For South Asian adults lowered BMI cut-offs for overweight and obesity are recommended as these are more in agreement with their body composition (low muscle mass, high fat mass) and the... Show moreFor South Asian adults lowered BMI cut-offs for overweight and obesity are recommended as these are more in agreement with their body composition (low muscle mass, high fat mass) and the considerably higher risk of cardiovascuar and metabolic disease. For South Asian children living in a Western country lowered BMI norms have not been established, nor other ethnic specific growth standards. The aims of this thesis are 1. to gain more insight into the normal physical growth of South Asian children 2. to develop South Asian specific height-for-age (0-21 years) and BMI-for-age (2-18 years) references, including BMI cut-offs. The studies in this thesis show that South Asian children are generally lighter and shorter than other ethnic groups. The mean birth weight is at 3012 grams around 450 grams lower than of Dutch babies and has remained unchanged for the past 35 years. In children 3-15 years thinness is highly prevalent and overweight prevalence is relatively low. Application of the developed height-for-age charts and lowered BMI cut-offs will expectedly lead to a better assessment of height and nutritional status (thinness, overweight) in this group. Consequently, thinness rates will be lower while overweight will be detected earlier, leading to earlier preventive interventions. Show less
This dissertation contains a history of public financial student support policies in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, from their establishment in 1815 until today. It focuses especially on the... Show moreThis dissertation contains a history of public financial student support policies in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, from their establishment in 1815 until today. It focuses especially on the political and administrative decisions that led to actual policies. This history is divided in seven episodes during which policies had different goals and took different shapes. This way, the episodes reflect the changing role of the national government in Dutch society. Policy makers used financial student support as an instrument in their efforts to influence the course of social developments, with varying success. They tried to influence supply on the job market, to stimulate the development of individual talents and to advance social justice. Larger objectives were state formation, economic and cultural development and the emancipation of particular groups in society. Ever since the introduction of child benefits in the system in 1953, it has been impossible to tell whether student support is a form of education policy, income policy or social support. It has had close links with all three of them, causing reforms in one of these aspects to have unacceptable effects in the other. Public student support policy has become a complex administrative knot, still struggled with today. Show less
This paper reviews the Dutch development cooperation policies for the years 1949-2015 with particular attention for private sector development (PSD). Over the years, poverty alleviation, private... Show moreThis paper reviews the Dutch development cooperation policies for the years 1949-2015 with particular attention for private sector development (PSD). Over the years, poverty alleviation, private sector development and security have been dominant focus areas of Dutch development cooperation, with PSD taking a central role as it was assumed that poverty could only be alleviated when a country's economy is stimulated. Therefore, the Dutch government has been strongly supporting policies and initiatives stimulating PSD in the Netherlands and in developing countries. The long history of Dutch development cooperation shows continuity in its approach towards development policy as a way of promoting Dutch businesses and export in developing countries. Show less
This paper reviews the Dutch development cooperation policies for the years 2010-2015 with a particular attention to the private sector development (PSD). Historical perspective is also added to... Show moreThis paper reviews the Dutch development cooperation policies for the years 2010-2015 with a particular attention to the private sector development (PSD). Historical perspective is also added to this review. Dutch government has been strongly supporting policies and initiatives stimulating PSD in the Netherlands and in developing countries. The long history of the Dutch development cooperation can serve as a valuable lesson for other countries. Show less
