A framework for analyzing institutional gaps in natural resource governance

In this paper we present the Inter-Institutional Gap(IIG) Framework as a novel approach to conceptualizing the often-overlooked interconnectivity of different rule-levels between formal and informal institutions in a resource system. This framework goes beyond the existing concepts of legal pluralism, institutional void, structural hole, and cultural mismatch, each of which offer valuable insights to particular gaps between formal and informal institutions, but do not sufficiently address the interaction at every rule level (i.e. constitutional choice, collective choice and operational choice rules). In order to demonstrate the potential of our framework for better understanding the underlying causes of inter-institutional gaps, we apply it to four case studies that encompass diverse geographical locations, governance scales, and social-ecological systems. Results reveal inter-institutional gaps can be created when there are unintended, unforeseen or hidden gaps between different rule hierarchies in two or more simultaneously operating institutions. More specifically we observe that: i) inter-institutional gaps are co-existing, therefore if a certain gap is identified, other gaps may be expected; ii) certain gaps may reveal latent gaps; and iii) intermediaries may be key to addressing inter-institutional gaps. In many cases, sustainable natural resource management and regulation cannot be achieved without directly addressing the inter-institutional gaps that exist between formal and informal institutions operating in the same resource system. The Framework facilitates analysis and understanding of multi-level governance structures in pursuit of addressing complex natural resource management issues

Assessing dysphagia via telerehabilitation: patient perceptions and satisfaction

To gain insight into factors which may infl uence future acceptance of dysphagia management via telerehabilitation, patients’ perceptions were examined before and after a telerehabilitation assessment session. Forty adult patients with dysphagia(M = 66 years, SD = 16.25) completed pre- and post-session questionnaires which consisted of 14 matched questions worded to suit pre- and post-conditions. Questions explored comfort with the use of telerehabilitation, satisfaction with audio and video quality, benefi ts of telerehabilitation assessments and patients’ preferred assessment modality. Questions were rated on a 5-point scale (1 = strongly disagree, 3 = unsure, 5 = strongly agree). Patients’ comfort with assessment via telerehabilitation was high in over 80% of the group both pre- and post-assessment. Pre-assessment, patients were unsure what to expect with the auditory and visual aspects of the videoconference, however there were signifi cant positive changes reported post-experience. In relation to perceived benefits of telerehabilitation services in general, most patients believed in the value of telerehabilitation and post-assessment this increased to 90 – 100% agreement. Although 92% felt they would be comfortable receiving services via telerehabilitation, 45% of patients indicated ultimate preference for a traditional faceto-face assessment. The data highlight that patients are interested in and willing to receive services via telerehabilitation; however, any concerns should be addressed pre-assessment

Cutaneous malakoplakia: case report and review

Malakoplakia is a rare acquired disease that can affect many systems but is more common in the urogenital tract. Cutaneous malakoplakia is even rarer. It is far more frequent in immunodeficient patients. We report a case of cutaneous malakoplakia in a kidney transplant patient who had recently stopped receiving immunosuppressive therapy to illustrate a review of the relevant recent literature

The employment creation potential of recycling in South Africa

Marc

Sector studies and employment scenarios: a view of South Africa's tourism sector: preliminary findings

Augus

The job-creating potential of the metered taxi industry in South Africa's urban areas: some preliminary findings

MarchThe Employment Growth and Development Initiative (EGDI) is a programme run by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) aimed at developing possible future employment and growth scenario's for the South African economy. This multifaceted programme has as one of its aims, an analysis of economic diversification and the identification of potential future growth sectors. Identification of these future potential growth sectors is driven by two parameters. First the EGDI is looking for growth sectors which currently exist or could exist within the current growth and development path of the economy. In this way the programme seeks to identify nascent, latent, underdeveloped and potential sectors which with some catalytic action could attain their untapped, true potential. Second, the EGDI is looking for sectors which have a high labour absorption capacity, especially within the unskilled or semiskilled labour force which characterizes the majority of the unemployed in South Africa at present. With these two criteria in mind the EGDI is conducting preliminary research work on sectors which fit within these two parameters. This proposal considers one possible candidate - the metered taxi sector. The metered taxi industry fits both the above criteria well. As such this proposal provides a general introduction to the industry and its potential to grow and absorb labour. It is hoped that this introductory note will be sufficient to catalyze a more intensive research and consultation process such that the true potential of the sector can be understood. If the final outcome of this research and consultation process is that the sector could easily generate new employment opportunities, it is envisaged that the project will be taken forward by a delivery department in any of the appropriate spheres of government such that actual employment opportunities emerge from concrete project development and implementation

Constructing future growth opportunities: the potential to develop an intensive civil engineering and construction works export strategy

NovemberThe paper is partially a research paper and partly a strategic contribution. It seeks to understand the economic contribution of the civil engineering and contruction works sector to the South African economy, both through domestic activity and export activity