Text in Afrikaans / Die ekologiese faktore wat bydra tot die onafhanklikheid van twintig Suid-Afrikaanse kwadruplee is vanuit 'n sistemiese perspektief beskou. ('n Selfontwerpte vraelys en onderhoud is benut). Die kriteria was dat: Hulle 'n betrekking beklee; finansieel selfonderhoudend is; tuis gaan in 'n eie woonplek; 'n voertuig besit wat aan hulle mobiliteitsvereistes voldoen; en van 'n rolstoel gebruik maak. Sekere demografiese faktore staan in 'n positewe vehouding tot onafhanklikheid. F aktore rakende die indiwidu het die meeste waarde vir die instandhouding en ontwikkeling van 'n onafhanklike lewenstyl. Faktore wat verband hou met die sosiale ondersteuningstelsel is van ietwat minder belang. Alhoewel die faktore wat verband hou met die gemeenskap nie heeltemal onbelangrik is nie, het dit deurgaans die minste waarde. Faktore wat verband hou met funksionele aanpassings (versorging; mobiliteit; loopbaanaangeleenthede en finansies; en dermkanaal- en blaasbeheer) was deurgaans van besondere belang. Die belangrikheid van tersiere opleiding; die hoeveelheid hulpmiddels in gebruik; en sport, oefening en ontspanning was minder as wat verwag is. / The ecological factors contributing to the independence of twenty South African quadriplegics were investigated from an systemic perspective. (A self compiled questionnaire and semi-structured interview were used). The criteria for inclusion is: Employment; financial self-support; living in a residences of their own; having a motor vehicle that satisfy their mobility requirements; and reliance on a wheelchair. Certain demographic factors are linked, positively to independence. The factors related to the individual appeared to be the most important factor in developing and maintaining an independent lifestyle. The social support system received a slightly lower value rating. Community factors, while not entirely unimportant, received the lowest ratings throughout the study. The factors regarding functional adaptations ( care; mobility; career issues and finances; and control over bowels and bladder) were in general of great significance. The value of tertiary education; the amount of special aids in use; and sport, exercise and recreation have been less than expected. / Social Work / M.A. (Sosiale Wetenskappe (Geestesgesondheid))

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-06T17:42:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGPV15DA019.pdf: 1647519 bytes, checksum: 1d5c0783923ddc331d153e95b7e62281 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-04-16 / Mimosa scabrella Bentham, is a pioneer species, native and endemic to Brazil, occurring mainly in secondary training in Araucaria Forest. Known popularly as bracatinga, has potential for supply chain development in the Plateau of Santa Catarina, because wide range of timber and non-timber products. Due to the lack of ecological information and productive character of M. scabrella, this study aimed to characterize demographics (population structure and dynamics), spatial distribution, dendrometric growth, carbon content and the amount of CO2 equivalent, relate the potential increment of biomass under the action of abiotic factors and to verify the potential facilitator of this species in the successional advance in areas where restoration. Populations of M. scabrella studied are at different stages of development located in Bocaina do Sul, Lages, Ponte Alta and Urupema. Three sample units were allocated/population, measuring 40x40m, subdivided into sub-plots 10x10m, with a total sampling area 1.92 ha. All individuals of M. scabrella present within the limits of 12 demarcated sampling units were identified with aluminum plates and monitored for two evaluation periods (2012 and 2013). All individuals present in each sample unit were measured as the diameter at breast height (DBH) for adults (DBH ≥ 5 cm to 1.3 meters high); The diameter of soil height (DAC) for regenerating (DBH ˂ 5 cm at 1.3 meters height). Were evaluated following environmental variables: soil chemistry, relief (slope) and canopy cover. The survey of the diversity of the community regenerating in the understory of the population was evaluated in two sample/population units with dimensions of 40x20m, totaling 800 m²/population, was sampled all individuals with height ≥ 10 cm. The initial stages of development of populations of M. scabrella were marked by the occurrence of natural thinning, arising from pressures imposed by intraspecific competition. The diameter distribution in the populationat an early stage showed high concentration of individuals in the early grades and unimodal distribution in populations at a more advanced stage. The spatial distribution pattern of M. scabrella is compatible with those reported for other pioneer species. These populations demonstrate potential to provide environmental services regarding the carbon capture and storage. The dynamic rates were defined by the absence of recruitment in all populations and increased mortality in higher density (younger). Gains in basal area of each population had relationships with different environmental variables, which are: soil fertility, slope and canopy cover. The areas where natural regeneration in understory of M. scabrella of different ages, show different floristic-structural patterns, which are consistent with the trends succession dynamics characteristics of Araucaria Pine Forest, where most wealth and abundance of regenerating individuals was recorded in M. scabrella sub-woods with more advanced age / Mimosa scabrella Bentham é uma espécie pioneira, nativa e endêmica do Brasil, ocorrendo principalmente em formações secundárias de Floresta Ombrófila Mista. Conhecida popularmente como bracatinga, apresenta potencial para desenvolvimento da cadeia produtiva no Planalto Catarinense, devido ao amplo espectro de produtos madeiráveis e não madeiráveis que pode oferecer. Em decorrência da escassez de informações ecológicas e de caráter produtivo de M. scabrella, este estudo objetivou caracterizar aspectos demográficos (estrutura e dinâmica populacional), distribuição espacial, crescimento dendrométrico, teor de carbono e a quantidade de CO2 equivalente, relacionar o potencial de ganho de biomassa sob ação de diferentes variáveis ambientais, assim como verificar o potencial facilitador desta espécie quanto ao avanço sucessional em áreas em restauração. As populações de M. scabrella estudadas estão em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento (idade) situadas nos municípios de Bocaina do Sul, Lages, Ponte Alta e Urupema. Foram alocadas três unidades amostrais por população, com dimensões de 40x40m, subdividas em sub-parcelas de 10x10m, totalizando uma área amostral 1,92 ha. Todos os indivíduos de M. scabrella presentes nos limites das 12 unidades amostrais demarcadas foram identificados com placas de alumínio e monitorados durante dois períodos de avaliação (2012 e 2013). Todos os indivíduos presentes em cada unidade amostral foram medidos quanto o diâmetro a altura do peito (DAP), para os indivíduos adultos (DAP ≥ 5 cm a 1,3 metros de altura); o diâmetro a altura do colo (DAC), para os indivíduos regenerantes (DAP ≤ 5 cm a 1,3 metros de altura). Em cada sub-parcela foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis ambientais: química do solo, relevo (declividade) e cobertura do dossel. O padrão de distribuição espacial foi calculado pelo Índice de Morisita para as diferentes populações e a quantidade de CO2 equivalente pela estimativa do carbono total. O levantamento da diversidade da comunidade regenerante no sub-bosque das populações foi avaliada em duas unidades amostrais por população, com dimensões de 40x20m, totalizando 800 m²/população, onde foram amostrados todos os indivíduos com altura ≥ 10 cm. As fases iniciais de desenvolvimento das populações de M. scabrella foram marcadas pela ocorrência de desbastes naturais, oriundo das pressões impostas pela competição intraespecífica. A distribuição diamétrica na população em estádio inicial demonstrou alta concentração de indivíduos nas primeiras classes e distribuição unimodal nas populações em estádio mais avançado. O padrão de distribuição espacial de M. scabrella é compatível com aqueles registrados para outras espécies pioneiras (população em estádio inicial = agregado; estádio avançado = aleatório). Estas populações demonstram potencialidades de prestação de serviço ambiental no que tange o sequestro e estocagem de carbono. As taxas de dinâmica foram definidas pela ausência de recrutamento em todas as populações e maior mortalidade na população de maior densidade (mais jovem). Os ganhos em área basal de cada população apresentaram relações com distintas variáveis ambientais, sendo estas: fertilidade do solo, declividade e cobertura do dossel. As áreas em regeneração natural, em sub-bosques de M. scabrella com diferentes idades, apresentaram diferentes padrões florístico-estruturais, os quais são compatíveis com as tendências características da dinâmica sucessional de Floresta Ombrófila Mista, onde a maior riqueza de indivíduos regenerantes foi registrada nos sub-bosques de M. scabrella com idade mais avançadas

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo um estudo sobre perfil de consumidor e o problema de localização de lojas de diferentes canais de vendas do varejo, levando em consideração o perfil socioeconômico e perfil de compra dos consumidores. Uma análise de clusters possibilitou, com base nos dados de vendas por classes sócio-econômicas de lojas dos vários canais obtidos de um varejista, a segmentação de diferentes tipos de lojas e canais com potenciais de vendas diferenciados. Posteriormente, a pesquisa propõe uma modelagem para o problema de localização dos grupos de loja no varejo empregando programação linear inteira. O modelo visa à maximização do resultado operacional total que se obtém da política de localização de diferentes tipos de lojas e canais numa cidade ou região. O modelo é implementado para a cidade de Belo Horizonte (MG), utilizando-se os dados levantados de potenciais de vendas para os diferentes tipos de canais lojas e os dados da distribuição das populações dos bairros de BH, segmentados pelas várias classes sócioeconômicas. Uma análise de Sensibilidade apresenta os efeitos de diferentes formas de operacionalização da área de influência ou cobertura de uma loja sobre a política de localização das lojas, bem como sobre o resultado operacional. A análise sensibilizada mostrou também que o modelo buscou dentre os diferentes cenários alterados, a aproximação na indicação dos bairros a ser instalados as lojas, ao percentual de influência e ao potencial de vendas dos diferentes bairros por tipos de lojas. A segmentação das lojas em vários tipos e canais bem como a proposição de operacionalização da região de cobertura de uma loja contribuem com discussões importantes para a literatura. Por outro lado, a modelagem proposta pode apresentar subsídio para a tomada de decisão gerencial na expansão ou implantação de lojas de varejo numa determinada região. / The main objective of the present research aims to a study on consumer profile and the retail store location problem of different stores channels, taking into account the socioeconomic profile and the consumers purchase behavior. A clusters analysis, based on sales data for socio-economic classes from the various type of stores channels obtained from a retailer, targeted of different types of stores and channels different sales potential. Subsequently, the research proposes a model to the problem of location of groups of retail store employing integer linear programming. The model aims to maximize the total operational result that is obtained from the optimal location of different types of stores and channels in a city or region. It is implemented for the city of Belo Horizonte (MG), using data collected from the sales potential for the different types of stores channels and of distribution of the populations on each districts in BH, targeted by the various socio-economic classes. A sensitivity analysis shows the effects of various types of operation of the area of influence or coverage of a shop on the politics of location of the shops, as well as the operating result. The sensitive analysis also showed that the model sought among the changes of parameters over the scenarios, the proximity over the indication of districts to the store indication, the influence percentage and the sales potential over the different districts by store cluster. The segmentation of the stores throughout the various types and channels as well as the proposition of area coverage operation of a single store, contributes to important literature discussions. Moreover, the proposed model may subsidizes management of decision-making in expansion or establishment of retail stores in a given region.

Intresset för fondsparformen har ökat de senaste åren och med tanke på att åtta av tio svenskar sparar i fonder är det viktigt att undersöka vad det är som påverkar hur en fond presterar utifrån vem som förvaltar fonden.    Syftet med studien är att bidra med ökad kunskap kring vad det är som påverkar en fondförvaltares prestationer. Studien avser först att undersöka den enskilda fondförvaltarens prestation i form av riskjusterad avkastning utifrån de demografiska aspekterna. Därefter undersöks om grupper presterar bättre eller sämre riskjusterad avkastning än enskild individer och slutligen undersökes om gruppers diversitet, utifrån de demografiska aspekterna, påverkar fondens prestation också mätt i riskjusterad avkastning.   Studien utgår från ett positivistiskt synsätt och en forskningsstrategi med en deduktiv ansats. Metodvalet karaktäriseras av ett kvantitativt tillvägagångssätt där empirin grundar sig på icke-indexfonder i Morningstars kategorisering Sverigefonder.   Studiens övergripande slutsatser är att de olika demografiska aspekterna har olika påverkan på den riskjusterade avkastningen. Grupper presterar generellt sämre än enskilda individer och ju mer diversifierad gruppen är desto sämre blir också resultatet. / The interest of saving in funds has risen in recent years. Since eight of ten Swedes have got savings in funds it’s important to investigate what affects the funds’ performance, based on who manages the fund.   The purpose of the study is to contribute with increased knowledge about what affects the performance of fund managers. The focus of the study is firstly on different demographic aspects and how they affect the risk-adjusted returns. Secondly the study examines whether group performances are superior to individuals. Lastly the study also examines whether more diverse groups perform better than less diverse groups.   The study is based on a positivistic approach and a research strategy with a deductive approach. The method selection is characterized by a quantitative approach where data is based on non-index funds in the Morningstar categorization of Sverigefonder.   The overall conclusions of the study is that different demographical aspects have different effects on the risk-adjusted returns. Groups generally perform worse than individuals and the study also concludes that the more diversified the group gets, the worse the results will be.

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil / The purpose of this thesis is to investigate patterns in educational enrollment and attainment in educational levels among women in South Africa. Some evidence from the literature suggest a slow increase in women's education and employment opportunities in South Africa. However, little is known about the way in which this slow pattern reflects at all levels and fields of education with special reference to the female population in South Africa. The thesis aims at examining changes of attainment in women's education from a sociodemographic perspective between 2004 and 2007. Factors affecting women's education in South Africa are also considered as they play major roles in women's enrollment and completion at school. The study focuses on women through different social and demographic attributes, by taking account of variables such as age, education attainment, geographic areas, population group to name but a few. All educational institutions are covered and two female groups are considered, women at school and women who left school. The study makes use of already existing data from General Household Survey conducted in 2004 and 2007 respectively, to bring some comparative perspective. The scope of the study is national in that, all the nine provinces are covered making distinction of rural and urban areas. / South Africa

The non-interest and profit-loss sharing schemes of Islamic finance (IF) are attracting increasing global attention. Despite exposure to the similar opportunities as other Western countries that have adopted the financial business model there is little evidence of Islamic finance windows operating in the conventional institutions in Canada. This thesis takes a qualitative approach to bring the issue forward in Canadian social science literature by exploring the perceived challenges to, and the potential of, the development of IF offerings with a focus on factors affecting the supply and management decisions in the industry. The study used an inductive approach with archival data and critical survey of literature to arrive at the hypotheses surrounding the challenges. These were tested deductively by semi-structured interviews and panel discussions both in Canada and the US on a sample of senior officials involved in both IF and conventional financial institutions. Using a thematic analysis the study arrived at findings supporting the hypotheses related to awareness, regulation, management intent and internal resources. In the external environment, factors affecting strategic decision on offering IF services are mainly due to regulation, lack of awareness, even among Muslim communities, or misgivings about Sha’riah authenticity. Internally, highly customized IT infrastructures, lack of funds and foreign investment make it unfeasible. Management interest when proposed with the concept is high but not in a top-down manner and there is an overall uncertainty avoidance culture and little proactivity with market research. Access to specific Sha’riah knowledge is not considered a hurdle anymore. It is apparent that investments in Sha’riah compliant stocks would be easiest to set up. Mortgage structures can be affected by the capital market structure, even if not tax structures. Knowledge on this can have implications for banks seeking to expand their investment portfolios and aid government policies.

Gamification is a concept that is gaining significant recognition in the field of business administration in general and marketing in particular. Gamification has been gaining the interest of researchers recently with mostof the studies being conducted during the last three years. Gamification presents an opportunity for businesses to gain consumers’ attention and engagement through different aspects and elements of it. Organizations such as Pinchos, the restaurant have utilized those gaming elements in order to grow their revenues and keep the customers engaged while ordering food. Despite the exponential growth of gamification in the business world, studies on its marketing effectiveness and the influence of its elementsare lacking.To fill this gapin the literature, this researchaims to gain a deeper understanding of gamification and its different elements, byfocusingon the utilization of gamification as a digital marketing tool to enhance customer loyalty and retention in retail store setting. Therefore, this researchaimsfirst to identify all the factorsaffecting store choice. Second, identify and examine the different factors affecting retail store loyalty. Finally, the differentelements of gamificationare identifiedand their effect on loyalty are studied.In order to fulfil thepurpose of the studywe have collaborated with ChildrensHouse, a retail toy store located in Umea, Sweden, in order to gain insights from current and potential customers. A quantitative study was conducted,and the sample population chosen was generation Y parents, due to their digital literacy. To add a degree of credibility to the research, a short interview with Simon, the owner of ChildrensHouse, was conducted in order to gain managerial insights as well.The main conclusions of this research include,the different factors affecting retail toy store choices which were: store attributes, product attributesand demographics; the factors influencing loyaltywhich were: interpersonal communications, impersonal communications, direct experience, distance, value for moneyand engagement in gamified applications. Finally, the research results indicate that gamification when utilized as an engagement application will enhance customer retention and store loyalty.

No description available.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa is predicted to increase substantially in the next decades if the necessary preventative measures are not taken. The two most common NCDs associated with rapid mortality increase are diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). Both of these diseases, i.e DM and HTN, can be a result of a combination of modifiable risk factors (behavioral) and non-modifiable risk factors (genetic, physiological, and environmental). New strategies implemented to manage these diseases should include addressing both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for patients with NCDs. The aim of this study was to contribute to the reduction of incidence of uncontrolled T2DM among patients taking metformin as a first-line anti-diabetic drug, through the development of individualized therapy for this drug. When implemented, this could be one of the healthcare strategies to address non-modifiable risk factors for patients with T2DM as an important NCD. The first objective of the study was to explore the prevalence and risk factors of DM and HTN in South Africa, especially within the economically disadvantaged population.

In the years immediately following the so-called “refugee crisis”, Swedish municipalities that had received many refugees improved their financial position in a quite remarkable way. Overall, 2016 might have been the best financial year ever for the municipal sector. In sharp contrast to this, 2019 saw an estimated third of all municipalities run deficits. In the public debate, this has generally been explained as a result of refugee reception and integration, which are seen as major cost factors draining the municipalities of funds. Other issues which have seen less prominence in the public debate include ongoing demographic challenges stemming from birth deficits, emigration and the continued ageing of the population. These are particularly sensitive areas in the case of smaller, rural municipalities, which generally have smaller populations than the major towns and cities. The purpose of this thesis is thus to examine how municipalities within this category have experienced refugee reception and the integration process during and in the aftermath of the refugee crisis. This has been achieved through a qualitative approach centred around thematic and qualitative content analysis frameworks. Theoretical concepts based around citizenship, integration, welfare studies and macroeconomics have been consulted. The macroeconomic framework employed stems from the heterodox school of economics, primarily centred around the school of thought known as Modern Monetary Theory. The empirical material consists of various documents published by the central government, government agencies and municipalities in order to frame what has turned out to be a contradictory and conflict-ridden account of refugee reception. During the crisis, an overwhelming majority of the Swedish municipalities saw unprecedented economic growth as a result of government spending, which has since stagnated as a result of the central government returning to its pre-crisis fiscal policy framework. In 2015, the Swedish central government turned from a relatively open asylum policy towards a very restrictive one, a shift primarily motivated with reference to financial concerns. However, this turn resulted in decreased opportunities for rural municipalities to benefit from increased migration inflows, which has turned out to be a decisive factor for economic growth and demographic sustainability. The results show that municipalities that have worked actively with integration have not only managed to accommodate the sudden needs of refugees, but actively benefitted from population growth and increased tax revenue. While the ensuing result does not necessarily advocate for increased immigration, it challenges established macroeconomic principles and the presumption that a stricter migration regime would mend the financial woes of all Swedish municipalities.