Leveraging social media marketing in healthcare-based non-profit organisations: insights from the technology acceptance model

This study seeks to identify the variables that both positively and negatively influence the usage of social media marketing (SMM) by South African healthcarebased non-profit organisations (HB NPOs) based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Social media has emerged as a key tool for fostering dialogue between HB NPOs and their stakeholders in South Africa. A majority of NPOs agree that marketing is essential for raising funds and awareness, yet comparatively few partake extensively in new digital marketing activities. Based on the researcher's expertise (judgemental sampling), the study selected thirteen respondents (marketing and/or social media managers, coordinators, and directors) to participate. The study used a qualitative approach through semistructured interviews to understand the perspectives of HB NPOs and their use of social media marketing (SMM). The interviews were transcribed and analysed using ATLAS.ti. The study elucidates motivational variables influencing the actual usage of SMM via the integration of the TAM and considers aspects like external variables, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and behavioural intention within an HB NPO context. The research affirms the importance of the use of SMM for the sustainability and promotion of HB NPOs (increased awareness, donation appeals, community relationships, cost-effective platform to raise funds, powerful images and patient stories lead to brand emotions and positive image), but also reveals a number of negative influences that impede the usage of SMM by HB NPOs (lack of government support, corporate sponsors, time, understanding, capacity, resources, and a small donor pool). Practically, SMM presents an opportunity for HB NPOs to allocate necessary resources toward its strategic use as a communication approach, enabling them to take advantage of the beneficial and sustainable influences. Theoretically, this investigation supports the foundational principles of the TAM and adds to it from a qualitative perspective by highlighting the sustainable and negative influences of external factors, perceived usefulness and ease of use, and behavioural intentions based on SMM usage by HB NPOs. The study enhances understanding of digital marketing, broad NPO management, and the organisational behaviour of HB NPOs in a developing nation context via the TAM framework

Social media marketing in nonprofessional rugby clubs: a qualitative viewpoint using the technology acceptance model

Social media has transformed the interactions among fans, clubs, and athletes, providing evidence of its increasing significance in sport. The growing professionalisation of sport has led to the increased adoption of business practices and marketing. However, not all sport organisations are considered professional, and many may lag in the adoption of such applications. Rugby’s growth internationally demonstrates the sport’s ability to inspire and engage a global audience in a professional rugby context. There are a limited number of studies that investigate social media marketing (SMM) by rugby teams, but several do focus on professional rugby. Hence, this study investigates Western Province Super League (WPSL) rugby clubs (amateur sport teams) SMM usage in terms of channels, external factors, determinants, behavioural intentions, and age by WPSL rugby determinants and behavioural intentions. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) serves as the theoretical underpinning, which responds to the need for further research on non-professional sport organisations. The study used a qualitative approach via cross-sectional and multiple-case study design and utilised twelve semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection technique. The researchers adopted an inductive approach and utilised ATLAS.ti (a qualitative data analysis package) to formulate themes and codes for subsequent analysis. This study found that brand exposure and awareness, relationship building, sponsorship attractiveness, community participation/ engagement, information sharing, and others were the primary drivers and advantages of SMM usage. Findings also revealed positive SMM behavioural intentions that included community relationships, greater reach, family feeling, player portfolio enhancement, an important contact point, and membership growth. The rugby clubs believed that employing SMM added substantial value to their marketing efforts. From a practical standpoint, rugby club social media coordinators could enhance fan engagement and relationship management by providing graphic updates (photos and video footage) about players and teams, creating blogs, organising competitions, establishing video channels, and overseeing community activities. From a theoretical perspective, the study adds to the limited qualitative research on the TAM, especially in a sport and digital marketing context. The study furthers knowledge of SMM, non-professional sport, and organisational behaviour in the context of WPSL rugby clubs in South Africa

The influence of emoji digital marketing and demographic factors on Generation Z’s purchase intention decisions

People's online interactions with one another have changed dramatically over the years. As digital technologies advanced, digital communications became an essential part of our daily lives, resulting in the development of new language forms such as emojis. Marketers have begun to use emoji digital marketing (EDM) to simulate digital interaction and purchase intention, especially among young customers. People refer to the Generation Z cohort as mobile prodigies due to their affinity for the digital world and their ability to express themselves through emojis. There is negligible research about emojis in South Africa, particularly considering the impact of emoji utilisation through digital marketing platforms. Accordingly, the study used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to explore the effect of EDM on Generation Z's purchase intention through perceived ease of use and usefulness, as well as the impact of Generation Z’s emoji usage and demographic factors on purchase intention. This study employed linear regression (quantitative) analysis to examine the hypotheses, specifically following the descriptive research approach. This study utilised a nonprobability sampling strategy that involved snowball sampling. The study used a self-administered questionnaire to gather data and assess the effect of EDM on purchase intention among a sample of 754 young consumers. The study found that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use had a positive influence on purchase intention due to EDM, as well as various demographics (gender) and EDM usage (emoji usage frequency, emoji brand message engagement, online usage hours, and digital spending) factors. Marketers can incorporate emojis into engaging subject lines and distribute them through various digital applications. This method may assist organizations in distinguishing themselves from the competition, attracting attention, and enhancing their PI and digital expenditure. This study makes a noteworthy contribution to the expanding realm of EDM research by offering novel insights and enhancing comprehension of TAM attitudes towards and utilisation of emojis, and as the effect of EDM usage and demographic factors. Future research can reduce this study's limitations by using longitudinal research, different product categories and industries, structural equation modelling, and various countries and cohorts

The role of brand awareness and trust on purchase intent in Google shopping ads and demographic factor influences among Millennials and Generation Z

The proliferation of technology has given rise to novel marketing channels such as pay-per-click campaigns, social media advertising, and search engine optimisation. Google Shopping Ads is a format of Google Ads that enables ecommerce companies to promote their products directly in Google search results. The establishment of brand awareness and trust is a pivotal aspect of Google Shopping Ads, as it empowers enterprises to construct and market their brand within the consciousness of potential clientele, but there is a need for further research among young consumers. Millennials and Generation Z are more technologically advanced compared to older cohorts; digital and mobile technology and communications significantly influence their online shopping behaviour through their engagement with interactive marketing. Hence, the study investigates the effect of brand awareness and trust on purchase intent due to Google Shopping Ads among Millennials and Generation Z in South Africa, as well as the influence of Google Shopping Ads usage and demographic variables on purchase intent. The study employed a quantitative method and snowball sampling to collect data via an online questionnaire (self-administered) and survey, which resulted in the completion of 1 667 questionnaires. SPSS was used to analyse the data via confirmatory factor analysis and a generalised linear model. Significant findings revealed that brand awareness and trust showed a favourable association with purchase intent owing to Google Shopping Ads. A number of Google Shopping Ads usage (greater number of years, high frequency, and higher number of hours) and demographics (older age groups and lower education levels) variables were found to have a positive influence on purchase intent. Marketers could use keywords to efficiently identify audiences that display interest in products and services. Marketers should ensure that the Google Shopping Ads product and price information are analogous to their website plugins to mitigate differences, thereby fostering trust and promoting purchase intent. Hence, this study could assist marketers in understanding their target audience and delivering tailored messages using search engine platforms such as Google Shopping Ads, which could improve business performance and sustainability. Future studies could investigate alternative forms of sponsored search advertising and examine longitudinal and experimental methodologies for quantitative data collection

Hydrogel immobilized microalgae-alginate beads to model the fermentation of phenol-containing wastewater into biohydrogen molecules

The potential of hydrogel immobilized microalgae-alginate beads to concurrently remove phenol and produce biohydrogen molecules from phenol-containing wastewaters with different phenol concentrations of 0.2 g/L to 1.2 g/L via dark fermentation had been successfully modelled and proven. Highest biohydrogen production and phenol removal were achieved at phenol concentration of 1.2 g/L. The lag phase of biohydrogen production increased with increasing of phenol concentration as the microalgal cells entailed a longer time to acclimatize in inhibitory medium of high phenol strength. The extended period for fermentation could also generate more biohydrogen molecules as compared with batch setup that was easily inhibited due to inadequate acclimatization allocation. Then, a new kinetic model was rederived from the modified Gompertz model and Andrew’s inhibition model to describe the relationship between phenol concentration impacting the microalgal growth and subsequent biohydrogen production. Low concentration of phenol could serve as an alternative source of carbon to promote the microalgal growth and development; but high phenol concentration could hinder the growth of microalgae, afflicting the fermentative biohydrogen production. The rederived kinetic model was able to fit the experimental data for all phenol concentrations with coefficients of determination of greater than 0.95. This study had ultimately evidenced that the immobilized microalgae were able to ferment phenol and produce biohydrogen molecules simultaneously from phenol-containing wastewater

Moving with your mutualist: predicted climate-induced mismatch between proteaceae species and their avian pollinators

Aim: Climate change influences species distribution in space and time, but predict ing the overlap in the range of interacting species under different climate scenarios remains a challenge. Here, we explore how climate change influences shifts in species ranges among mutualists. Location: Cape Floristic Region (CFR), South Africa. Taxon: Proteaceae and Passeriformes. Methods: We used machine-learning algorithms (random forest and boosted regression trees) and regression model (generalized additive models) to predict range shifts of 11 bird-pollinated Proteaceae species, combined occurrence prediction of 71 bird-pollinated Proteaceae and their two most important, endemic, pollinator bird species. We determined the degree of overlap in geographical ranges of nectar feeding birds and Proteaceae under different climate scenarios. Species ranges were projected to the years 2050 and 2070 using representative concentration pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 and three global climate models. Results: The majority of Proteaceae species in our model are predicted to experience range contractions, which ranged from 1% under 2050 RCP 4.5 CCSM4 to 79% under 2070 RCP 8.5 CNRM-CM5 climate scenarios, leading to 55% and 62% range loss for Cape sugarbird and orange-breasted sunbird, respectively, under extreme climate scenarios. Proteaceae species are predicted to experience least overlap with nectar feeding birds in the northern and eastern range under future climate scenarios. Main Conclusion: Climate change threatens species occupying the mountain range of the northern limit and other regions of the CFR. Reduced range overlap of mutualists may have significant implications for the reproduction and persistence of Proteaceae. We suggest active monitoring of Proteaceae populations in regions where species are predicted to lose their range, particularly so for threatened species with small ranges

Chemical profile and potential applications of sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro Kernel Oils: analysis of volatile compounds and fatty acids

Sclerocarya birrea kernel volatile compounds and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from the Bubi district in Matabeleland North province of Zimbabwe were characterised by GC–MS. The volatile compounds of the oil include 65 different compounds from 24 distinct classes, dominated by 13 alcohols and 14 aldehydes (42%). Other classes include carboxylic acids, phenols, sesquiterpenes, lactones, pyridines, saturated fatty acids, ketones, and various hydrocarbons. The kernel oils revealed essential fatty acids such as polyunsaturated (α-linolenic and linoleic acids) and monounsaturated fatty acids (palmitic, palmitoleic, and oleic acids). Notably, oleic acid is the predominant fatty acid at 521.61 mg/g, constituting approximately 73% of the total fatty acids. Linoleic acid makes up 8%, and saturated fatty acids make up about 7%, including significant amounts of stearic (42.45 mg/g) and arachidic (3.46 mg/g) acids. These results validate the use of marula oils in food, pharmaceutical, and health industries, as well as in the multibillion USD cosmetics industry. Therefore, the potential applications of S. berria kernel oils are extensive, necessitating further research and exploration to fully unlock their capabilities

The influence of epigenetics and inflammation on cardiometabolic risks

Cardiometabolic diseases include metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Epigenetic modifications participate in cardiometabolic diseases through several pathways, including inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and insulin resistance. Epigenetic modifications, which encompass alterations to gene expression without mutating the DNA sequence, have gained much attention in recent years, since they have been correlated with cardiometabolic diseases and may be targeted for therapeutic interventions. Epigenetic modifications are greatly influenced by environmental factors, such as diet, physical activity, cigarette smoking, and pollution. Some modifications are heritable, indicating that the biological expression of epigenetic alterations may be observed across generations. Moreover, many patients with cardiometabolic diseases present with chronic inflammation, which can be influenced by environmental and genetic factors. The inflammatory environment worsens the prognosis of cardiometabolic diseases and further induces epigenetic modifications, predisposing patients to the development of other metabolism-associated diseases and complications. A deeper understanding of inflammatory processes and epigenetic modifications in cardiometabolic diseases is necessary to improve our diagnostic capabilities, personalized medicine approaches, and the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Further understanding may also assist in predicting disease outcomes, especially in children and young adults. This review describes epigenetic modifications and inflammatory processes underlying cardiometabolic diseases, and further discusses advances in the research field with a focus on specific points for interventional therapy

Nutritional profiling of underutilised citrullus lanatus mucosospermus seed flour

The seed of Citrullus lanatus mucosospermus, known as egusi, is versatile and explored for its oil and flour functionality. Raw flour can be used as a raw material in a nutritional program due to its oil-rich, remarkably high protein content, and richness in omega-6 fatty acids. There is a need to explore eco-friendly defatting methods using the supercritical CO2 extraction method (SFECO2) to preserve this seed’s generic richness and to control the flour–oil ratio in processing formulations. The supercritical fluid extraction method uses temperature, pressure, and CO2 flow rate to determine the best yield and extraction parameters. Defatted egusi flour (DEF) was extracted using three runs. Firstly, at 60 °C, 30 g/h, and 450 bar (DEF1); secondly, at 55 °C, 30 g/h, and 600 bar (DEF2); and thirdly, extraction was performed at 75 °C, 30 g/h and 600 bar (DEF3). Trace and major elements were analysed using Agilent 7700 quadruple ICP-MS (Agilent Technologies Network, Palo Alto, CA, USA) and Thermo Cap 6200 ICP-AES (Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA), respectively. The sugar was separated on a gas chromatograph coupled to a Mass Selective Detector (MSD). The fundamental pasting property measurements were performed using a Rapid Visco Analyser RVA 4500 Perten instrument Sin 214 31208-45 Australia. Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 29 software (v. 2022). The protein content of defatted egusi flour ranged from 48.4 for DEF2 to 60.4% w/w for DEF1 and differed significantly, with a rich amino acid high in glutamine ranging from 9.8 to 12.9 g/100 g). DEF2 (512.0 cP) showed the highest peak viscosity and was the most viscous among the samples. Defatted flour with lower temperature and lower pressure (60 °C and 450 bar) offered the best nutritional properties, proffering defatted egusi flour from SFECO2, a novel flour for dietary programs

Advancements in phytoremediation research in South Africa (1997–2022)

Several mining-related pollutions, industrial waste, and soil deterioration define South Africa’s environmental landscape. These have led to the consumption of unhealthy food, contaminated agricultural products, and polluted water. The polluted environment has been linked to numerous diseases among the populace, thus making environmental remediation an important issue in South Africa. Phytoremediation has been identified as a biological method for the restoration of polluted environments naturally and holistically. Therefore, it is vital to evaluate the level of phytoremediation-related research in South Africa in pursuit of a way out of environmental pollution. Thus, the purpose of this study was to map phytoremediation-related research in South Africa from inception to 2022. Statistical records from the Web of Science Core Collection were analyzed with the bibliometric package in RStudio, while mapping was performed via VOSviewer. Our study showed a low annual growth rate of publication (4.49%). The analysis uncovered that the 39 documents analyzed were written by 112 authors, and the first document was featured in the Journal of Geochemical Exploration in 1997. Kirkham, MB and Liphadzi, MS are the most relevant authors. USA has the strongest collaboration with South Africa, while the International Journal of Phytoremediation, the South African Journal of Botany, and Water SA are the most relevant journals. The result of this study can guide upcoming researchers and policymakers, together with essential facts for enhancing the restoration of the polluted environment in the country