scholarly journals Research into health, population and social transitions in rural South Africa: Data and methods of the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System1

2007 ◽  
Vol 35 (69_suppl) ◽  
pp. 8-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Kahn ◽  
Stephen M. Tollman ◽  
Mark A. Collinson ◽  
Samuel J. Clark ◽  
Rhian Twine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Population Change ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Social Transitions ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Basic Characteristics ◽  
The Impact

Rationale for study: Vital registration is generally lacking in infrastructurally weak areas where health and development problems are most pressing. Health and demographic surveillance is a response to the lack of a valid information base that can provide high-quality longitudinal data on population dynamics, health, and social change to inform policy and practice. Design and measurement procedures: Continuous demographic monitoring of an entire geographically defined population involves a multi-round, prospective community study, with annual recording of all vital events (births, deaths, migrations). Status observations and special modules add value to particular research areas. A verbal autopsy is conducted on every death to determine its probable cause. A geographic surveillance system supports spatial analyses, and strengthens field management. Population and sample size considerations: Health and demographic surveillance covers the Agincourt sub-district population, sited in rural north-eastern South Africa, of some 70,000 people (nearly a third are Mozambican immigrants) in 21 villages and 11,700 households. Data enumerated are consistent or more detailed when compared with national sources; strategies to improve incomplete data, such as counts of perinatal deaths, have been introduced with positive effect. Basic characteristics: A major health and demographic transition was documented over a 12-year period with marked changes in population structure, escalating mortality, declining fertility, and high levels of temporary migration increasing particularly amongst women. A dual burden of infectious and non-communicable disease exists against a background of dramatically progressing HIV/AIDS. Potential and research questions: Health and demographic surveillance sites — fundamental to the INDEPTH Network — generate research questions and hypotheses from empirical data, highlight health, social and population priorities, provide cost-effective support for diverse study designs, and track population change and the impact of interventions over time.

scholarly journals The Impact Of Clean Development Mechanism Projects On Sustainable Development In South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 777
Author(s):  
Surendran Pillay
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Environmental Economic ◽  
Clean Development Mechanism ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Emission Reductions ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
The Impact

Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) have achieved a certain level of cost-effective emission reductions in developing countries. In this context the uneven distribution of CDM projects in certain regions as well as the concentration of CDM projects amongst certain sectors in developing countries have resulted in the issue of whether CDM projects contribute to sustainable development in developing countries. This article examines the impact of CDM projects on sustainable development in South Africa by examining a sample of working CDM projects there and evaluating their impact on environmental, economic and social sustainable development. Based on observations during the study, CDM policy changes are reviewed, and options to enhance the sustainable development implications of CDM projects are explained.

scholarly journals Clearing invasive alien plants as a cost-effective strategy for water catchment management: The case of the Olifants river catchment, South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 774-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tshepo Morokong ◽  
James Blignaut ◽  
Nonophile Nkambule ◽  
Shepherd Mudhavanhu ◽  
Thulile Vundla
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Alien Plants ◽  
Catchment Management ◽  
Invasive Alien Plants ◽  
River Catchment ◽  
Olifants River ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Invasive alien plants have a negative impact on ecosystem goods and services derived from ecosystems. Consequently, the aggressive spread of invasive alien plants (IAPs) in the river catchments of South Africa is a major threat to, inter alia, water security. The Olifants River catchment is one such a catchment that is under pressure because of the high demand for water from mainly industrial sources and unsustainable land-use, which includes IAPs. This study considered the cost-effectiveness of clearing IAPs and compared these with the cost of a recently constructed dam. The methods used for data collection were semistructured interviews, site observation, desktop data analysis, and a literature review to assess the impact of IAPs on the catchment’s water supply. The outcomes of this study indicate that clearing invasive alien plants is a cost-effective intervention with a Unit Reference Value (URV) of R1.44/m3, which compares very favourably with that of the De Hoop dam, the URV for which is R2.93/m3. These results suggest that clearing invasive alien plants is a cost-effective way of catchment management, as the opportunity cost of not doing so (forfeiting water to the value of R2.93/m3) is higher than that of protecting the investment in the dam.

scholarly journals Tourism during and after COVID-19: An Expert-Informed Agenda for Future Research

2021 ◽  
pp. 004728752110172
Author(s):  
A. George Assaf ◽  
Florian Kock ◽  
Mike Tsionas
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Important Research ◽  
Tourism Research ◽  
Research And Practice ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Future Topics ◽  
The Way

With the COVID-19 pandemic reaching a more mature, yet still threatening, stage, the time is ripe to look forward in order to identify the topics and trends that will shape future tourism research and practice. This note sets out to develop an agenda for tourism research post COVID-19. We surveyed several industry and academic experts seeking their opinion on three important questions: What potential future topics are needed to address the impact of COVID-19? What existing research areas/topics will become more relevant? What changes are recommended for data collection? Interpreting and synthesizing the answers yields six focal research avenues that researchers should devote more attention and effort to. For each topic, we present various important research questions. By doing so, this note paves the way and serves as a signpost for countless intriguing future research endeavors that are of high relevance and demanded by the industry.

scholarly journals The cost effectiveness and optimal configuration of HIV self-test distribution in South Africa: a model analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (Suppl 4) ◽  
pp. e005598
Author(s):  
Lise Jamieson ◽  
Leigh F Johnson ◽  
Katleho Matsimela ◽  
Linda Alinafe Sande ◽  
Marc d'Elbée ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Fractional Factorial ◽  
Self Testing ◽  
Life Years ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundHIV self-testing (HIVST) has been shown to be acceptable, feasible and effective in increasing HIV testing uptake. Novel testing strategies are critical to achieving the UNAIDS target of 95% HIV-positive diagnosis by 2025 in South Africa and globally.MethodsWe modelled the impact of six HIVST kit distribution modalities (community fixed-point, taxi ranks, workplace, partners of primary healthcare (PHC) antiretroviral therapy (ART) patients), partners of pregnant women, primary PHC distribution) in South Africa over 20 years (2020–2039), using data collected alongside the Self-Testing AfRica Initiative. We modelled two annual distribution scenarios: (A) 1 million HIVST kits (current) or (B) up to 6.7 million kits. Incremental economic costs (2019 US$) were estimated from the provider perspective; assumptions on uptake and screening positivity were based on surveys of a subset of kit recipients and modelled using the Thembisa model. Cost-effectiveness of each distribution modality compared with the status-quo distribution configuration was estimated as cost per life year saved (estimated from life years lost due to AIDS) and optimised using a fractional factorial design.ResultsThe largest impact resulted from secondary HIVST distribution to partners of ART patients at PHC (life years saved (LYS): 119 000 (scenario A); 393 000 (scenario B)). However, it was one of the least cost-effective modalities (A: $1394/LYS; B: $4162/LYS). Workplace distribution was cost-saving ($52–$76 million) and predicted to have a moderate epidemic impact (A: 40 000 LYS; B: 156 000 LYS). An optimised scale-up to 6.7 million tests would result in an almost threefold increase in LYS compared with a scale-up of status-quo distribution (216 000 vs 75 000 LYS).ConclusionOptimisation-informed distribution has the potential to vastly improve the impact of HIVST. Using this approach, HIVST can play a key role in improving the long-term health impact of investment in HIVST.

scholarly journals Comparing COVID-19 vaccines for their characteristics, efficacy and effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiolet ◽  
Yousra Kherabi ◽  
Conor MacDonald ◽  
Jade Ghosn ◽  
Nathan Peiffer-Smadja
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Real Life Data ◽  
National Drug ◽  
Phase Iii Trials ◽  
The Impact

Vaccines are critical cost-effective tools to control the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the emergence of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants may threaten the potential herd immunity sought from mass vaccination campaigns.The objective of this study was to provide an up-to-date comparative analysis of the characteristics, adverse events, efficacy, effectiveness and impact of the variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta) for fourteen currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines (BNT16b2, mRNA-1273, AZD1222, Ad26.COV2.S, Sputnik V, NVX-CoV2373, Ad5-nCoV, CoronaVac, BBIBP-CorV, COVAXIN, Wuhan Sinopharm vaccine, QazCovid-In, Abdala and ZF200) and two vaccines (CVnCoV and NVX-CoV2373) currently in rolling review in several national drug agencies.Overall, all COVID-19 vaccines had a high efficacy against the traditional strain and the variants of SARS-CoV-2, and were well tolerated. BNT162b2, mRNA-1273 and Sputnik V had the highest efficacy (>90%) after two doses at preventing symptomatic cases in phase III trials. Efficacy was ranging from 10.4% for AZD1222 in South Africa to 50% for NVX-CoV2373 in South Africa and 50 % for CoronaVac in Brazil, where the 501YV.2 and P1 variants were dominant. Seroneutralization studies showed a negligible reduction in neutralization activity against Alpha for most of vaccines, whereas the impact was modest for Delta. Beta and Gamma exhibited a greater reduction in neutralizing activity for mRNA vaccines, Sputnik V and CoronaVac. Regarding observational real-life data, most studies concerned the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Full immunization with mRNA vaccines effectively prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection against Alpha and Beta. All vaccines appeared to be safe and effective tools to prevent symptomatic and severe COVID-19, hospitalization and death against all variants of concern, but the quality of evidence greatly varied depending on the vaccines considered. There are remaining questions regarding specific populations excluded from trials, the duration of immunity and heterologous vaccination. Serious adverse event and particularly anaphylaxis (2.5-4.7 cases per million doses among adults) and myocarditis (3.5 cases per million) for mRNA vaccines ; thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome for Janssen vaccine (3 cases per million) and AstraZeneca vaccine (2 cases per million) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (7.8 cases per million) for Janssen vaccine are very rare. COVID-19 vaccine benefits outweigh risks, despite rare serious adverse effect.

scholarly journals Evaluating the integrated reporting journey: insights, gaps and agendas for future research

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 1294-1318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Rinaldi ◽  
Jeffrey Unerman ◽  
Charl de Villiers
Keyword(s):  
Research Policy ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Integrated Reporting ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Discussion Paper ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
Research Areas ◽  
International Integrated Reporting Council ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify key challenges, opportunities, strengths and weaknesses experienced by the integrated reporting (IR) idea since the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC)’s Discussion Paper was published in late 2011. It provides insights into the phases of the IR journey as investigated by accounting researchers, identifies important gaps in the literature and sketches an agenda for future research. Design/methodology/approach The paper develops a theoretically informed analysis of published IR research articles using the idea journey theoretical framework. The paper draws upon academic analysis and insights published in 65 IR-related articles across 83 accounting journals listed in the Scopus database. Findings A key insight of the paper is that the academic literature has not yet covered all stages of the IR idea journey. The highest proportion of articles provide insights in the generation and production phases of this journey, while there is relatively little research into the impact phase of the IR idea. Furthermore, the locus of research covered by the current IR literature is situated at macro- and meso-levels. This reveals opportunities for future research to explore, at a more detailed level, interactions between single individuals or small groups in implementing or understanding the IR idea. Research limitations/implications This paper focuses on the idea journey of the IIRC’s version of IR. It identifies gaps regarding the stages of the IR idea journey that have not been covered by the extant academic literature and suggests some research areas that need to be addressed to help inform improvements in policy and practice. A key limitation is that it draws on a single communication channel, namely, academic articles published in accounting journals, but it provides opportunities for considerable further developments. Originality/value The paper extends IR research by reconciling insights from an understandably fragmented emerging literature. It provides a multi-dimensional perspective on IR, highlighting the dynamics and interrelationships in the literature. It also helps inform improvements in research, policy and practice by identifying gaps regarding the stages of the IR idea journey that have not been covered by the extant academic literature. Lastly, the paper builds on the work of innovation and creativity scholars showing how the idea journey framework can be used to shape and add coherence to accounting research.

scholarly journals Disease Patterns in The Baksos Service Community to Improve Efficient ad Better Quality

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 165
Author(s):  
Danoe Soesanto
Keyword(s):  
Medical Service ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Preventive Action ◽  
Political Organizations ◽  
Adult Age ◽  
Service Activities ◽  
Curative Action ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The Impact

Recently there are still many community organizations, educational institutions and political organizations conducting free medical service activities, the purpose of that activities varying depend on the organization. The purpose of this study was to described the implementation and outcomes (the number of people served, gender, characteristics of age and what diseases is the most) that activities, Methods of This study was  a non-experimental research, researcher just observed the subject without  manipulated or intervention. Result of this study was found the number of women 57.71% and the late adult age to > 65 years old more served during social health service activities, whereas most types of diseases were myalgia 24.09% and hypertension 22.40%. Free medical service activities activity still needed by society but for management of non communicable disease need to reevaluated especially problem of monitoring result of treatment and preventive action which can be done but more cost effective compared with curative action. Further research needed about benefit, the impact and effectiveness of charity medical care activities and the cost comparisonbetween curative efforts and preventive efforts in dealing with hypertension.

scholarly journals Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Patients with Non-Communicable Disease: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study at AYUSH Set Ups of Krishna and Darjeeling District, India

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roja Varanasi ◽  
Debadatta Nayak ◽  
Arvind Kumar ◽  
Gurudev Choubey ◽  
Raveendar Chinta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Chronic Illnesses ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: To determine the impact of covid-19 in patients suffering from NCDs in terms of their knowledge, awareness, perception about COVID-19, use of AYUSH immune boosters, and management of chronic condition during the pandemic. Method: During the unlock down period (October 2020), a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Krishna and Darjeeling district of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal, India. 499 individuals suffering from at least one chronic disease were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was applied to investigate the relationship of socio-demographic characteristics with pandemic-related care challenges, Ayush Immune boosters(AIB). Principal Component Analysis was applied to minimize the dimensionality of factors related to covid care challenges. Results: 499 individuals were surveyed. 91% identified at least three correct covid appropriate behaviour. 92.2% considered the coronavirus to be a potential threat (mean±sd: 5.8±2.6). 44.7% and 55.3% lived with one and 2 or more chronic conditions respectively. Hypertension alone (27.4%) and diabetes with hypertension (33%) were leading presentations. Out of 499, participants, 88.8% had at least one form of AIB. 52% took Ars. alb with other AIB and 40% took Ars. alb. alone. Only 09 participants were infected from Covid-19. Conclusion: In the interest of a densely populated country like India, the inclusion of simple and safe AYUSH measures is realistic, ethical and cost-effective. Ayush interventions as Covid-19 prophylactic and treatment as well as Integrative care of chronic illnesses such as NCDs is suggested.

scholarly journals Small and medium enterprise (SME) internet marketing challenges in the Tshwane area, South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 590-595
Author(s):  
Louise van Scheers ◽  
Johan Botha ◽  
Jacques van Scheers
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Internet Marketing ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Limited Resources ◽  
Proprietary Information ◽  
Medium Enterprise ◽  
Marketing Tool ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this paper is to establish Internet marketing challenges of SMEs in the Tshwane area. It seems that the benefits of Internet marketing seem to be ignored by most SMEs however but unfortunately, Internet marketing challenges prevent SME owners from using these tools effectively. A survey study method of research design has been selected for the research. The sample for the study comprised 200 SMEs in the Tshwane area. Internet marketing usage in SMEs and the impact thereof is viewed as an essential part of modern day organisational operations for SMEs to promote their business both domestically and globally. ‘Unauthorised access to sensitive or proprietary information and limited verification of authorship of messages’ is mentioned as the largest challenges. The conducted research recommends that Internet marketing can be cost effective if the SMEs make use of their social networks and use best practises that enable them to get their adverts or posts shared across social networks. The conducted research also recommends that SMEs with limited resources start with social media and YouTube as a marketing tool, as the learning curve is low and cost involved almost nil. This paper conclude that Tshwane SMEs are using both Internet marketing and traditional marketing to promote their businesses.

scholarly journals In-Service Teachers’ Perception of Continuing Education Programmes in Two African Universities

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-135
Author(s):  
Francis O. Olaniyi ◽  
Dumisani R. Nzima
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Continuing Education ◽  
Target Population ◽  
State University ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Post Facto ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Africa University ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
The Impact

The study compared the in-service teachers’ perception of continuing education programmes from two universities in Africa; University of Zululand, South Africa (UZ), and Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria, (AAU). The study covers the impact, effectiveness and efficiency of UZ and AAU on in-service teachers’ of continuing education programmes. The target population and sample for the study were the current teachers of continuing education programmes of these universities. The instrument tagged ‘Questionnaire for Perceptions of Continuing Education Programmes by in-service Teachers’   (QPCEPIT) was designed and used for data collection. The descriptive survey research design of ex-post facto was adopted for the study. 150 questionnaires were randomly used for pilot study, carried out at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria, whilst 500 questionnaires each were administered at both UZ and AAU of which 365 and 321 responses were valid and analysed respectively. Four research questions were carefully formulated to ascertain the perceptions of continuing education programmes by in-service teachers in the selected universities. Inferential statistics was used to draw conclusions and test the research questions for the study. The results of the comparative study revealed that the conclusiveness of the learning environment, the nature and quality of student support services provided, the quality and learners’ perception of course modules or materials, accommodation problems and venue of the programme were the major predictors for motivation of in-service teachers of the programme. Based on the findings of the study recommendations were made on how the programme will have impact on the in-service teachers and how the universities that are running the programme will be effectively and efficiently manage the programme for the acceleration and advancement of socio-economic growth in South Africa, Nigeria, and the world at large.

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