11613 research outputs found
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The effect of financial literacy confidence on financial risk preference confidence. a lab experiment approach
No full textThe study experimentally investigated the impact of financial literacy confidence (FLC) on financial risk preference confidence (FRPC) constructed from objective and subjective measures of financial literacy and risk preferences. Seven hundred seventy-two responses from 193 subjects were analyzed using the Random Effect Panel Regression (REPR) technique. The study reveals that FLC significantly impacts FRPC differently for overconfident and underconfident individuals. Specifically, the results show that an increase in FLC increases FRPC for overconfident individuals but decreases FRPC for underconfident individuals. Hierarchical Random Effect Panel regressions confirm that financial literacy residuals significantly impact risk preference residuals. The findings entail that cognitive abilities errors on subjective and objective measures of financial literacy correlate with risk preference errors on subjective and objective risk preference measures. Interestingly, the results show that increased financial literacy residuals lead to reduced risk preference residuals for individuals with high financial literacy. The results suggest that individuals with higher financial literacy can better align their subjective and objective measures of risk preferences. The study findings help to explain how FLC shapes the financial behavior of individuals making risky financial choices. The policy implications of these findings are that investing in financial literacy programs can assist individuals in making well-informed investment or saving decisions and can better manage financial risks.Publisher's versio
Students’ perspective on a Blackboard Collaborate virtual learning experience in a higher education rural campus
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Higher Education))--University of the Free State, 2024Recently, technology has holistically been accepted as an element that plays a major role in the function of a normal daily life globally, in particular within the higher education sector. The outbreak of Corona virus required students to utilise technology to learn in their various programs. Remote learning was instigated on this rural higher education campus through the integration of Blackboard Collaborate as one of the tools embedded within Blackboard. This study aims to explore students’ perspectives of a Blackboard Collaborate Virtual Learning Experiences in a higher education rural campus in the Eastern Free State province, South Africa. The incorporated theoretical framework to explore students’ perspectives on the use of Blackboard Collaborate as a mode of content delivery is the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). TAM has been identified as one of the most globally used models to describe the users’ acceptance and use of technology with its factors named perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU) of technology. These factors assist in analysing students’ intention and motivation in using Blackboard Collaborate to learn.
A qualitative research approach was designed with non-probability purposive sample selection of 8 students, two from each of the four faculties at the campus understudy. Participants were interviewed regarding their perspectives of learning virtually through Blackboard Collaborate. Furthermore, students from a compulsory first year module were also observed to see how they engage with various functions on this platform. The thematic analysis approach on ATLAS.ti 22 was used to analyse data and develop themes to create a generalized data regarding the students’ perspectives on the integration of Blackboard Collaborate Virtual learning in teaching and learning. The result from the interviews provides a logical qualitative database indicating that the majority of students on this rural campus mainly faced technical and financial issues during the virtual learning period. The results discovered during the observation concluded that the majority of students did not use the Blackboard Collaborate at the exposal for effective virtual learning. The challenges faced hindered them to learn to their fullest potential on this platform. This campus was also a cornerstone to its students as institutional support was highlighted during that disruptive time. Furthermore, it is also noted that students and facilitators need continuous training on how to effectively utilise the functions of the system and also how to fully engage students online. In addition, it is highly recommended for the institution to ensure that any apps provided to students is tested beforehand and that students must be supported financial so that they spend more time on learning than dealing with basic socio-economic challenges
Role of service providers in ensuring effective service delivery in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality
No full textThe purpose of this article is to determine the role of service providers in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) in ensuring effective service delivery. The absence of transparency, accountability, and proper and trustworthy structures and procedures in public procurement leads to corruption and abuse of resources, costing the nation its livelihoods, when services are ill-delivered. Therefore, service delivery has become increasingly important as a driving force in the South African economy. However, there has been limited research done in the role of service providers in ensuring effective service delivery. The article is a case study research design and data were gathered using semi structured interviews at the Supply Chain Management Department at the MMM based on a snowball sampling technique. The article reveals the role of service providers in ensuring effective service delivery in the MMM. It also found that there needs to be training to minimize corruption and poor service delivery within the public sector. Furthermore, the study recommended that service providers should monitor projects and they should perform their duties and responsibilities in terms of specification to ensure efficient and effective service delivery. The participants recommended that to enhance service delivery, there is a need to hire people in supply chain management with the capacity, skills, and knowledge to do the job.
The processes of public procurement through which the public sector and governments obtain required goods, works and services can be used to uphold certain guidelines. Therefore, to ensure efficient, effective and economic service delivery, there is a need to shift away from inner observing, bureaucratic structures, procedures, and approaches and a look into innovative ways of working, which put the requirements of the community first, is better, quicker, and more receptive to the citizens requests. It also implies a broad shift in the method that services are provided. The article reveals the role of service providers in ensuring effective service delivery in the MMM. It also acknowledges that there needs to be training to minimize corruption and poor service delivery within the public sector. Furthermore, service providers should monitor projects and they should perform their duties and responsibilities in terms of specification to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.Publisher's versio
Memories and testimonies of passbooks, permits and platkeps in apartheid-era Batho, Mangaung
No full textThe memories and testimonies of black people who were on the receiving end of racial discrimination provide important evidence of their lived experiences during the apartheid era (1948–1994). They ‘revisit’ apartheid South Africa because of recurring memories of traumatic experiences. Sadly, they relive the painful incidents emotionally when such memories are triggered. The National Museum in Bloemfontein has interviewed more than 150 Batho residents about their experiences of Batho’s apartheid past, specifically their experiences of racist municipal laws and regulations. Although discriminatory municipal policies are rooted in the racial sentiments of Bloemfontein’s colonial (1846–1910) and segregationist (1910–1948) periods, they are also based on national legislation, notably the ( ) 1923. Direct quotes from interviews allow interviewees to speak for themselves. The interviewees’ testimonies of their experiences have generated information about, among others, the carrying of passbooks; visits to the pass office; maltreatment by municipal police (); being arrested for not having a passbook; spending time in police cells for committing (idleness) or for housing an overnight guest without a lodger’s permit; being victims of violent house raids; and being harassed by the night curfew siren. Because most interviewees’ parents and grandparents were subjected to similar discriminatory laws and regulations, traumatic experiences are a multi-generational phenomenon.
: The oral history methodology was used to reconstruct aspects of Batho’s apartheid history. By tapping into people’s memories and testimonies, this article aims to present a history from ‘below’ of Mangaung’s oldest existing township and, thereby, contribute to local historiography.Publisher's versio
The effect of dietary non-protein nitrogen content on the meat quality of finishing lambs
No full textThe effect of increasing the non-protein nitrogen content of low-fibre finishing diets on the meat quality of South African Mutton Merino wether lambs was investigated. Four similar dietary treatments were formulated with different non-protein nitrogen contents (16.6 g/kg, 28.3 g/kg, 40 g/kg, and 51.7 g/kg) on a dry matter basis. The study was conducted over 71 days. Muscle lipid content was higher on the 40 g/kg compared to 16.6 g/kg and 28.3 g/kg non-protein nitrogen diets. Myristic acid and total saturated fatty acid content of lamb muscle tissue was higher, whereas the total unsaturated fatty acid content of the same tissue was lower following a high dietary non-protein nitrogen content. A high non-protein nitrogen diet (51.7 g/kg) reduced conjugated linoleic acid content of adipose tissue, compared to 28.3 and 40 g/kg non-protein nitrogen treatments. Malonaldehyde content of fresh lamb meat was higher on the 28.3 g/kg compared to the 16.6 g/kg non-protein nitrogen diet. The malonaldehyde content of the treatment containing 40 g/kg non-protein nitrogen was higher than the 51.7 g/kg when stored for 90 days. Therefore, the non-protein nitrogen content of low-fibre lamb finishing diets does not affect mutton fatty acid composition and quality parameters. Protein quality and its effect on ruminant meat quality requires more attention.Publisher's versio
Climate-influenced vector-borne diseases in Africa: a call to empower the next generation of African researchers for sustainable solutions
No full textWe look at the link between climate change and vector-borne diseases in low- and middle-income countries in Africa. The large endemicity and escalating threat of diseases such as malaria and arboviral diseases, intensified by climate change, disproportionately affects vulnerable communities globally. We highlight the urgency of prioritizing research and development, advocating for robust scientific inquiry to promote adaptation strategies, and the vital role that the next generation of African research leaders will play in addressing these challenges. Despite significant challenges such as funding shortages within countries, various pan-African-oriented funding bodies such as the African Academy of Sciences, the Africa Research Excellence Fund, the Wellcome Trust, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as initiatives such as the African Research Initiative for Scientific Excellence and the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association, have empowered (or are empowering) these researchers by supporting capacity building activities, including continental and global networking, skill development, mentoring, and African-led research. This article underscores the urgency of increased national investment in research, proposing the establishment of research government agencies to drive evidence-based interventions. Collaboration between governments and scientific communities, sustained by pan-African funding bodies, is crucial. Through these efforts, African nations are likely to enhance the resilience and adaptive capacity of their systems and communities by navigating these challenges effectively, fostering scientific excellence and implementing transformative solutions against climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases.Publisher's versio
A participatory community-based strategy to improve Grade 4 learners’ number sense in multiplication
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Mathematics))--University of the Free State, 2024This study investigates how a community-based participatory approach improved grade 4 learners’ number sense in multiplication. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study followed a participatory action research methodology with one cycle. Three hundred and twenty eight participants, ten in the team and the rest, grade four learners, were selected through convenience sampling.
Quantitative data came from Pre-Tests and Post-Tests. The study employed a quantitative approach to examine the premise that a community-based participation strategy would result in a noteworthy enhancement of student performance. Data was analysed using statistical analysis as well as content analyses. The results showed that the Grade 4 cohort's multiplication scores had increased by 20%, showing significant improvements in mathematical competency. Teachers' joint efforts in creating and putting into practice engaging, student-centered teaching approaches, were credited with this increase.
Qualitative data came from team meetings, focus group discussions and participant feedback. Data was analysed using narrative analysis. Data was coded, categorised and then themes emerged. Three themes were identified, knowledge needed by SEDC team, collaborative innovation in teaching and learning, classroom organisation and discipline. The aforementioned topics emphasized the significance of cooperative planning and accommodating varied learning styles to enhance academic achievements.
A hypothesis and the research questions aimed to answer if a PCBS could improve the number sense of Gr. 4 learners pertaining to multiplication. Evidence gathered suggested a PCBS could improve Gr. 4 learners’ number sense with regard to multiplication.
The quantitative data showed an overall improvement in test scores across the spectrum of the Gr. 4 learners. Qualitative data from the planning session on the intervention indicate that collaboration could be a better way to improve student learning. Qualitative data from the general feedback on the intervention indicate that classroom discipline is necessary to execute a strategy
Analysis of the perceptions of flood and effect of adoption of adaptation strategies on income of informal settlements of Mamelodi in South Africa
No full textExtreme weather events are being experienced all over the world because of climate change, posing challenges for individuals and households who rely on agricultural operations as their major source of livelihood. Household-level adaptation is an efficient way of dealing with global climate change. As such, this study aims to examine the perception of informal settlers to flood risk and their adoption of adaptation strategies to flood. This study applied the seemingly unrelated regression (SUR) to identify factors influencing the perception of flooding on community members and probit regression to identify the factors influencing the adoption of adaptation strategies to floods and examined the impact of the adoption of adaptation strategies on income in Eerste Fabriek informal settlement in Mamelodi using two-step quasi-maximum likelihood estimates of fractional response model. Our results show that community members are perceptive of floods and their impact on the environment and their livelihoods, and on average, they believe flood impact is significant. Age, marital status, education, employment status, income, and household size are demographic factors that tend to influence their perception of the impact of flood events. Access to institutional facilities such as health and recreational facilities was also a significant factor in how community members adapt to the impact of floods. Timely healthcare access services are a significant precursor for people to form their perception, which is intended to help them adapt appropriately to situations as health is wealth. Community members' perceptions and adaptive capacity can be improved through policies that foster the adoption of effective adaptation strategies. Community-based adaptation strategies are necessary for involving all stakeholders and necessary for mitigating the effects of flooding.Publisher's versio
Predictors of TB and HIV/AIDS external stigma among healthcare workers in the Free State Province, South Africa
No full textDissertation(M.Soc.Sc.(Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2024: HIV/AIDS and TB are heavily stigmatised diseases that negatively impact health care service delivery and treatment outcomes. While there are numerous studies investigating healthcare workers (HCWs) stigmatizing TB and HIV patients, not much research has been undertaken on HCWs stigmatizing colleagues who have/are thought to have HIV/AIDS or TB. Therefore, this study sought to describe the levels of external HIV and TB stigma and to determine the factors associated with HIV and TB stigma among HCWs towards their colleagues.
: The study utilised post-intervention data from a randomised control trial among HCWs at public hospitals in the Free State, South Africa. Of the 286 HCWs based at control hospitals who completed self-administered questionnaires, 124 were clinical professionals (doctors, nurses and allied professionals) involved in direct patient care, and 162 were administrative and support staff not directly involved in patient care. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics as well as binomial logistic regression to predict factors associated with external HIV and TB stigma.
: The results revealed more self-reported HIV stigma than TB stigma enacted towards colleagues. Slightly less than half of the respondents (47.6%) had high levels of HIV external stigma, while only one in five (20.7%) had high levels of TB external stigma. HIV external stigma was associated with a lack of personal contact with HIV-positive co-workers (AOR: 2.137, CI: 1.267-3.606, p=0.004), female gender (AOR: 2.336, CI: 1.326-4.114, p=0.003), and low to moderate HIV knowledge (AOR: 2.052, CI: 1.095-3.845, p=0.025). TB stigma was predicted by age only, with older HCWs being more stigmatising than their younger counterparts (AOR: 1.042, CI: 1.006-1.079, p=0.023).
: The study identified higher levels of HIV external stigma than TB external stigma among HCWs. These findings suggest that HIV and TB stigma have different origins and manifestations and that various factors, such as the modes of transmission, perceived responsibility, social implications, treatment outcomes, and historical contexts of the respective diseases, may influence them. As a result, interventions for reducing stigma in healthcare settings should be tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of each disease and its affected population.
___________________________________________________________________: MIV/VIGS en TB is siektes wat sterk gestigmatiseer word en 'n negatiewe impak op gesondheidsorg-dienslewering en behandelingsuitkomste het. Hoewel daar talle studies is wat ondersoek instel na gesondheidswerkers (GWs) se stigmatisering van TB- en MIV-pasiënte, is daar nie baie navorsing gedoen oor GWs wat kollegas met HIV/VIGS of TB stigmatiseer of vermoed word daarvan nie. Daarom het hierdie studie gepoog om die vlakke van eksterne MIV- en TB-stigma te beskryf en om die faktore wat verband hou met MIV- en TB-stigma onder GWs teenoor hul kollegas te bepaal.
: Die studie het na-intervensiedata gebruik van 'n gerandomiseerde kontroleproef onder GWs by openbare hospitale in die Vrystaat, Suid-Afrika. Van die 286 GWs wat aan beheerhospitale gestasioneer is en self-geadministreerde vraelyste voltooi het, was 124 kliniese professionele persone (dokters, verpleegsters en geassosieerde professionele persone) wat direkte pasiëntsorg gelewer het, en 162 was administratiewe en ondersteuningspersoneel wat nie direk betrokke was by pasiëntsorg nie. Die data is geanaliseer met behulp van beskrywende statistiek sowel as binominale logistiese regressie om faktore wat met eksterne MIV- en TB-stigma geassosieer word, te voorspel.
: Die resultate het meer selfgerapporteerde MIV-stigma as TB-stigma getoon wat teen kollegas gepleeg word. Effens minder as die helfte van die respondente (47.6%) het hoë vlakke van MIV eksterne stigma gehad, terwyl slegs een uit vyf (20.7%) hoë vlakke van TB eksterne stigma gehad het. MIV eksterne stigma is geassosieer met 'n gebrek aan persoonlike kontak met MIV-positiewe kollegas (AOR: 2.137, CI: 1.267-3.606, p=0.004), vroulike geslag (AOR: 2.336, CI: 1.326-4.114, p=0.003), en lae tot matige MIV-kennis (AOR: 2.052, p=0.025). TB-stigma is slegs deur ouderdom voorspel, met ouer GWs wat meer stigmatiserend as hul jonger eweknieë was (AOR: 1.042, CI: 1.006-1.079, p=0.023).
: Die studie het hoër vlakke van MIV eksterne stigma as TB eksterne stigma onder GWs geïdentifiseer. Hierdie bevindinge suggereer dat MIV- en TB-stigma verskillende oorspronge en manifestasies het en dat verskeie faktore, soos die oordragmetodes, waargenome verantwoordelikheid, sosiale implikasies, behandelingsoptredes en historiese kontekste van die onderskeie siektes, hulle mag beïnvloed. Gevolglik behoort ingrypings om stigmatisering in gesondheidsorgomgewings te verminder, toegespits te word op die spesifieke eienskappe en behoeftes van elke siekte en sy geaffekteerde bevolking.
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Introducing dynamic consent for improved trust and privacy in research involving human biological material and associated data in South Africa
No full textBiomedical research using human biological material and data is essential for improving human health, but it requires the active participation of many human volunteers in addition to the distribution of data. As a result, it has raised numerous vexing questions related to trust, privacy and consent. Trust is essential in biomedical research as it relates directly to the willingness of participants to continue participating in research. Privacy and the protection of personal information also influence trust. Informed consent has proven to be insufficient as it cannot overcome the informational deficit between primary and unknown future uses of material and data and is therefore not fully informed and invalid. Broad consent is also problematic as it takes full control of samples and data flow from the research participant and inherently requires that a participant must trust that the researcher will use their material or data in a manner that they would find acceptable. This paper attempts to offer some insight into how these related issues can be overcome. It introduces dynamic consent as a consent model in research involving human biological material and its associated data. Dynamic consent is explained, as well as its claims of superiority in instances where future research is possible. It is also shown how dynamic consent contributes to better control of the samples and data by the research participant, and how trust may be improved by using this consent model. Dynamic consent’s co-existence with and support of the South African Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013 is also assessed. The limitations of dynamic consent are also discussed.Publisher's versio