Concerns over Information Technology security, including theft, fraud and abuse have forced organizations to take a cautious approach to Electronic Commerce. This research study suggests that organizations can keep secure their resources by implementing an effective and accurate identification system, which will enable them to provide a better service to their customers and to prevent individuals from misrepresenting themselves to the organization. Various means of identification are available, but the key focus should be to establish accurate identity. The research study addresses biometric identification methods as a means of improving the security of on-line transactions. The specific focus is an investigation of user perceptions with regard to biometric identification methods. The research study, through a theoretical understanding of the concepts found within the research problem statement, compiles a Technology Adoption Model for understanding why individuals accept or reject Information Technology innovations, which has proved to be one of the most challenging issues in Information Technology research. The exploratory field study section of the research study makes use of interpretive research as a basis to identify various themes related to user perceptions of biometrics. The themes identified are discussed during a focus group session with research participants. The main focus of the exploratory field study section is on user perceptions related to biometric identification methods and to enhance the Technology Adoption Model compiled by gathering user perceptions regarding the Internet, Electronic Business, biometrics and user adoption via a questionnaire to provide a possible solution for the research study problem statement. From the exploratory field study, it was concluded that user perceptions will play a role with regard to identification through biometrics within Electronic Business and that the social factors trust, security, and privacy considerations will also have to be taken into account. / Dissertation (MCom Informatics)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Informatics / unrestricted

The objective of this thesis is to improve the understanding of human behavior that goes beyond monetary rewards. In particular, it investigates social influences in individual’s decision making in situations that involve coordination, competition, and deciding for others. Further, it compares how monetary and social outcomes are perceived. The common theme of all studies is uncertainty. The first four essays study individual decisions that have uncertain consequences, be it due to the actions of others or chance. The last essay, in turn, uses the advances in research on decision making under uncertainty to predict behavior in riskless choices. The first essay, Fairness Versus Efficiency: How Procedural Fairness Concerns Affect Coordination, investigates whether preferences for fair rules undermine the efficiency of coordination mechanisms that put some individuals at a disadvantage. The results from a laboratory experiment show that the existence of coordination mechanisms, such as action recommendations, increases efficiency, even if one party is strongly disadvantaged by the mechanism. Further, it is demonstrated that while individuals’ behavior does not depend on the fairness of the coordination mechanism, their beliefs about people’s behavior do. The second essay, Dishonesty and Competition. Evidence from a stiff competition environment, explores whether and how the possibility to behave dishonestly affects the willingness to compete and who the winner is in a competition between similarly skilled individuals. We do not find differences in competition entry between competitions in which dishonesty is possible and in which it is not. However, we find that due to the heterogeneity in propensity to behave dishonestly, around 20% of winners are not the best-performing individuals. This implies that the efficient allocation of resources cannot be ensured in a stiff competition in which behavior is unmonitored. The third essay, Tracing Risky Decision Making for Oneself and Others: The Role of Intuition and Deliberation, explores how individuals make choices under risk for themselves and on behalf of other people. The findings demonstrate that while there are no differences in preferences for taking risks when deciding for oneself  and for others, individuals have greater decision error when choosing for other individuals. The differences in the decision error can be partly attributed to the differences in information processing; individuals employ more deliberative cognitive processing when deciding for themselves than when deciding for others. Conducting more information processing when deciding for others is related to the reduction in decision error. The fourth essay, The Effect of Decision Fatigue on Surgeons’ Clinical Decision Making, investigates how mental depletion, caused by a long session of decision making, affects surgeon’s decision to operate. Exploiting a natural experiment, we find that surgeons are less likely to schedule an operation for patients who have appointment late during the work shift than for patients who have appointment at the beginning of the work shift. Understanding how the quality of medical decisions depends on when the patient is seen is important for achieving both efficiency and fairness in health care, where long shifts are popular. The fifth essay, Preferences for Outcome Editing in Monetary and Social Contexts, compares whether individuals use the same rules for mental representation of monetary outcomes (e.g., purchases, expenses) as for social outcomes (e.g., having nice time with friends). Outcome editing is an operation in mental accounting that determines whether individuals prefer to first combine multiple outcomes before their evaluation (integration) or evaluate each outcome separately (segregation). I find that the majority of individuals express different preferences for outcome editing in the monetary context than in the social context. Further, while the results on the editing of monetary outcomes are consistent with theoretical predictions, no existing model can explain the editing of social outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to examine how people from different professional roles explain why youths become criminals and continue with criminality and which factors contrinute. To answer the purpose of the study five different persons who work with youths were interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were used gather relevant information about the topic. The interviews were recorded and later on transcribed before analyzing. Social learning theory and theories about identity were used in this study. Four themes emerged from the interviews which were; money and status, family relation, peer pressure, belonging and exclusion and social media and music. The study concluded that the themes mentioned above were some of the reasons that could make youths become criminals. Money, feeling of belonging and peer pressure were the most contributing factors. / Syftet med denna studie är att studera hur människor med olika yrkesroller förklarar varför ungdomar blir kriminella och fortsätter med kriminalitet och vilka faktorer som bidrar till detta. För att svara på studiens syfte intervjuades fem olika personer som arbetar med ungdomar. Semistrukturerade intervjuer användes för att samla relevant information om ämnet. Intervjuerna spelades in och transkriberades innan de analyserades. Social inlärningsteori och teorier om identitet användes i denna studie som teoretisk ram. Fem teman uppkom från intervjuerna som var; pengar och status, familjeförhållanden, grupptryck, tillhörighet och utanförskap samt sociala medier och musik. Studien drog slutsatsen att de ovan nämnda teman var några av anledningarna till att ungdomar eventuellt hamnar i kriminella kretsar. Pengar, tillhörighetskänsla och grupptryck var de mest bidragande faktorerna.

Masters of Science / Fifty percent of the world’s tuberculosis population is found in eight countries, one of which is South Africa. Of the eight countries, South Africa is said to be experiencing the highest burden of Tuberculosis, with an estimated incidence of three hundred and twenty-two thousand cases of active Tuberculosis. The Tuberculosis epidemic is driven by the following reasons, firstly poor living conditions which are a result of the wide gap between the rich and the poverty-stricken among some populations, and secondly late presentation to health facilities. Over the years, healthcare programs have made a meaningful impact in identifying patients presenting for Tuberculosis care, a global Tuberculosis report shows an estimated fifty-eight million lives were saved through Tuberculosis treatment and diagnosis, between the years 2000 and 2018. However, strategies to modify risk behaviour need to remain a main priority. In the South African context, it would be important to note the diversity of the individuals experience which is rooted in South African socio-political history and has resulted in high levels of social inequality and disparate socio-economic status groups, as a significant factor when considering the well-being of Tuberculosis infected South Africans. For policy makers to make data-driven decisions, with the aim of lessening the disease burden experienced by the populations they serve. They would require insights from an individual level, this way of measuring well-being requires the participants to rely on their own cognitive judgements and emotional reactions to characterize their well-being. Alatartseva and Barysheva in 2015 claim that subjective well-being is an internal evaluation of well-being, relating to one’s spiritual, personal characteristics and features. This approach is fitting since behavioural data is dynamic and relative as it tends to differ across populations and is often altered radically in short periods. Despite global advances in access to Tuberculosis treatment, Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death in adults with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and the main contributor to antimicrobial resistance. This gap can be bridged by an understanding of the behavioural aspects tied to Tuberculosis infection. There is a lack of adequate South African literature on Tuberculosis infection and health related well-being. The current study notes and compares, the diversity of life satisfaction experience between participants from different socio-demographic status groups across South Africa, bringing forth the most influential variables on well-being. This paper explored the possible factors of subjective well-being in the Tuberculosis infected South African population. Data from the National Income Dynamics Study 2017 was used, with a focus on the Tuberculosis diagnosed sub-population across all nine provinces in South Africa. The study sample consisted of forty-four individuals who were measured against the following variables: age; gender; population group; place of residence in 1994; labour market participation, education; health; emotional health and well-being and social cohesion. The study employed, Multiple Correspondence Analysis to identify significant variables associated with the well-being of Tuberculosis infected individuals. The results show that the participants of African lineage presented with the lowest level of subjective well-being, followed by the Coloured population which was more likely to have a smoking habit to further decrease their level of well-being. Gender was a significant contributor to well-being with female participants reporting an overall lower level of subjective well-being compared to their male counterpart. Furthermore, those co-infected with Tuberculosis and Human immunodeficiency Virus while poverty-stricken presented with the lowest possible level as they are likely to be depressed, have a weakened immune system and experiencing medication non-adherence.

Doctor Legum - LLD / Although it may seem ironic that a policy affecting so few children should engage so much political and social attention, the symbolic significance of intercountry adoption far outweighs its practical import. This fact is partly demonstrated by the polarised views on intercountry adoption, and opinions continue to be divided over the necessity and propriety of the practice. At present, there can be few who would quibble with the fact that African children are attracting an increasing attention from prospective adoptive parents living in other parts of the world. Celebrity adoptions (the adoptions of Angelina Jolie and Madonna) have contributed to this increased interest in African children. While intercountry adoption from African countries is still quite modest compared to adoptions from the top four countries of origin, there are concrete reasons to believe that interest in adoption from African countries will continue to increase. Thus, while Africa is “the new frontier” for intercountry adoption - it is highly questionable if the continent is equipped to provide its children with the necessary safeguards in respect of the practice. A central thesis of this study was to explore how the best interests of the African child can be upheld in intercountry adoption. In connection with this thesis, a number of related research questions were raised, such as: does the African context present any peculiar situations that are relevant to intercountry adoption? Does the African Children’s Charter (ACRWC) add any value to the provisions of the CRC in addressing African realities relevant for intercountry adoption? What are some of the challenges, lessons, and opportunities for the regulation of intercountry adoption on the African continent? Five themes are considered in dedicated Chapters of this study. They are the African context; the international legal framework; adoptability; the principle of subsidiarity; and illicit activities in respect of intercountry adoption. It is argued that context matters, and there are historical, cultural, social, religious, and legal contexts that are relevant for intercountry adoption in Africa. Since human rights issues are at the core of the current debate over intercountry adoption, international children’s rights law is also very crucial for the discussion. Four countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi and South Africa) are used in this study in supplementary fashion to demonstrate African countries’ experiences. The study identifies the role of various stakeholders for the promotion and protection of children’s rights in Africa in respect of intercountry adoption. It is concluded that as a predominantly sending continent, Africa’s views on intercountry adoption issues should be seriously considered and taken into account, if a socially and legally sound, and child-centred, intercountry adoption regime is to be formed on the continent. / South Africa

Physical injuries to the upper extremity can have a drastic impact on an individual’s daily functioning affecting their psychological well-being, social participation, and ability to perform valued activities such as self-care, work, and leisure tasks. Due to the wide range of factors affecting a person who is recovering from an upper extremity injury, therapists treating these individuals must understand, help identify, and address the areas impacting function to support and maximize participation in and performance of valued occupations. However, often psychosocial aspects of care go unaddressed when biomechanical interventions are prioritized, which is primarily attributed to therapists’ lack of knowledge, confidence, or skills in this area. Unlocking Biopsychosocial Hand Therapy is a continuing education unit (CEU) course aimed at filling therapist gaps in knowledge and service provision, specifically regarding psychosocial factors, when treating clients with upper extremity injuries or conditions. The long-term goals of this innovative program are to improve client outcomes and to increase therapist prioritization of psychosocial factors on par with biological factors.

Comorbidity of mental illness and substance abuse has become increasingly common, this study examines social factors that can influence the stability of comorbidity and also aims to identify themes linked to comorbidity in relation to social work. By applying a systematic literature study a search was conducted through various databases and  a total of 14 articles were reviewed. The method for analysis was a qualitative thematic analysis and the results are based on the themes that were identified, these were; treatment (motives, engagement and results), trauma (childhood trauma) and social factors (including social support, age and gender). The results show that several factors have been identified. Factors that can influence treatment outcome and stability of comorbidity are not single independent factors. These can be a combination of several factors that can be influenced by several circumstances. The results also show that information about abuse motives can be predicting to treat the comorbidity. To have access to social support during the treatment is also predicting for the treatment outcomes, social support can be given by family, friends, group members from the treatment setting or from the treatment therapists. Traumatic experiences among individuals with substance abuse is very common and it has shown that many clients use substances to relieve the symptoms that occur as a consequence of trauma. Other factors can also influence the stability of comorbidity such as demographic characteristics. Most of the articles show that age and gender can affect the treatment outcome. It has shown that where the clients are a majority in the characteristics (either gender or age) the treatment result is better for them compared to the minority group. Finally the author discusses the relevance of social work and the conclusions from the analysis.

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Mobility is essential to healthy aging and is closely related to health and overall quality of life. Mobility impairment is an early predictor of disability, and is intimately linked to falling injuries, loss of independence, hospitalization, and mortality. Mobility Assistive Devices (MADs), such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs, provide support to older adults to improve their balance, coordination, and strength. Despite the acknowledged benefits of MADs for the older adult population research shows that as many as 75% of older adults are non-adherent to prescribed MADs. As non-adherence is a contributing factor to declines in mobility and overall quality of life, it is important to consider the reasoning behind it. Therefore, this doctoral project took a psychosocial perspective and investigated the psychosocial factors that predict non-adherence to MADs among older adults. This study considered a sample of older adult MADs users from long-term care units at the Perley Health Centre in Ottawa with different types of mobility limitations. The study examined the role of psychosocial variables using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), social support using the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS-SS), and the demographic variable of sex in the prediction of MADs non-adherence. Predictor variables that were associated with non-adherence in a univariate regression analysis were subsequently entered into a multiple regression analysis. Of the 96 residents invited to participate in the study, 49 gave their consent to participate, and out of this number, 48 completed the study, for a response rate of 51%. The data from the 48 residents (26 females and 22 males), with a mean age of 86.8 (Standard Deviation (SD) = 10.2, age range= 66 - 101), were therefore available for analysis. The most common reported mobility limitations were due to balance problems and leg weakness (29.17% for each). The most common device used was a walker (47.92%), followed by a manual wheelchair (33.33%). No statistical difference was detected between the groups of sexes regarding any of the study variables (P≥0.05). In the univariate regression analysis, the three PIADS subscales, namely, Competence, Adaptability, and Self-esteem, were significantly correlated with non-adherence (p < 0.001). Sex was an insignificant variable, while social support was significantly correlated with Competence, Adaptability, Self-esteem, and non-adherence. In the multiple regression analyses, only Self-esteem showed significant associations (p < 0.05), and the Self-esteem multivariate model explained 43.5 - 54.3% of the variance in non-adherence. This study revealed that the Self-esteem construct, which includes several concepts related to psychological wellbeing, was the only significant predictor of non-adherence among the studied sample of older adults. The theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are subsequently discussed.