MSc (Med) Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 2009 / Focus in public health research is shifting to the role of socio-economic factors in the promotion of health. Hence, an understanding of the roles socio-economic factors plays in improving health and health-seeking behaviour is important for public health policy. This study examined the relationship between socio-economic factors and HIV infection in rural Limpopo Province South Africa, an area characterized by poverty differentials and migration. Various possible social and economic risk factors (such as nationality, education status, marital status, employment status, migration status and socio-economic status) for HIV infection are analysed and discussed. This is secondary data analysis was carried out during the period June 2001 to March 2005 among 2345 14-35 year old residents in eight (8) villages in rural Limpopo. Married participants (OR 0.53 [95%CI 0.28 – 1.00]), those from poor (OR 0.49 [95%CI 0.28-0.85]) and less poor households (0.38 [95%CI 0.21-0.70]) are less likely to contract HIV infection. Noteworthy from these analyses also is the increased risk for HIV infection seen among female participants, those not currently schooling (OR 1.9 [95%CI 1.2 – 3.3]) and non-South African citizens (OR 5.18 [95%CI 1.04-25.8]). Conclusion: Women, out-of school youths and non South African citizens are shown to be high-risk population groups for HIV infection. HIV prevention programs that target identified vulnerable population groups and increased social support for the family may contribute to mitigating the spread of HIV in rural South Africa.

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil / One of the population structures associated with demographic dividend is “demographic transition”, which is a shift from high fertility and mortality to low fertility and mortality. It is understood that low dependency ratio (shows that there are relatively more adults of working age who can support the young and the old of the populace) is one major factor in achieving a successful demographic dividend (DD) (Esther, 2013). DD refers to the fast-economic growth that is achieved by a country when there are dependency ratios. This definition means that the proportion of people of working age group (15-64) is higher, compared to those of ages lower than 15 and above 64 years (Statistics SA, 2017). / 2022

Questions of integration and immigration are increasingly subject to public debate in Sweden. With the arrival of many immigrants, the current ethnic housing segregation in the country is enforced. The problems associated to segregated and socio-economic weak areas are to a larger extent also defined in terms of ethnicity: connecting problems of a place to the people of that place. Research shows that many problems in these neighbourhoods exist regardless of who happens to be the residents today. Based on this, the current study aims to better understand the reproduction of rumours and socio-economic conditions in Araby, Växjö. The voices of people from Araby are brought forward in order to let them reflect about their neighbourhood. The main material collected through interviews provide an exploration of different perceptions present in relation to processes of reproduction in Araby. The material is discussed in relation to the concepts zone in transition and stigmatisation of place and mutually the concepts are discussed by situating them in relation to the material. Two new insights not pronounced in previous studies were found: the segregation unfolding within Araby, and the understanding of the neighbourhood as a zone in transition in a positive light. In conclusion, the study strengthens previous literature on segregated and socio-economic weak areas and also problematizes the application of the concepts used. The exploration lays ground for future research, in Araby, or in other kinds of segregated neighbourhoods.

Thesis (MPA.) --University of Limpopo, 2010 / This study focuses on the nature of migration and the socio-economic conditions in the households of Mogalakwena Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. The study investigates the relationship between labour or economic migration and the socio-economic conditions in the households. Mogalakwena Local Municipality was used as a case study and three villages were sampled for this study. A total of hundred twenty (120) households in the three villages were sampled for the survey, using structured questionnaire. The study used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis of data and derived frequencies, percentages, mean, graphs and charts from various households. The study found that there is a great difference in terms of the living standards, comparing households with and without migrants. It was also found that only 3, 3 % of the respondents are arguing labour migration is affecting the socio-economic conditions negatively in the households. Whereas, 64, 2 % are arguing that labour migration is found to be impacting positively on the socio- economic conditions in the households.Recommendations and conclusions were made on how to address the negative socio-economic impact of labour migration on households in the rural areas. / National Research Foundation

O presente estudo teve como eixo condutor a temÃtica mortalidade materna, principalmente no que concerne à estruturaÃÃo da VigilÃncia EpidemiolÃgica como forma de analisar seu processo de implantaÃÃo no estado do Cearà com seus respectivos municÃpios. Foi baseado na anÃlise de 1072 Ãbitos maternos, ocorridos no perÃodo de 1991 a 2001. Os Ãbitos de 1991 a 1992 tiveram como fonte as declaraÃÃes de Ãbitos no Sistema de InformaÃÃo de Mortalidade com um reconhecido sub-registro. No perÃodo de 1993 a 1997, foram utilizadas as fichas confidenciais de Ãbito materno, complementando as informaÃÃes atravÃs dos prontuÃrios hospitalares, entrevistas domiciliares e com profissionais de saÃde contando-se com as anÃlises do Comità Estadual de PrevenÃÃo da Mortalidade Materna. De 1997 a 2001, tivemos oportunidade de aprofundar as anÃlises por se ter os dados informatizados atravÃs do programa EPI INFO e ser factÃvel a investigaÃÃo das seguintes variÃveis: razÃo de mortalidade materna, razÃo de mortalidade especÃfica por causas obstÃtricas diretas, fatores obstÃtricos que causaram a morte materna, fatores pessoais, sÃcio- econÃmicos, de assistÃncia à saÃde materna e do sistema de informaÃÃo. De 1991 a 1996, as razÃes de mortalidade materna apresentaram-se numa tendÃncia claramente crescente, variando de 22,8 por 100.000 nascidos vivos a 95,1 por 100.000 nascidos vivos, respectivamente. Essa tendÃncia ascendente ficou explicada pela significativa melhoria dos registros de Ãbitos. Nos dois Ãltimos anos, houve reduÃÃo da mortalidade materna para um patamar de 76,0 por 100.000 nascidos vivos. Ãndice esse considerado bastante elevado mas demonstrando acentuado declÃnio, principalmente em decorrÃncia da diminuiÃÃo de Ãbitos por causas obstÃtricas diretas, que tiveram diminuiÃÃo em 34,7% de 1998 a 2001. Dentre os fatores pessoais e sÃcio-econÃmicos das mulheres grÃvidas que resultaram em Ãbito, a pouca escolaridade, a baixa renda familiar, a idade entre 20 e 29, compreendida como ideal para reproduÃÃo, concentraram maior percentual destes. Os fatores da assistÃncia deficiente e inadequada junto com as condiÃÃes sÃcio-econÃmicas estiveram associados aos Ãbitos, quase como que os determinando.O estudo demonstrou, que o desenvolvimento de aÃÃes seletivas no nÃvel primÃrio e terciÃrio de atenÃÃo tem contribuÃdo de maneira inquestionÃvel para a reduÃÃo da mortalidade materna verificada. A despeito destes avanÃos tambÃm identificou-se um elenco variado de necessidades de intervenÃÃes que persistem e constam das recomendaÃÃes para a Secretaria Estadual de SaÃde seguir enfrentando a mortalidade materna, atravÃs de polÃticas pÃblicas estaduais adequadas e oportunas. / The present study was the theme guiding thread maternal mortality, especially as regards the structure of the Epidemiological Surveillance in order to analyze its implementation process in the state of Cearà with their respective municipalities. It was based on analysis of 1072 maternal deaths occurring in the period 1991 to 2001. Deaths from 1991 to 1992 were from the death certificates in the Mortality Information System with a recognized underreporting. In the period 1993 to 1997, we used the confidential records of maternal death, complementing the information from hospital archives, home interviews and health professionals was carried out using the analysis of the State Committee for the Prevention of Maternal Mortality. From 1997 to 2001, we had the opportunity to deepen the analysis because it has computerized data through the EPI INFO and be feasible to investigate the following variables: maternal mortality ratio, ratio of specific mortality from direct obstetric causes, obstetric factors that caused the maternal death, personal factors, socio-economic, maternal health care and information system. From 1991 to 1996, the maternal mortality ratios presented in a clear rising trend, ranging from 22.8 per 100,000 live births to 95.1 per 100,000 live births, respectively. This upward trend was explained by the significant improvement of the death records. In the last two years, a reduction in maternal mortality to a level of 76.0 per 100,000 live births. This index considered quite high but showing a sharp decline, mainly due to the reduction of deaths from direct obstetric causes, which had decreased 34.7% from 1998 to 2001. Among the personal factors and socio-economic impacts of pregnant women that resulted in death, poor education, low family income, age between 20 and 29, understood as ideal for reproduction, a higher percentage of these concentrated. The factors of poor care and inadequate along with the socioeconomic conditions were associated with deaths, almost like that determinando.O study demonstrated that the development of selective action in primary and tertiary care has unquestionably contributed to the reduction maternal mortality observed. Despite these advances also identified a motley cast of interventions needs to remain and set of recommendations for the state Department of Health after experiencing maternal mortality, through state policies appropriate and timely.

This study focuses on a description of demographic trends in the Soviet Union since 1917: changes in the labor force, economic problems, social conditions, rapid urbanization, changes in education and the eudcational level of Soviet citizens. Data available are from secondary sources. This research concludes that the Soviet Union has changed from a rural agricultural to a major industrial power. The population of the Soviet Union has increased since 1917. The rapid change created shortages in housing that still have not been solved. The shortages in consumer goods and clothing are a result of insufficient planning by Soviet leaders. The political implications of all the changes in Sovet lifestyles have been fairly limited. Unless the government solves the problems of availability of housing, food, clothing, and consumer goods, political unrest is the likely outcome.

Following a well-documented rise in the popularity of concrete shell application in the 20th century, thin concrete shells have experienced a global decline despite their potential as efficient structures with an economy of material use with aesthetics benefits. This phenomenon is subject to geographically determined socio-economic conditions and competition from other building solutions as a result of technological advancement in alternative construction systems. Importantly, their decline was attributed to limitations inherent to concrete shell formwork and construction methods. Being able to produce efficient shaping did not ensure that this method of construction is most cost efficient as it still remains difficult to construct double curved surfaces. The thesis addresses the limitations associated with past and present concrete shell building by proposing the use of actively-bent gridshells as re-configurable and reusable formwork for concrete shells to be designed and built. The hypothesis uses deployable scissor-jointed actively-bent gridshells as re-configurable and reusable formwork for concrete shell construction. This was developed from a series of Flash research (Benjamin, 2012) as student construction workshops to investigate the design and creation of actively-bent gridshells held between December 2008 and March 2011 in Sheffield. In this study, to understand this new system, scaled models of actively-bent gridshells were used as preliminary design aid. Deployed into three dimensional forms from a flexible flat grid mat, the structures were rigidized by bracing through triangulation restraints. The temporary rigid structure was subsequently enveloped with fabric onto which concrete was applied to create the concrete shell, thus acting as formwork. This formwork was then removed following the curing of the concrete cast to be reused repeatedly, or reconfigured into another concrete shell form. Hence, the thesis draws on the concepts, principles and ideas pertaining to three key architectural technologies: 1. concrete shell, 2. actively-bent gridshells and 3.fabric formwork. The thesis then presents a series of four prototype concrete shells constructed from different materials spanning between 1.3 meters and 2.45 meters in the workshops at the University of Edinburgh built between August 2014 and September 2015. For each experimental construction, the process of gridshell construction, fabric formwork preparation, concrete casting, gridshell formwork decentring and different design elements of openings, edges and anchorage abutments were analysed and discussed under the themes of construction, architectural tectonics and structure. The tectonic of process and material is understood and discussed based on the idea of stereogeneity (Manelius, 2012). Specifically, the relationship between gridshell as formwork and the concreting process was studied, analysed and assimilated in concrete shells built with progressive sophistication and elegance, culminating in a doubly-curved concrete shell that demonstrated both synclastic and anticlastic geometries, with further abutment simplification, edge leaning and physical openings incorporation. The study concludes with a physical concrete shell model formed by applying concrete onto fabric formwork to cover the Weald and Downland Jerwood gridshell. In the 1:20 scaled model, the proposed method is speculatively applied onto fabric stretched between pre-determined curvatures of the as-built gridshell. This formwork was subsequently removed for reuse, re-deployed and reconfigured. Using finite element analysis, the structural behaviour of the gridshell made of glass-fibre reinforced tubes and structural characteristics of the resultant concrete shell was checked. The interaction between the three technologies are discussed architectonically and structurally to inform guidelines for potential life-scale application. The thesis evidences the feasibility of the proposed system. It re-purposes a scaled model of a deployable gridshell as a physical modelling tool to facilitate concrete shell design, for both pure compression shells and "improper" shells, demonstrating its adaptability. It also promotes and reinvigorates concrete shells as possible architectural systems serving to instigate future research to revive concrete shell construction as an intelligent and intuitive way of creating structures with material economy, structural efficiency and visual elegance.

<p>The aim with this study was to increase the knowledge about as well as shed light on hidden refugees’ living conditions by compiling research about hidden refugees’ living conditions and complete this research by doing a field survey with people with different knowledge and experience of hidden refugees’ living conditions. The result was analyzed on the basis of Nussbaum’s list of ten human abilities and the convention of human rights. The study showed that hidden refugees' living conditions are experienced as very critical, and characterized by lack of human rights as well as means to utilize and develop their abilities. The conclusion of the study is that hidden refugees’ living conditions could not be considered humane and that there is a need for ethics when treating hidden refugees.</p>

The aim with this study was to increase the knowledge about as well as shed light on hidden refugees’ living conditions by compiling research about hidden refugees’ living conditions and complete this research by doing a field survey with people with different knowledge and experience of hidden refugees’ living conditions. The result was analyzed on the basis of Nussbaum’s list of ten human abilities and the convention of human rights. The study showed that hidden refugees' living conditions are experienced as very critical, and characterized by lack of human rights as well as means to utilize and develop their abilities. The conclusion of the study is that hidden refugees’ living conditions could not be considered humane and that there is a need for ethics when treating hidden refugees.

Abstract Recent estimates are that migrants send approximately US$300 billion in financial remittances from developed to developing countries annually and that such money is important at the micro and macro levels in relieving family poverty. As a migrant-receiving country with a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) population, Australia has many migrants from developing countries who are part of this phenomenon. Little is known, however, about the purposes for which migrants send money home, the role it plays in intergenerational care and the perceptions of the impact of these payments on the recipients and on their own families in Australia. This study has a specific focus. It is interested in understanding the financial support provided to aged relatives in developing countries from Australian citizens. The term intergenerational financial transfers (IFTs) is used to distinguish money sent overseas by migrant adult children to parents or older relatives from general remittances. In Australian government accounting systems, remittances, or money sent to the home country by migrants, is collected as aggregate data, and it is therefore not possible to obtain a statistical understanding of how much money is being sent for specific purposes. This thesis explores the practice of making IFTs within one group of Australian citizens - Filipino migrants. Filipinos are one of the more numerous recent groups migrating to Australia from within its own geographic region, are known to send IFTs home, and are known to have good English skills that will facilitate research participation. The exploratory study uses in-depth interviews with a purposive, cross-sectional sample of 20 permanent Filipino migrants (10 female and 10 male). The interviews explore participants’ current practices of sending money home to older relatives, the influences and motivation to send money over the life cycle, and the perceptions of the impacts of the practice on themselves and recipients. A thematic analysis of the transcribed data shows that sending money home is not only a migrant activity, since more than half the participants sent money home to parents before migrating to Australia. It also shows that this sample did not migrate to Australia primarily to make remittances, but for some, migration made it possible to do so. Cultural factors were the main motivation for making IFTs, followed by socio-economic circumstances of parents, and family values. No participant would consider abandoning their commitment and those who experienced difficulty in making IFTs over the life cycle were prepared to sell items or take out loans to continue their practice. The data analysis also showed that as well as females sending on average $500 per annum and males $1,000 per annum as cash or cheques through agents or banks, participants also purchased other one-off items, and sent substantial amounts of money for various emergency situations. Participants provided other forms of caregiving including practical care, gave ongoing psychological and emotional support, and sent large packages of goods home, thereby assisting parents with a wider variety of personal caregiving. On occasion participants co-operated with their siblings to provide a wider framework of family caregiving for their parents. IFTs are an important component of support for older people in many developing countries, and are made without expectation of financial return. The data showed that the practice of making IFTs was problematic for some participants at different stages of the life cycle. Because of the strong cultural values and obligations underpinning the practice, participants sometimes felt pressure to make IFTs from potential savings when, for example, school-age family expenses were high and had to be met; some women in their intercultural marriages who were unable to meet IFTs from their own earnings as their preferred option had to negotiate IFTs from household income. The thesis builds knowledge in the area of intergenerational financial transfers, transnational families and transnational caregiving for older people. It also adds depth to the understanding of the caregiving responsibilities and commitments to older people of some Australian citizens. This research adds an understanding of the practice of one group of migrants who send money home to ageing parents in the 21st century. It provides insight into current processes and practices and points to areas of policy where migrant Australian citizens might receive greater recognition for observing cultural obligations to care for parents and older relatives.