11613 research outputs found
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The impact of microfinance institutions on poverty alleviation
No full textMicrofinancing has been targeted as a tool to address Poverty through the provision of credit to the poor and marginalised economic functions. However, the main objective upon which these institutions are founded is yet to manifest primarily in developing economies. This study examined the role of microfinancing in poverty alleviation by employing a Vector Error Correction Model on quarterly time-series data. The results reveal a significant long-run relationship among the variables poverty, microfinancing, SMEs, and agricultural growth. Contrary to expectations, Microfinancing was found to increase poverty in the long run. SMEs and agricultural development were found to reduce the level of poverty in the long run. In the short run, regression results reveal that SMEs’ growth alleviates poverty, and poverty increases the growth of microfinance loans in the country. The increase in SMEs is a tool for alleviating poverty, and the growth in microfinance institutions is also being driven by poverty. This suggests that continued improper microfinancing can escalate the poverty levels to undesired heights. The findings imply that the growth of microfinance loans is not being put to its intended and efficient use. These findings bring to the fore that it is not only the provision of funds that matters.Publisher's versio
The impact of working from home on support staff members of the University of Free State at the QwaQwa Campus
No full textDissertation (MBA (Business Administration))--University of the Free State, 2022The University of the Free State, QwaQwa, never had to experience working from home (WFH) before the world was faced with the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore the different perceptions and experiences of the WFH era among the support staff. In a nutshell, the study aimed to investigate how employees at the UFS QwaQwa were affected psychologically, emotionally, and financially whilst working from home during the lockdown period. The reason for selecting UFS QwaQwa was because of the different geographical dynamics, as the challenges experienced in QwaQwa differ from its co-campuses in Bloemfontein. Using the qualitative method, the researcher conducted semi-structured, open-ended questions thus one could obtain a broader range of responses. The method used allowed the researcher to examine the primary objective of the research to acquire more insight into the impact of WFH on the support staff. The results showed that the participants went through different dynamics of making WFH work, despite the circumstances they faced, whether it would be distractions by the children, electricity, or the environment the participants stayed in. There were also many positive outcomes of WFH; many participants benefited financially by not having to travel to work and by spending more time with their families. It was evident in the findings that this study will be a great way for the institution to be more informed of what the support staff experienced, and it gave more clarity on what the impact of WFH was on support staff. The study is a valuable contribution towards enhanced staff well-being and the flexible working policy enhancement in future, not only for the UFS, but even for other institutions at large
Alternative revisions of the (1901) and retranslations within the Tyndale–King James Version tradition
No full textIn this essay, we demonstrate that in addition to the Revised Standard Version and its revisions as part of the linear emergence of the Tyndale–King James Version tradition in the 20th and 21st centuries, there are also alternative revisions and retranslations of the (KJV) of 1611 as literal or word-for-word translations, which emerge as divergent branches. The revisions of the (ASV) (1901) emerged in the following branches, namely the (NASB) and its revisions, (AB) and its revisions, as well as , Paraphrased and its retranslation, the (NLT). Then there are revisions that emerged as alternatives to the (1946–1952/1971) by reverting to the (Blayney) Edition (1769) as their incipient text rather than the ASV, namely (MKJV) (and similar revisions), The (NKJV) and the . Finally, there are retranslations within the Tyndale–King James Version tradition, namely the (CEV), and the (CEB). The diversity reflects the search for individual identity to satisfy particular reader expectations in an age of digital-media interpretive culture featuring broad universal values.
: Instead of viewing the revisions and retranslations within the Tyndale–King James Version tradition since the second half of the 20th century as new and independent, it is demonstrated that the various branches and their versions rather continue the emergence of the pre-20th century translation complex within this tradition to satisfy particular reader expectations.Publisher's versio
The influence of technostress and work life balance on Burnout among employees in the Banking sector in the Free State
No full textDissertation (M.Com.(Industrial Psychology))--University of the Free State, 2022The growing concerns from employees regarding health challenges in the workplace especially in the banking sector post-pandemic in light of burnout, technostress and work-life balance challenges demands attention. The current study examines the effects of technostress and work-life balance on burnout among employees in the banking sector. The study, which also explores relationships, draws on data gathered through a cross-sectional technique and analysed using a statistical modelling approach (covariance-based structural equation modelling). Three questionnaires (Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), Technostress Questionnaire (TSQ), and Work-Family Conflict Scale (WAFCS) were used to collect the data. All constructs had acceptable levels of reliability, as evident from the values obtained from Cronbach’s alpha. A convenient sampling method was used to recruit respondents for the study, and the sample comprised 245 employees from organisations in the banking sector. The study arrives at various findings and suggestions. The covariance-based structural equation modelling let to the finding by establishing that the structural model was a good fit i.e., SRMR is 0.0326 0.95 and AGFI is 0.997 > 0.95. Also, the squared multiple correlation of 0.584 indicated that the structural model explained 58.4% of the variation in burnout. Furthermore, technostress had a statistically significant positive relationship with burnout (β = 0.316). This was also the case with the relationship between work-life balance and burnout (β = 0.315; p = 0.001), and the relationship between technostress and work-life balance (β = 0.697; p = 0.001). This thesis suggests several theoretical implications. The study expands our understanding of the combined effect of technostress and work-life balance on burnout. In terms of managerial implications, the study brings to light the influence of technostress and work-life balance as contributing factors to employees’ experience of burnout. Therefore, the interactions between the various constructs (technostress, work-life balance) experienced by employees will influence the extent to which they will experience various levels of burnout in the organisation. As a result, implementing coping strategies to assist employees in the banking sector deal with issues relating to technostress and work-life balance especially post-pandemic is imperative. One of the limitations of the study is that there is not sufficient research on the combined effect of technostress and work-life balance on burnout in South Africa. Thus, a challenge when testing the model as it was difficult to compare hypothesised directions for some of the proposed paths. One of the limitations of the current study was that it focused mostly on the banking sector and used a convenience sampling method. This implies that the findings can only be generalised in the banking industry. Therefore, to have a wider understanding of the interaction between the various variables, future research should consider adopting a multi-sample or use a probability sampling method that is more representative and can permit generalisation
The influence of emotional intelligence and resilience on work engagement amongst nurses in public hospitals
No full textOrientation: It has become vital for hospitals to create supportive and conducive working environments. With the reported adverse working conditions in public hospitals, it would be prudent to consider the stimulating factors of work engagement. This research suggests that personal resources such as resilience and emotional intelligence may cushion individuals from being disengaged by enabling them to manage job demands.
Research purpose: The study aimed to determine the extent to which a combination of positive aspects and resources of emotional intelligence and resilience may influence work engagement.
Motivation for the study: The study was inspired by Demerouti and Bakker who in 2011 signalled that employees become susceptible to health impairments when job and personal resources are likely to be limited. Expanding employee personal resources may thus effectively influence work engagement.
Research approach, design and method: The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative survey by means of self-administered questionnaires. The sample consisted of 252 nurses from the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa. Data were analysed using the SmartPLS programme.
Main findings: Emotional intelligence influences work engagement through resilience. The strong direct pathway between emotional intelligence and work engagement was noteworthy.
Practical/managerial implication: Managers may focus their attention on developing aspects of emotional intelligence and enhance resilience as a way of improving work engagement.
Contribution/value-add: The findings add literature to the body of knowledge focusing on expanding personal resource as a way to enhance work engagement amongst nurses in public hospitals.Publisher's versio
Breeding of vegetable cowpea for nutrition and climate resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa: progress, opportunities, and challenges
No full textCurrently, the world population is increasing, and humanity is facing food and nutritional scarcity. Climate change and variability are a major threat to global food and nutritional security, reducing crop productivity in the tropical and subtropical regions of the globe. Cowpea has the potential to make a significant contribution to global food and nutritional security. In addition, it can be part of a sustainable food system, being a genetic resource for future crop improvement, contributing to resilience and improving agricultural sustainability under climate change conditions. In malnutrition prone regions of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries, cowpea has become a strategic dryland legume crop for addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. Therefore, this review aims to assess the contribution of cowpea to SSA countries as a climate-resilient crop and the existing production challenges and perspectives. Cowpea leaves and immature pods are rich in diverse nutrients, with high levels of protein, vitamins, macro and micronutrients, minerals, fiber, and carbohydrates compared to its grain. In addition, cowpea is truly a multifunctional crop for maintaining good health and for reducing non-communicable human diseases. However, as a leafy vegetable, cowpea has not been researched and promoted sufficiently because it has not been promoted as a food security crop due to its low yield potential, susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses, quality assurance issues, policy regulation, and cultural beliefs (it is considered a livestock feed). The development of superior cowpea as a leafy vegetable can be approached in different ways, such as conventional breeding and gene stacking, speed breeding, mutation breeding, space breeding, demand-led breeding, a pan-omics approach, and local government policies. The successful breeding of cowpea genotypes that are high-yielding with a good nutritional value as well as having resistance to biotics and tolerant to abiotic stress could also be used to address food security and malnutrition-related challenges in sub-Saharan Africa.Publisher's versio
Exploring induction programmes supporting teachers’ self-efficacy in the Thabo Mofutsanyane district
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Curriculum Studies))--University of the Free State, 2022This study explored the importance of induction programmes in supporting beginner teachers’ self-efficacy in selected schools in the Thabo Mofutsanyane district. Local and international studies have shown that beginner teachers report numerous challenges, such as lack of support from their colleagues or lack of a mentor, leading to frustration and even resignation in their first years of teaching. Self-efficacy is one of the critical components of resilience, which helps beginner teachers to overcome their challenges. In 2020, a partnership in piloting an induction programme in the Free State for Strengthening beginning teachers’ professional identity: An exploratory study into the efficiency of an induction model in South Africa was formed with Ghent University, the University of the Free state, the Free State Department of Basic Education, and the Flemish Association for Development Cooperation and Technical Assistance (VVOB), funded by the Vlaamse Interuniversitaire Raad University Development Cooperation (VLIR-UOS).The research project entailed conducting an exploratory field test of the implementation of the induction programme. The current study formed part of the main research project and mainly focused on developing or strengthening beginner teachers’ selfefficacy during the induction programme. The study, which focuses on creating or enhancing beginner teachers’ self-efficacy through a social environment, is framed on the contours of Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory. A mixed-methodology design was used to explore the success of implementing an induction programme and uncover supporting/hindering factors. The research findings indicate that beginner teachers had high levels of self-efficacy, which helped them deal with the challenges they faced in their first years of teaching. These challenges include overcrowded classrooms, administrative workload, a lack of support from the school, and the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study recommends that beginner teachers should be given proper mentorship and support by the host schools to enhance their self-efficacy
Adherence to the Mediterranean diet of pregnant women in Central South Africa: the NuEMI study
No full textIntroduction:
The Mediterranean diet (MeD) has been shown to have significant health benefits for adults and children. A mother’s diet during pregnancy directly impacts the health of her offspring. This study aimed to investigate the adherence to the MeD of pregnant women attending antenatal care at a Regional Hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa (SA).
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted on a consecutive sample of 681 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic of a Regional Hospital in Bloemfontein. Socio-demographics included: age, highest level of education, household income, employment status, and income stability. Food group intake was assessed with a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The adapted Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MeDAS) consisted of 13 of the original 14 questions that measured intake of key food groups (score of ⩽7 poor, 8-9 moderate, ⩾10 good) (wine intake was excluded for pregnant women).
Results:
A total of 681 pregnant women with a median age of 31.8 years (IQR: 26.8-36.5 years) and a median gestational age of 32.0 weeks at the time of the interview participated in the study. The vast majority showed poor adherence to the MeD (99.6%), with only 0.4% (n = 3) having moderate adherence and 0% good adherence. The median adherence score was 5 points and the maximum 8 points. Of those with poor adherence, only 11.5% had tertiary education, 43.2% earned less than R 3000 (<201 USD) per month, 52.5% were unemployed, and 42.0% did not have a stable income in the past 6 months. Of the 3 participants with moderate adherence, all had grade 11 to 12 education, 2 out of the 3 earned more than R3000 (201 USD), one was unemployed, and 2 had a stable income over the past 6 months. Compared to those with an income ⩽ R3000 (⩽201 USD), those with an income above R3000 were significantly more likely to eat nuts (including peanuts) (2.0% vs 4.6%, P = .05), and adhere to sofrito (similar to tomato and onion relish) intake (9.2% vs 15.6%, P = .02). Compared to those who only had a primary education level up to grade 10 (n = 229), those who had a secondary education level or more (grade 11 and higher, n = 452) were significantly more likely to consume enough olive oil per day (1.3% vs 5.0%, P = .01), and to consume sofrito (6.6% vs 18.0%, P = .02).
Conclusion:
Pregnant participants showed poor adherence to the MeD. Although almost all women fell in the poor adherence group, secondary education contributed to consuming recommended amounts of olive oil and sofrito and higher income was associated with an adequate intake of nuts and sofrito. Based on the findings, we recommend the development of a contextualized MeDAS tool that includes foods that are typically eaten by most South Africans for similar MeD benefits.Publisher's versio
Pathogenic potential and control of Chryseobacterium species from clinical, fish, food and environmental sources
No full textChryseobacterium species are isolated and taxonomically evaluated from a wide range of sources. While C. gleum and C. indologenes have been implicated in human disease, the potential pathogenicity of numerous other species have not been investigated. The aims were therefore to evaluate 37 Chryseobacterium species and Elizabethkingia meningoseptica from environmental, food, fish, water and clinical sources for production of haemolysis, growth at 37 °C, and production of virulence enzymes. The control of these strains were investigated by determination of antimicrobial and disinfectant resistance. All the species produced α- or β-haemolysis. In terms of growth at 37 °C and production of virulence enzymes, C. soldanellicola (environmental), C. oranimense (food) and C. koreense (natural mineral water) could be potential human pathogens. Chryseobacterium piscium might be pathogenic to fish. Trimethoprim could be the most effective antimicrobial for the treatment of a Chryseobacterium species infection, while the disinfectants that contain poly-dimethyl ammonium chloride or benzalkonium chloride could be regarded as the most effective for decontamination of surfaces contaminated with Chryseobacterium species.Publisher's versio
Trans–cis kinetic study of azobenzene-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid and aluminium and zirconium based azobenzene-4,4′-dicarboxylate MOFs
No full textMetal organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous hybrid crystalline materials that consist of organic linkers coordinated to metal centres. The trans–cis isomerisation kinetics of the azobenzene-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid (AZB(COOH)2) precursor, as well as the Al3+ (Al-AZB)- and Zr4+ (Zr-AZB)-based MOFs with azobenzene-4,4′-dicarboxylate linkers, are presented. The photo-isomerization in the MOFs originates from singly bound azobenzene moieties on the surface of the MOF. The type of solvent used had a slight effect on the rate of isomerization and half-life, while the band gap energies were not significantly affected by the solvents. Photo-responsive MOFs can be classified as smart materials with possible applications in sensing, drug delivery, magnetism, and molecular recognition. In this study, the MOFs were applied in the dye adsorption of congo red (CR) in contaminated water. For both MOFs, the UV-irradiated cis isomer exhibited a slightly higher CR uptake than the ambient-light exposed trans isomer. Al-AZB displayed a dye adsorption capacity of over 95% for both the UV-irradiated and ambient light samples. The ambient light exposed Zr-AZB, and the UV irradiated Zr-AZB had 39.1% and 44.6% dye removal, respectively.Publisher's versio