The effects of the public sector reform impacted on all aspects of public services including the performance of the economy. Central to this argument was the re-organization of the operations of the public service from the traditional administration system to the new public management (NPM). Education, a critical service in any economy was not spared. Literatures around the application of NPM (a derivative of market principles and practices) to education (which was value based) suggested that NPM was dangerous for education and could deplete the value system of education and replace that with a focus on accounting for money by individuals who were self-interested and who would seek to maximize their benefit with guile. Arguments against NPM suggested that the human factor was neglected and that education had led to chaos among professionals, stakeholders and students. However, those who argued for the introduction of NPM suggested that it had made the provision of education more efficient, effective and relevant to the needs to the clients. It held those working in the education sector accountable for the resources used and made the system more responsive to the needs of the clients of education. Education in the Cook Islands experienced many changes since western type education was introduced by the Missionaries in the late 1800s. Cook Islands people have always regarded education as a right and also believed their participation in education would improve their lives as well as positively contribute to economic growth. As the public sector reform was a global phenomenon, the currents of NPM also converged on the Cook Islands and affected the delivery of education. Those changes revolutionalized education in ways that was not commonplace in the Cook Islands. However, professionals and stakeholders within education made the most of the system and diverged some of the practices to suit the need, the environment and the culture of the Cook Islands people. Change also refocused education from teachers teaching to student learning reinforcing the dedication of many teachers and education administrators to ensure NPM served the best interest of their clients; the students, despite the workload placed on them. The challenge in this thesis was to understand how the NPM system affected education and how the Cook Islands education professionals worked within the system in their favour. The stories of teachers and Ministry of Education professionals demonstrated that there was no resistance to the application of NPM system in the Cook Islands. In fact, the system was embraced by the education sector suggesting it was a positive change from their previous system of traditional administration. Much of their system was inherited from New Zealand where the environment, layers of bureaucracy and economic status of the country was different. Instead, it appeared the Cook Islands took much of what others deemed as dangerous for education and turned it into a positive opportunity for the Cook Islands education. This thesis presents the story of the revolution in the Cook Island education system.

The effects of the public sector reform impacted on all aspects of public services including the performance of the economy. Central to this argument was the re-organization of the operations of the public service from the traditional administration system to the new public management (NPM). Education, a critical service in any economy was not spared. Literatures around the application of NPM (a derivative of market principles and practices) to education (which was value based) suggested that NPM was dangerous for education and could deplete the value system of education and replace that with a focus on accounting for money by individuals who were self-interested and who would seek to maximize their benefit with guile. Arguments against NPM suggested that the human factor was neglected and that education had led to chaos among professionals, stakeholders and students. However, those who argued for the introduction of NPM suggested that it had made the provision of education more efficient, effective and relevant to the needs to the clients. It held those working in the education sector accountable for the resources used and made the system more responsive to the needs of the clients of education. Education in the Cook Islands experienced many changes since western type education was introduced by the Missionaries in the late 1800s. Cook Islands people have always regarded education as a right and also believed their participation in education would improve their lives as well as positively contribute to economic growth. As the public sector reform was a global phenomenon, the currents of NPM also converged on the Cook Islands and affected the delivery of education. Those changes revolutionalized education in ways that was not commonplace in the Cook Islands. However, professionals and stakeholders within education made the most of the system and diverged some of the practices to suit the need, the environment and the culture of the Cook Islands people. Change also refocused education from teachers teaching to student learning reinforcing the dedication of many teachers and education administrators to ensure NPM served the best interest of their clients; the students, despite the workload placed on them. The challenge in this thesis was to understand how the NPM system affected education and how the Cook Islands education professionals worked within the system in their favour. The stories of teachers and Ministry of Education professionals demonstrated that there was no resistance to the application of NPM system in the Cook Islands. In fact, the system was embraced by the education sector suggesting it was a positive change from their previous system of traditional administration. Much of their system was inherited from New Zealand where the environment, layers of bureaucracy and economic status of the country was different. Instead, it appeared the Cook Islands took much of what others deemed as dangerous for education and turned it into a positive opportunity for the Cook Islands education. This thesis presents the story of the revolution in the Cook Island education system.

Due to the growing recognition of the social and ecological consequences of the global decline in pollinator species, the need for more effective policies for the conservation of pollinator habitat is now more than ever. These trends call for research that provides a deeper understanding of farmers' decision-making processes. In this regard, this study tested a modified version of the Theory of Planned Behavior as a conceptual model for explaining farmers' perceptions and behavior regarding the adoption of pollinator conservation programs and practices. Specifically, the study tested how farmers' perceived behavioral control, attitudes, subjective norms, concern about herbicide resistance issues, and sociodemographic variables influence their intentions and actual adoption of pollinator conservation programs and practices. Quantitative survey data were gathered from 41 principal farm operators in the state of Illinois through the administration of a web-based survey. The resulting data were first explored using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, following which multiple regression analysis was used to test four hypotheses on the predictors of farmers' intentions to adopt, as well as their adoption of pollinator conservation practices and programs. The results from the regression analysis showed that farmers' attitudes and their subjective norms had statistically significant positive effects on their adoption of pollinator conservation practices on their farms, as well as their intentions to adopt those practices in the near future. Perceived behavioral control also had a statistically significant positive effect on farmers' adoption of federal pollinator conservation programs, as well as their intentions to enroll in these programs in the future. Overall, these findings call for comprehensive pollinator conservation policies that facilitate the provision of information and incentives for farmers to voluntarily adopt pollinator conservation practices on their farms, as well as the provision of appropriate resources and opportunities for farmers to enroll in pollinator conservation programs over which they have minimal control.

The present study investigated the electronic medical record system (EMR) of Zonguldak Karaelmas University Hospital which is used for six years now. The advantages and disadvantages of an EMR system in comparison with paper medical records were evaluated based on the user&amp / #146 / s opinion. The recommendations for the development of EMR and more efficient use of the system are principle goals of this study. The purposes of this thesis include promoting the implantation of EMR by introducing the advantages and disadvantages from the user&amp / #146 / s point of view. The main source of information used in this analysis is gathered from a questionnaire. Hundred and twenty six users of EMR selected voluntarily and randomly from the hospital staffs are included in this survey. The hospital staffs including physicians, nurses, clinicians, administrative clerks and technicians were included in this survey. Implementation for certain medical tasks and efficiency of using these tasks in EMR are evaluated. The advantages and disadvantages of the system were surveyed from the user&#039 / s point of view. In spite of the fact that health care professionals understand the benefits of electronic medical records, barriers to the use of EMR are also important for the current impediments in EMR introduction. While the successful applications of EMR systems are evident in western word, the implementation of EMR to a hospital information system is a new topic in Turkey. There are mainly attempts to convert the paper-based medical record systems to the fully automated electronic record systems. Our study is a pioneering attempt to analyze the users&amp / #146 / opinion for a fully integrated EMR system in a Turkish academic hospital. The suggestions such as restricting the the access, improving the hardware, integrating to the internet are made for the improvement of the system in future.

Objectives. This studyaimed to assess quality of life in first-onset stroke survivors, and to determine how stroke associates with social and demographic factors, peculiarities of lifestyle, and chronic non-infectious diseases.Material and methods.As part of the European Register of Stroke study, we recruited 508 stroke survivors aged 25–84 years (case group) in Kaunas city Lithuania, and randomly selected 508 age-and sex-matched residents from the city’s stroke-free population (controls). All participants completed the Short Form 12 Health Survey questionnaire. We analyzed participants’ physical and mental quality of life regarding social and demographic factors, lifestyle, chronic non-infectious disease morbidity, and the use of medications. Results. Quality of life among stroke survivors was poorer compared to controls in both the physical (Me=32.8/47.0, p&lt;0.001) and mental (Me=55.9/60.5, p&lt;0.001) health domains. Stroke survivors and controls with arterial hypertension reported poorer physical health, compared to subjects without hypertension (p&lt;0.05 vs. p&lt;0.001, respectively). Additionally, physical quality of life among survivors with atrial fibrillation was poorer compared to subjects without this disorder (p&lt;0.001). Employed stroke survivors reported better physical health (Me=38.9, p&lt;0.001) compared to unemployed survivors (Me=31.5), and we observed a similar pattern among controls (Me=50.8/38.9, p=0.005). Survivors and controls who used alcohol reported better physicalhealth (p&lt;0.001). Notably,both controls (p&lt;0.05) and stroke survivors (p&lt;0.01) reported better health if they did not live alone. During the period from the 3rd up to the 12th month after stroke, average physical and mental quality of life increased significantly among survivors (5.1±0.4 points, p=0.001 vs. 1.4±0.3 points, p=0.001, respectively). Conclusions. Previous stroke impaired both physical and mental quality of life in survivors. This study revealed that chronic non-infectious diseases experiencedprior to stroke significantly influence quality of life.Survivors with arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation, or diabetes mellitus rated their physical quality of life lower than those who did not have these illnesses. Interestingly, only controls with atrial fibrillation reported decreased quality of life. Both physical and mental health improved12 months after stroke compared to quality of life 3 months after stroke / <p>ISBN 978-91-86739-79-9</p>

Background: Historically the identification of ACL injuries upon initial presentation is low and considerable diagnostic delays have been reported. However, specific evidence on the individual elements of, and factors which influence delay, is lacking. Aims: The overarching aim was to provide a comprehensive picture of delay to diagnosis and specialist consultation, including factors which influence delay. An additional aim was to determine whether the approach to examining acute knee injuries varied as a consequence of varying patient presentation or experience of the assessing clinician. Methods: Study 1: Cross -sectional survey. Study 2: Non-participant direct observation methodology. Results: Data from 194 patients were analysed in the survey. Only 15.5% of patients were given a correct diagnosis of ACL rupture at the initial consultation. Median delay to diagnosis was 67.5 days (IQR= 15 to 178 days) and specialist consultation 108 days (IQR= 38 to 292 days). The factors most influential on delay were whether a follow-up appointment was arranged after attending A&E, whether the site of attendance operated an acute knee clinic and whether MRI was performed. The direct observation study showed wide variation in approach to injury assessment. Specialist clinicians performed the most comprehensive examination. A&E clinicians were more likely to assess for bony, neurovascular and gross tendon injuries as opposed to ligamentous or meniscal injury. Conclusions: The diagnostic rate of ACL injury at initial presentation remains low. Considerable delays to diagnosis and specialist consultation are apparent following ACL injury, the majority of which is attributable to health system delay.

The aim of this master thesis was an analysis of motivation and the system of employee remuneration in a chosen organization, proposed amendments and recommendations for improving management in this area. This work has two main parts; the theoretical and the analytical one. In the theoretical part, a thorough research concerning information from the field of motivation and remuneration has been conducted. This information was essential for understanding the given matter and provided me with expert knowledge. The introduction of the analytical part is devoted to the analysis of the motivation system and the system of employee remuneration; the examined company is introduced in terms of its organizational structure, its situation in the field of HR management and its method of remuneration and motivation of its employees. This part was followed by a survey using a questionnaire which contained a total of 25 questions and each of them was subsequently provided with a graphical illustration of the results together with a verbal commentary. The survey questionnaire did not show any weak spots. The employees are sufficiently motivated and the system of remuneration is well established. The examined company realizes that in order to obtain its desired results it is necessary to have quality employees who are well motivated. There naturally is not a business in which all employees are completely satisfied with everything which the business offers. A certain employee dissatisfaction is not entirely undesirable; the business is given the option to constantly improve its running. Following proposals resulting from the survey questionnaire were formulated:holiday or recreational benefits, establishing a company kindergarten or one of its cheaper variants, regular employee evaluation, the method of employee evaluation and presenting the results and the possibility of an educational stay initiated by the company.

In 2018, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued a media statement providing guidance for the first time to South African citizens on the taxation of cryptocurrency transactions. The SARS media guidelines indicate that the normal income tax rules of the South African Income Tax Act will apply to cryptocurrency transactions and that cryptocurrency gains or losses must be declared as part of taxable income. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the ability of South African taxpayers to determine the income tax consequences of cryptocurrency transactions using the SARS media guidelines. Previous research has focused on establishing the theoretical income tax consequences of cryptocurrency transactions, rather than on the ability of taxpayers to determine those consequences. The study made use of both doctrinal and quantitative research methods to address the research questions. Using doctrinal research, in-depth document analysis was performed to benchmark the SARS media guidelines to that of selected tax authorities, to ascertain the completeness of this guidance. Quantitative data was collected through a cross-sectional survey questionnaire, to test the ability of participants to determine the income tax consequences of cryptocurrency transactions. This study found that the SARS media guidelines did not comprehensively address all the cryptocurrency transactions considered by the guidelines of the other selected tax authorities examined. The SARS media guidelines did not have a statistically significant effect on the participants' ability to determine the income tax consequences of the cryptocurrency transactions presented to them. However, the tax literacy level of participants was found to influence their understanding of the income tax consequences of cryptocurrency transactions, particularly in respect of those transactions not addressed by the SARS media guidelines. These findings support the recommendation that SARS provide more comprehensive guidance to taxpayers, and should focus on improving the tax literacy of taxpayers in general and, with respect to cryptocurrency transactions.

Background: Historically the identification of ACL injuries upon initial presentation is low and considerable diagnostic delays have been reported. However, specific evidence on the individual elements of, and factors which influence delay, is lacking. Aims: The overarching aim was to provide a comprehensive picture of delay to diagnosis and specialist consultation, including factors which influence delay. An additional aim was to determine whether the approach to examining acute knee injuries varied as a consequence of varying patient presentation or experience of the assessing clinician. Methods: Study 1: Cross -sectional survey. Study 2: Non-participant direct observation methodology. Results: Data from 194 patients were analysed in the survey. Only 15.5% of patients were given a correct diagnosis of ACL rupture at the initial consultation. Median delay to diagnosis was 67.5 days (IQR= 15 to 178 days) and specialist consultation 108 days (IQR= 38 to 292 days). The factors most influential on delay were whether a follow-up appointment was arranged after attending A&E, whether the site of attendance operated an acute knee clinic and whether MRI was performed. The direct observation study showed wide variation in approach to injury assessment. Specialist clinicians performed the most comprehensive examination. A&E clinicians were more likely to assess for bony, neurovascular and gross tendon injuries as opposed to ligamentous or meniscal injury. Conclusions: The diagnostic rate of ACL injury at initial presentation remains low. Considerable delays to diagnosis and specialist consultation are apparent following ACL injury, the majority of which is attributable to health system delay.

People with disabilities are both functionally and socially disadvantaged and the lack of access to mobile communication technology adds to their disadvantage. Changes and benefits we have seen in our society with the advent of mobile phones and associated electronic communication for people without disabilities have not migrated to people with disabilities. The comprehensive communication capability of a mobile phone can enable users anywhere to independently access a very wide range of communication, information and control systems and services. This research has addressed the key accessibility issues faced by people with disabilities who need or want to use the mobile phone for voice and data communication. The research revealed that: � there exist accessible features on mobile phones that can better assist people with disabilities in using the phone; � through education and training, people with disabilities can develop or be provided with effective and efficient ways to access and use the phone; � current, off-the-shelf telecommunications equipment such as car kits, speakerphone, voice recognition technology, wireless connectivity capability on mobile phones can enable people with disabilities, even severe physical disabilities, to access the telecommunications network and services; and � with a suitable interfacing system in place, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device users can operate the phone for voice and data communication, which previously had not been possible. Trials established that people with a range of physical disabilities can use and should have equal access to telecommunications equipment and services. This research has shown that, with the right policies, processes and support through equipment matching, education, training and delivery, current off-the-shelf solutions can help people with disabilities to effectively communicate with other members of our society and to access the same range of information systems and services enjoyed by able-bodied members of the community. An interfacing system has been developed to provide users of AAC technology with the ability to use a mobile phone for voice calls and text messaging (SMS). It is confidently predicted that other features and services on the phone such as speakerphone, digital camera and FM radio, email and internet-based applications, and local or remote appliances and devices, can be controlled via the AAC device. Outcomes and findings have confirmed the main hypothesis of the thesis that, despite very limited mobility, speed, accuracy and vocal communication ability, users will be able to successfully operate the mobile phone itself, and use it for various modes of bidirectional communication with systems to which they choose to connect. The overall outcomes of the research have established that the benefits and usefulness of the mobile phone are so significant that they should become a necessity for people with a disability. It has been successfully demonstrated that, with the proper mechanisms and educational programs in place, the provision of accessible mobile phones for people with disabilities can significantly improve their quality of life through increased range of accessible activities, and will improve their independence, engagement with their peers, safety, security and self-esteem.