From Ethnic to National Cloth: The Diverse Nature of the Tshivenḓa Ṅwenda

Author(s):  
Kanakana Yvonne Ladzani ◽  
Thomas Maitakhole Sengani

In times past, the Tshivenḓa traditional cloth called Ṅwenda was associated with backwardness, stupidity, and had the Vhavenḓa women undermined for being ‘too rural’. Consequently, many dumped their traditional attire for other clothes to march with the times. Recently, Ṅwenda has been drawing attention from both the Vhavenḓa men and women and other ethnic groups because of the uniqueness and beauty of its embroidery. This article aimed to investigate the reason(s) Ṅwenda recently gained prominence and appreciation among the Vhavenḓa and other ethnic groups. The article adopted the qualitative approach and the exploratory design to collect data on the diverse nature and function of Ṅwenda. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen purposively selected designers from six villages in Venḓa, including the Ṱhohoyanḓou Flea Market in the Limpopo Province and three townships in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Two tailors of Miṅwenda were selected from each of the aforementioned villages and townships. Undergirded by the Appreciative and Naturalistic Inquiries, the study also relied on the Inductive Thematic Analysis method for data analysis. It was found that Ṅwenda is used for special occasions such as weddings, parties, graduation ceremonies, and other social gatherings. Ṅwenda was also used to cover chairs, tables, and to decorate gowns, cushions, lampshades, bags, bedspreads or duvet covers, among other things. The article recommends the consideration of the role and significance of Tshivenḓa traditional attires in the ongoing discourses on the consolidation and traditionalisation of African identity as well as women’s empowerment initiatives in the postcolonial context.

Literator ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariëtte Van Graan

Ghost characters are a characteristic of the novels of Etienne van Heerden, but little research has been done concerning the nature and function of these ghost characters. In this article I discuss Van Heerden’s use of ghost characters diachronically with reference to the novels Ancestral voices (1986), Leap year (1993) and The long silence of Mario Salviati (2000). In order to clarify the nature of these ghosts, I use the so-called science of the paranormal as a framework. The ghosts in the three novels will be classified accordingly, and then discussed within the context of the novels in which they appear. In this way, I shall show how the ghost characters in these novels can be read as a constantly changing embodiment of Afrikaner identity (a central theme in Van Heerden’s oeuvre). Van Heerden’s Afrikaner changes with the times: in Ancestral voices the ghost characters form a collective that represents a fragmented image of the stereotypical, archaic male Afrikaner identity; in Leap year a liminal character is written in a liminal time to embody a liminal Afrikaner identity; and in The long silence of Mario Salviati Van Heerden moves away from the exclusive Afrikaner identity to a broader South African identity by using ghost characters from very different backgrounds and origins. In conclusion I shall compare these identities and the historical contexts of these novels in order to show the function of Van Heerden’s ghost characters as constant rewritings of South African identities.


Author(s):  
Khalifa Mohamed Khalifa Omar

The major objective of this study is to assess the financial performance and identify the affecting factors in this performance of non-oil manufacturing companies from 1999 to 2008. The study sample consisted of all non-oil manufacturing companies' enlisted at Libyan stock market which count (8). The data collected was analyzed by using statistical analysis method such as descriptive statistics, correlation test, Multiple- regression, as well as semi-structured interviews method. The results regarding to the statistical analysis method (net working capital, inventory turnover ratio, selling and general administrative expenses ratio, and company size and company age), have a positive statistical effect on the financial performance(ROA), while the variables of (current ratio, quick ratio and account receivable turnover ratio), have a negative statistical effect on the financial performance (ROA). The results regarding to semi-structured interviews method, reveal that the respondents in the interviews were confirmed that the selected factors have a significant effect on financial performance (ROA). The researcher recommended that the selected companies must consider the listed decision on the Libyan stock market; even when their financial performance is good.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 233339362110281
Author(s):  
Renee Fiolet ◽  
Cynthia Brown ◽  
Molly Wellington ◽  
Karen Bentley ◽  
Kelsey Hegarty

Technology-facilitated abuse can be a serious form of domestic violence. Little is known about the relationship between technology-facilitated abuse and other types of domestic violence, or the impact technology-facilitated abuse has on survivors. The aim of this interpretative descriptive study is to understand domestic violence specialist service providers’ perspectives on the impact of technology-facilitated abuse, and the link between technology-facilitated abuse and other forms of domestic violence. A qualitative approach using 15 semi-structured interviews were undertaken with Australian domestic violence specialist practitioners, and three themes were identified through data coding using inductive thematic analysis. Another form of control describes technology-facilitated abuse behaviors as enacting controlling behaviors using new mediums. Amplifies level of fear characterizes the impact of technology-facilitated abuse. A powerful tool to engage others describes opportunities technology offers perpetrators to abuse through engaging others. Findings highlight technology-facilitated abuse’s complexity and integral role in domestic violence and can assist clinicians to understand the impact and harm that can result from technology-facilitated abuse.


Author(s):  
Nooreddine Iskandar ◽  
Tatiana Rahbany ◽  
Ali Shokor

Abstract Background: Due to the common instability caused by political and security issues, Lebanese hospitals have experienced acts of terrorism multiple times. The most recent Beirut Explosion even forced several hospitals to cease operations for the first time in decades—but studies show the preparedness levels for such attacks in similar countries are low. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the experience of Lebanese hospitals with terrorist attacks. Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders to assess their experience with terrorist bombings. Data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results: The researchers found that Lebanese hospitals vary greatly in their structures and procedures. Those differences are a function of 3 contextual factors: location, culture, and accreditation status. Hospitals found near ‘dangerous zones’ were more likely to be aware and to have better response to such events. A severe lack of communication, unity of command, and collaboration between stakeholders has made the process fragmented. Conclusion: The researchers recommend a larger role for the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in this process, and the creation of a platform where Lebanese organizations can share their experiences to improve preparedness and resilience of the Lebanese healthcare system in the face of terrorism.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000888
Author(s):  
Dane Vishnubala ◽  
Katherine Rose Marino ◽  
Margaret Kathryn Pratten ◽  
Andy Pringle ◽  
Steffan Arthur Griffin ◽  
...  

ObjectivesTo explore the services National Health Service (NHS)-based sport and exercise medicine (SEM) clinics can offer, and the barriers to creating and integrating SEM services into the NHS.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were undertaken to collect data from identified ‘stakeholders’. Stakeholders were identified as individuals who had experience and knowledge of the speciality of SEM and the NHS. An inductive thematic analysis approach was taken to analyse the data.ResultsN=15 stakeholder interviews. The management of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries (both acute and chronic) and concussion were highlighted as the two key services that SEM clinics can offer that would most benefit the NHS. MSK ultrasound was also mentioned by all stakeholders as a critical service that SEM clinics should provide. While exercise medicine is an integral part of SEM, SEM clinics should perhaps not have a heavy exercise medicine focus. The key barriers to setting up SEM clinics were stated to be convincing NHS management, conflict with other specialities and a lack of awareness of the speciality.ConclusionThe management of acute MSK injuries and concussion should be the cornerstone of SEM services, ideally with the ability to provide MSK ultrasound. Education of others on the speciality of SEM, confirming consistent ‘unique selling points’ of SEM clinics and promoting how SEM can add value to the NHS is vital. If the successful integration of SEM into the NHS is not widely achieved, we risk the NHS not receiving all the benefits that SEM can provide to the healthcare system.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Hasani ◽  
P. Malliaras ◽  
T. Haines ◽  
S. E. Munteanu ◽  
J. White ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Although telehealth is becoming more popular for delivery of care for individuals with musculoskeletal pain, to our knowledge telehealth has not been used to manage Achilles tendinopathy. This research aimed to explore the experience of participants and physiotherapists with gym-based exercise interventions for Achilles tendinopathy monitored via videoconference. Methods A qualitative, interpretive description design was performed using semi-structured interviews (8 participants) and a focus group (7 physiotherapists). Participants and physiotherapists were interviewed about their experiences of the use of telehealth during a gym-based exercise intervention incorporating different calf load parameters for Achilles tendinopathy. We employed an inductive thematic analysis approach to analyse the data. Results Three themes identified from both participants and physiotherapists included i) acceptability of telehealth; ii) enablers to adherence with telehealth; and iii) barriers to adherence with telehealth. Two extra themes arose from participants regarding adherence with gym-based exercise, including enablers to adherence with the exercise intervention, and barriers to adherence with the exercise intervention. Both participants and physiotherapists expressed overall satisfaction and acceptability of telehealth monitoring of gym-based exercise. Conclusion Gym-based exercise intervention for Achilles tendinopathy involving weekly telehealth monitoring was acceptable to both participants and physiotherapists. Potential enablers and barriers were identified that may improve adherence to this type of intervention.


Author(s):  
Nedal H. Arar ◽  
Divya Nandamudi

Background: The work of multidisciplinary research teams (MDRTs) is vital for translational research. The objectives of this study were 1) to understand the structure and function of MDRTs, and 2) to develop effective strategies to enhance collaboration among team members. Methods and Findings: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 participants involved in multidisiplinary research work at two San Antonio, Texas, institutions. Interview materials were tape-recorded, transcribed, and content analyzed using qualitative methods.Themes that emerged from the content analysis were used to develop and refine strategies to enhance the work of MDRTs. The findings showed that MDRTs operate through multiple cycles of: 1) team formation, 2) team collaboration, 3) sustainable collaborative activities, and 4) team maturity. Content analysis identified four interrelated basic elements within the MDRT tract that facilitate team cycles: 1) shared interest/vision among agreeable team leader and members, 2) viable means of communication, 3) available resources, and 4) perceived gain/benefit of teamwork.Conclusions: Our findings highlighted several opportunities and challenges in the formation, dynamics, and growth of MDRTs. Effective strategies to enhance teamwork should levearge these opportunities and address challenges, taking into consideration the interdependent aspects of the basic elements within the MDRTs tract.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 33-43
Author(s):  
Rahmat Hidayat

The mosque has a very large role and function in all dimensions of Muslim life. Where the mosque is a symbol that illustrates the strength map of the people and can unite and realize every meaning of goodness. Without mosque, the unity of the Muslims will be easily broken even divorced. The mosque is not just a place of worship, but all aspects of life problems of the people and the development and fostering of the community (people) of Islam can be resolved from the mosque. However, Along with the times, the mosque experienced a shift in values, where the mosque is no longer functioned as a function that has been exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad Saw. Based on this concern, some Muslims are aware and care about the condition of the mosque that began to be abandoned by the people, and it can be realized that lately there have been emerging movements that have encouraged the functioning of the mosque as it was in the early days of Islam. As an effort in managing the mosque by implementing several functions such as: planning, organizing, leadership actualization, supervision and evaluation become a structured management process. And this matter is combined with the development of human rights or the development of Islamic society. Awareness of the people of worship hereafter and balancing faith in worldly worship (capacital social).


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rois Ainul Umah ◽  
Tian Fitriara Huda ◽  
(Prosiding Seminar Nasional FKIP Univeristas PGRI Banyuwangi

Banyuwangi is an area rich in various cultures and customs, this is because Banyuwangi district is inhabited by various ethnic groups. The majority of the sub-districts of Banyuwangi are osing tribe who live in the village of fern and urban village of rejo. Joglo building as one of the traditional Javanese buildings in it contained philosophy that suits the life of the people. The arrangement of the room in Joglo is generally divided into three parts, namely the meeting room called pendopo, the living room or the space used to hold the show called pringgitan, and the back room called dalem or omah jero as the family room. For the people of Banyuwangi especially those who still preserve the joglo house just like the osing tribe have begun to experience the shifting of its role and function where in this case joglo house serve as additional need for home decoration, private residence of the citizen, until used as permanent building of cafe and restaurant. From the description above, the researcher felt that the community did not understand the function of the role and shape of the architecture of the Javanese house which has become the culture of the inheritance slowly changed by causing a shift to the cultural values contained within it. The shift in value will sooner or later bring changes to traditional architectural forms, structures and functions.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aye Mya Mon ◽  
Yinxian Shi ◽  
Pyae Phyo Hein ◽  
Thaung Naing Oo ◽  
Cory W. Whitney ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Fig trees are ecological keystone species in many tropical regions and play important roles in the spirituality, nutrition and health for many rural communities. Although the tropical forests in Myanmar contain many fig species, little ethnobotanical knowledge on their uses has been recorded.Information about the uses and conservation related actions of figswould be helpful in development ofstrategic policy for sustainable use and biodiversity conservation of the country. We showcase the rich ethnobotanical knowledge as well as the variety of collection and conservation practices related to figs among five ethnic groups in Southern Shan State. Methods: We performed both key informant and semi-structured interviews with 114 informants from five ethnic groups. Their uses for figs were categorized according to local practices and recipes. Informants were asked about trends in conservation status over the past 10 years and any conservation related customs and practices. Data were analyzed quantitatively by use report (UR) and use value (UV). Results: Informants reported the uses of eight fig species (Ficusauricularta,F.concinna, F. geniculata,F. hispida, F. racemosa, F. religiosa,F. semicordata, and F. virens).F. geniculata and F. virens were most useful (UR = 228) and were used by all five ethnic groups, corresponding to a high use value (UV = 2). Treatments for 16 diseases were reported from seven species. Household consumption, economic, and sacred uses were accompanied by sustainable practices of harvest and protection. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation were practiced especially for highly demanded species (F. geniculata and F. virens), and the sacred fig F. religiosa.Conclusion: Findings suggest that figs are useful for nutrition (all informants) and medicine (13.16% of the informants) in the study area. Traditional taboos, in situ and ex situ conservation practices help to maintain sustainable utilization of locally important figs. This is an early contribution to the traditional knowledge of edible figs. Although similar uses have been reported in neighboring countries for seven of the fig species, the ethnobotanical use of F. concinna is novel.


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