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Adapting and validating the Strengths Use and Deficit Improvement Questionnaire for educators in Gauteng / Rachele PaverPaver, Rachele January 2014 (has links)
Education is essential in providing future human capital that is much needed to build a sustainable, competitive economy. However, the importance of a quality education is often underestimated. In order to enhance working conditions of educators, it seems essential to investigate the role of the positive psychology paradigm by means of developing teachers’ areas of deficiencies and capitalising on their strengths in order for them to reach their full potential and flourish. The current study aimed to adapt and validate the recently developed Strengths Use and Deficit Improvement Questionnaire (SUDIQ) in an attempt to make it suitable for educators.
The general objective of this research study was to establish the psychometric properties of the SUDIQ by means of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent, discriminant and empirical validity. A cross-sectional field survey design and a convenience sample of educators from several educational institutions in the Gauteng Province (N = 502) was utilised to gather the data. CFA was used to test the factorial validity of the adapted SUDIQ scale. In order to prove convergent and discriminant validity, the relationships between the SUDIQ dimensions and similar theoretical constructs (job resources, strengths use, psychological capital, proactive behaviour and person-job fit) as well as constructs postulated to be unrelated to the SUDIQ dimensions (age and education) were determined. Finally, the relationship between the SUDIQ dimensions with vigour, dedication, emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation was determined by using multiple regression analysis.
The results confirmed that the SUDIQ comprised a four-factor structure. These four factors were perceived organisational support for strengths use, perceived organisational support for deficit improvement, proactive behaviour towards strengths use and proactive behaviour towards deficits improvement. These dimensions were positively related to the scales such as the strengths use scale, autonomy, supervisor and colleague support, psychological capital, proactive behaviour, and person-job fit. Anticipated perceived organisational support for deficit improvement and proactive behaviour towards strengths use and proactive behaviour towards deficit improvement were unrelated to age. The scales were also relatively weakly related to education. Furthermore, the results revealed that perceived organisational support for strengths use, proactive behaviour towards strengths use and proactive behaviour towards deficit improvement were significant predictors of both vigour and dedication. However, it was found that the only SUDIQ dimension that predicted emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation was proactive behaviour toward strengths use.
Recommendations were made to be applied in practice, as well as for future research. / MCom (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
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Adapting and validating the Strengths Use and Deficit Improvement Questionnaire for educators in Gauteng / Rachele PaverPaver, Rachele January 2014 (has links)
Education is essential in providing future human capital that is much needed to build a sustainable, competitive economy. However, the importance of a quality education is often underestimated. In order to enhance working conditions of educators, it seems essential to investigate the role of the positive psychology paradigm by means of developing teachers’ areas of deficiencies and capitalising on their strengths in order for them to reach their full potential and flourish. The current study aimed to adapt and validate the recently developed Strengths Use and Deficit Improvement Questionnaire (SUDIQ) in an attempt to make it suitable for educators.
The general objective of this research study was to establish the psychometric properties of the SUDIQ by means of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent, discriminant and empirical validity. A cross-sectional field survey design and a convenience sample of educators from several educational institutions in the Gauteng Province (N = 502) was utilised to gather the data. CFA was used to test the factorial validity of the adapted SUDIQ scale. In order to prove convergent and discriminant validity, the relationships between the SUDIQ dimensions and similar theoretical constructs (job resources, strengths use, psychological capital, proactive behaviour and person-job fit) as well as constructs postulated to be unrelated to the SUDIQ dimensions (age and education) were determined. Finally, the relationship between the SUDIQ dimensions with vigour, dedication, emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation was determined by using multiple regression analysis.
The results confirmed that the SUDIQ comprised a four-factor structure. These four factors were perceived organisational support for strengths use, perceived organisational support for deficit improvement, proactive behaviour towards strengths use and proactive behaviour towards deficits improvement. These dimensions were positively related to the scales such as the strengths use scale, autonomy, supervisor and colleague support, psychological capital, proactive behaviour, and person-job fit. Anticipated perceived organisational support for deficit improvement and proactive behaviour towards strengths use and proactive behaviour towards deficit improvement were unrelated to age. The scales were also relatively weakly related to education. Furthermore, the results revealed that perceived organisational support for strengths use, proactive behaviour towards strengths use and proactive behaviour towards deficit improvement were significant predictors of both vigour and dedication. However, it was found that the only SUDIQ dimension that predicted emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation was proactive behaviour toward strengths use.
Recommendations were made to be applied in practice, as well as for future research. / MCom (Industrial Psychology), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
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The use of the Psalms in 1 Peter : an exegetical and hermeneutical study / Gregory Yorath PhillipsPhillips, Gregory Yorath January 2013 (has links)
advancements in Old Testament and New Testament Studies. For example, new
knowledge is available on the variant versions of the Septuagint and application of
the literary concept of intertextuality has yielded significant results in recent biblical
scholarship. However, considering that 1 Peter arguably uses the Old Testament in
the most condensed manner of all the New Testament writings, it is surprising that
relatively few recent studies have been carried out on the use of the Old Testament
in 1 Peter.
As a partial corrective to this situation, this in-depth study is focused on the use of
the Psalms in 1 Peter, utilizing an integrated hermeneutical procedure that combines
traditional grammatical-historical analysis with the state of the art on New Testament
use of the Old Testament. The aim is to clarify the hermeneutical implications of the
use of the Psalms in 1 Peter for Old Testament and New Testament exegesis within
the Reformed tradition today.
Thus, a comprehensive exegetical approach is systematically applied to each
pericope of 1 Peter and to every relevant Psalm passage in order to establish a valid
foundation for understanding how the author interprets the Psalms and how the
Psalm references function within the argument of 1 Peter.
In addition, intertextual resonance is considered as an effective means to enhance
understanding of the function and effect of Psalm references as intended by the
author, and to determine the possible unintended effect of Psalm references upon
the addressees and later readers. Furthermore, consideration of reader response
sometimes makes it possible to identify echoes of Psalm passages not likely
intended by the author, but nevertheless, very likely to have come to the minds of the
recipients with significant effect.
One conclusion of this study is that there is no compelling evidence that the author’s
interpretation of the Psalms ignored the intended meaning of the Psalm in its own
context, or merely reflected contemporary Second Temple interpretations.
Furthermore, it has been possible to refine the criteria for identifying and classifying
Psalm allusions rather than merely following broad, predetermined criteria. Thus, a
distinction is made between specific allusion, in which case the author’s argument
depends upon recognition of specific Psalm passages, and general allusion, in which
case the author’s argument depends upon a concept recognizably derived from the
Psalms but not limited by the wording of specific references.
This study also demonstrates that the use of the Psalms in 1 Peter is based upon a
strong sense of solidarity with believers of the past, especially as they expressed
their responses to God in the context of suffering. In particular, compared with other
New Testament writings, 1 Peter stands out for the fact that the majority of its Psalm
allusions are used for the purpose of developing and reapplying significant themes. Thus, 1 Peter provides compelling reason for present-day interpreters to view theme
development as a valid and effective way to apply the Psalms to the circumstances
of Christian believers as they face the challenge of living faithfully in new contexts of
suffering and persecution. / PhD (New Testament), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
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The use of the Psalms in 1 Peter : an exegetical and hermeneutical study / Gregory Yorath PhillipsPhillips, Gregory Yorath January 2013 (has links)
advancements in Old Testament and New Testament Studies. For example, new
knowledge is available on the variant versions of the Septuagint and application of
the literary concept of intertextuality has yielded significant results in recent biblical
scholarship. However, considering that 1 Peter arguably uses the Old Testament in
the most condensed manner of all the New Testament writings, it is surprising that
relatively few recent studies have been carried out on the use of the Old Testament
in 1 Peter.
As a partial corrective to this situation, this in-depth study is focused on the use of
the Psalms in 1 Peter, utilizing an integrated hermeneutical procedure that combines
traditional grammatical-historical analysis with the state of the art on New Testament
use of the Old Testament. The aim is to clarify the hermeneutical implications of the
use of the Psalms in 1 Peter for Old Testament and New Testament exegesis within
the Reformed tradition today.
Thus, a comprehensive exegetical approach is systematically applied to each
pericope of 1 Peter and to every relevant Psalm passage in order to establish a valid
foundation for understanding how the author interprets the Psalms and how the
Psalm references function within the argument of 1 Peter.
In addition, intertextual resonance is considered as an effective means to enhance
understanding of the function and effect of Psalm references as intended by the
author, and to determine the possible unintended effect of Psalm references upon
the addressees and later readers. Furthermore, consideration of reader response
sometimes makes it possible to identify echoes of Psalm passages not likely
intended by the author, but nevertheless, very likely to have come to the minds of the
recipients with significant effect.
One conclusion of this study is that there is no compelling evidence that the author’s
interpretation of the Psalms ignored the intended meaning of the Psalm in its own
context, or merely reflected contemporary Second Temple interpretations.
Furthermore, it has been possible to refine the criteria for identifying and classifying
Psalm allusions rather than merely following broad, predetermined criteria. Thus, a
distinction is made between specific allusion, in which case the author’s argument
depends upon recognition of specific Psalm passages, and general allusion, in which
case the author’s argument depends upon a concept recognizably derived from the
Psalms but not limited by the wording of specific references.
This study also demonstrates that the use of the Psalms in 1 Peter is based upon a
strong sense of solidarity with believers of the past, especially as they expressed
their responses to God in the context of suffering. In particular, compared with other
New Testament writings, 1 Peter stands out for the fact that the majority of its Psalm
allusions are used for the purpose of developing and reapplying significant themes. Thus, 1 Peter provides compelling reason for present-day interpreters to view theme
development as a valid and effective way to apply the Psalms to the circumstances
of Christian believers as they face the challenge of living faithfully in new contexts of
suffering and persecution. / PhD (New Testament), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
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Dual-method usability evaluation of e-commerce websites : in quest of better user experienceMoczarny, Izabela Maria 10 1900 (has links)
E-commerce has increased substantially, as e-retailers engage with consumers online. Users require more than products and quality service; they also expect a good user experience. User experience is affected by branding, functionality, navigation, content, aesthetics and usability.
This study investigates the attainment of better user experience on e-commerce websites. A dual-method usability evaluation approach – usability testing with end-users and heuristic evaluation by experts – was employed to obtain a holistic picture of how usability aspects support or hinder the user experience. Usability testing provided insights into detailed interface issues and the type of content and journey that users prefer when making a purchasing decision, while heuristic evaluation was mainly directed at overall user interface and interaction factors. In a complementary way, each method identified a high number of usability problems.
Key findings are summarized, and design guidelines are identified that can facilitate the development of e-commerce websites to promote user experience. / E-handel het aansienlik toegeneem, soos e-kleinhandelaars by verbruikers aanlyn betrokke raak. Gebruikers verlang meer as produkte en kwaliteit diens; hulle verwag ook 'n goeie gebruikerservaring. Gebruikerservaring word deur ‘branding’, funksies, navigasie, inhoud, estetika en bruikbaarheid beinvloed.
Hierdie studie ondersoek die bereiking van beter gebruikerservaring op e-handel webwerwe. 'n Dubbelemetode bruikbaarheidsevaluering benadering – bruikbaarheidstoetsing met eindgebruikers en heuristiese evaluering deur kundiges – is gebruik om ‘n holistiese beeld te verkry van hoe bruikbaarheidsaspekte gebruikerservaring ondersteun of verhinder. Bruikbaarheidstoetsing lewer insigte in gedetailleerde koppelvlak kwessies en die tipe inhoud en roete wat gebruikers verkies wanneer hulle 'n aankoop maak, terwyl heuristiese evaluering hoofsaaklik gerig is op algehele gebruikerskoppelvlak en interaksie faktore. Op 'n komplementêre manier, het elke metode' n groot aantal bruikbaarheidsprobleme geïdentifiseer.
Belangrike bevindings word saamgevat, en ontwerp riglyne is voorgestel wat die ontwikkeling van e-handel webwerwe fasiliteer wat gebruikerservaring bevorder. / Computing / M. Tech. (Information Technology)
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A framework for determining the adoption of new services in the South African mobile telecommunications marketSmith, Neil Wesley 02 1900 (has links)
Abstract in English, Afrikaans and Zulu / The aim of this study was to determine the key factors which explain the adoption of mobile data services in South Africa and incorporate them into an explanatory framework that can be used to indicate whether a new mobile data service that is introduced into the South African Mobile Market will be successful. Additionally, it shows that the current usage of mobile data services in South Africa supports the framework.
The research used a design based on a mixed methods methodology. The research was conducted using a literature survey and two research phases. The literature survey was an extensive review of communication technology adoption frameworks and all the possible factors of adoption. This literature survey was also used to develop the discussion document which was used as the guidelines for the Phase 1 interviews. The interviews were with experts in the telecommunications market in South Africa and were used to determine the key drivers of adoption and possible moderating factors of mobile data services. From those interviews a preliminary model was proposed. Phase 2 was a market survey which tested the framework and moderating factors in different metropolitan areas as well as examined the current usage of mobile data services.
The statistical analysis used in determining the framework incorporated Descriptive Statistics, Factor Analysis, using Principal Axis Factoring, and Structural Equation Modelling. The framework, which was based on the Technology Acceptance Model, introduced two new constructs. The first new construct was the Mobile Service Providers Marketing Tactics and the second was Social Pressure and Aspirational Value. The two constructs combined can be used to explain why mobile service providers with low cost strategies are not successful.
Demographic factors such as Age were found to influence the adoption as well as Socio-economic factors such as Income. Personal factors such as Technical Knowledge, Ability and Skills and Attitude towards Technology were also found to influence adoption. Geographical location was found to be the most important moderating factor.
The current mobile data usage supported the framework. The results of data usage highlighted the fact that nearly 50% of the study’s participants spent over 4 hours per day interacting with their mobile devices and that the participants from Gauteng spent more than 2½ times on mobile services than those in the other metropolitan municipalities of Cape Town and eThekwini / Die doel van hierdie studie was om die sleutelfaktore te bepaal wat die aanneming van selfoondatadienste in Suid-Afrika verklaar, en hulle te verenig in ʼn raamwerk waarmee aangetoon kan word of ʼn nuwe selfoondatadiens die Suid-Afrikaanse selfoondatamark suksesvol sal betree. Afgesien hiervan dui hierdie studie aan dat die huidige gebruik van selfoondatadienste in Suid-Afrika die geldigheid van die voorgestelde raamwerk bevestig.
ʼn Mengsel van metodes is in die navorsing toegepas. Die navorsing het uit ʼn literatuuroorsig en twee navorsingsfases bestaan. Die literatuuroorsig het ʼn deurtastende oorsig van die raamwerke vir die aanneming van kommunikasietegnologie en alle moontlike faktore daarvoor behels. Uit die literatuuroorsig is die besprekingsdokument saamgestel wat as riglyn gedien het vir die onderhoude in fase 1 van die navorsing. Onderhoude is met kundiges uit die Suid-Afrikaanse telekommunikasiebedryf gevoer om die belangrikste dryfvere vir aanneming en moontlike remfaktore ten opsigte van selfoondatadienste te bepaal. ʼn Voorlopige model is op grond van die onderhoude aangebied. Fase 2 het ʼn markopname behels waarin die raamwerk en remfaktore in verskeie metropolitaanse gebiede getoets en die huidige gebruik van selfoondatadienste ondersoek is.
Die statistiese analise waarop die raamwerk berus, het bestaan uit beskrywende statistiek, faktorontleding met behulp van hoofasfaktorering, en struktuurvergelykingsmodellering. Twee nuwe konstrukte het uit die raamwerk wat op die tegnologieaanvaardingsmodel gegrond was, gespruit. Die eerste was selfoondiensverskaffers se bemarkingstrategieë en die tweede sosiale druk en aspirerende waarde. Saam verklaar die twee konstrukte waarom selfoondiensverskaffers wat laekostestrategieë volg, misluk.
Daar is bevind dat demografiese faktore soos ouderdom, en sosiaal-ekonomiese faktore soos inkomste, aanneming beïnvloed. Volgens die bevindings word aanneming eweneens bepaal deur persoonlike faktore soos tegniese kennis, vermoë en vaardighede asook houding jeens tegnologie. Daar is bevind dat geografiese ligging die belangrikste remfaktor is.
Die huidige selfoondatagebruik bevestig die geldigheid van die raamwerk. Die uitslag van datagebruik benadruk die feit dat byna 50% van die deelnemers aan die studie langer as vier uur per dag met hulle selfone doenig is, en dat deelnemers in Gauteng twee en half keer meer as deelnemers in die metropolitaanse munisipaliteite van Kaapstad en eThekwini aan selfoondienste bestee. / Inhloso yalolu cwaningo bekuwukuthola izinto ezibalulekile ezichaza ukwamukelwa kwezinsiza zamadatha amaselula eNingizimu Afrika nokuzifaka ohlakeni oluchazayo olungasetshenziswa ukukhombisa ukuthi ngabe insiza entsha yedatha ethulwe emakethe yamaselula eNingizimu Afrika izophumelela. Ngaphezu kwalokho, kukhombisa ukuthi ukusetshenziswa kwamanje kwezinsiza zedatha yamaselula eNingizimu Afrika kuyalusekela uhlaka.
Ucwaningo lusebenzise umklamu osuselwe ezindleleni zokwenza ezixubile. Ucwaningo lwenziwe kusetshenziswa ucwaningo lwezincwadi kanye nezigaba ezimbili zocwaningo. Ucwaningo lwezincwadi belungukubuyekezwa okubanzi kokwamukela kwenzinhlaka zobuchwepheshe kwezokuxhumana kanye nazo zonke izici ezingenzeka ukuthi zamukelwe. Lolu cwaningo lwezincwadi lusetshenzisiwe futhi ukuthuthukisa umqulu wezingxoxo osetshenziswe njengezinkombandlela zokuxoxisana nabantu besigaba 1. Izingxoxo ebezinazo bezingochwepheshe emakethe yezokuxhumana eNingizimu Afrika futhi zasetshenziselwa ukuthola izidingongqangi zokwamukelwa kanye nezici zokulingisanisa kwezinsiza zamadatha amaselula. Kulezo zingxoxo, kuphakanyiswe isifaniselo sokuqala. Isigaba 2 bekungukucwaningo lwezimakethe oluhlola uhlaka kanye nezici zokulinganisa ezindaweni ezahlukahlukene zedolobha kanye nokuhlola ukusetshenziswa kwamanje kwezinsiza zedatha yamaselula.
Ukuhlaziywa kwezibalo okusetshenzisiwe ekunqumeni uhlaka lufake izibalo ezichazayo, ukuhlaziya izakhi, kusetshenziswa izisekelo eziyinhloko zokuphamba, kanye nesifaniselo sokulinganisa esihlelekile. Uhlaka, olwalususelwa kusifaniselo sokwamukela ubuchwepheshe, lwethule izakhiwo ezimbili ezintsha. Isakhiwo esisha sokuqala kwakungamacebo wokukhangisa wabahlinzeki bezinsiza zamaselula futhi owesibili kwakuyingcindezi yomphakathi nenani lesifiso. Lezi zakhiwo zombili ezihlanganisiwe zingasetshenziswa ukuchaza ukuthi kungani abahlinzeki bezinsizakalo zamaselula abanamasu ezindleko eziphansi bengaphumeleli. Izici ezithinta abantu ezinjengobudala zitholakele ukuthonya ukwamukelwa kanye nezici zezomnotho nezenhlalo ezifana nomholo. Izici ezithinta umuntu ngqo ezifana nolwazi lwezobuchwepheshe, ukwazi ukwenza kanye namakhono, nesimo sengqondo maqondana nezobuchwepheshe zatholakala zithonya ukwamukelwa. Indawo yendawo yatholakala njengesici sokulinganisa esibaluleke kakhulu.
Ukusetshenziswa kwedatha yeselula yamanje kusekele uhlaka. Imiphumela yokusetshenziswa kwedatha igcizelele iqiniso lokuthi bacishe babe ngama-50% ababambe iqhaza kulolu cwaningo bachithe isikhathi esingaphezu kwamahora amane ngosuku bexhumana nemishini yabo yamaselula nokuthi ababambiqhaza abavela eGauteng bachithe izikhathi ezingaphezu kwezingu-2½ kuzinsiza zamaselula kunalabo bakwamanye amadolobha amakhulu aseKapa naseThekwini. / Business Management / D.B.L.
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Medicine prescribing patterns in HIV/AIDS and non HIV/AIDS children : a comparative study in the private health care sector of South Africa / Mocke, M.Mocke, Martlie January 2010 (has links)
Background: According to the United Nations AIDS Reference Group (2010) and World Health Organization (2010:2), approximately 33 million people in the world had HIV/AIDS in 2009 of which 2.6 million were children. More than 30 million of these individuals resided in low– and middle–income countries. South–Africa had the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the world with an estimated 5.2 million patients in 2009 (Statistics South Africa, 2010:2). Although the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among children is reported to be high, little is known about other medication administrated concomitantly with their antiretroviral drugs.
Objective: The general objective of this study was to investigate possible changes in the medicine prescribing patterns of HIV/AIDS and non–HIV/AIDS children.
Methods: A quantitative, retrospective drug utilisation review was performed utilising medicine claims data of a South African pharmacy benefit management company. Data for a four–year period (Jan 1, 2005 to Dec 31, 2008) were analysed. The study population consisted of all children <=12 years divided into those receiving ARVs (designated HIV positive) and those without (designated HIV negative).
Descriptive statistics such as average mean, standard deviation, t–test, d–values, and two way frequency tables were used to describe the results. Data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis System ® SAS 9.1 ® programme.
Results: The study population (children <= 12 years) represented 16.2% (n = 197 323) of the total population in 2005, 15.4% (n = 193 346) in 2006, 15.6% (n = 142 049) in 2007 and 13.3% (n = 98 939) in 2008. Children with HIV/AIDS represented 0.2% (n = 197 323) of the study population in 2005 and increased to 0.4% (n = 98 939) in 2008, whereas the percentage of children without HIV/AIDS decreased from 99.8% (n = 197 323) in 2005 to 99.6% (n = 98 939) in 2008. The total number of HIV/AIDS children that also received other medication concomitantly with their ARVs increased from 96.5% (n = 402) in 2005 to 97.2% (n = 427) in 2008. Males with HIV/AIDS who used other medication represented 52.6% (n = 388) in 2005 and increased to 53.3% in 2008 while female HIV/AIDS patients represented 47.4% in 2005 and decreased to 46.7% in 2008.
Prescriptions containing three ARV items represented 69.5% (n = 2 969) of the total number of prescriptions received by HIV/AIDS patients in 2005 and decreased to 67.7% in 2008. The combination of lamivudine, nevirapine and stavudine were the three products that appeared most frequently on prescriptions for HIV/AIDS children in the age group 0 <= 1 years and 1 <= 5 years from 2005 to 2008. In the age group 5 <= 12 years the combination most frequently prescribed was lamivudine, nevirapine and zidovudine.
HIV positive children received 6.2 ± 4.62 prescriptions for other medication (non–ARVs) per year during 2005 compared to HIV negative children with 3.9 ± 3.71 (p < 0.0001, d = 0.5). In 2008 HIV positive children received 6.4 ± 5.02 prescriptions per year compared to HIV negative patients who received 4.36 ± 4.05 prescriptions (p < 0.0001, d = 0.5) in 2008.
HIV negative children received more central nervous system items, endocrine items and autacoids than HIV positive children, whereas HIV positive children received more respiratory system agents, dermatological, ear, nose throat and antimicrobials items.
Conclusion: The study showed that HIV positive children received significantly more prescriptions for other medication per year compared to their HIV negative counterparts. The top pharmacological groups mostly prescribed to both groups were respiratory agents, antimicrobials, analgesics, dermatological and ear, nose and throat items. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.
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Medicine prescribing patterns in HIV/AIDS and non HIV/AIDS children : a comparative study in the private health care sector of South Africa / Mocke, M.Mocke, Martlie January 2010 (has links)
Background: According to the United Nations AIDS Reference Group (2010) and World Health Organization (2010:2), approximately 33 million people in the world had HIV/AIDS in 2009 of which 2.6 million were children. More than 30 million of these individuals resided in low– and middle–income countries. South–Africa had the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the world with an estimated 5.2 million patients in 2009 (Statistics South Africa, 2010:2). Although the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among children is reported to be high, little is known about other medication administrated concomitantly with their antiretroviral drugs.
Objective: The general objective of this study was to investigate possible changes in the medicine prescribing patterns of HIV/AIDS and non–HIV/AIDS children.
Methods: A quantitative, retrospective drug utilisation review was performed utilising medicine claims data of a South African pharmacy benefit management company. Data for a four–year period (Jan 1, 2005 to Dec 31, 2008) were analysed. The study population consisted of all children <=12 years divided into those receiving ARVs (designated HIV positive) and those without (designated HIV negative).
Descriptive statistics such as average mean, standard deviation, t–test, d–values, and two way frequency tables were used to describe the results. Data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis System ® SAS 9.1 ® programme.
Results: The study population (children <= 12 years) represented 16.2% (n = 197 323) of the total population in 2005, 15.4% (n = 193 346) in 2006, 15.6% (n = 142 049) in 2007 and 13.3% (n = 98 939) in 2008. Children with HIV/AIDS represented 0.2% (n = 197 323) of the study population in 2005 and increased to 0.4% (n = 98 939) in 2008, whereas the percentage of children without HIV/AIDS decreased from 99.8% (n = 197 323) in 2005 to 99.6% (n = 98 939) in 2008. The total number of HIV/AIDS children that also received other medication concomitantly with their ARVs increased from 96.5% (n = 402) in 2005 to 97.2% (n = 427) in 2008. Males with HIV/AIDS who used other medication represented 52.6% (n = 388) in 2005 and increased to 53.3% in 2008 while female HIV/AIDS patients represented 47.4% in 2005 and decreased to 46.7% in 2008.
Prescriptions containing three ARV items represented 69.5% (n = 2 969) of the total number of prescriptions received by HIV/AIDS patients in 2005 and decreased to 67.7% in 2008. The combination of lamivudine, nevirapine and stavudine were the three products that appeared most frequently on prescriptions for HIV/AIDS children in the age group 0 <= 1 years and 1 <= 5 years from 2005 to 2008. In the age group 5 <= 12 years the combination most frequently prescribed was lamivudine, nevirapine and zidovudine.
HIV positive children received 6.2 ± 4.62 prescriptions for other medication (non–ARVs) per year during 2005 compared to HIV negative children with 3.9 ± 3.71 (p < 0.0001, d = 0.5). In 2008 HIV positive children received 6.4 ± 5.02 prescriptions per year compared to HIV negative patients who received 4.36 ± 4.05 prescriptions (p < 0.0001, d = 0.5) in 2008.
HIV negative children received more central nervous system items, endocrine items and autacoids than HIV positive children, whereas HIV positive children received more respiratory system agents, dermatological, ear, nose throat and antimicrobials items.
Conclusion: The study showed that HIV positive children received significantly more prescriptions for other medication per year compared to their HIV negative counterparts. The top pharmacological groups mostly prescribed to both groups were respiratory agents, antimicrobials, analgesics, dermatological and ear, nose and throat items. / Thesis (M.Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.
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Dual-method usability evaluation of e-commerce websites : in quest of better user experienceMoczarny, Izabela Maria 10 1900 (has links)
E-commerce has increased substantially, as e-retailers engage with consumers online. Users require more than products and quality service; they also expect a good user experience. User experience is affected by branding, functionality, navigation, content, aesthetics and usability.
This study investigates the attainment of better user experience on e-commerce websites. A dual-method usability evaluation approach – usability testing with end-users and heuristic evaluation by experts – was employed to obtain a holistic picture of how usability aspects support or hinder the user experience. Usability testing provided insights into detailed interface issues and the type of content and journey that users prefer when making a purchasing decision, while heuristic evaluation was mainly directed at overall user interface and interaction factors. In a complementary way, each method identified a high number of usability problems.
Key findings are summarized, and design guidelines are identified that can facilitate the development of e-commerce websites to promote user experience. / E-handel het aansienlik toegeneem, soos e-kleinhandelaars by verbruikers aanlyn betrokke raak. Gebruikers verlang meer as produkte en kwaliteit diens; hulle verwag ook 'n goeie gebruikerservaring. Gebruikerservaring word deur ‘branding’, funksies, navigasie, inhoud, estetika en bruikbaarheid beinvloed.
Hierdie studie ondersoek die bereiking van beter gebruikerservaring op e-handel webwerwe. 'n Dubbelemetode bruikbaarheidsevaluering benadering – bruikbaarheidstoetsing met eindgebruikers en heuristiese evaluering deur kundiges – is gebruik om ‘n holistiese beeld te verkry van hoe bruikbaarheidsaspekte gebruikerservaring ondersteun of verhinder. Bruikbaarheidstoetsing lewer insigte in gedetailleerde koppelvlak kwessies en die tipe inhoud en roete wat gebruikers verkies wanneer hulle 'n aankoop maak, terwyl heuristiese evaluering hoofsaaklik gerig is op algehele gebruikerskoppelvlak en interaksie faktore. Op 'n komplementêre manier, het elke metode' n groot aantal bruikbaarheidsprobleme geïdentifiseer.
Belangrike bevindings word saamgevat, en ontwerp riglyne is voorgestel wat die ontwikkeling van e-handel webwerwe fasiliteer wat gebruikerservaring bevorder. / Computing / M. Tech. (Information Technology)
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Troos in Deutero-Jesaja - Ondersoek na die voorkoms van die werkwoord נחםOdendaal, A.G. (Andre Gerhard) January 2014 (has links)
Jesaja 40:1 begin met die werkwoord נחם wat ‘troos’ beteken. Die studie was gedoen omdat daar min literatuur oor die werkwoord נחם beskikbaar is. Die woordeboeke gee ‘n samevatting oor die werkwoord en die betekenis teen die Semitiese agtergrond.
Die doel van die studie was om aan te toon dat נחם ‘n verdere tema van Deutero-Jesaja is. Die temas wat gewoonlik in Deutero-Jesaja aanvaar word, is verlossing en skepping. Hoofstuk 1 gee ‘n uiteensetting van die doel en metode waarvolgens dit uitgevoer gaan word. Hoofstuk 2 gee ‘n oorsig van die navorsing en die outeurskap van Jesaja en Deutero-Jesaja. Dit blyk dat die tendens verskuif het vanaf die standpunt om Jesaja te hanteer as ’n boek met verskillende outeurs, naamlik Proto-Jesaja, Deutero-Jesaja en Trito-Jesaja, na die standpunt om Jesaja as een boek te behandel. Daar word steeds werke gepubliseer onder albei die temas, naamlik waar Jesaja as boek hanteer word en onder temas uit Deutero-Jesaja. Die meeste werke wat gebruik is, verwys net na die werkwoord נחם en verkies om dan die verhouding tussen JHWH en die volk, die verlossing of skepping te bespreek, in Deutero-Jesaja. Die werkwoord נחם word gewoonlik onder ‘n ander tema as ‘n onderdeel bespreek.
Hoofstuk 3 het die beskikbare inligting omtrent die werkwoord נחם in die teologie van die Ou Testament, artikels en kommentare in die algemeen en in Deutero-Jesaja nagegaan. Die werkwoord נחם word nie as ‘n enkele tema bespreek nie. In hoofstuk 4 is ‘n ondersoek gedoen na die tekste waar die werkwoord נחם in Deutero-Jesaja voorkom sowel as die boek Jesaja. Dit is gedoen omdat die tendens bestaan om Jesaja as een werk te beskou. Daar is ‘n verskeidenheid kommentare geraadpleeg, om die tendens waar te neem, oor die bespreking rondom die werkwoord נחם en daar is bevind dat die meeste eksegete vinnig oor ‘troos’ na ‘n volgende onderwerp beweeg.
Hoofstuk 5 toon aan hoe JHWH die ‘troos’ waarborg. Die werkwoord ברא ‘skep’ en die werkwoord en selfstandige naamwoord גאל ‘verlos’ en ‘verlosser’ is
ondersoek in tekste saam met die werkwoord נחם om te sien hoe hulle ‘troos’ in Deutero-Jesaja ondersteun. Hoofstuk 6 hanteer die werkwoorde ידע ‘ken’ of ‘weet’ en רחם ‘ontferm’ en hulle ondersteuning aan נחם in Deutero-Jesaja. Hoofstuk 7 is die samevatting waar daar aangetoon word dat die doel en metode in hierdie tesis toegepas is. Die gevolgtrekking wat bereik is, is dat ‘troos’ ‘n tema in Deutero-Jesaja is, saam met die temas van verlossing en skepping. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / gm2014 / Old Testament Studies / unrestricted
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