Construction delays are one of the biggest issues facing the construction industry and affecting delivery in terms of time, budget and the required quality. The characteristics of delay factors and their level of impact vary from project to project, ranging from a few days to years. They have significant financial, environmental and social impacts in construction projects; therefore, it is vital to investigate the causes of delay and analyse their impact. In this context, the research study was initiated to develop a new methodology for analysing and quantifying the impacts of delay factors on construction projects. A comprehensive literature survey was conducted to build up general background knowledge of delay factors in construction projects and particular attention was paid to identifying the potential differences in delay factors between Libya and the UK. A construction industry survey was conducted through a semi-structured questionnaire amongst contractors, consultants and owners. A total of 116 out of 300 responses (38.66%) were received from both countries. Statistical tests including T-test and Wilkinson rank test were executed to analyse the responses and present the findings from the survey. Following the findings from the literature review and an industry survey, a framework of Delay Analysis System (DAS) augmented with simulation model was developed by integrating the importance weight (IW) of each delay factor associated with critical activities using @risk tool. The key function of the system is the flexibility to analyse and quantify the impact in project duration, considering the IW of each delay factor independently. The system was evaluated through two case studies from building projects in Libya using the developed system. The analysis of case study 1 using DAS found that the building project might be delayed by 97 to 103 days when considering the delay factors identified from Libya whereas the project might be delayed by 80 to 85 days when considering the delay factors identified from the UK. The evaluation results from the case study revealed that the impact of delay factors in Libya is higher than in the UK. This confirms that the impact of delay in construction projects is higher in developing countries than in developed ones and varies from project to project in the same country. Finally, it is concluded that the system is a decision-supporting tool that helps to make government departments and decision-makers aware of the significance of delays in construction projects in terms of economic growth and the development processes. The key contribution of this study is the development of a strategy (delay analysis system) for analysing the impact of delay factors in the Libyan construction industry through better investigated, understood and documented reports. The system is expected to help policymakers, decision-makers and others stakeholders within the construction industry to gain a fuller understanding of the industry and to formulate short- and long-term construction strategies and policies that aim to improve the industry’s processes and operations.

Dementia is a devastating disorder that commonly affects people over the age of 65. Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia are the most common forms of dementias. A number of studies have implicated cardiovascular risks as important factors in the development of dementia. These risks include high-risk behaviors such as smoking and risks related at least partially to health behaviors such as diet and exercise. This study examines a group of cardiovascular risk factors, as defined by the Framingham study, to ascertain if they are predictors of dementia. A retrospective chart review of 481consecutive patients seen in a geriatric medicine clinic produced a sample of 177 individuals diagnosed with dementia and 304 individuals without a dementia diagnosis. Relative risk ratio (RRR) results indicate that a history of hypertension (RRR= 1.80, p = .009) and a history of hypercholesterolemia (RRR = 1.85, p = .016) are significant predictors of Alzheimer's disease. A history of tobacco use (RRR = 2.18, p = .01) is a significant predictor of vascular dementia. Stepwise regression analyses indicate that hypercholesterolemia is an independent predictor of dementia (b = -.113, p = .009) and hypercholesterolemia (b = -.104, p = .018) and hypertension (b = -.094, p = .031) clustered together have an additive risk factor effect. These results are discussed in terms of the importance of specific health behaviors in the development and possible prevention of dementia.

To ensure social workers advocate for the active participation and inclusion of cultural and spiritual practices and belief systems of patients within the healthcare system. It is essential that social workers develop an understanding and educate themselves on the wide variety of cultures and religions recognised and acknowledged in South Africa. The researcher recognised Hinduism is a culture and religion that is commonly practiced in South Africa and that the Hindu population actively participates and practices in accordance to their culture and religion. Hence, it was in the interest of the researcher to investigate the cultural and spiritual factors that influence the health-seeking behaviours of the Hindu population within the healthcare system. The goal of the research study was to explore the cultural and spiritual factors influencing the health-seeking behaviours of the Indian Hindu population in Lenasia. The objectives of the research study were to conceptualise and contextualise cultural and spiritual factors influencing health-seeking behaviours from a health belief perspective; to explore and describe the cultural and the spiritual factors influencing the health-seeking behaviours of the Indian Hindu population in Lenasia. Lastly, to make suggestions to improve social work services in health care, taking into consideration the cultural and spiritual factors influencing health-seeking behaviours amongst the Indian Hindu population. The qualitative research approach was appropriate as the researcher utilised applied research, specifically the evidence-based approach, as the approach enabled the researcher to explore and describe cultural and spiritual factors that influence the health-seeking behaviours of the Indian Hindu population within the healthcare system. Furthermore, practical solutions and recommendations for social workers to improve their social work services within the healthcare system specifically working with Indian Hindu population in Lenasia were provided. The instrumental case study design was appropriate for the research study as it enabled the researcher to develop an interview schedule that asked questions which permitted the participants to provide in-depth responses that express their personalised experiences of Hinduism as a culture and religion. The interview schedule contained sections which were as follows; Biographic information, knowledge of health care seeking behaviour, understanding of cultural and spiritual practices within your cultural/ethnic/spiritual group, spiritual and cultural factors, health-seeking behaviour and the family, services, social work intervention and, lastly, recommendations. The different sections in the interview schedule enabled the researcher to ask questions that were aligned with the goal and objectives of the research study. The population of the research study encompassed of the Indian Hindu population in South Africa and the specific study population for the research study was the Indian Hindu population that resides in the Lenasia community in Gauteng province. The non-probability sampling was appropriate as it enabled the researcher to utilise the purposive sampling method as the method enabled the researcher to develop a selection criterion that selected participants in accordance to the goal of the research study. The snowballing technique was appropriate as the researcher utilised a schoolteacher in Lenasia who referred participants that were in accordance to the selection criteria of the research study. Face-to-face interviews and telephone interviews were conducted to collect the data from the participants. The total number of participants interviewed for the research study were twelve participants which encompassed of nine female participants and three male participants. The participants were between the ages of 43-years-old and 74-years-old. A total of three participants were able to participate through face-to-face interviews. Due to the National lockdown in South Africa the researcher was unable to continue the face-to-face interviews. The most appropriate and applicable data collection was telephone interviews and were utilised to conduct the remaining nine interviews. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was the appropriate model for the research study as the model provides evidence to help develop expertise towards cultural and spiritual factors that influence the health-related decision making of patients. Based on the findings, the model guided the researcher to understand and acknowledge that cultural and spiritual factors play an essential role and influence the health behaviours of the Indian Hindu population within healthcare perspective. The self-efficacy of the participants was acknowledged, as their cultural beliefs and practices enable them to practice healthy living through healthy eating by means of a vegetarian diet, engaging in yoga and meditation and physical activity. The utilisation of home herbal remedies through use of daily household ingredients and the above-mentioned health-seeking behaviours, enable the participants to maintain and control their non-communicable diseases. The HBM referred to perceived benefits in which the participants share the accessibility and availability of family elders, priests, and Gurus within their family system, which permits them to receive valuable health advice and spiritual guidance with healthcare-related issues. The participants have family members who are medical professionals and three of the participants are medical professionals themselves, which enables each family system to have access to adequate healthcare. Access to a healthcare professional in the family system permits the participants to practice positive health-seeking behaviours and seek medical assistance for emergency and annual check-ups. Hindu believers do acknowledge that their vegetarian diet does come with health complications such as Iron deficiency and a lack of Vitamin B12, hence, they do consume medical supplements and medication for their deficiencies and modify their diet according to these deficiencies. The participants expressed there is a wide variety of healthcare systems within Lenasia: public clinics, private hospitals, and accessibility and availability to complementary and alternative healthcare services. Although, there is accessibility of healthcare services, the participants strongly believe that community members without medical aid, rely heavily on Chris Hani Baragwanath Academia Hospital for medical services and receive specialised services in surrounding areas. Therefore, it was concluded that healthcare professionals and social workers need to take into consideration that the Indian Hindu population in Lenasia has access to medical professionals within the family system and practice healthy living. Moreover, the practice and utilisation of complementary and alternative healthcare treatments and procedures such as Allopathic, Homeopathic, Acupuncture, Ayurveda and Aromatherapy is common within the Lenasia community. Additionally, the researcher has identified that Hinduism is a culture and religion that permits flexibility and permits its believers to engage in health-seeking behaviours within the healthcare system and receive essential medical treatment. Hindu families pray and meditate as a family system; thus, making it easier for them to follow a healthy lifestyle and practice Hindu health-seeking behaviours that produce positive health outcomes for the family and the patient. Hinduism as culture and religion live and practice according to a life of Karma, which is the law of cause and effect. The participants suggested social workers should be diverse and open towards the different cultures and religions especially the practices, rituals, and belief systems of Hindus. Based on these conclusions, it is recommended that healthcare professionals and social work professionals should be aware that Hinduism is an open and flexible culture and religion that integrates cultural and spiritual practices and beliefs together with a medical approach. Furthermore, an awareness needs to be created that Indian Hindu patients should be permitted to seek spiritual guidance from their priests and Gurus, be knowledgeable and that the family system plays an essential role in healthcare related decision-making. Key concepts: Behaviour, Cultural factors, Indian Hindu, Influence, Health seeking behaviours, Hinduism, Religion, Spiritual factors / Mini Dissertation (MSW (Health Care) )--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Social Work and Criminology / MSW (Health Care) / Unrestricted

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This study examined how the monoblast-like human histiocytic lymphoma cell line U937 can be induced by phorbol 12-myristrate 13-acetate (PMA) to undergo differentiation. In order to study the mechanism of action of CSF-1, a CSF-1 receptor gene (c-fms) was transfected into U937 cells. Exogenous CSF-1 treatment induced an autocrine response in this CSF-1 was determined and all events were shown to be time dependent. CSF-1 stimulation also enhanced proto-oncogene c-jun and c-myc gene expression. Complementary DNA coding for Jun or Fos was introduced into U937 cells by transfection. The transfection did not generate a high level of CSF-1 gene expression which suggests that Fos and Jun alone are insufficient to induce CSF-1 synthesis.

Since the 1990s the use of the Internet and electronic commerce (e-commerce) has exploded, yet few SMEs seem to benefit from its potential. The lack of personal involvement and low level of use are an indication that managers still have not committed themselves to e-commerce. Consequently they are not reaping the full benefits first hand. The objectives of the study are to identify key factors and relationships likely to influence e-commerce use by SME managers in the Netherlands and to investigate whether relevant and significant factors can be combined in a new model to predict how SME managers will use new technology. To achieve these objectives, a well-established model of IT usage behaviour, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), was used. Building upon TAM, a theoretical research model was developed to investigate a large number of external variables that are possible antecedents of managerial beliefs, attitudes, and the use of IT. E-commerce systems were chosen as the IT tool under review. A cross-sectional field survey was conducted to investigate the theoretical research model. The results are based on the analysis of questionnaire data from 114 managers from Dutch SMEs. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) the results show significant support for external variables, mostly of an individual nature, in the categories of demographics, managerial and IT knowledge, individual characteristics, and company characteristics. Contrary to expectations, two categories - social factors and environmental characteristics - had few or no variables with a significant relationship. This study further presents empirical evidence to suggest a limited number of antecedents under managerial control influencing beliefs, attitudes, and use. A better understanding of the various factors that may impede or increase effective utilization of IT can facilitate the design of organizational or managerial interventions that address these issues. Building on the core TAM model a new model, the e-Tam Model, has been developed based on the results of the theoretical research model. In this model, it is hypothesized that IT usage is directly and indirectly influenced by seven external variables divided into three categories: demographics, personality, and company characteristics. Using the e-Tam Model, effective and increased use of managerial IT tools can be promoted. This will enable managers to have a better use of e-commerce systems leading in turn to better margins and opportunities.

The present study examines how an accumulation of risk and protective factors impacts the development of juvenile delinquency and conduct problems in late adolescents. Risk factors may have a negative impact early on in a youth’s life, and protective factors such as positive parenting may alleviate or diminish the impact those risk factors may have. The sample consisted of 499 participants aged 18 to 36 years who attend a southeastern university. Participants completed surveys that measure friend’s delinquent behavior, parenting practices, neighborhood cohesion, exposure to community violence, delinquency, and conduct problems. Results of ANOVAs indicate that cumulative effects of several risk factors and the absence of protective factors are more strongly associated with conduct problems and juvenile delinquency than any single risk factor alone. Participants with five or more risk factors were at greater risk for developing delinquent behavior and conduct problems than participants with fewer risk factors.

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