A conceptual model of volunteer well-being: a hermeneutic phenomenological study

Bibliography: leaves 241-295Text in English with summaries in English, Afrikaans and SetswanaThis study, to enhance understanding of volunteer well-being and to develop a conceptual model of volunteer well-being through an in-depth exploration of volunteers’ work–life experiences, was guided by an interest in volunteering as well as curiosity about well-being as a concept. My perception of the importance of volunteering for our society was based on first-hand knowledge of a volunteering context operating in the Gauteng health sector, as well as the volunteering literature, which confirmed its importance and encouraged me to conduct research on this resource. The literature on well-being highlights its importance for employees in particular and organisations in general and thus justifies the study. The literature also supported my preference for conducting this research on volunteer well-being from a qualitative perspective. Further motivation for the research was provided by my awareness of the challenging nature of the volunteering context as well as the adverse personal circumstances of the volunteers. Accordingly, recognising the importance of well-being in volunteers, I was prompted to dedicate attention to this dynamic work context. To achieve its aim, in this research I applied a qualitative research approach and a hermeneutic (interpretive) phenomenological research methodology. In-depth interviews were used to explore the work–life experiences of eight volunteers and a phenomenological hermeneutical analytic process was used to analyse the data. The data were further contextualised and the findings supported by the relevant well-being literature. Based on the findings, a conceptual model of volunteer well-being was constructed. This model enhances our understanding of volunteer well-being, ultimately contributing to knowledge and practice in the field of volunteering.Die hoofdoel van hierdie studie was om die begrip van vrywilligerswelstand te bevorder en om ’n konseptuele model van vrywilligerswelstand te ontwikkel deur ’n omvattende ondersoek van vrywilligers se werklewe-ervarings. Die studie was gelei deur ’n belangstelling in vrywilligerswerk en ‘n nuuskierigheid oor welstand as ’n konsep. My waarneming van die belangrikheid van vrywilligerswerk vir ons samelewing is gebaseer op eerstehandse kennis van ’n vrywilligerskonteks in die Gautengse gesondheidsektor en die literatuur oor vrywilligersdienslewering, wat die belangrikheid daarvan bevestig het en my aangemoedig het om navorsing oor hierdie hulpbron te doen. Die literatuur oor welstand beklemtoon veral die belangrikheid daarvan vir werknemers en organisasies oor die algemeen, en regverdig dus die studie. Die literatuur het ook my voorkeur om hierdie navorsing oor vrywilligers se welstand vanuit ’n kwalitatiewe perspektief te benader, ondersteun. My bewustheid van die uitdagende aard van die vrywilligerskonteks asook die ongunstige persoonlike omstandighede van die vrywilligers het my verder gemotiveer om die navorsing te doen. Dienooreenkomstig, as erkenning van die belangrikheid daarvan om vrywilligers se welstand te fasiliteer, is ek geïnspireer om aandag te skenk aan hierdie dinamiese werkskonteks. Om hierdie doel te bereik het ek ’n kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering en ’n hermeneutiese (verklarende) fenomenologiese navorsingsmetodologie in hierdie navorsingsprojek gebruik. Indiepte onderhoude is gebruik om die werklewe-ervarings van agt vrywilligers te ondersoek, en ’n fenomenologiese, hermeneutiese, analitiese proses is gebruik om die data te ontleed. Die data is verder gekontekstualiseer en die bevindings is deur die tersaaklike literatuur ondersteun. ’n Konseptuele model van vrywilligerwelstand is op grond van hierdie bevindinge opgestel. Hierdie model bevorder ons begrip van vrywilligerswelstand, en lewer sodoende ’n bydrae tot die kennis en ervaring op die terrein van vrywilligerswerk.Thutopatlisiso eno ya go tlhama sekao sa kgopolo sa boithaopi go tswa mo mogopolong wa seemo se se amogelesegang sa botshelo ka go sekaseka go ya kwa botennye, maitemogelo a tiro a baithaopi, e kaetswe ke kgatlhego mo boithaoping, keletso ya go itse ka ga mogopolo wa seemo se se amogelesegang sa botshelo le dikwalo tse di ka ga boithaopi. Kitso e e tseneletseng ya bokao jwa boithaopi jo bo dirang mo lephateng la boitekanelo la Gauteng, gammogo le dikwalo tsa boithaopi, di tlhomamisitse botlhokwa jwa boithaopi mo setšhabeng sa gaetsho mme tsa nthotloetsa go dira patlisiso ka ntlha eno. Go tlaleletsa, thutopatlisiso eno e tlhomamisitswe ke dikwalo tse di ka ga seemo se se amogelesegang le botlhokwa jwa seemo se se amogelesegang sa botshelo se se totileng badiri ka bo bona le ditheo ka kakaretso. Dikwalo gape di tshegeditse tlhopho ya me ya go dira patlisiso ka ga seemo se se amogelesegang sa botshelo jwa baithaopi ka mogopolo wa go batla go batlisisa mabaka a a bakang seemo se se rileng. Thotloetso e nngwe ya patlisiso e tlisitswe ke temogo ya me ya dikgwetlho tsa boithaopi gammogo le maemo a a sa amogelesegeng a baithaopi. Fela jalo, ka go lemoga botlhokwa jwa go gokaganya seemo se se amogelesegang sa botshelo mo baithaoping, ke ne ke patelesega go tota mofuta ono wa tiro. Go fitlhelela maikaelelo ano, patlisiso eno e dirisitse mokgwa wa patlisiso o o lebelelang mabaka a a rotloetsang ntlha e e rileng (qualititative research) le mokgwa wa patlisiso o o ranolang (hermeneutic phenomological research methodology). Go dirisitswe dipotsolotso tse di tseneletseng go sekaseka maitemogelo a tiro a baithaopi mme ga dirisiwa thulaganyo ya tshekatsheko ya phenomenological hermeneutial go sekaseka tshedimosetso. Tshedimosetso e ne ya bewa ka bokao mme diphitlhelelo tsa tshegediwa ka dikwalo tse di maleba. Go ikaegilwe mo diphitlhelelong tseno, go ne ga thalwa sekao sa kgopolo sa seemo se se amogelesegang sa botshelo jwa baithaopi. Go tshitshinngwa gore go dirisiwe sekao seno go dirisa ka botlalo le go netefatsa go nnela leruri ga tiro ya baithaopi, gore kwa bokhutlong go tshwaelwe mo kitsong le mo tirong mo lephateng la boithaopi.PsychologyD. Phil. (Psychology

GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN. DEVELOPING LOGISTICS WITH CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Significant environmental changes over the last few decades have influenced the perception of the supply chain. The increasing awareness of the public has definitely changed the perception of environmental performance, which has motivated entrepreneurs to adapt to new concepts. New methods and tools have been developed to support lower material consumption and reuse.Significant environmental changes over the last few decades have influenced the perception of the supply chain. The increasing awareness of the public has definitely changed the perception of environmental performance, which has motivated entrepreneurs to adapt to new concepts. New methods and tools have been developed to support lower material consumption and reuse

A comparison of the impact of two methods of nutrition-behavioral intervention on selected auxological and biochemical parameters in obese prepubertal children : crossover preliminary study

Obese children are exposed to short and long-term health consequences, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. For these reasons, the prevention and treatment of obesity in the pediatric population is a challenge for health care professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an intensive intervention based on diet and physical activity has a better impact on the auxological and biochemical parameters than standard care (intervention). The study included 20 children (six boys, 14 girls), of the mean age 8.9 (SD 1.4) before puberty. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (starting treatment with intensive intervention), and II (starting treatment with standard intervention). After three months, the groups were switched. The comparison of the two interventions in the study group indicates a better effectiveness of intensive intervention in the improvement of anthropometric parameters and majority of biochemical ones (except for insulin concentration, HOMA IR index and LDL cholesterol). As the result of intensive intervention, the mean % of weight-to-height excess and hip circumference decreased significantly (p < 0.005). Our results confirm that complex intervention based on systematic control visits, including personalized dietitian counselling and physician care, during the weight reduction process is more effective than a one-off standard visit

Extrathyroidal congenital defects in children with congenital hypothyroidism : observations from a single paediatric centre in Central Europe with a review of literature

Wprowadzenie: Pacjenci z wrodzoną niedoczynnością tarczycy (congenital hypothyroidism - CH) mają większe niż w populacji ogólnej ryzyko wystąpienia innych pozatarczycowych, wrodzonych nieprawidłowości. Nieprawidłowości te dotyczą głównie narządów i układów, w których prawidłowy rozwój i funkcjonowanie zaangażowane są geny odpowiedzialne również za prawidłowy przebieg organogenezy i syntezy hormonów gruczołu tarczowego. Cel pracy: Ocena częstości występowania innych wad towarzyszących CH, z uwzględnieniem możliwych przyczyn tej zależności i roli badań genetycznych. Materiał i metody: Do badania zostały włączone 54 noworodki objęte badaniem przesiewowym w kierunku CH w latach 2010-2017 w województwie małopolskim. Przeprowadzono dokładną retrospektywną analizę dokumentacji medycznej tych pacjentów. Wyniki: W grupie badanej u 20 z 54 pacjentów (37%) stwierdzono obecność współtowarzyszących CH, wrodzonych nieprawidłowości innych narządów. U 10 (18,5%) potwierdzono obecność wady serca, u 5 (9,25%) stwierdzono nieprawidłowe objawy ze strony układu oddechowego, u 7 (12,96%) stwierdzono nieprawidłowe objawy ze strony układu pokarmowego, u 5 (9,25%) rozpoznano nieprawidłowości ze strony układu moczowo-płciowego, u 3 (5,55%) stwierdzono nieprawidłowości ze strony układu nerwowego, u 6 (11,1%) rozpoznano nieprawidłowości ze strony układu mięśniowo-szkieletowego. Wnioski: Analiza uzyskanych danych i aktualnego piśmiennictwa wskazują, że największą rolę w powstawaniu pozatarczycowych nieprawidłowości u pacjentów z CH mogą mieć czynniki genetyczne. Zasadna wydaje się identyfikacja mutacji, która doprowadziła do CH. Znając mutacje mogące odpowiadać za wady współtowarzyszące CH, można by objąć pacjentów z CH odpowiednimi badaniami skriningowymi, mającymi na celu ich wczesne zdiagnozowanie, a w efekcie - odpowiednie, natychmiastowe leczenie.Introduction: Patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) can have an increased risk of occurrence of extrathyroidal defects compared to the general population, which could influence their development. The abnormalities occur mainly in organ systems whose development and function is dependent on genes that are also responsible for proper organogenesis of the thyroid gland and thyroid hormone synthesis. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency of extrathyroidal defects in CH patients, taking into consideration the cause of this co-occurrence and the role of genetic tests. Material and methods: The study included 54 newborns with positive screening test for CH based on elevated TSH level, in the years 2010-2017, from South-Eastern Poland. The data was retrieved retrospectively from patients’ medical records. Results: Twenty of 54 newborns with CH (37%) had congenital defects of other organs. In 10 (18.5%) cardiac defects were found, in 5 (9.25%) abnormal symptoms of the respiratory system, 7 (12.96%) had abnormalities of the gastrointestinal system, five (9.25%) had genitourinary abnormalities, 3 (5.55%) had abnormalities of the nervous system, and 6 (11.1%) had musculoskeletal abnormalities. Conclusions: The analysis of our data and current literature suggests that genetic factors play the most important role in the development of extrathyroidal abnormalities in newborns with CH. Identifying the mutation causing CH, the potential defects that can accompany newborns with CH, screening could be offered for these patients in order to obtain an earlier diagnosis and implement early and appropriate treatment

Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction in the developmental period: prenatally, in childhood, and adolescence — case reports and a review of the literature

Introduction: Amiodarone is an important antiarrhythmic drug used in paediatric practice, mainly in children with complex congenital cardiac diseases and/or severe arrhythmias. One of the side effects of amiodarone therapy is thyroid dysfunction, which is observed in about 20% of patients. The thyroid dysfunction may present with various forms: from subclinical changes in hormone levels to amiodaroneinduced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) and amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism (AIH). Material and methods: We reported six patients in the age range from two weeks to 14 years, with complex congenital cardiac diseases and severe arrhythmias, who developed amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunctions: thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism or both together. The clinical signs and symptoms of all thyroid dysfunctions were atypical, most patients presented with an aggravation of heart insufficiency. Our patients with thyrotoxicosis were treated with combined therapy including thionamides and corticosteroids due to the presentation of mixed-identified type of AIT. Results: Currently, five patients (one patient’s status is unknown) are in biochemical and clinical euthyreosis; however, in one of them it was impossible to discharge amiodarone treatment. Three of them are still treated with levothyroxine, and two do not need thyroid treatment. Conclusions: Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction is usually atypical; therefore, monitoring of thyroid status before, during, and after amiodarone is demanded. AIH could significantly influence the development of the child, while AIT could significantly deteriorate the clinical status of children with complex cardiac diseases. Early and proper diagnose of AIT and AIH allows the introduction of immediate and appropriate treatment considering the cardiac condition of the young patient

Anti-tumour necrosis factor α therapy : does it increase the risk of thyroid disease or protect against its development?

Wprowadzenie: Czynnik martwicy nowotworów α (tumor necrosis factor α - TNF-α) to cytokina biorąca udział w patogenezie wielu chorób, przede wszystkim tych, które rozwijają się na podłożu autoimmunizacji. W terapii wielu z nich, takich jak reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów, łuszczycowe zapalenie stawów, zesztywniające zapalenie stawów kręgosłupa, łuszczyca czy nieswoiste choroby zapalne jelit, stosowane są leki określane mianem anty-TNF-α. Czynnik martwicy nowotworów α jest także kluczowym czynnikiem biorącym udział w patogenezie autoimmunizacyjnej choroby tarczycy. Częstość występowania autoimmunizacyjnej choroby tarczycy u osób chorujących na wyżej wymienione choroby jest zwiększona w porównaniu z populacją ogólną. Stwarza to pytanie o wpływ terapii anty-TNF-α na ewentualny rozwój zaburzeń czynności i morfologii gruczołu tarczowego, w tym szczególnie autoimmunizacyjnej choroby tarczycy. Cel pracy: Głównym celem pracy jest ocena wpływu terapii anty-TNF-α, stosowanej w chorobach zapalnych i immunologicznych, na czynność tarczycy i rozwój autoimmunizacyjnej choroby tarczycy. Wnioski: Pytanie o wpływ terapii anty-TNF-α na rozwój autoimmunizacyjnej choroby tarczycy wciąż pozostaje bez konkretnej odpowiedzi. Ponadto dostępne badania dotyczą populacji osób dorosłych. Z uwagi na coraz szersze zastosowanie terapii anty-TNF-α także w populacji pediatrycznej, zasadne wydaje się objęcie badaniami także tej grupy pacjentów.Aim of the study: Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of many diseases, primarily those associated with autoimmunisation. Anti-TNF-α drugs are used in the therapy of many of them, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease. TNF-a is also a key factor in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). The incidence of AITD in people with other autoimmune diseases is increased compared to the general population. Therefore, it would be interesting to find out if anti-TNF-a therapy of other autoimmune diseases could influence the possible development or regression of thyroid gland dysfunction, especially AITD. Aim of the study: The main aim of the study is to assess the effect of anti-TNF-α therapy used in inflammatory and immunological diseases on thyroid function and the development of AITD. Conclusions: The real impact of anti-TNF-α therapy on the development of AITD remains an open question. The available studies concern the adult population; there are no data regarding this problem in children. Due to the increasing use of anti-TNF-α therapy also in the paediatric population, it seems reasonable to evaluate this subject in this group of patients

Psychological Resilience of Volunteers in a South African Health Care Context: A Salutogenic Approach and Hermeneutic Phenomenological Inquiry

Volunteering in non-Western countries, such as South Africa, is subject to poor infrastructure, lack of resources, poverty-stricken conditions and often conducted by volunteers from lower socio-economic spheres of society. Sustaining the well-being of volunteers in this context is essential in ensuring their continued capacity to volunteer. To do so, it is important to understand the psychological resilience of these volunteers and the resistance resources they employ to positively adapt to their challenging work-life circumstances. The aim of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore volunteers&rsquo; psychological resilience from a salutogenic perspective. In-depth interviews were conducted with eight volunteers servicing government-run hospitals. Data were analysed through phenomenological hermeneutical analysis. Findings show a characteristic work-life orientation to be at the root of volunteers&rsquo; resilience. Their work-life orientation is based on a distinct inner drive, an other-directedness and a &ldquo;calling&rdquo; work orientation. It is proposed that this work-life orientation enables volunteers in this study context, to cope with and positively adapt to challenging work-life circumstances and continue volunteering. The elements of their work-life orientation are presented as intrapersonal strength resources fundamental to their psychological resilience. It is suggested that organisations invest in developmental interventions that endorse and promote these intrapersonal strengths

Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction in the developmental period : prenatally, in childhood, and adolescence : case reports and a review of the literature

cardiac diseases and/or severe arrhythmias. One of the side effects of amiodarone therapy is thyroid dysfunction, which is observed in about 20% of patients. The thyroid dysfunction may present with various forms: from subclinical changes in hormone levels to amiodaroneinduced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) and amiodarone-induced hypothyroidism (AIH). Material and methods: We reported six patients in the age range from two weeks to 14 years, with complex congenital cardiac diseases and severe arrhythmias, who developed amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunctions: thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism or both together. The clinical signs and symptoms of all thyroid dysfunctions were atypical, most patients presented with an aggravation of heart insufficiency. Our patients with thyrotoxicosis were treated with combined therapy including thionamides and corticosteroids due to the presentation of mixed-identified type of AIT. Results: Currently, five patients (one patient’s status is unknown) are in biochemical and clinical euthyreosis; however, in one of them it was impossible to discharge amiodarone treatment. Three of them are still treated with levothyroxine, and two do not need thyroid treatment. Conclusions: Amiodarone-induced thyroid dysfunction is usually atypical; therefore, monitoring of thyroid status before, during, and after amiodarone is demanded. AIH could significantly influence the development of the child, while AIT could significantly deteriorate the clinical status of children with complex cardiac diseases. Early and proper diagnose of AIT and AIH allows the introduction of immediate and appropriate treatment considering the cardiac condition of the young patient

A Comparison of the Impact of Two Methods of Nutrition-Behavioral Intervention on Selected Auxological and Biochemical Parameters in Obese Prepubertal Children—Crossover Preliminary Study

Obese children are exposed to short and long-term health consequences, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. For these reasons, the prevention and treatment of obesity in the pediatric population is a challenge for health care professionals. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether an intensive intervention based on diet and physical activity has a better impact on the auxological and biochemical parameters than standard care (intervention). The study included 20 children (six boys, 14 girls), of the mean age 8.9 (SD 1.4) before puberty. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (starting treatment with intensive intervention), and II (starting treatment with standard intervention). After three months, the groups were switched. The comparison of the two interventions in the study group indicates a better effectiveness of intensive intervention in the improvement of anthropometric parameters and majority of biochemical ones (except for insulin concentration, HOMA IR index and LDL cholesterol). As the result of intensive intervention, the mean % of weight-to-height excess and hip circumference decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.005). Our results confirm that complex intervention based on systematic control visits, including personalized dietitian counselling and physician care, during the weight reduction process is more effective than a one-off standard visit