Die problematiek rondom die lied van die NG Kerk: enkele bevindings vanut 'n sosiaal - wetenskapleke invalshoek

This article investigates viewpoints regarding the hymn of the Dutch Reformed Church over the lase few decades by way of a document analysis of polemics from Die Kerkbode, the official publication of the DRC. Historically, there has always been conflict around the hymnic tradition of the Dutch Reformed Church, manifesting specifically as resistance against the official church-hymn. The longing for a simpler, experience-oriented hymn was stimulated especially by rhe influence of 19rhcentury Revival hymnody, a tendency still applying roday. An analysis of the polemics involved reveals that the duality within the hymnic practice of the DRC has co do particularly with two clashing types of devoutness within the church. Those opposing the official church-hymn are particularly burdened by the "unsingabilicy" of the melodies, as well as the fact char these hymns are foreign to the field of experience of the 20th-century person. The thesabilicy of an ecclesiastical identification with contemporary secular culture is however a complex question which also involves controversy regarding the retention of the true reformed nature of the church

Voeding van die voorskoolse en laerskoolse kind

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Burden of fetal alcohol syndrome in a rural West Coast area of South Africa

Background. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is common in parts of South Africa; rural residence is a frequently cited risk factor. We conducted a FAS school prevalence survey of an isolated rural community in a West Coast village of Western Cape Province, so obtaining the first directly measured rate, focusing specifically on a South African rural area, of FAS and partial FAS (PFAS). Methods. The study area (Aurora village), a community of about 2 500 people in a grain-producing region, has one primary school. All learners were eligible for study inclusion. Initial anthropometry screening was followed by a diagnostic stage entailing examination by a dysmorphologist for features of FAS, neurodevelopmental assessment, and an interview assessing maternal alcohol consumption. Results. Of 160 learners screened, 78 (49%) were screen-positive, of whom 63 (81%) were clinically assessed for FAS. The overall FAS/PFAS rate among the screened learners was 17.5% (95% confidence interval 12.0 - 24.2%), with 16 (10.0%) children having FAS and 12 (7.5%) PFAS. High rates of stunting, underweight and microcephaly were noted in all learners, especially those with FAS or PFAS. Five (18%) mothers of affected children were deceased by the time of assessment. Conclusion. We describe very high rates of FAS/PFAS in an isolated rural part of the Western Cape that is not located in a viticultural region. Our study suggests that the prevalence of FA S may be very high in isolated communities, or in particular hot-spots. It adds to the growing evidence that FAS/PFAS is a significant, and underestimated, health problem in South Africa. Expanded screening and surveillance programmes, and preventive interventions, are urgently needed

Leipoldt in 1980*)

Oor Leipoldt se veelsydigheid hoef daar nie veel gésê te word nie. Hy was digter, dramaturg, romanskrywer, joemalis, geneesheer, kos- en wynkenner, filantroop, wêreldburger, maar bly tog vir ons in die eerste plek digter. Ons beeld van Leipoldt so oeuvre kan verander - daar is vanjaar al twee “nuwe” werke van hom ontdek - maar as daar iets van Leipoldt behoue sal bly, sal dit eerder sy poësie as sy drama, prosa, joemalistieke werk of kookboeke wees; so lyk dit altans op die oomblik. Daarom beperk ek my to t sy poësie en sal ek nie probeer om u totaalbeeld van sy ryk maar erg ongelyke oeuvre te gee nie

International Trade Performance of the South African Fish Industry

In an effort to gain a better understanding of the trade in fish products by South Africa a starting point is examining South Africa's current trade in fish products. Useful tools in this regard, the Gini-coefficient, used to examine the degree of concentration for fish exports, and the intra-industrial trade coefficient (IIT), and used to examine the balance of international fish trade by South Africa. The Gini-coefficient for fish exports shows that fish export by South Africa is highly concentrated. The trend in concentration appears to have remained constant, and therefore the South African fisheries industry may boast a competitive advantage. However, cognisance should be taken of the fact that such a high level of concentration may render the South African fisheries industry vulnerable to exogenous changes. The IIT analysis shows that, after 1985, the fisheries industry underwent substantial changes in that it has increased exportable surpluses, probably as a result of increased specialization and competitiveness. The analysis conducted does not pertinently explain the factors that sustain the levels of concentration, nor does it highlight specific factors that may underpin the competitiveness of the industry, and hence further analysis in this regard is necessary.International Relations/Trade,

The central noradrenergic system: an overview

The central noradrenergic system belongs to a group of brainstem neuromodulatory systems previously referred to as the ascending reticular activating system. In this article a heuristic model is presented of the central noradrenergic system depicting the major projections to other cerebral areas, its interactions with other neuromodulatory systems, mechanisms through which it can influence cerebral function, as well as the major functions and disorders associated with alterations in central noradrenergic activity. It is not the aim of this paper to provide fine detail on the various aspects, but rather to provide a concise overview where structure and function, as well as the interactions with other systems are brought together. The contents of the paper are summarized in a diagram. Keywords: Central noradrenergic system; Neuromodulatory; Brainstem African Journal of Psychiatry Vol. 10 (3) 2007: pp. 135-14

Founder effect in 20 Afrikaner kindreds with pseudoxanthoma elasticum

The pedigrees of 20 families with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) were investigated. The analyses involved 13 generations up to and including the initial settlers, who arrived in the Cape before 1660. Four settler surnames predominate in these pedigrees. Because of the marriage patterns of the settlers' descendants it was necessary to classify the four surnames Into two groups. It is suggested that these two groups are the founder groups of present-day PXE patients. Similar genealogical studies have been performed on kindreds with familial polyposis, familial heart block and familial hyper. cholesterolaemia, among other disorders. Due to geographical isolation, political developments and cultural factors in the Afrikaner, these investigations are feasible and often lead to the identification of founder origin

The Biochemistry of Malic Acid Metabolism by Wine Yeasts – A Review

L-Malic acid is an essential intermediate of cell metabolism and the D,L-racemic mixture is used as an acidulant in a variety of foods and beverages. In the wine industry, it plays an important role during grape must fermentation, contributing to the “fixed acidity” that is important. The latter is important in defining the quality of wine. Genetic and biochemical characterisation of the L-malate utilising pathways in several yeast species has indicated that the physiological role and regulation of L-malate metabolism differ significantly between the K(-) and K(+) yeasts. A varietyof factors influence the ability of a yeast species to effectively degrade L-malate, including the conditions associated with wine fermentation and the yeast’s intrinsic ability to transport and effectively metabolise L-malate inside the cell. This paper reviews the ability of different yeast species associated with grapes and wine to degrade extracellular L-malate, and the underlying mechanisms in the differential utilisation of L-malate by different yeast species

Employment growth constraints of informal enterprises in Diepsloot, Johannesburg

Abstract:Orientation: Informal enterprises in South Africa’s townships play an important role in employment creation and social protection. While some informal enterprises in inner cities grow, those in townships experience stagnant growth. Research purpose: The aim was to identify and analyse the internal and external growth constraints, regarding employment growth, of informal enterprises in Diepsloot, Soweto. Motivation for the study: Knowledge of internal and external growth constraints can inform policymakers on aspects that needs attention in assisting informal enterprises to realise their growth potential. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative research approach was followed. Primary data were collected from 300 informal enterprises using a convenience sampling technique and structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, a matrix analysis and logistic regression models were used to analyse the data ..

Customer Retention Strategies For Disintermediated Travel Agents: How To Stop Customers From Migrating To Online Booking Channels

This article has been retracted and now appears in the Journal of Applied Business Research (JABR), Issue 32.3.  For more information, please visit: http://www.cluteinstitute.com/ojs/index.php/JABR/article/view/966