Browsing by Subject "Performance"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 10
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    Bakhutli: ancestors returning again, only this time as themselves
    (2024) Molekoa, Morapeleng; Fleishman, Mark; Seane Warona
    How can performance help us remember the past to imagine the future? This study is concerned with the recovery of historical knowledge through performance and the role of an audience in that process. Practice as Research (PaR) is used as a method to identify the role of ancestors in the world of the living. Through autoethnography, I draw examples and insights from my personal experiences with bongaka and my ongoing relationship with my ancestors. In addition, I use performance to enable an engagement between ancestors and the living through ritual process/performance. The ideal of sankofa is employed to frame the research and determine how ancestors could help us remember the past so that we, together with them, could imagine the future. I propose the concept of Bohareng as an alternative consideration of what the future could be viewed as in relation to performance. Performance projects and autoethnographic experiences in the form of field notes are incorporated to arrive at the findings of this study
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    Conflict and tuberculosis in Sudan: a 10-year review of the National Tuberculosis Programme, 2004-2014
    (BioMed Central, 2018-05-16) Hassanain, Sara A; Edwards, Jeffrey K; Venables, Emilie; Ali, Engy; Adam, Khadiga; Hussien, Hafiz; Elsony, Asma
    Background Sudan is a fragile developing country, with a low expenditure on health. It has been subjected to ongoing conflicts ever since 1956, with the Darfur crisis peaking in 2004. The conflict, in combination with the weak infrastructure, can lead to poor access to healthcare. Hence, this can cause an increased risk of infection, greater morbidity and mortality from tuberculosis (TB), especially amongst the poor, displaced and refugee populations. This study will be the first to describe TB case notifications, characteristics and outcomes over a ten-year period in Darfur in comparison with the non-conflict Eastern zones within Sudan. Methods A cross-sectional review of the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) data from 2004 to 2014 comparing the Darfur conflict zone with the non-conflict eastern zone. Results New case notifications were 52% lower in the conflict zone (21,131) compared to the non-conflict zone (43,826). Smear-positive pulmonary TB (PTB) in the conflict zone constituted 63% of all notified cases, compared to the non-conflict zone of 32% (p < 0.001). Extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) predominated the TB notified cases in the non-conflict zone, comprising 35% of the new cases versus 9% in the conflict zone (p < 0.001). The loss to follow up (LTFU) was high in both zones (7% conflict vs 10% non-conflict, p < 0.001) with a higher rate among re-treatment cases (12%) in the conflict zone. Average treatment success rates of smear-positive pulmonary TB (PTB), over ten years, were low (65-66%) in both zones. TB mortality among re-treatment cases was higher in the conflict zone (8%) compared to the non-conflict zone (6%) (p < 0.001). Conclusion A low TB case notification was found in the conflict zone from 2004 to 2014. High loss to follow up and falling treatment success rates were found in both conflict and non-conflict zones, which represents a significant public health risk. Further analysis of the TB response and surveillance system in both zones is needed to confirm the factors associated with the poor outcomes. Using context-sensitive measures and simplified pathways with an emphasis on displaced persons may increase access and case notification in conflict zones, which can help avoid a loss to follow up in both zones.
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    Contemporary perspectives of core stability training for dynamic athletic performance: a survey of athletes, coaches, sports science and sports medicine practitioners
    (Springer International Publishing, 2018-07-16) Clark, David R; Lambert, Michael I; Hunter, Angus M
    Background Core stability training has grown in popularity over 25 years, initially for back pain prevention or therapy. Subsequently, it developed as a mode of exercise training for health, fitness and sport. The scientific basis for traditional core stability exercise has recently been questioned and challenged, especially in relation to dynamic athletic performance. Reviews have called for clarity on what constitutes anatomy and function of the core, especially in healthy and uninjured people. Clinical research suggests that traditional core stability training is inappropriate for development of fitness for heath and sports performance. However, commonly used methods of measuring core stability in research do not reflect functional nature of core stability in uninjured, healthy and athletic populations. Recent reviews have proposed a more dynamic, whole body approach to training core stabilization, and research has begun to measure and report efficacy of these modes training. The purpose of this study was to assess extent to which these developments have informed people currently working and participating in sport. Methods An online survey questionnaire was developed around common themes on core stability training as defined in the current scientific literature and circulated to a sample population of people working and participating in sport. Survey results were assessed against key elements of the current scientific debate. Results Perceptions on anatomy and function of the core were gathered from a representative cohort of athletes, coaches, sports science and sports medicine practitioners (n = 241), along with their views on effectiveness of various current and traditional exercise training modes. Most popular method of testing and measuring core function was subjective assessment through observation (43%), while a quarter (22%) believed there was no effective method of measurement. Perceptions of people in sport reflect the scientific debate, and practitioners have adopted a more functional approach to core stability training. There was strong support for loaded, compound exercises performed upright, compared to moderate support for traditional core stability exercises. Half of the participants (50%) in the survey, however, still support a traditional isolation core stability training. Conclusion Perceptions in applied practice on core stability training for dynamic athletic performance are aligned to a large extent to the scientific literature.
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    Developing a leadership framework for improving construction business organisation performance in South Africa
    (2022) Alade, Kehinde Temitope; Windapo, Abimbola Olukemi
    The South African construction industry is experiencing challenging times, like its counterparts globally, which has led to the failure of known large contractors. While some studies have suggested different reasons for this, a stream of scholars argued that company leadership contributes significantly to the organisation's performance. Studies on leadership in construction have mainly been undertaken at project level, considering that construction organisations are project-based. This study examined the leadership of construction organisations and whether the traits, skills, role, style and strategic decisions of company leaders impacted on the long-term performance and sustainability of contracting firms in South Africa. The main question investigated in this study is: what combination of leadership traits, skills, style, role, and strategic decisions results in superior and sustainable construction organisation performance, when moderated by strategic decisions of CEO/company leadership? The study draws from theoretical perspectives, namely the ‘upper echelons' theory, strategic leadership theory, and the Full Range Leadership Model (FRLM), to develop a conceptual framework. A convergent mixed-method research design was used to advance the investigation. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected construction company leaders of large contracting firms in the Western Cape, in positions of Group Chairman, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Managing Director in major building construction, civil engineering, or geo-technical companies of good repute. The survey instrument was pretested by construction company leaders before distribution to respondents and the Crobach Alpha test was used in testing the reliability of the study responses. The cidb provided the database of the construction leaders and a survey of contractors listed in Grades 7-9 of the cidb Register of Contractors was conducted. The responses of the samples on the survey question raised on their position also attests to this. At the end of the survey period between April and September 2020, 257 responses were received, representing 56.86% response rate. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), to validate the hypothesis developed that construction company leaders positively impact organisational performance through their strategic decisions on project management, change, and innovation and investment. In addition, the study also tested the hypothesis that strategic decisions mediate the relationship between construction companies' leadership components, characteristics, and construction organisation performance. The findings of this study reveal that decisions on change and innovation have the most impact to prevent business failure, and for construction organisation performance. Whilst there are other internal and external factors that may contribute to a firm's business outcomes, the findings of the study explain that the attributes of construction business leaders and their strategic decisions play a significant role in construction company leadership and construction organisation's outcomes. The leadership of construction companies is expected to be exhibit transformational qualities, cast visions, channel new opportunities, and reposition their companies according to the current and future economic situations. The gap between expectations and performance must thus be filled by leadership through their strategic decisions that are premeditated and calculated towards the expectations and visions of the construction companies. The study thus contributes to knowledge in leadership and construction research by demonstrating how the multi-dimensions of company leadership impact construction business organisation performance. The integration of leadership personality traits, skills, style, role, and strategic decisions provides a better measure of how leadership impacts organisational performance. The leadership framework developed from the study's findings made explicit the leadership traits, skills, style and strategic roles that would assist construction company leaders to operate their organisations sustainably and devise effective succession plans. The components of the leadership framework include the strategic leadership roles that construction organisational leaders must play, using catalytic leadership skills, transformational and transactional leadership approaches and inherent leadership traits, which could be developed through education, career experiences, mentoring and training. The study is limited to South Africa, which has implications for the generalisability of results.
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    DNA - Deconstructing Native Affairs: New Equations
    (2019) Manyaapelo, Jacqueline Kehilwe; Fleishman, Mark
    This study is an exploration of the articulation of my artistic voice or performance signature. It employs two methodologies, autoethnography and Practice as Research to investigate the practice of my artistic creations as a solo dance-maker. It utilises concepts such as the Batammaliba’s anatomical and metaphorical approach to architecture, Sankofa and decoloniality to frame the investigation. My first solo work, Satisfaction Index, is a point of departure for this analysis. The study then proceeds to engage with works created during the pursuit of this master’s degree over the past two years. In the discovery of my work, DNA and ritual feature to further construct the artistic voice or performance signature that I seek for the articulation of my rebranding as a soloist.
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    The Effect of Sodium Alginate and Pectin Added to a Carbohydrate Beverage on Endurance Performance, Substrate Oxidation and Blood Glucose Concentration: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
    (2022-06-21) Sutehall, Shaun; Muniz-Pardos, Borja; Bosch, Andrew; Pitsiladis, Yannis
    Introduction Scientific and public interest in the potential ergogenic effects of sodium alginate added to a carbohydrate (CHO) beverage has increased in the last ~ 5 years. Despite an extensive use of this technology by elite athletes and recent research into the potential effects, there has been no meta-analysis to objectively elucidate the effects of adding sodium alginate to a CHO beverage on parameters relevant to exercise performance and to highlight gaps in the literature. Methods Three literature databases were systematically searched for studies investigating the effects of sodium alginate added to CHO beverage during prolonged, endurance exercise in healthy athletes. For the systematic review, the PROSPERO guidelines were followed, and risk assessment was made using the Cochrane collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias. Additionally, a random-effects meta-analysis model was used to determine the standardised mean difference between a CHO beverage containing sodium alginate and an isocaloric control for performance, whole-body CHO oxidation and blood glucose concentration. Results Ten studies were reviewed systematically, of which seven were included within the meta-analysis. For each variable, there was homogeneity between studies for performance (n = 5 studies; I2 = 0%), CHO oxidation (n = 7 studies; I2 = 0%) and blood glucose concentration (n = 7 studies; I2 = 0%). When compared with an isocaloric control, the meta-analysis demonstrated that there is no difference in performance (Z = 0.54, p = 0.59), CHO oxidation (Z = 0.34, p = 0.71) and blood glucose concentration (Z = 0.44, p = 0.66) when ingesting a CHO beverage containing sodium alginate. The systematic review revealed that several of the included studies did not use sufficient exercise intensity to elicit significant gastrointestinal disturbances or demonstrate any ergogenic benefit of CHO ingestion. Risk of bias was generally low across the included studies. Conclusions This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that the current literature indicates no benefit of adding sodium alginate to a CHO beverage during exercise. Further research is required, however, before firm conclusions are drawn considering the range of exercise intensities, feeding rates and the apparent lack of benefit of CHO reported in the current literature investigating sodium alginate.
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    The French flute tradition
    (2003) Stoltz, Liesl; May, James
    The French flute tradition is remarkable and is admired by flautists, teachers and students of the flute all over the world. The dissertation researched the development of this tradition from the pre-Baroque period through to the modern era and tried to determine the underlying factors that stimulated its development specifically in France. The first key was added to the flute in France and with this the Hotteteres created the blueprint for the modern flute of today. During the Classical period the conservative French retarded the development of the instrument and the repertoire for the flute by initially rejecting additional keys.
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    A structured teaching approach to extended flute techniques at pre-tertiary level
    (2010) Pietersen, Inge Kim
    This research explores extended flute techniques and arrives at a suggested structured teaching approach to these techniques at pre-tertiary level. The views of extended flute technique specialists have been collected to help set up lesson plans and resource lists for the contemporary teacher.
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    The Mbokodofication of Black Women: An Autoethnographic Study of Post Dramatic Stress and the ‘Strong Black Woman' Trope
    (2021) Ngcobo, Balindile; Fleishman, Mark
    This study introduces into performance discourse the mbokodofication of Black women – that is, the production of the ‘Strong Black Woman' trope, specifically in the South African context. To this end, the study traces the genealogy of the tropes of Black womanhood that have emerged throughout the history of the South African literary canon, analyzing them critically for their varied contributions to the (mis)representations of Black women, both on stage and in the world. Employing the joint methodologies of Practice as Research and African Feminist Autoethnography (which I propose as a variant of Black Feminist Autoethnography specifically contextualized to Black African women), the study unpacks the psychological effects of mbokodofication on Black women performers who, through this phenomenon, become locked into the Sisyphean task of portraying trauma and having this trauma re-inscribed to them through the mimetic style of performance imposed by the dramatic paradigm. The ways in which the dramatic paradigm reproduces coloniality are explored and code-switching is proposed as a potential aesthetic liberator for performers who wish to obfuscate and make visible certain elements of Black womanhood from the violent colonial gaze and thus protect themselves from post-dramatic stress. The study follows the trajectory of my research enquiry and performance practice to explicate the dramaturgical process which brought into being my thesis production, Malibongwe, and, in the end, proposes the work as a post-mbokodoist manifesto.
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    Umthonyama
    (2023) Lallie, Lungile; Mtshali, Mbongeni
    Umthonyama explores the politics of black queer visibility and contested belonging within the evolving culture of amaXhosa people. Black queer performance practitioners, are practically and theoretically foregrounded in this thesis to demonstrate the sophisticated ways in which we become visible, create space, and locate ourselves within the culture. Black queer erasure is furthermore complicated by examining how Xhosa contemporary popular culture and music is influenced by Xhosa religious practice, which then becomes a fertile site for both the subversion and reimagining of new cultural identities and belonging. I draw chiefly on José Esteban Muñoz's concept of 'disidentification' and Viktor Shklyovsky's concept of 'defamiliarization' as theoretical and formal approaches in my enquiry. To these ends, my thesis production, Umthonyama --cyclical, durational live-art installation, work -- is stylized as a queer 'homily' that rehearses and celebrates a queer genealogy of black Xhosa identity felt and contested at the level of the intimate body. Citing the aesthetics and politics of black artists such as Athi-Patra Ruga, Thandiswa Mazwai, Camagwini, and Ntombethongo, the installation acts as the central site of experience, encounter, collision, for reframing neocolonial codes of spiritual, traditional, and popular modes of emerging Xhosa culture