Brand Naming Behavior Defining SMMEs in eThekwini

Branding is an integral part to the success of any and every business. Appropriate brand strategies contribute to brand equity of the organization leading to increased turnover and profits of positive turnover for organizations. Application of properly planned brand naming processes could save SMMEs and reduce the high failure rate experienced by this sector, in South Africa currently. Branding helps businesses to define who they are and guides their overall strategy. Branding strategies begin with the brand naming process. There are scientifically proven models that govern this process which have been used by successful businesses, globally. This study sought to find the current brand naming processes as implemented by SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipality area in Durban, South Africa. This was the first step in developing a model for brand naming for SMMEs in eThekwini. The study therefore used descriptive-exploratory ethos to conduct the research, guided by the epistemological, ontological and axiological assumptions. Demographic dimensions, ownership of the brand naming process, traits in the naming process and brand naming strategies considered were used to reach conclusions that define these entities in eThekwini. Research outcomes found that a lack of resources and knowledge were the main impediments distorting appropriate brand naming processes.&nbsp

A qualitative evaluation of gender aspects of agricultural intensification practices in central Malawi

United States Agency for International Developmen

Effect of coating thickness on wear performance of Inconel 625 coating

Abstract: INCONEL® nickel-chromium alloy 625 is widely used for its high strength, excellent corrosion resistance and creep resistance on prolonged exposure to aggressive environment. However, despite its properties and industrial application, its wear resistance is not entirely satisfactory. The article investigates and presents the tribological performance of Inconel 625 coating using reciprocating scratch test. High velocity oxyfuel (HVOF) method was used to deposit Inconel 625 film onto 304 stainless steel surfaces. The frictional behavior and wear data were studied in order to observe the effect of coating thickness on wear failure. The results revealed that coatings of higher thickness showed lower coefficient of friction, better adhesion and good wear resistance in comparison to the low coating thickness

Effect of provider-initiated testing and counselling and integration of ART services on access to HIV diagnosis and treatment for children in Lilongwe, Malawi: a pre- post comparison

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The HIV prevalence in Malawi is 12% and Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), in the capital Lilongwe, is the main provider of adult and paediatric HIV services in the central region. The Lighthouse at KCH offers opt-in HIV testing and counselling (HTC) for adults and children. In June 2004, Lighthouse was the first clinic to provide free antiretroviral treatment (ART) in the public sector, but few children accessed the services. In response, provider-initiated HIV testing and counselling (PITC) and an ART clinic were introduced at the paediatric department at KCH in Quarter 4 (Q4) 2004.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We analysed prospectively collected, aggregated data of quarterly reports from Q1 2003 to Q4 2006 from HTC centre registers, ART registers and clinic registrations at the ART clinics of both Lighthouse and the paediatric department. By comparing data of both facilities before (Q1 2003 to Q3 2004), and after the introduction of the services at the paediatric department (Q4 2004 to Q4 2006), we assessed the effect of this intervention on the uptake of HIV services for children at KCH.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overall, 3971 children were tested for HIV, 2428 HIV-infected children were registered for care and 1218 started ART. Between the two periods, the median (IQR) number of children being tested, registered and starting ART per quarter rose from 101 (53-109) to 358 (318-440), 56 (50-82) to 226 (192-234) and 18 (8-23) to 139 (115-150), respectively. The median proportion of tested clients per quarter that were children rose from 3.8% (2.7-4.3) to 9.6% (8.8 to 10.0) (p = 0.0009) and the proportion of ART starters that were children rose from 6.9% (4.9-9.3) to 21.1% (19.2-24.2) (p = 0.0036). The proportion of registered children and adults starting ART each quarter increased similarly, from 26% to 53%, and 20% to 52%, respectively.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Implementation of PITC and integration of ART services within the paediatric ward are likely to be the main reasons for improved access to HTC and ART for children at KCH, and can be recommended to other hospitals with paediatric inpatients in resource limited settings with high HIV prevalence.</p

Seroprevalence of CMV, HSV-2 and HBV among HIV-Infected Malawian Children: A Cross-sectional Survey

BACKGROUND: Little is known about viral co-infections in African human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. We examined the prevalence of seromarkers for cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections among HIV-infected, antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive children in Lilongwe, Malawi. METHODS: Ninety-one serum samples were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV, and IgG antibodies to HSV-2 and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Baseline demographic, clinical and laboratory data were abstracted from electronic records. RESULTS: CMV IgG was the most common positive result in all age groups (in 73% of children <1 year, and 100% in all other groups). Three patients were CMV IgM positive (3.3%), suggesting acute infection. HSV-2 IgG was positive in four patients (4.4%), and HBsAg in two (2.2%). CONCLUSIONS: CMV infection occurred early in life, and few children had specific signs of CMV infection at the time of ART initiation. Unrecognized HBV infection represents opportunities for testing and treatment of HIV/HBV co-infected children

Taking up the cudgels against gay rights? Trends and trajectories in African Christian theologies on homosexuality

Against the background of the HIV epidemic and the intense public controversy on homosexuality in African societies, this article investigates the discourses of academic African Christian theologians on homosexuality. Distinguishing some major strands in African theology, that is, inculturation, liberation, women’s and reconstruction theology, the article examines how the central concepts of culture, liberation, justice, and human rights function in these discourses. On the basis of a qualitative analysis of a large number of publications, the article shows that stances of African theologians are varying from silence and rejection to acceptance. Although many African theologians have taken up the cudgels against gay rights, some “dissident voices” break the taboo and develop more inclusive concepts of African identity and African Christianity

Prevalence of comorbid disease and associated risk factors among homeless people living in temporary shelters during the COVID-19 lockdown in Tshwane, South Africa

Background. People experiencing homelessness are among the most socially and medically vulnerable populations. Objectives. To assess the prevalence of comorbid disease and associated risk factors among homeless people admitted to temporary shelters in the City of Tshwane during levels 4 and 5 of the COVID-19 national lockdown in South Africa. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The sample was drawn from secondary data on all individuals placed in temporary shelters constructed by Tshwane during levels 4 and 5 of the COVID-19 lockdown (26 March - 31 May 2020). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise data, and a multivariable logistic regression model was applied to determine factors associated with comorbid disease. Results. The overall prevalence of comorbid disease among homeless people in temporary shelters in Tshwane was 28.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 26.9 - 30.8). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of comorbid disease by illicit substance use (29.9% for users v. 29.5% for non-users; p=0.871). In adjusted analyses, being South African (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.06; 95% CI 1.10 - 3.88; p=0.024), being female (aOR 3.73; 95% CI 1.85 - 7.53; p<0.001), being black (aOR 3.43; 95% CI 1.12 - 10.54; p=0.031) or white (aOR 6.11; 95% CI 1.55 - 24.0; p=0.01), and injecting substances (aOR 1.68; 95% CI 1.19 - 2.37; p=0.003) were significantly associated with having comorbid disease. Conclusion. The study found a 28.8% prevalence of comorbid disease among homeless people placed in temporary shelters in Tshwane. In adjusted analysis, being South African, being female, black and white race, and injecting substances were associated with having comorbid disease. Strengthening of public health interventions such as needle and syringe exchange programmes, family planning and access to primary care with health education could improve the healthcare of people experiencing homelessness

Culturally Adapted Interventions in Mental Health: Global Position Statement

The preponderance of western psychological concepts are often relied upon to conceptualise health-related phenomena. It is hardly surprising therefore that despite the availability of a number of interventions, studies have concluded that outcomes for minority cultural groups are not as good as for Caucasian people (western Europe and North America) in many high and middle income countries (HMIC). The evidence base of most psychosocial interventions is yet to be established in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). There has been a propensity in some quarters to view low and middle income countries as passive beneficiaries of mental health knowledge, rather than as contributors or partners in knowledge production and development. A move towards a more equal bilateral relationship is called for, which should lead to better service provision. This Position Statement aims to highlight the current position and need for culturally adapted interventions. It is a global call for action to achieve a standardised mechanism to achieve parity of access and outcomes across all cultural groups regardless of country of residence

Benchmark assessment of orphaned and vulnerable children in areas of the Zambia Family (ZAMFAM) Project

The US Agency for International Development and US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) are supporting the Zambia Family (ZAMFAM) project to strengthen comprehensive, integrated service delivery and support to children living with, affected by, or vulnerable to HIV/AIDS (OVC) in the Lusaka, Copperbelt, Southern, and Central Provinces of Zambia. To inform that effort, Project SOAR conducted a benchmark survey among beneficiaries in the four provinces of the ZAMFAM program. The benchmark survey measured the status and conditions of OVC and their families. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the needs of OVC families and the gaps in service provision, as well as suggestions for strengthening care and support strategies for OVC in Zambia