11 to 21 years. Tabulation was used to report the data, study by study. The consumption of nutrients from animal sources exhibited a positive correlation with higher BMI-for-age Z scores (p = 0.02). Eating habits such as sporadic family meals (p ≤ 0.02), irregular breakfast consumption (p ≤ 0.05), and a high energy intake derived from fat were linked to an increased risk of adiposity. Additionally, factors such as socioeconomic status and residential location revealed associations with certain dietary intakes and adiposity. As more studies identify the causative role of diet in obesity, there is an urgent need for policy intervention and strategies to address the growing non-communicable disease burden in South Africa.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsciHuman Nutritio

Physical Activity and Health Promotion: A Public Health Imperative

Continuing epidemiological and clinical studies have accumulated evidence that appropriate regular physical activity (PA) results in significant health benefits and can even prevent and treat many diseases like cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, musculoskeletal problems, stress, anxiety, and depression. These benefits are universal to all populations and age groups making physical activity a critical component in reducing many of the leading causes of global mortality. Additional benefits have also been found to follow an expanding quantity and quality of PA through the proper manipulation of the exercise design (i.e., frequency, intensity, duration, and mode). Global health benefits are achievable through physical activity, but this requires competent health professionals able to prescribe appropriate physical activity to their clients, patients, and communities to ensure engagement in increasing their PA levels and thus contribute to their own well-being and the prevention of the main non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs)

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Continuous Aerobic Training on Health-Fitness, Health Related Quality of Life, and Psychological Measures in College-Aged Smokers.

The study examined the effects of exercise on health-fitness, health related quality of life (HRQOL), and psychological measures in college-aged smokers. Outcomes included HRQOL, hemodynamic, anthropometric, lung function, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Sixty physically inactive college-aged male smokers (18-30 years) were randomly assigned into three groups: high-intensity interval training (HIIT), continuous aerobic training (CAT), and a control (CON). Both HIIT and CAT groups completed 8 weeks of non-consecutive cycling sessions thrice weekly. The CON group were not subjected to the exercise intervention. Sixty participants met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 48 (HIIT: n = 18, CAT: n = 16, CON: n = 14) participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Compared to CON, HIIT significantly (p = 0.01) improved forced expiratory flow (FEF_75%) more than the CAT group (p = 0.29). HIIT provided a significant (p = 0.04) improvement in FEF_75% compared to CAT. Recovery heart rate (RHR) was significantly improved in participants assigned to HIIT (p = 0.00) and CAT (p = 0.002) groups compared with the CON. A significant difference in RHR was found in HIIT compared to CAT. The study findings indicate that both HIIT and CAT exercise interventions significantly improve markers of lung function and cardiorespiratory endurance, respectively. However, findings suggested that HIIT should be the preferred form of exercise regime among college-aged smokers for more significant, healthier benefits

Exercise Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), Muscular Function, Cardiorespiratory Function, and Body Composition in Smokers: A Narrative Review.

Smoking is amongst the leading global threats with high incidences of preventable premature mortality, morbidity, and various chronic diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) proclaims a decrease in the prevalence of daily smoking in both males and females from 1980 to 2012, however, the number of regular smokers since then has exponentially increased. The low socio-income status individuals contribute greatly towards tobacco-attributable diseases due to limited access to healthcare systems, mostly in developing countries as compared to developed countries. Smoking affects the optimal functioning of the human body, which results in altered body system processes. Although a high intake of nicotine can lead to prolonged adherence and dependence on smoking, other factors, such as an individual's level of health-related quality of life (HRQOL), stress, depression, and anxiety, can produce similar effects. Smoking has a wide impact on lifestyle factors, which explains the increase in the number of sedentary smokers with decreased health fitness levels and poor lifestyle conditions. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the exercise effects on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), muscular function, cardiorespiratory function, and body composition in smokers. Concurrently, exercise as an intervention has been sourced as a rehabilitation strategy during smoking cessation programmes to restore the diminishing health components, however, a high rate of relapse occurs due to intolerable withdrawal symptoms

ECG Recurrence Plot-Based Arrhythmia Classification Using Two-Dimensional Deep Residual CNN Features

Data Availability Statement: This study utilizes the publicly available dataset, from https:// physionet.org, accessed on 22 June 2020.Copyright: © 2022 by the authors. In this paper, an effective electrocardiogram (ECG) recurrence plot (RP)-based arrhythmia classification algorithm that can be implemented in portable devices is presented. Public databases from PhysioNet were used to conduct this study including the MIT-BIH Atrial Fibrillation Database, the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database, the MIT-BIH Malignant Ventricular Ectopy Database, and the Creighton University Ventricular Tachyarrhythmia Database. ECG time series were segmented and converted using an RP, and two-dimensional images were used as inputs to the CNN classifiers. In this study, two-stage classification is proposed to improve the accuracy. The ResNet-18 architecture was applied to detect ventricular fibrillation (VF) and noise during the first stage, whereas normal, atrial fibrillation, premature atrial contraction, and premature ventricular contractions were de-tected using ResNet-50 in the second stage. The method was evaluated using 5-fold cross-validation which improved the results when compared to previous studies, achieving first and second stage average accuracies of 97.21% and 98.36%, sensitivities of 96.49% and 97.92%, positive predictive values of 95.54% and 98.20%, and F1-scores of 95.96% and 98.05%, respectively. Furthermore, a 5-fold improvement in the memory requirement was achieved when compared with a previous study, making this classifier feasible for use in resource-constricted environments such as portable devices. Even though the method is successful, first stage training requires combining four different arrhyth-mia types into one label (other), which generates more data for the other category than for VF and noise, thus creating a data imbalance that affects the first stage performance.Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan (grant number: MOST 110-2221-E-155-004-MY2)