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Background The practice environment as experienced by community service nurses (CSNs) has not been explored in the South African context, and few studies have explored the influence of the practice environment on intrapersonal resources such as subjective well-being, compassion practice and psychological capital. Aim To describe the influence of the practice environment on CSNs’ subjective well-being, compassion practice and psychological capital, and the association between these variables and selected personal and situational demographic factors. Methods A cross-sectional design was employed with self-report questionnaires used to collect data from an all-inclusive sample of CSNs that studied in North West Province and began their community service year there in 2016 (N = 284; n = 60). Results CSNs perceive the practice environment as favourable (M = 2.60; SD = 0.65). CSNs are satisfied with life (M = 24.89; SD = 5.68), have high levels of positive affect (M = 39.13; SD = 7.97), compassion satisfaction (M = 5.44; SD = 0.71) and psychological capital (M = 5.67; SD = 0.95). Nurse foundations of quality of care and nurse participation in hospital affairs had the most influence on intrapersonal resources. The positive components of subjective well-being, compassion satisfaction and psychological capital were highly correlated. Situational demographic factors were associated with intrapersonal resources and perceptions of the practice environment. Conclusion Healthcare facilities should provide a positive practice environment for CSNs, that includes an orientation programme with formal organisational and supervision structures, in order to strengthen CSNs’ intrapersonal resources, improve their perceptions of the practice environment, and ultimately improve nurse and patient outcomes

Soybean is widely cultivated in the grassland biome of South Africa (ca. 800 000 ha per annum). Yet the possible effects that large-scale cultivation of soybean has on biodiversity in adjacent habitat are not fully understood. This study aimed to describe the plant and arthropod species assemblages and diversity patterns within these soybean agroecosystems. Surveys were conducted inside soybean fields, field boundaries (transition zones between soybean fields and adjacent habitat), and adjacent pasture. An adapted D-vac was used to sample arthropods in the different zones, while plant surveys were conducted by means of fixed width (2 m) line transect. A total of 320 plant species (4910 specimens) and 373 arthropod morpho-species (9216 specimens) were recorded. Soybean fields had significantly lower plant and arthropod diversity than the adjacent habitats. Plant species diversity was similar in the field boundary and adjacent pasture. Significantly higher species richness and abundance of arthropods were found in the boundary than the pasture. These results show that the cultivation of soybean and the associated agricultural practices had no adverse effects on biodiversity patterns in the adjacent habitats. However, the boundary dominated by alien plant species did contain a significantly different plant species composition from the pasture. This difference was also mirrored by unique assemblages of arthropods. This suggests that disturbance resulting from soybean cultivation contributed to species losses and gains that maintained diversity in the field boundary but changed its plant and arthropod species composition. No effect was found in the pasture beyond the boundary (> 50 m). High diversity, but unique species assemblages of plants and arthropods in the boundary and pasture suggest that these habitats may have important conservation value in soybean agroecosystems by supporting ecosystem functions and services

Although prescription rates of antidepressants for children and adolescents have increased, concerns have been raised regarding effects on neurodevelopment and long-term outcome. Using a genetic animal model of depression, this study investigated the long-term effects of pre-pubertal administration of fluoxetine (FLX) on depressive-like behaviour in early adulthood, as well as on central monoaminergic response to an acute stressor. We postulated that pre-pubertal FLX will have lasting effects on animal behaviour and monoaminergic stress responses in early adulthood. Flinders sensitive line (FSL) rats received 10 mg/kg/day FLX subcutaneously from postnatal day 21 (PnD21) to PnD34 (pre-pubertal). Thereafter, following normal housing, rats were either subjected to locomotor testing and the forced swim test (FST) on PnD60 (early adulthood), or underwent surgery for microdialysis, followed on PnD60 by exposure to acute swim stress and measurement of stressor-induced changes in plasma corticosterone and pre-frontal cortical monoamine concentrations. Pre-pubertal FLX did not induce a late emergent effect on immobility in FSL rats on PnD60, whereas locomotor activity was significantly decreased. Acute swim stress on PnD60 significantly increased plasma corticosterone levels, and increased pre-frontal cortical norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxyindole-3-acetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations. Pre-pubertal FLX significantly blunted the pre-frontal cortical NE and 5-HIAA response following swim stress on PnD60. Baseline dopamine levels were significantly enhanced by pre-pubertal FLX, but no further changes were induced by swim stress. Pre-pubertal FLX did not have lasting antidepressant-like behavioural effects in genetically susceptible, stress-sensitive FSL rats. However, such treatment reduced locomotor activity, abrogated noradrenergic and serotonergic stressor responses and elevated dopaminergic baseline levels in adulthood

Background: South African mining organisations are facing numerous challenges: decreasing commodity prices, policy uncertainty, rising input costs and increasing stakeholder expectations. To successfully address these challenges, each mining organisation needs to respond in a unified, aligned way. Objectives: This study determined the degree of perceived organisational alignment among managers within South-African-based mining organisations and uncovered the key enablers of organisational alignment. Method: Data were collected from 286 managers from a selection of all the major South African mining commodity sectors on their perceptions of the degree of organisational alignment, as well as on the enablers of organisational alignment. Applying structural equation modelling, 5 of the 11 organisational alignment enabling factors indicated a unique influence of practical importance on perceived organisational alignment. Three data-model fit tests confirmed the pattern of variances and covariance in the data. Results: This study not only presented a concept of perceived organisational alignment and associated enabling factors but also provided a wide range of recommendations on how each of the enabling factors can be leveraged in order to improve perceived organisational alignment. Conclusion: Taking a largely sociological perspective of organisational functioning within the South African mining industry’s fast-changing internal and external stakeholder environment, this study contributed to the discipline of strategy planning and execution in general and in particular to the subject area of organisational alignment

This study aimed to describe intrapersonal characteristics (professional values, personality, empathy, and job involvement), work performance as perceived by nurses, and caring behaviors as perceived by patients, and to examine the relationships among these variables. A cross‐sectional design was employed. A sample was recruited of 218 nurses and 116 patients in four private hospitals and four public hospitals. Data were collected using self‐report measures. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, hierarchical linear modelling, correlations, and structural equation modeling. Nurses perceived their work performance to be of high quality. Among the intrapersonal characteristics, nurses had high scores for professional values, and moderately high scores for personality, empathy and job involvement. Patients perceived nurses' caring behaviors as moderately high. Professional values of nurses were the only selected intrapersonal characteristic with a statistically significant positive relationship, of practical importance, with work performance as perceived by nurses and with caring behaviors as perceived by patients at ward level. Managers can enhance nurses' work performance and caring behaviors through provision of in‐service training that focuses on development of professional values

Self-determination theory is a macrotheory of human motivation that describes fundamental matters such as personality development, goals and aspirations, and self-regulation. Basic psychological needs theory, a subtheory of self-determination theory, postulates that the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are universal and the satisfaction thereof essential for human functioning. Despite the theory’s strong universality claim, almost no studies tested the assumption on the African continent. The present study addressed this by exploring the factorial validity of English, Afrikaans, and Setswana versions of the Basic Psychological Needs Scale (N = 1056). After incorporating a negative-worded method effect and removing several problematic items, the fit of the intended three-factor model was good for the Afrikaans version, marginal for the English version, and poor for the Setswana version. The resulting factors’ reliabilities were low. Configural, metric, and partial scalar invariance were established between the English and Afrikaans versions. Although these findings primarily highlighted problems with the particular scale, there is also the possibility that it could have implications for the validity of the universality assumption of basic psychological needs theory and/or assumptions about denotations or manifestations of the main constructs in various cultural contexts. The study indicated the conceptual and linguistic complexities involved in assessment across diverse and multicultural contexts

The purpose of this study was to distinguish between genre supporters and non-genre supporters at the Aardklop National Arts Festival. This was done to determine genre supporters' individual needs and wants so that effective marketing strategies can be developed and the festival programme can be designed to attract more genre supporters. Previous research indicated that the future of festivals is dependent on the number of show tickets sold and festivals therefore need to attract more genre supporters. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire survey (N = 495) was conducted, where afterwards independent t-tests were used to determine the differences between visitors who attend the different ticketed shows/productions and those who do not. Results showed that genre attendees and non-attendees differ significantly based on socio-demographic and behaviour characteristics, which gave a comprehensive profile of the two types of visitors at the festival. This method proved to be successful especially in increasing ticket sales. Marketing and management implications for effectively targeting genre supporters were also indicated.

People travel to destinations for different reasons and the same applies to sporting events. To fulfil the needs of athletes and ensure that the event remains competitive, it is important to understand the needs of different markets through market segmentation. Reasons for participation (travel motives) were used to identify different market segments at the largest open-water swimming event in the world, the Midmar Mile in South Africa. The survey was conducted during the registration period in February 2010. A total of 461 questionnaires were administered and a factor analysis was conducted. Three motivational factors were identified: socialisation and escape, fun and entertainment and intrinsic achievement. ANOVAs were applied and the results showed that the swimmers did not have homogenous motives for participation. The results confirmed that motives for participating differ according to the sporting event, and that marketers and sport event organisers need to be aware that not all participants are the same. These findings can assist organisers to differentiate between the needs of different markets, and thereby adapt their marketing campaigns accordingly, which would lead to a more competitive and sustainable event.

Background: Prescribed Minimum Benefit Chronic Disease List (PMB CDL) conditions are a regulated list of conditions most common to South Africa. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence and association between PMB CDL conditions and age and gender among patients with concomitant hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia. Methods: The study population consisted of patients (n = 17 866) with a prescription containing at least one co-prescribed antilipemics, antihypertensive and antidiabetic (identified using the MIMS Desk Reference). ICD-10 codes on claims for PMB CDL conditions were counted. Results: 39.5% of patients had a PMB CDL condition. Women had higher odds for hypothyroidism (OR 6.30, 95% CI; 5.52, 7.19, p < 0.001) and lower odds for coronary artery disease (CAD) (OR 0.63, 95% CI; 0.55, 0.72, p < 0.001) than men. In combination with hypothyroidism the odds for CAD were reversed and strongly increased; 3.54 (95% CI; 2.38, 5.25, p < 0.001). The odds for females having cardiac failure (CF) was insignificant and low (OR 0.87, 95% CI; 0.75, 1.01, p = 0.063); however combined with hypothyroidism, the odds increased to 5.35 (95% CI; 3.52, 8.13, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Hypothyroidism was an important discriminating factor for co-morbidity in women with concomitant hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia, in particular with cardiovascular disease. Keywords: Concomitant hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidaemia, South Africa, prescribed minimum benefit chronic disease list (PMB CDL) conditions

South Africa, burdened with the emerging chronic diseases, is home to one of the largest migrant Indian population, however, little data exists on the risk factors for non-communicable diseases in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of yet undiagnosed selected intermediate risk factors for non-communicable diseases among the Indian population in KwaZulu-Natal. We randomly selected 250 apparently healthy Indians, aged 35–55 years, living in KwaDukuza to participate in this study. Clinical and anthropometric measurements were taken under prescribed clinical conditions using Asian cut-off points. Pearson correlations was used to detect associations between anthropometric and clinical risk markers. A large percentage of participants’ systolic blood pressure fell within the normal range. Diastolic blood pressure was >85 mmHg for 61 % of the participants and triglyceride levels were >1.69 mmol/L for 89 % of the participants’; 94 % of the women and 87 % of the men were classified as centrally obese. Raised fasting blood glucose was seen in 39 % of participants’. Waist circumference and body mass index showed statistically significant associations with all clinical risk markers except for diastolic blood pressure. Our findings suggest that the use of ethno specific strategies in the management of the disease profile of South African Indians, will enable the South African health system to respond more positively towards the current trend of increased metabolic and physiological risk factors in this community. Moreover, key modifiable behaviours such as increased physical activity and weight reduction may improve most of these metabolic abnormalities

South Africa consists of developed and developing contexts. This article reports on a study undertaken to determine the effect of a Perceptual–motor Intervention Programme in learning readiness of Grade R learners from deprived environments. Le Roux's Group Test for School Readiness was used as baseline assessments to establish the school readiness of Grade R learners from a deprived environment and to determine whether an effective intervention programme could rectify the shortcomings. The sample of the intervention group (n = 21) and the control group (n = 27) consisted of five to six-year-old learners. The experimental group (n = 21) of a Grade R class in a quintile 1 school followed a 10-week perceptual–motor intervention programme, while another Grade R class from a quintile two school as control group was not exposed to perceptual–motor intervention. A mixed method was applied, within an interpretivistic research design. The outcomes of the research are as follows: the results of the school readiness test were analysed with an independent t-test before intervention, a dependent t-test on improvement over time and an ANCOVA controlling for pre-test scores on the post-test. The results showed improvement in the school readiness as the experimental group improved with 33.3% compared with 14.8% in the control group. The experimental group's standard deviation (SD) is 8.11 and control group's SD is 4.96. Qualitative information was obtained from interviews with teachers and observation at the schools. The research shows the benefit for young learners learning readiness if teachers focus on intensive intervention programmes to overcome backlogs of deprivation and that effective intervention programmes could rectify shortcomings before formal teaching in Grade 1 commences. Future research to follow up the outcomes of the intervention group as well as control group could lead to a longitudinal report on the effects of such an intervention programme. Future research co

The purpose of the research was to determine whether an HIV stigma-reduction community “hub” network intervention in a South African urban area would bring about a difference in the psychosocial well-being of people living with HIV (PLWH), as well as their community (living in the same municipal ward). A single case pre-test post-test design was implemented. The sample for this study included 62 PLWH who were selected through accessibility sampling and 570 community members who were selected through random voluntary sampling. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF) before and after the intervention. A dependent t-test as well as Cohen’s d-values were used to calculate the differences between the pre- and post-test results for depression and well-being. Levels of languishing, moderate mental health and flourishing before and after the intervention were determined. Although the focus of the HIV stigma-reduction community “hub” intervention that was followed in this study was on the involvement of PLWH and people living close to them (PLC) to share their knowledge as community mobilisers and to mobilise and empower their own community to reduce HIV stigma, it can be concluded that a secondary gain was the effect it had on both depression and mental health of the PLWH as well as the community. Of interest is how these effects differed for PLWH and the community. It is thus recommended that future interventions should give special attention to aspects of depression and well-being

This study aimed to describe consumers’ retrospective satisfaction with food labels within the expectancy (dis)confirmation paradigm and to investigate the likelihood of food labels influencing consumers’ product choices. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey approach was followed to explore and describe consumers’ satisfaction with attributes of and information on food labels. Self-administered questionnaires (n = 279) were distributed in Gauteng, South Africa, through convenience sampling. On average, respondents were dissatisfied with label attributes (believability, readability, comprehensibility and adequacy) and with primary information (expiry date, allergens, nutrition/health, ingredient list, quality guarantees), but satisfied with secondary information (usage instructions, manufacturer name, symbols, serving numbers, country of origin). Respondents had higher expectations of primary information and considered it more influential for their purchasing decisions and, therefore, judged the performance of this information more critically than the secondary information. When amendments to and the presentation of food label information are considered, primary information should be a priority. Consumers, who are satisfied with food labels, might be inclined to choose one product over another. This study was the first of its kind, linking satisfaction and product choice to different dimensions of food labels

The high prevalence of nutrition-related conditions and diseases in South Africa and scientific evidence regarding the health benefits offered by vegetables, guided this nationally representative study among South African metropolitan consumers. Vegetables have become a symbol of health for consumers, as they are exposed to health-related messages about vegetables by means of consumer socialisation and marketing. This study aimed to describe consumers' opinions on health-related messages about vegetables, their frequency of consumption of different vegetables and the preparation practices employed by consumers for different vegetables. This descriptive study employed stratified sampling for the recruitment of respondents (N=1997) from metropolitan areas in South Africa. Field workers collected data by means of interviewer-administered questionnaires. Results showed positive consumer opinions on health-related messages about vegetables. Most respondents, however, failed to include a sufficient variety of vegetables that are needed for health maintenance in their diets since they indicated that there were certain vegetables they never ate. Less healthy practices, such as adding fat and sugar to many vegetables, were also common among respondents. Health messages concerning vegetables should emphasise the incorporation of a variety of vegetables in consumers' diets. Interventions to equip consumers to employ healthy preparation practices are also recommended

This study reports on a learner-support intervention aimed at the development of perceptual-motor skills of kindergarten learners from disadvantaged environments. A quantitative research method was followed which consisted of a three-group, pre-test/post-test design. Three Grade R (kindergarten) schools were selected by means of a convenience sample. Two schools were selected from disadvantaged communities (Quintile 1 schools)—C1 (n = 30) and E (n = 25)—and one from a more advantaged community (Quintile 3 school)—C2 (n = 22). A two-level perceptual-motor intervention was implemented in school E for nine months. All participants were tested before and after the intervention by means of a school-readiness test. Results were analysed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA), dependent t-tests and an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to determine differences among and within groups. A significant relationship was found between school readiness and perceptual-motor development. Results also suggested that a perceptual-motor intervention could aid learners from disadvantaged environments in overcoming factors which impede school readiness

Background: Meaning in life is a key indicator of subjective well-being and quality of life. Further developments in understanding and enhancing the construct will depend inter alia on the sound measurement thereof. This study is at the forefront of applying modern psychometric techniques to the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, a scale widely used to assess meaning in life. Method: The Rasch rating scale model was applied to the Presence and Search subscales of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire using a sample of 601 adults from South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Results: The Presence subscale was insensitive at high levels of presence of meaning while the majority of the respondents fell in that range. Removal of item 9 (“My life has no clear purpose”) and collapsing the response categories indicative of low and medium levels of the latent construct significantly improved the subscale’s targeting and fit to the Rasch model, resulting in a subscale that exhibited differential item functioning on items 1 (“I understand my life’s meaning”), 4 (“My life has a clear sense of purpose”), and 5 (“I have a good sense of what makes my life meaningful”) for country, but none for gender, age group, or education level. The Search subscale yielded disordered category threshold calibrations, but after collapsing some of the response categories representing low and medium levels of the target construct, a subscale that demonstrated good fit to the Rasch model, good targeting, and no differential item functioning resulted. Conclusions: In terms of this particular scale, adaptation of the rating scale and removal of item 9 is recommended. Country-level parameter estimates may be needed for items that exhibited differential item functioning. The study also has significant implications for the theory, measurement, and practice of meaning in and quality of life in general. Reasons for and the far-reaching implications of the insensitivity of the Presence subscale for high levels of

Wigfield and Guthrie’s Motivation for Reading Questionnaire (MRQ) consists of 53 items and eleven reading motivation dimensions that can be used to compile a reading motivation profile of learners. Wigfield and Guthrie, internationally recognised reading motivation researchers, used the MRQ for different learner groups in different grades and countries to compile reading motivation profiles of learners. During 2012, the questionnaire was used for the first time in South Africa to compile the reading motivation profile of 806 Afrikaans-speaking grade 9 learners from different geographical areas within an education district. In order to compile the reading motivation profile of Afrikaans-speaking learners, the MRQ was translated. It was necessary to adapt some of the items of the MRQ for the context of Afrikaans speaking learners in mainstream schools. The analysed research results indicated that the MRQ could be interpreted as consisting of less than eleven reading motivation dimensions identified by Wigfield and Guthrie. Some of the items were interpreted as belonging to more than one of the eleven dimensions or to another dimension as being placed within the original MRQ. The question was posed as to whether the same reading motivation profile of a group learners can be obtained by using a more compact MRQ (fewer items and fewer reading motivation dimensions). In the current article the conclusion is drawn that the same reading motivation profile of the specified respondents can be obtained by using a more compact MRQ than the original MRQ, Wigfield en Guthrie se Motivation for Reading Questionnaire (MRQ) is ’n vraelys, bestaande uit 53 items en elf leesmotiveringsdimensies, deur middel waarvan ’n leesmotiveringsprofiel van ’n bepaalde groep leerders saamgestel kan word. Wigfield en Guthrie, wêreldbekende navorsers oor leesmotivering, het die MRQ verskeie kere vir leerdergroepe in verskillende grade en lande gebruik om leesmotiveringsprofiele van leerders aan die hand daarvan saam te stel. Gedurende 2012 is hierdie vraelys vir die eerste keer in Suid-Afrika gebruik om die leesmotiveringsprofiel van 806 Afrikaanssprekende graad 9-leerders uit verskillende geografiese gebiede van ’n onderwysdistrik saam te stel. Omdat die leesmotiveringsprofiel van spesifiek Afrikaanssprekende leerders vasgestel moes word, is die MRQ vertaal. By enkele items was dit nodig om dit vir die konteks van Afrikaanssprekende adolessente in hoofstroomskole aan te pas. Die 2012-studieresultate het daarop gedui dat die respondente die MRQ geïnterpreteer het as bestaande uit minder as die elf leesmotiveringsdimensies wat Wigfield en Guthrie geïdentifiseer het. Sekere van die items is geïnterpreteer as behorende tot meer as een van die elf dimensies, of as behorende tot ’n ander dimensie as dié waarin dit volgens die MRQ tuishoort. Dit het die vraag laat ontstaan of dieselfde leesmotiveringsprofiel van ’n groep leerders verkry kan word deur middel van ’n meer vaartbelynde MRQ (minder items en minder leesmotiveringsdimensies). In die huidige artikel is tot die slotsom gekom dat dieselfde leesmotiveringsprofiel van die betrokke respondente verkry kan word uit ’n meer vaartbelynde MRQ as uit die oorspronklike MRQ

Aloe vera is a plant with a long history of traditional medicinal use and is consumed in different products, sometimes in conjunction with prescribed medicines. A. vera gel has shown the ability to modulate drug absorption in vitro. The aim of this study was to fractionate the precipitated polysaccharide component of A. vera gel based on molecular weight and to compare their interactions with indinavir pharmacokinetics. Crude polysaccharides were precipitated from a solution of A. vera gel and was fractionated by means of centrifugal filtration through membranes with different molecular weight cut-off values (i.e. 300 KDa, 100 KDa and 30 KDa). Marker molecules were quantified in the aloe leaf materials by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the average molecular weight was determined by means of gel filtration chromatography linked to multi-angle-laser-light scattering and refractive index detection. The effect of the aloe leaf materials on the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of Caco-2 cell monolayers as well as indinavir metabolism in LS180 cells was measured. The bioavailability of indinavir in the presence and absence of the aloe leaf materials was determined in Sprague-Dawley rats. All the aloe leaf materials investigated in this study reduced the TEER of Caco-2 cell monolayers, inhibited indinavir metabolism in LS 180 cells to different extents and changed the bioavailability parameters of indinavir in rats compared to that of indinavir alone. These indinavir pharmacokinetic modulation effects were not dependent on the presence of aloverose and also not on the average molecular weight of the isolated fractions

Intensive, large-scale cultivation has led to a postulated decrease in biodiversity worldwide, which has been ascribed to fragmentation and degradation of natural habitat bordering crop fields. Maize is the most widely planted grain crop in Grassland and Savanna Biomes of South Africa, but the effect that crop production has on surrounding species diversity and composition is unknown. This study intends to address this knowledge gap by comparing diversity patterns and species assemblages between maize fields and margins of six localities in South Africa across two biomes for plants and associated Grasslands. A total of 15,019 individuals and 824 native and exotic plant species were recorded and 39 497 individuals and 1 629 morpho-species for arthropods. Although biodiversity loss was apparent in maize fields, plant and arthropod diversity remained the same for rangeland at shorter (30–100 m) and longer (100–400 m) distances from maize fields, suggesting that distance from maize fields had no effect on biodiversity patterns beyond 30 m. Plant species assemblages were best correlated with agricultural disturbance while arthropod communities were mainly correlated with biome. Our results suggest that the crop field margins (30–100 m from field edge) were not species poor ecosystems, but were surprisingly rich in plant and arthropod diversity. Field margins may therefore be of conservation value in the agricultural landscape with a diversity of species supporting important ecosystem services

HIV stigma continues to affect the psychosocial wellbeing of people living with HIV (PLWH) and people living close to them (PLC). Literature unequivocally holds the view that HIV stigma and psychosocial wellbeing interact with and have an impact on each other. This study, which is part of a larger research project funded by the South Africa Netherlands research Programme on Alternatives in Development (SANPAD), responds to the lack of interventions mitigating the impactful interaction of HIV stigma and psychosocial wellbeing and tests one such intervention. The research objectives were to test the changeover-time in the psychosocial wellbeing of PLWH and PLC in an urban and a rural setting, following a comprehensive community-based HIV stigma reduction and wellness enhancement intervention. An experimental quantitative single system research design with a pre- and four repetitive post-tests was used, conducting purposive voluntary sampling for PLWH (n = 18) and snowball sampling for PLC (n = 60). The average age of participants was 34 years old. The five measuring instruments used for both groups were the mental health continuum short-form scale, the patient health questionnaire, the satisfaction with life scale, the coping self-efficacy scale and the spirituality wellbeing scale. No significant differences were found between the urban–rural settings and data were pooled for analysis. The findings show that initial psychosocial wellbeing changes after the intervention were better sustained (over time) by the PLC than by the PLWH and seemed to be strengthened by interpersonal interaction. Recommendations included that the intervention should be re-utilised and that its tenets, content and activities be retained. A second intervention three to six months after the first should be included to achieve more sustainability and to add focused activities for the enhancement of psychosocial wellbeing. PLWH and PLC are to be encouraged to engage with innovative community mech

Rationale Major depression has been associated with higher levels of air pollution that in turn leads to neurodegeneration via increased oxidative stress. There is a need for suitable translational animal models to study the role of oxidative stress in depression and antidepressant action. Objective Considering the gene X environment hypothesis of depression, the present study investigated the effect of chronic ozone inhalation on depression and anxiety-related behavior, cognition, and brain markers of oxidative stress in the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat. In addition, response to the antioxidant melatonin, and the antidepressants desipramine or escitalopram, was assessed. Methods Rats were exposed to ozone (0.0 or 0.3 parts per million (ppm)) per inhalation for 4 h daily for a period of 15 days, while simultaneously receiving saline or the abovementioned drugs. Results The data indicate that chronic ozone inhalation induced memory impairment, anxiety and depression-like effects, reduced cortical and hippocampal superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, and compromised central monoamine levels similar to that noted in depression. Moreover, the behavioral and neurochemical effects of melatonin, desipramine, and escitalopram were mostly attenuated in the presence of ozone. Conclusion Thus, genetically susceptible individuals exposed to high levels of oxidative stress are at higher risk of developing mood and/or an anxiety disorders, showing greater redox imbalance and altered behavior. These animals are also more resistant to contemporary antidepressant treatment. The presented model provides robust face, construct, and predictive validity, suitable for studying neuronal oxidative stress in depression, antidepressant action and mechanisms to prevent neuronal oxidative stress.

Aim:To investigate the relationship between non-nursing tasks (NNTs), nursing tasks left undone (NTLU) and job satisfaction among professional nurses (PNs) in South Africa (SA). Background: This study adds to the international debate about the relationship between non-nursing tasks, nursing tasks left undone and job satisfaction by studying the variables at individual nurse and hospital unit level. Method: A cross-sectional survey design of 1166 PNs in 60 medical and surgical units in 55 private hospitals and seven public hospitals. Results: Nationally, the three main non-nursing tasks performed were clerical duties (M = 1.81), arranging discharge referrals and transport (M = 1.38) and performing non-nursing care (M = 1.31), while the main nursing tasks left undone were comfort/talk with patients (62.2%), educating patients and family (57.9%) and develop/update nursing care plans/pathways (51.6%). Nursing tasks left undone were only related to three non-nursing tasks, and job satisfaction correlated most highly with nursing tasks left undone. Conclusion: Professional nurses conduct many non-nursing tasks, and leave several important nursing tasks left undone. Nursing tasks left undone cause the greatest degree of job dissatisfaction amongst professional nurses. Implications for nursing management: Role overlapping and work performed by professional nurses below their skill level should be identified and re-organised; support services should be employed and efficiently used.

Objectives This study aimed to determine changes and interrelationships between changes in selected anthropometric growth parameters and motor and physical fitness, among boys over a 2 year period during mid-adolescence. Methods Speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, explosive power, muscle strength, and aerobic endurance were measured once a year, and the anthropometric measurements (stature, body mass, sitting height, arm span, and sitting height ratio), were measured three times per year, 4 months apart (among 73 adolescent boys). A hierarchical linear model, adjusting for covariates and partial correlation analysis (R2) were used to analyze the data. Results All anthropometric, motor, and physical measurements improved significantly over the two-year period. Significantly, greater changes were seen between 13 and 14 years in stature, arm span, sitting height and body mass. Changes in muscle strength, speed and agility were mainly significant between 13 and 14 years while the biggest changes occurred in explosive power and upper-body-arm-and-shoulder-strength during year 2 (14–15 years). The majority of interrelationships, indicating moderate to small relationships, were found between changes in stature, arm span, and sitting height, and changing strength, speed, agility, and hand eye coordination over the two-year period, after adjusting for maturity age and physical activity levels. Conclusion Motor and physical fitness improved significantly from 13 to 15 years, showing definite interrelationships with anthropometric growth during the mid-adolescence period. Awareness and education about these changes are recommended as it can have significant effects on the sport performance and fitness training of boys during mid-adolescence. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:617–626, 2014

Food labels are often an important source of information available to guide consumers' in-store purchases. This study aimed to determine consumers' opinions about and use of food labels and the association between these constructs with structural equation modeling in an urban–rural hybrid area context. Results from the survey (n = 912) showed that respondents mainly had positive opinions about food labels as an information source and appreciated the importance of product and origin information. Most respondents indicated pre-purchase use of labels. The structural equation model confirmed an association between respondents' food label opinions and use and suggests that these opinions could be used to anticipate label use. It is thus important to offer label information that would evoke favorable opinions and that might directly contribute to consumers' decisions to purchase the product in-store.

The objective of this study was to compare players' and coaches' perceptions on coaching effectiveness. A total of 155 participants from the Puk Rugby institute (PRI) were available for this study (players, n = 142; coaches, n =13) (age: 18-55 years). Coaches completed the Coaching efficacy scale (CES) and players completed the adapted CES. The CES consists of 24 items measuring four constructs namely motivation, game strategy, technique and character building. Each item was rated on a 10 point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not at all effective) to 9 (extremely effective). High Cronbach alpha values were established for all four constructs on this specific population. Mixed models results indicated a statistical significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) on all four constructs measured when the perceptions of coaches and players were compared. A statistical significant difference exists between the coaches and players' perception regarding the respective coaches' total coaching effectiveness. In view of the inconsistent pattern found between the coaches and players perceptions on coaching effectiveness, coaches and clubs need to be more aware of the impact that players' perceptions have regarding the outcome of coaching effectiveness.

Textile label information facilitates consumers' pre- and post-purchase decisions. Because consumers' knowledge regarding this information is relatively unexplored in a South African context, it was the focus of this exploratory descriptive study. A face-to-face survey was employed among respondents (n = 120) recruited at selected public locations in Potchefstroom, North-West Province, South Africa, according to predetermined inclusion criteria. The majority of respondents were able to correctly locate specific information (such as country of origin, size and fibre content; 75%) and identify textile and care symbols (78%) on the label, but were less knowledgeable about synthetic fibres (41%) and certain care symbols (53–58%). More educated, younger respondents speaking Eurocentric languages (Afrikaans and English) appeared to be more knowledgeable about textile label information than respondents speaking an African language. Even though respondents had excellent label knowledge in most instances, a lack of practical application of this knowledge was evident in their reading of care labels pre- and post-purchase, as well as in their use of textile labels to make purchasing decisions. Educational programmes regarding textile labels should thus emphasize the skills that are necessary to optimally utilize labels

This study explored levels of occupational stress and mental well-being of a cohort of Black South African teachers. 200 secondary school teachers completed the Teacher Stress Inventory (TSI: Boyle, Borg, Falzon, & Baglion, 1995), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28: Goldberg & Hillier, 1979) and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF: Keyes, 2006). Correlations and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used to determine the levels of occupational stress and well-being of participants, and to establish the relation between these variables. A significant majority of the teachers reported high levels of mental health (flourishing) despite high levels of teacher stress. These results show teachers’ ability to withstand and cope with stress whilst maintaining their mental health. This suggests the presence of protective factors that mediate the effect of work-related stressors and, in so doing, contribute to the teachers’ levels of resilience.

Orientation: Recent literature has emphasised the important role that self-regulation plays in the mental health of individuals. The lack of a validated psychometric instrument to accurately measure self-regulation amongst Black South Africans however limits its potential impact within the challenging South African context. Research purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) when used in a South African context, specifically focusing on Black South Africans. Motivation for the study: By commenting on the ability of the SSRQ to accurately capture the construct of self-regulation amongst Black educators, the current article serves to address and alleviate the lacunae in our understanding of self-regulation as a potentially protective factor. Research design, approach and method: The study was of a quantitative nature, and made use of a cross-sectional design and purposively selected study sample. Participants were urbanised Black teachers (N = 200) who completed the SSRQ and other measures of self-regulation and psychological well-being. Main findings: The reliability of the SSRQ total scale score proved satisfactory. Factor analysis produced five robust sub-constructs that were theoretically interpretable. Significant correlations between the SSRQ and other measures of self-regulation and psychological wellbeing also indicated good criterion-related validity. Practical/managerial implications: The availability of a reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of self-regulation in the South African context will enable both researchers and practitioners to better understand and utilise self-regulation in the enhancement of individual well-being. Contribution/value-add: The SSRQ’s ability to accurately measure self-regulation will contribute to our understanding of its role as preventive strength in the South African context. Refinement of item content will serve to further streng

Hosting events and festivals is the best way of providing the wine tourism experience. Wine festivals offer a wide range of experiences that are different from day-today living, offer a lifestyle package and are an indicator of lifestyle tourism experience. Tourists travel to wine festivals for wine and other leisure-related experiences, including opportunities for social and/or cultural experiences, interactivity and personal development. Therefore, wine festivals should provide an experience that can influence the quality of life (QoL) of the attending tourist. QoL is influenced by various life domains, which include social, leisure and recreational, intellectual, culinary, and travel life. By its nature, a wine festival is able to influence life domains, thereby decreasing or increasing the level of satisfaction with QoL, according to the level of satisfactory experience. The purpose of this article is to examine the influence of the wine festival experience on the QoL of attending tourists. The structural relationship between the wine festival experience on tourists’ QoL is shown in a structural equation model (SEM), which is based on the notion that the QoL of attending tourists will be influenced by their level of satisfaction in various life domains. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed during the Wacky Wine Festival in Robertson South Africa. The data from 329 (N) eligible questionnaires was cleaned, captured and analysed using SPSS. Furthermore, Amos was used to test the structural model providing statistical support. From the study’s findings, managerial recommendations were made with the aim of maximising attending wine tourists’ QoL. The research contributes to the literature related to QoL.

Objective: To examine the practice environment, nurse reported quality of care and patient safety, and nurse workforce outcomes in medical and surgical units in private and public hospitals in South Africa (SA), and determine the association of modifiable features of the hospital such as the practice environment and patient to nurse workloads on these outcomes. Design: Cross-sectional survey of nurses. Setting and participants: Nurses were surveyed in medical and surgical units of 55 private hospitals and 7 public national referral hospitals in SA. A total of 1187 nurses completed the survey. Measurements: Practice environment, patient to nurse workloads, nurse reported quality of care and patient safety, and nurse workforce outcomes including burnout, job satisfaction and intention to leave. Results: On a national level, more than half, 54.4% (634/1166) of nurses intend to leave their hospital within the next year due to job dissatisfaction and 52.3% (600/1148) rate their practice environment as poor or fair, while almost half, 45.8% (538/1174) report high levels of burnout and 44.9% (517/1152) are not confident that management will resolve patient problems. Public hospital nurses report more negative outcomes than private hospital nurses. Some 71% (320/451) of public hospital nurses rate their practice environment as poor/fair, 62.9% (281/447) are not confident management will resolve patient problems, and 59% (272/461) intend to leave their hospital within the next year due to job dissatisfaction. On a national level, more favourable practice environments are significantly associated with more positive nurse reported quality of care, and nurse workforce outcomes. This is true for private and public hospitals. Patient to nurse workloads are also significantly associated with more positive nurse reported quality of care and patient safety, and nurse workforce outcomes, but primarily in public hospitals. Conclusions: Improving the practice environment, including pat

Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the largest component of daily energy expenditure, with lower values in the black population. Resistance training is considered to be the most effective exercise modality to increase fat-free mass (FFM), and therefore also the RMR. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a 12-week resistance training programme on the body composition (FFM, FM) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in a cohort of South African premenopausal women. An available sample of Caucasian (n = 20) and Coloured women (n = 8) between ages 25 and 30 years completed a 12-week intervention study. Body composition (FFM, FM) and RMR were determined by using the Bod Pod® together with other anthropometric measurements (body mass, stature and waist circumference). Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test as well as the effect size, to determine the significance of the intervention regimen. No statistically significant differences occurred but medium practically significant differences were found between the groups. Coloured women had a greater decrease in body mass (r = 0.25), FM (r = 0.28) and increase in RMR (r = 0.28) than the Caucasians. Both groups showed a decrease in body mass, FM, percentage body fat, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and an increase in FFM and RMR after the intervention programme. In conclusion, it therefore seems that a resistance intervention programme can serve as an effective tool in increasing FFM and RMR, which may inter alia be associated with a decrease in FM, percentage body fat and body mass among both groups of premenopausal women.

Orientation: Recent literature has emphasised the important role that self-regulation plays in the mental health of individuals. The lack of a validated psychometric instrument to accurately measure self-regulation amongst Black South Africans however limits its potential impact within the challenging South African context. Research purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Short Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SSRQ) when used in a South African context, specifically focusing on Black South Africans. Motivation for the study: By commenting on the ability of the SSRQ to accurately capture the construct of self-regulation amongst Black educators, the current article serves to address and alleviate the lacunae in our understanding of self-regulation as a potentially protective factor. Research design, approach and method: The study was of a quantitative nature, and made use of a cross-sectional design and purposively selected study sample. Participants were urbanised Black teachers (N = 200) who completed the SSRQ and other measures of self-regulation and psychological well-being. Main findings: The reliability of the SSRQ total scale score proved satisfactory. Factor analysis produced five robust sub-constructs that were theoretically interpretable. Significant correlations between the SSRQ and other measures of self-regulation and psychological wellbeing also indicated good criterion-related validity. Practical/managerial implications: The availability of a reliable and valid instrument for the measurement of self-regulation in the South African context will enable both researchers and practitioners to better understand and utilise self-regulation in the enhancement of individual well-being. Contribution/value-add: The SSRQ’s ability to accurately measure self-regulation will contribute to our understanding of its role as preventive strength in the South African context. Refinement of item content will serve to further streng

According to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) (Deci and Ryan 1985), intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can be differentiated with levels along a continuum representing distinct self-regulatory styles for behavior. Behavioral regulations consider different degrees to which they represent autonomous or self-determined functioning and specifically intrinsic motivations are characterized by the highest level of self-determination. Past research into the SDT has highlighted correlations between reasons with high levels of autonomy or self-determination for engaging in a particular behavior and enhanced Subjective Well-Being (SWB), as well as positive behavioral outcomes. Little is known about the relationship between visitors’ reasons for visiting a national park, associated self-regulatory styles and their self-appraisals of SWB. Therefore, the present research investigates the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for visiting the Kruger National Park (KNP), associated self-regulatory styles and self-evaluations of SWB among 389 overnight visitors. A structural equation model (SEM) is proposed to examine both the cognitive (life satisfaction) and affective (positive and negative feelings) components of SWB in association to motivations with different degrees of self-determination. Reflecting previous research, the results show that overnight visitors who are more intrinsically motivated have higher life satisfaction levels, higher positive feelings and lower negative feelings. In contrast, overnight visitors who are less intrinsically motivated have lower life satisfaction levels, lower positive feelings and higher negative feeling. The practical implications of these findings are highlighted.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a centre-based adventure program with an expedition-based wilderness program with regard to group effectiveness. For comparisons, this study made use of a crossover experimental design combined with a mixed-method approach. Participants were 28 third-year students (14 men and 14 women), aged 20-23 years (21.6±0.7) of the North-West University. Both quantitative and qualitative instruments were used to gather the data. The results indicated medium (d=0.5) to practically significant (d≥0.8) differences mostly in favour of the centre-based adventure program (communication abilities, productiveness and competition within the group). Only ‘group morale’ was in favour of the expedition-based wilderness program, which showed a medium effect (d=0.5). A significant sequence effect in favour of first attending the centre-based adventure program and thereafter the expedition-based wilderness program was documented, which led to the conclusion that the two programs should be used in combination. Although both programs were rated very efficient for the improvement of group effectiveness, it is strongly recommended that a centre-based adventure program be used – mainly on account of active involvement, intensive social interaction and continuous group discussions

A Hypercontextualized Game (HCG) is a locally designed game that supports its players in gathering context-specific information and in-depth understanding and knowledge regarding the context of a site. LIEKSAMYST, an exciting mobile application, with which visitors can play various games based on stories, was originally developed for the open-air section of the Pielinen Museum and is an example of such a hypercontextualized game. Each individual game (which together make up LIEKSAMYST) was developed in, for and with the co-operation of the Pielinen Museum. In its design, LIEKSAMYST purposefully attempts to connect users to the local history and thus promote affective engagement. With the co-operation of both a local school (Lieksan Keskuskoulu) and the museum authorities, we set out to discover how LIEKSAMYST guides the informal learning experience of Grade 7 pupils. We gathered information from 101 pupils on-site (through questionnaires) and used this data, as well as the pupils’ academic grades, to elucidate our study by investigating the relationship between engagement and motivation. The data were analyzed using a quantitative method guided by a qualitative interpretational approach and we found a significant correlation between (a) fantasy and (b) affective and cognitive engagement. The study highlighted the importance of evoking and harnessing both affective and cognitive engagement, through the fundamental element of fantasy, in the game narrative

Background/Aims: It is unknown whether the effect of alcohol consumption on homocysteine (Hcy) is modulated by the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T. We explored this hypothesized effect by analyzing cross-sectional data of 1,827 black South Africans. Methods: Total Hcy concentrations were determined by fluorescence polarization immunoassay and the genotype through polymerase chain reaction-based RFLP analysis. Results: Subjects harboring the 677 TT genotype had the highest Hcy. Among subjects harboring the 677 CC genotype, men had higher Hcy (p = 0.04). Age and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) correlated best (r = 0.26 and r = 0.27; p < 0.05), while the percentage carbohydrate-deficient transferrin and the B vitamins correlated weakly (r < 0.1; p < 0.05) with Hcy. Hcy was positively associated with the reported alcohol intake (p ≤ 0.01). There was no interaction between alcohol consumption and the MTHFR 677 CC or CT genotypes (p > 0.05) for Hcy concentrations; however, an interaction was determined for GGT and the MTHFR genotype (p = 0.02). Age, GGT, gender, MTHFR and vitamin B6 explained 16.8% of the variation in Hcy (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The determined interactions might result in differences in the risk conveyed through Hcy with regard to disease development in those with unfavorable GGT concentrations.

The Organisational Climate Description Questionnaire – Rutgers Elementary (OCDQ – RE) was used to determine the current organizational climate of primary schools in North-West Province, South Africa. This questionnaire evaluates the actions of principals and educators; the current organizational climate in primary schools can be determined from the results. A quantitative research approach, with 904 teachers from 68 schools, was used to determine the applicability of the measuring instrument. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed that certain items measuring directive behaviour in the OCDQ-RE grouped with supportive behaviour of the principal. Hence, in this study, these items were regarded as supportive towards the educators and their work by the respondents. According to Cronbach’s alpha coefficient the questionnaire can be regarded as reliable. Recommendations are made to render the questionnaire even more applicable for the South African context.

Objective: A waist:height ratio (WHtR) higher than 0.5 has been proposed as a cutoff point for abdominal obesity in both sexes and at all ages. It is unknown if this cutoff point is appropriate for previously undernourished adolescents. We assessed the cutoff value of the WHtR associated with an increased metabolic risk in 178 black South African 14- to 18-y-old adolescents (69 boys, 109 girls). Methods: We measured weight, height, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and blood pressure and calculated the WHtR and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Using receiver operating characteristics curve analyses, we assessed the WHtR with the highest sensitivity and specificity to discriminate adolescents with increased fasting plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and blood pressure from those with “normal” values. Results: The WHtR cutoff points derived from the receiver operating characteristics curves ranged from 0.40 to 0.41, with best diagnostic value at 0.41. A WHtR of 0.40 had 80% sensitivity and 38.5% specificity to classify adolescents with fasting blood glucose level higher than 5.6 mmol/L (area under the curve [AUC] 0.57). A WHtR of 0.41 had 64% sensitivity and 58.5% specificity for a HOMAIR higher than 3.4 (AUC 0.66), 55% sensitivity and 55.6% specificity for a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level higher than 1 mg/L (AUC 0.57), and 64% sensitivity and 50.2% specificity for a blood pressure higher than the age-, sex-, and height-specific 90th percentiles (AUC 0.56). Adolescents with a WHtR higher than 0.41 had an odds ratio of 2.46 (95% confidence interval 0.96–6.30) for having a HOMA-IR higher than 3.4. Conclusion: The WHtR cutoff to indicate metabolic risk for black South African adolescents is 0.41, which is lower than the proposed international cutoff of 0.5. The WHtR can be used for screening adolescents with components of the m

Hosting events and festivals is the best way of providing the wine tourism experience. Wine festivals offer a wide range of experiences that are different from day-today living, offer a lifestyle package and are an indicator of lifestyle tourism experience Tourists travel to wine festivals for wine and other leisure-related experiences, including opportunities for social and/or cultural experiences, interactivity and personal development. Therefore, wine festivals should provide an experience that can influence the quality of life (QoL) of the attending tourist. QoL is influenced by various life domains, which include social, leisure and recreational, intellectual, culinary, and travel life. By its nature, a wine festival is able to influence life domains, thereby decreasing or increasing the level of satisfaction with QoL, according to the level of satisfactory experience. The purpose of this article is to examine the influence of the wine festival experience on the QoL of attending tourists. The structural relationship between the wine festival experience on tourists’ QoL is shown in a structural equation model (SEM), which is based on the notion that the QoL of attending tourists will be influenced by their level of satisfaction in various life domains. A self-administrated questionnaire was distributed during the Wacky Wine Festival in Robertson South Africa. The data from 329 (N) eligible questionnaires was cleaned, captured and analysed using SPSS. Furthermore, Amos was used to test the structural model providing statistical support. From the study’s findings, managerial recommendations were made with the aim of maximising attending wine tourists’ QoL. The research contributes to the literature related to QoL.

According to the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) (Deci and Ryan 1985), intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can be differentiated with levels along a continuum representing distinct self-regulatory styles for behavior. Behavioral regulations consider different degrees to which they represent autonomous or self-determined functioning and specifically intrinsic motivations are characterized by the highest level of self-determination. Past research into the SDT has highlighted correlations between reasons with high levels of autonomy or self-determination for engaging in a particular behavior and enhanced Subjective Well-Being (SWB), as well as positive behavioral outcomes. Little is known about the relationship between visitors’ reasons for visiting a national park, associated self-regulatory styles and their self-appraisals of SWB. Therefore, the present research investigates the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for visiting the Kruger National Park (KNP), associated self-regulatory styles and self-evaluations of SWB among 389 overnight visitors. A structural equation model (SEM) is proposed to examine both the cognitive (life satisfaction) and affective (positive and negative feelings) components of SWB in association to motivations with different degrees of self-determination. Reflecting previous research, the results show that overnight visitors who are more intrinsically motivated have higher life satisfaction levels, higher positive feelings and lower negative feelings. In contrast, overnight visitors who are less intrinsically motivated have lower life satisfaction levels, lower positive feelings and higher negative feeling. The practical implications of these findings are highlighted.

This explorative study captured the perceptions of faculty members new to technology enhanced learning and the longitudinal observations of the e-learning manager during dedicated professional development in order to compile a socially transformative emergent learning technology integration framework for open and distance learning at the School of Continuing Teacher Education at North-West University, South Africa. A pragmatic approach guided the bounded case study. The study followed a fully mixed sequential equal status design of mixing sequential qualitative and quantitative findings. Data collection strategies concern a custom-made questionnaire, interviews with faculty members, and longitudinal observations by the e-learning manager. The first phase uncovered 34 qualitative codes. After quantitating of the data, a t-test indicated significant differences for 17 variables between faculty perceptions and observations of the e-learning manager. Ward’s method of Euclidean distances grouped the variables into five clusters according to the researchers’ paradigm of looking in and looking out from the development context. The clusters formed the basis of a model for faculty development towards socially transformative learning technology integration for open distance learning. The five aspects of the model comprise (i) the environment in which faculty members should gain support from the institution; (ii) the environment in which faculty have to address the realities of adopting TEL; (iii) human factors relating to the adoption of TEL; (iv) concerns and reservations about the use of TEL; and (v) continuing professional development needs, expectations, and motivators. The sustainable integration of ICT into higher education institutions remains a major challenge for the adoption of TEL.

Obesity is a rapid growing epidemic worldwide, affecting more women, especially black and coloured women (women of mixed ancestry) in South Africa. Limited research regarding the body composition and resting metabolic rate (RMR) of individuals from mixed ancestry is available, especially in comparison to other ethnic groups. The objective of this study was to compare various anthropometric and body composition parameters, as well as RMR in a cohort of sedentary Caucasian women and women of mixed ancestry. A once-off cross-sectional design based on a non-randomised available population participated in this study. Caucasian women (n=51), and women of mixed ancestry (n=26), between the ages of 25 to 35 years were recruited. Body composition parameters were determined using the Bod Pod® together with other anthropometric measurements (body mass, stature, waist- and hip circumference). The Mann-Whitney U test and effect size determined the significance of the differences between the groups. Stature (p=0.001) was significantly higher in the women of mixed ancestry. Caucasian women showed a medium practical significantly lower BMI (d=0.68), fat percentage (d=0.59) and fat mass (d=0.47). Women of mixed ancestry were shorter, had a higher BMI, fat mass and fat percentage compared to Caucasian women of the same age and weight.

Corporate environment presently realises the importance of health promotion strategies to ensure health and productivity. In this pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental study, the effect of two intervention strategies (physical fitness and an enriched physical fitness programme) of 32 weeks on coronary prone colliery executives from six collieries in South Africa were studied. High risk executives volunteered to participate (availability sampling) resulting in a total of 143 participants (Group A: n = 77; Group B: n = 66). A reduction in six coronary risk factors was used to indicate the effectiveness of the intervention. The results of individuals presenting one or more coronary risk factors are reported. Statistical analysis indicated that significant improvement was noted in many primary risk factors in the intra-group analysis. Regarding the inter-group changes no statistical differences occurred except for diastolic blood pressure in the pre-test. It was concluded that none of the two intervention regimes were superior to one another

Corporate environment presently realises the importance of health promotion strategies to ensure health and productivity. In this pre-test-post-test quasi-experimental study, the effect of two intervention strategies (physical fitness and an enriched physical fitness programme) of 32 weeks on coronary prone colliery executives from six collieries in South Africa were studied. High risk executives volunteered to participate (availability sampling) resulting in a total of 143 participants (Group A: n = 77; Group B: n = 66). A reduction in six coronary risk factors was used to indicate the effectiveness of the intervention. The results of individuals presenting one or more coronary risk factors are reported. Statistical analysis indicated that significant improvement was noted in many primary risk factors in the intra-group analysis. Regarding the inter-group changes no statistical differences occurred except for diastolic blood pressure in the pre-test. It was concluded that none of the two intervention regimes were superior to one another.