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A systems thinking approach to collaborations for capacity building and sustainability in engineering education

- Nyemba, Wilson R., Carter, Keith F., Mbohwa, Charles, Chinguwa, Simon

A patient satisfaction survey at the University of Johannesburg Homoeopathy Health Centre : January 2016 to June 2016

- Brak, Peter

  • Authors: Brak, Peter
  • Date: 2018
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/268963 , uj:28563 , Citation: Brak, P. 2018. A patient satisfaction survey at the University of Johannesburg Homoeopathy Health Centre : January 2016 to June 2016.
  • Description: Abstract: Patient satisfaction is best explained or defined as one’s own personal cognitive evaluation of and/or emotional reaction to, their healthcare experience; it is an effective, important and commonly used tool for measuring quality of healthcare. Patient satisfaction is thus a very effective indicator to measure the success of healthcare provided by doctors and healthcare facilities. Quality in healthcare is measured using an important and common indicator, namely patient satisfaction. The effects of patient satisfaction can be seen in clinical outcomes, patient retention, as well as medical malpractice claims. To determine the success of doctors in clinics and hospitals, patient satisfaction surveys are considered an important tool in this measurement. Measuring patient satisfaction may lead to the enhancement of daily efficiency and effectiveness of practice operations, as well as increase profitability at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Homoeopathy Health Centre. Apart from the mini-surveys conducted each semester on service delivery by the clinic manager, the last in-depth survey conducted on patient satisfaction with homoeopathic treat at this facility was in 2004, and the results showed the positive experiences to be: affordability of the clinic; quality of the physical exam; friendliness and approachability of the senior homoeopathy students; and the high level of satisfaction regarding their treatment plan. The areas of dissatisfaction were: the clinic’s accessibility; accuracy of diagnosis; and the explanation of their medical condition as well as the explanation of the homoeopathic case taking procedure. The study recommended that follow-up studies be conducted to monitor progress regarding patient education in homoeopathy and the perceived skills of the senior homoeopathic students. The aim of the study was to assess patient satisfaction and gather data on patient behaviour at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Homoeopathy Health Centre, as an approach to improve the quality of healthcare and service delivery at this facility. This also allowed for the assessment of the level of healthcare received by the community. A sample group of 114 patients who attended the UJ Homoeopathy Health Centre from January 2016 to June 2016 were selected to participate in the study. The patients’ satisfaction regarding the healthcare received at the UJ Homoeopathy Health Centre was determined by means of a fourteen-item questionnaire. Written permission was requested from the Head of the Department (HOD) of Homoeopathy to allow access to the patient files in the UJ Homoeopathy Health Centre. Once permission was received, all demographic and contact information was gathered from the selected patient files, which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The researcher contacted each person telephonically, in a private room at the UJ Homoeopathy Health Centre, where verbal consent to participate in the study and to be voice recorded was obtained before a 10-minute interview took place. All answers were recorded directly onto the questionnaire during the telephonic interview. The study took place over 14 days allowing a total of 11 patients to be called during the hours of 9am to 5pm. Once the questionnaire was completed, it was filed and stored in a lockable cabinet in a...
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A systematic review on the therapeutic effects of homeopathic treatment on premenstrual syndrome

- Esmailjee, Faseeha, Patel, Reshma

  • Authors: Esmailjee, Faseeha , Patel, Reshma
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Homeopathy , PMS , Premenstrual syndrome
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/268927 , uj:28561 , Citation: Esmailjee, F. & Patel, R. 2018. A systematic review on the therapeutic effects of homeopathic treatment on premenstrual syndrome.
  • Description: Abstract: Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a worldwide pooled prevalence of 47.8% and impacts on social and professional activities. Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to determine the therapeutic effects of the homeopathic treatment on PMS. Methods: Various electronic database searches were conducted to identify studies conducted using homeopathic treatment for the treatment of PMS. Studies had to be in English and conducted between 1996-2015. Study designs included: Randomised Control Trials (RCTs), case studies and observational studies. RCTs were evaluated using the Checklist for Measuring Study Quality while the rest of the designs were evaluated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies of Diverse Designs. Results: 63 studies were identified of which only seven met the inclusion criteria. Three of the studies were RCTs while the rest were case studies and observational studies. Of the seven articles reviewed, four articles were ranked “Good”, two were ranked “Fair” and one was ranked “Poor”. There was a good quality article which did not support the hypothesis that homeopathy is effective in the treatment of PMS. Of the remaining six articles there are three good quality articles, two fair quality articles and one poor quality article which all support the hypothesis that homeopathy is effective in the treatment of PMS. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study indicate that the current available evidence on the therapeutic effects of the homeopathic treatment of PMS cannot contribute to Evidence Based Medicine.
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Describing the trends of qEEG change caused by cervical manipulation

- Scott, Michelle

  • Authors: Scott, Michelle
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Trends of qEEG , qEEG, , Cervical Manipulation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/268980 , uj:28565 , Citation: Scott, M. 2018. Describing the trends of qEEG change caused by cervical manipulation.
  • Description: Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the trends of qEEG changes caused by cervical manipulation for the duration of 60 minutes. This could theoretically stimulate further related research and thus redefine the existing limits of chiropractic treatment of the central nervous system by influencing brain wave activity. Method: A descriptive design was used to attempt to track trends on qEEG readings before and after a chiropractic manipulation for the duration of 60 minutes. The EEG equipment that was used for the trials was a MP 150 Biopac system. On arrival at the Chiropractic clinic all participants were assessed as new patients and then randomly divided into two groups of 5. Once this was completed the EEG cap was placed on the participants head and the first of six recordings was started. Subsequent to the completion of the first recording, the participants’ cervical spine was manipulated/ sham manipulated (control group). The remainder of the recordings then took place at 15 minute intervals. Results: There was a definitive difference in the readings pre- and post-manipulation for both groups, across all three brain lobes. Group A appeared to have more consistent predictable changes. Group B appeared to have haphazard changes. Some participants showed more pronounced changes in brain wave activity than others. Conclusion: The definitive changes pre- and post- manipulation readings demonstrate that there are apparent variations in the qEEG readings post cervical manipulation. These variations either increased or decreased across one or multiple lobes, either immediately post manipulation or during the 60 minute time intervals. However, this topic needs further research to determine the significance of the effect of chiropractic manipulation.
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Medicinal plants for primary dysmenorrhoea : a systematic review

- Pellow, Janice, Nienhuis, Chantelle

  • Authors: Pellow, Janice , Nienhuis, Chantelle
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Medicinal plants , Herbal medicines , Phytotherapy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/268988 , uj:28566 , Citation: Pellow, J. & Nienhuis, C. 2018. Medicinal plants for primary dysmenorrhoea : a systematic review.
  • Description: Abstract: Primary dysmenorrhoea is a common gynaecological complaint experienced by many females in their reproductive years. The aim of this systematic review was to synthesise the current evidence relating to the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea with medicinal plants. Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) published in English between 2008 and 2016, pertaining to the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea were assessed. Twenty-two RCTs were included in the review. Most medicinal plants, with the exception ofNoni (Morinda citrifolia),produced positive findings, with cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), damask rose (Rosa damascena), dill (Anethumgraveolens), felty germander (Teucriumpolium), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum-graecum), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), peppermint (Mentha piperita), rhubarb (Rheum emodi), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) showing similar efficacy to commonly used NSAIDs (ibuprofen and mefanamic acid), while ginger (Zingiber officinale), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), wheat germ (Triticum aestivum) and yarrow (Achillea millefolium) showed efficacy in placebo-controlled trials. While further research is needed before definitive conclusions can be made, given their potential positive benefits and relative safety, these herbs may be considered on an individual basis.
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Perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic in Gauteng

- Di Gaspero, Natalie Christina

  • Authors: Di Gaspero, Natalie Christina
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Infantile colic , Complementary medicine , Homeopathy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/268954 , uj:28562 , Citation: Di Gaspero, N.C. 2018. Perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic in Gauteng.
  • Description: Abstract: Infantile colic is a self-limiting condition that is characterised by spasmodic, excessive and inconsolable crying without apparent cause. Infantile colic is one of the most common reasons parents take their infants to paediatric healthcare practitioners despite there being no widely accepted conventional treatment for colic. Due to the recent growth of the complementary medicine market in South Africa and numerous complementary medicines being available over-the-counter, parents may turn to complementary medical treatments for their infants’ colic. There is currently no gold standard treatment for colic and there is limited research available on the use, safety and effectiveness of complementary medicine in infantile colic. The aim of this study was to determine the perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic in Gauteng, by means of an Infantile Colic Questionnaire. A quantitative-descriptive design was used whereby data was collected through a randomised cross-sectional survey to determine the perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine. The research sample consisted of 152 mothers (participants), aged between 18-45 years with a child/children who suffer/suffered from symptoms of infantile colic and use complementary medicine as a form of treatment. Results from this study, conducted on the perceived effectiveness of complementary medicine by mothers of infants with colic in Gauteng, indicated that participants perceived complementary medicine as an effective form of treatment for infantile colic; however, there is uncertainty whether it works well in conjunction with conventional medicine. Further education is also needed on complementary medicine due to the misunderstanding of terms, complementary medicine and conventional medicine.
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Spinal manipulative therapy versus laser therapy and a combination thereof in the treatment of active rhomboid trigger points

- Van Der Merwe, Megan Alida

  • Authors: Van Der Merwe, Megan Alida
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Spinal manipulation , Laser therapy , Rhomboid
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/268991 , uj:28567 , Citation: Van Der Merwe, M.A. 2018. Spinal manipulative therapy versus laser therapy and a combination thereof in the treatment of active rhomboid trigger points.
  • Description: Abstract: Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of thoracic spinal manipulative therapy, laser therapy of the rhomboid trigger points and the combination thereof in the treatment of active rhomboid trigger points. This study would then help identify the most effective treatment protocol for active rhomboid trigger points. Method: A sample of thirty participants was used, individuals comprised of males and females between the ages of 18 and 50 years that presented with inter-scapular pain with the presence of active rhomboid trigger points and who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample was divided into three groups: each group consisted of ten randomly allocated participants. Group 1 received spinal manipulative therapy, group 2 received laser therapy, and group 3 received a combination treatment including spinal manipulative therapy and laser therapy. Procedure: There were a total of seven visits. Participants received a total of six treatments over a three week period. Participants received the same treatment at each visit according to their group allocation made at the initial visit. Subjective readings which included the McGill Pain Questionnaire and Numerical Pain Rating Scale, as well as objective data that included Pressure algometer readings were taken on the first, fourth and seventh visits. Results: Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric testing. For the intragroup analysis the Friedman and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was performed and for intergroup analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Statistical analysis showed a statistically significant difference for intragroup analysis, but no statistical significance for intergroup analysis was found. Therefore no treatment protocol proved to be superior...
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Stakeholders’ perception of the local government stakeholder engagement practices in the Bekkersdal township

- Shabangu, Pay Ernest, Oksiutycz, Anna

  • Authors: Shabangu, Pay Ernest , Oksiutycz, Anna
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Stakeholder engagement , Participation , Strategic communication
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/289707 , uj:31438 , Citation: Shabangu, P.E. & Oksiutycz, A. 2018. Stakeholders’ perception of the local government stakeholder engagement practices in the Bekkersdal township.
  • Description: Abstract: This research investigates community stakeholder perceptions of the local government stakeholder engagement practices in the Bekkersdal Township, south of Johannesburg. Bekkersdal Township has experienced a number of violent service delivery protests in recent years, and has been labelled, by a specialised local government data and intelligence organisation called Municipal IQ, a service delivery protest hotspot in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. It is therefore essential to obtain a better and clearer picture of stakeholders’ perceptions of the local government stakeholder engagement practices because the community’s perceptions influence behaviour and consequently shape the relationships between stakeholders and the municipality. The research used focus groups to establish stakeholders’ perceptions of the local government’s stakeholder engagement practices. The findings reveal that the overall perception of the stakeholders of the municipality’s stakeholder engagement practices is not favourable and that stakeholders feel that they have been left out of and are not involved in local government activities as a result of the prevailing communication practices of local government.
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The effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation and ischaemic compression versus chiropractic manipulation and shockwave therapy on trapezius trigger points

- Lowe, James Douglas

  • Authors: Lowe, James Douglas
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Chiropractic , Manipulation , Shockwave therapy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/268972 , uj:28564 , Citation: Lowe, J.D. 2018. The effectiveness of chiropractic manipulation and ischaemic compression versus chiropractic manipulation and shockwave therapy on trapezius trigger points.
  • Description: Abstract: Purpose: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of a treatment protocol that included Chiropractic manipulation and ischaemic compression against an alternative treatment protocol that involved Chiropractic manipulation and Shockwave therapy. Both protocols were carried out on a target group that presented with an active myofascial trigger point of the upper trapezius muscles. Method: A selection of 30 participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years were recruited for this study, all of which presented with mechanical neck pain that was caused by the presence of an active myofascial trapezius trigger point. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups, with each group containing 15 participants. Group 1 received Chiropractic manipulative therapy to their cervical spine and upper thoracic spine as well as ischaemic compression to the active myofascial trapezius trigger point. Group 2 received Chiropractic manipulative therapy to their cervical spine and upper thoracic spine as well as Shockwave therapy to the active myofascial trigger point present in the trapezius muscle. Each participant received a total of 6 treatments with the seventh and final treatment being a data collection consult only, this was the same for both groups. Results: Both treatment protocols had positive clinical effects on the participants. Subjectively the participants, on average, experienced a decrease in perceived pain. Objectively both the CROM measurements and the Pressure Algometer readings decreased throughout the trial period, this was noted in both groups. Conclusion: In conclusion both treatment protocols had positive effects on participants over the trial, neither treatment protocol had definitive statistical improvements compared to the other in the treatment of mechanical neck pain with associated trapezius myofascial trigger point involvement and thus to conclude, both ischaemic compression therapy and Shockwave therapy in conjunction with cervical and upper thoracic spinal manipulations can be used to effectively treat mechanical neck pain with associated trapezius myofascial trigger point involvement.
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A comparison of youth resilience across seven South African sites

- Van Breda, Adrian D.

  • Authors: Van Breda, Adrian D.
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Resilience , Children in care , Poverty
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/241261 , uj:24834 , Citation: Van Breda, A.D. 2017. A comparison of youth resilience across seven South African sites.
  • Description: Abstract: The resilience of children and youth is an increasingly important area of research. Young people growing up in distressed communities, characterised by poverty, crime and family troubles, are particularly vulnerable. Resilience can assist these young people in navigating through these challenges towards independent living, particularly as they transition out of adolescence and into young adulthood. Children in South Africa are almost universally vulnerable, but children growing up in residential care facilities and children from poverty stricken communities are particularly in need of resilience. This quantitative study of 575 South African children compared their resilience in terms of individual, family and community protective factors across seven sites, including child and youth care centres, schools in poor communities and schools in middle class suburban communities. Contrary to expectations, the study found that children in one of the children’s homes and one of the poor communities had the highest levels of resilience. Moreover, all but one of the sites scored very high on at least one of the resilience variables, suggesting unique profiles of resilience across the sites. Practice implications for child and family social work are discussed.
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a review of theories and evidence of inclusive growth : an economic perspective for Africa

- Ngepah, Nicholas

  • Authors: Ngepah, Nicholas
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Inclusive growth , Labour absorbing growth , Productivity
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/241221 , uj:24829 , Citation: Ngepah, N. 2017. a review of theories and evidence of inclusive growth : an economic perspective for Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: Although the concept of inclusive economic growth is relatively nascent, more than ever, it is deemed very relevant to Africa. Contrary to the traditional concept of pro-poor growth, which more or less places those at the lower end of the income/wealth distribution spectrum at the margin of the processes of wealth creation, the concept of inclusive growth suggests a more active participation of the poor. An appealing sub-concept proposes two pillars – labour absorbing growth and increasing productivity of those who are being employed. Although perhaps the full conceptualization and modeling framework is still to see light, some work has been done to attempt to understand how inclusive the recent surge of growth in Africa might have been. This paper explores the literature of inclusive growth in the African context, from a socio-economic stand point. It attempts to establish the characterizations of inclusive growth in Africa, its underlying arguments and prospects for future theoretical and empirical development.
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Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) based Direct Torque Control of PMSM driven centrifugal pump

- Arun Shankar, V.K, Umashankar, S., Sanjeevikumar, P., Paramasivam, S.

Africa's foreign policy and nation branding : regional leadership and its discontents

- Qobo, Mzukisi

  • Authors: Qobo, Mzukisi
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/242055 , uj:24957 , Citation: Qobo, M. 2017. Africa's foreign policy and nation branding : regional leadership and its discontents. Strategic Review tor Southern Africa, Vol 39, No 1.
  • Description: Abstract: Whether they know it or not, countries are viewed through the lens of branding. Their brand equity lies in the norms and ideas that they project, as well as the actors (leaders) who champion such ideas and norms. Countries embody signs, beliefs, values, and imageries about what they stand for in the global system, and it is this that has an effect upon the imagery and preferences of others rather than merely marketing techniques. As such, countries carry — or project — a 'persona' that expresses their identity, ideas, values, and norms. This article focuses on the regional dimensions of South Africa's brand value and leadership. This is precisely because regions are crucial platforms through which countries project their ideas, norms, and leadership. It is also here that they build their brand equity. As such, this article examines the kinds of norms that South Africa projects through the region, and understands how these are perceived. Further, it analyses the predominant ideas that South Africa articulates.
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An analysis of income tax implications from the transfer of soccer players

- Makhaya, Siphamandla N, Barnard, Lizanne

Art, for leisure or profit : an analysis of the movement of investment from equities into the 'Fine Art' market

- Baur, P.W.

  • Authors: Baur, P.W.
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Art Investment , Equities , Portfolio Diversification
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/241303 , uj:24839 , Citation: Baur, P.W. 2017. Art, for leisure or profit : an analysis of the movement of investment from equities into the 'Fine Art' market.
  • Description: Abstract: The trade and investment into 'Fine Art' dates back centuries. While investment into art is unique in that it captures emotional, social, political, traditional and cultural values, the modern investor would include portfolio structures that are a combination of bonds and equities and in some cases these portfolios would diversify into alternative investments which include 'Fine Art' as a mechanism that not only secures some form of future profitability or a store of value, but also include a cultural element that holds meaning for the investor. Art sales are increasing by volume of trade, and countries like South Africa are catering towards the art tourist, showing increasing levels of exports of art products. This paper examines the decision making of the art tourist and the related flow of investments from equities into the art market. While 'Fine Art' as an investment mechanism may not hold the same degree of mobility or liquidity as other asset classes, it still holds a store of value over a long period of time. The choice to hold art within an asset portfolio would be similar to someone who chooses to invest in commodities, yet the additional factor of owning something that appeals more to the cultural and emotive schema is a strong motive for including 'Fine Art' into their portfolio.
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Assessing the effectiveness of the monetary policy instrument during the inflation targeting period in South Africa

- Bonga-Bonga, Lumengo

Assessment of progress towards universal health coverage for people with disabilities in Afghanistan : a multilevel analysis of repeated cross-sectional surveys

- Trani, Jean-Francois, Kumar, Praveen, Ballard, Ellis, Chandola, Tarani

  • Authors: Trani, Jean-Francois , Kumar, Praveen , Ballard, Ellis , Chandola, Tarani
  • Date: 2017
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/241510 , uj:24865 , Citation: Trani, J.F. 2017. Assessment of progress towards universal health coverage for people with disabilities in Afghanistan : a multilevel analysis of repeated cross-sectional surveys
  • Description: Abstract: Background Since 2002, Afghanistan has made much effort to achieve universal health coverage. According to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, target eight, the provision of quality care to all must include usually underserved groups, including people with disabilities. We investigated whether a decade of international investment in the Afghan health system has brought quality health care to this group. Methods We used data from two representative household surveys, one done in 2005 and one in 2013, in 13 provinces of Afghanistan, that included questions about activity limitations and functioning difficulties, socioeconomic factors, perceived availability of health care, and experience with coverage of health-care needs. We used multilevel modelling and tests for interaction to investigate factors associated with differences in perception between timepoints and whether village remoteness affected changes in perception. Findings The 2005 survey included 334 people, and the 2013 survey included 961 people. Mean age, employment, and asset levels of participants with disabilities increased slightly between 2005 and 2013, but the level of education decreased. Formal education and higher asset level were associated with improved availability of health care and positive experience with coverage of health-care needs, whereas being employed was only associated with the latter. Perceived availability of health care and positive experience with coverage of health-care needs significantly worsened in 2013 compared with in 2005 (227 [69%] perceived that services were available in 2005 vs 405 [44%] in 2013, p<0·0001; 255 [78%] perceived a positive experience in 2005 vs 410 [45%] in 2013, p<0·0001). Village remoteness increased in 2013 (no connectivity by paved road 186 [57%] in 2005 vs 797 [87%] in 2013, p<0·0001; mean time to reach health-care facility 64·3 min [SD 167·7] vs 84·4 min [107·7], p<0·0001) and negatively affected perception of health-care availability. Interpretation Perceived availability of health care and experience with health-care coverage have not greatly improved for people with disabilities in Afghanistan, particularly in remote areas. Health policy in Afghanistan will need to address attitudinal, social, and accessibility barriers to health care.
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Consumers’ perceptions and attitudes when evaluating brand extensions in relation to the original brand : a South African perspective

- Diniso, C.

  • Authors: Diniso, C.
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Brand extensions , Original brand , Consumer perceptions
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/241237 , uj:24831 , Citation: Diniso, C. 2017. Consumers’ perceptions and attitudes when evaluating brand extensions in relation to the original brand : a South African perspective.
  • Description: Abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate consumers’ perceptions and attitudes when evaluating brand extensions in relation to the original brand within a South African context. Furthermore, this study examines how consumers perceive the overall quality and similarity/fit of the brand extensions (Nike camera, Nike socks, and Nike golf balls) in relation to the original brand (Nike athletic shoes) and how these perceptions influence their attitudes towards the extensions. In order to get these insights, the study surveyed 147 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of the Western Cape across all faculties. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to access respondents. To collect data, qualitative and quantitative methods were employed using a questionnaire which consisted of open-ended and closed-ended questions in the form of free associations technique and 5-point Likert scales. The data gathered was analysed by means of descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation coefficient. The findings indicate two key aspects. First, respondents only perceived Nike socks’ overall quality to be congruent to the original brand (Nike athletic shoes). Second, respondents only perceived Nike socks to be strongly similar to the original brand (Nike athletic shoes). Despite this, respondents had a favourable attitude towards all the brand extensions irrespective of whether they perceived the overall quality of the extensions to be congruent to the original brand or not, and whether they perceived the extensions to be similar to the original brand or not. These factors did not influence respondents’ attitudes towards the extensions negatively. The research therefore proposes that the perceived overall quality of the brand extensions will be congruent to that of the original brand and that the attitude towards the brand extensions will be favourable only when there is a perceived similarity/fit between the brand extensions and the original brand.
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Determinants of access to formal credit by the poor households in South Africa

- Biyase, Mduduzi, Fisher, Bianca

  • Authors: Biyase, Mduduzi , Fisher, Bianca
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Formal credit , Poor households , Heckman selection
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/241229 , uj:24830 , Citation: Biyase, M. & Fisher, B. 2017. Determinants of access to formal credit by the poor households in South Africa.
  • Description: Abstract: This paper investigates the determinants of access to formal credit by poor households in South Africa. Despite some progress in poverty reduction in recent years, it remains astonishingly high by historical and international standards. Access to credit is believed by some scholars (for example Mashego 2007) to be a primary means to address poverty and improve the standards of living of poor households. Thus, it is necessary to identify the determinants of the propensity to borrow and of the amount that is borrowed. Using 2008-2012 data from the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS), a Heckman Selection model was estimated. The results from this study suggest that age of the household head, race, educational level, gender, employment, geographic location of households affect the propensity to borrow by poor households in South Africa.
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Does exchange rate volatility deter trade in Sub-Saharan Africa?

- Meniago, Christelle, Eita, Joel Hinaunye

  • Authors: Meniago, Christelle , Eita, Joel Hinaunye
  • Date: 2017
  • Subjects: Exchange Rate Volatility , Panel Data , Sub-Saharan Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Articles
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/241277 , uj:24836 , Citation: Meniago, C. & Eita, J.H. 2017. Does exchange rate volatility deter trade in Sub-Saharan Africa? International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 2017, 7(4), 62-69. ISSN: 2146-4138
  • Description: Abstract: This study investigates the effects of exchange rate volatility on trade in 39 selected Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries for the period 1995-2012. Export and import models were estimated using panel data econometric technique. Three measures of volatility are used. These are standard deviation, generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity and Hodrick-Prescott (HP)-Filter. The results suggest that the effect of exchange rate volatility on trade is dependent of the type of volatility measure used. This reflects the importance of not solely relying on a unique measure of volatility. The results revealed that exchange rate volatility (measured with standard deviation and HP filter) depresses exports, suggesting that SSA exporters are susceptible to reduce their export activities when exchange rates become volatile. However, the fact that the degree of the impact of exchange rate volatility on trade is relatively weak, suggest that should SSA’s policy makers decide to pursue a policy intended to reduce exchange rate volatility in order to boost trade, it might be of little or no value. The results also indicate that exchange rate volatility is associated with a reduction in imports.
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