Cross-cultural adjustment experiences of academic expatriates in some South African universities: The case of KwaZulu-Natal

This article discusses the cross-cultural adjustment experiences of selected academic expatriates from selected South African universities based in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. Quantitative data was collected from 142 out of 277 academic expatriates. Statistical procedures were used to analyse, interpret and make meaning of the raw data. The findings revealed that academic expatriates experience general and interaction adjustment challenges associated with the use of local languages and the understanding of local culture. However, female academic expatriates were found to be better adjusted in interaction and general adjustment as compared to their male counterparts. Furthermore, work adjustment challenges triggered by the poor coordination of work permit application were also discovered. The study stressed revision of human resources practices, immigration policies as well as cross-cultural adjustment support for academic expatriates into South African host academic institutions.

Role of community health workers in type 2 diabetes mellitus self-management: A scoping review

Background: Globally the number of people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has risen significantly over the last few decades. Aligned to this is a growing use of community health workers (CHWs) to deliver T2DM self-management support with good clinical outcomes especially in High Income Countries (HIC). Evidence and lessons from these interventions can be useful for Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMICs) such as South Africa that are experiencing a marked increase in T2DM prevalence. Objectives: This study aimed to examine how CHW have been utilized to support T2DM self-management globally, their preparation for and supervision to perform their functions. Method: The review was guided by a stepwise approach outlined in the framework for scoping reviews developed by Arksey and O’Malley. Peer reviewed scientific and grey literature was searched using a string of keywords, selecting English full-text articles published between 2000 and 2015. Articles were selected using inclusion criteria, charted and content analyzed. Results: 1008 studies were identified of which 54 full text articles were selected. Most (53) of the selected studies were in HIC and targeted mostly minority populations in low resource settings. CHWs were mostly deployed to provide education, support, and advocacy. Structured curriculum based education was the most frequently reported service provided by CHWs to support T2DM self-management. Support services included informational, emotional, appraisal and instrumental support. Models of CHW care included facility linked nurse-led CHW coordination, facility-linked CHW led coordination and standalone CHW interventions without facility interaction. Conclusion: CHWs play several roles in T2DM self-management, including structured education, ongoing support and health system advocacy. Preparing and coordinating CHWs for these roles is crucial and needs further research and strengthening

Complexation of ephedrine with β-cyclodextrin: An NMR spectroscopy study

This study focuses on the inclusion complex of ephedrine with β-CD. The association of β-CD and ephedrine has been examined using1H NMR and circular dichroism. The systematic shifts of the proton resonances of the phenyl moiety of ephedrine and that of the protons located inside the β-CD cavity, provide evidence of intracavity inclusion. Two-dimensional ROESY show preferential localization of ephedrine in close proximity with protons located inside the β-CD cavity. The systematic variation of circular dichroism spectra with increasing concentration of β-CD is used to estimate the apparent formation constant. © 1993 Kluwer Academic Publishers

The Effects of Biographical Variables on Affective Commitment at the Municipalities in the Nkangala District

Journal articles of The 7th Annual International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives, 14 - 16 September 2022The study aimed to determine the effects of biographical variables on affective commitment in the municipalities in the Nkangala district. International literature revealed that similar studies had been conducted before in municipalities, but there is a shortage in the South African context, especially in the Mpumalanga municipalities. Therefore, this study addressed this gap. Other key findings in the literature showed that it is vitally crucial for municipal managers to have affectively committed employees because they are less likely to resign, and they support managers in achieving strategic objectives. This study was quantitative and influenced by the positivism paradigm. The population size was 2941, and 808 respondents were conveniently sampled. The response rate was 27.47%. The researchers tested five hypotheses using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and T-Test. The key findings revealed no significant difference at 0.05 or 5% in affective commitment levels regarding gender and employment status. Males have a lower affective commitment mean (M) score (M=2.65) as compared to their female (M=2.67) counterparts. Older employees (55-65: Years, M=3.09) had a higher level of affective commitment than the other age groups. Senior management (M=3.00) had higher levels of affective commitment, but the difference was insignificant at 5%. Employees with a certificate (M=3.33) had the highest affective commitment levels compared to employees with other education levels. The difference was significant at 5%. This study implies that municipal managers might find it challenging to retain younger and educated employees because they have lower levels of affective commitment

Spectroscopic study of the interaction of catechin with α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins

The inclusion complex of catechin with cyclodextrins (CDxs) is examined by the use of 1H NMR, UV, and circular dichroism spectroscopies. The UV measurements demonstrate the existence of additional absorbing species of catechin in the presence of β-CDx. The 1H NMR provides evidence for the formation of inclusional complexes between catechin and β- and γ-CDxs through changes in the chemical shifts of the proton resonances of catechin and that of the protons inside the CDx activity. The apparent formation constant is estimated by use of circular dichroism. © 1994 American Chemical Society

Cyclodextrin-induced asymmetry of achiral nitrogen heterocycles

Recent studies investigating the nature of fluorescence quenching effects of β-cyclodextrin (β-CDx) upon various nitrogen heterocycles suggest the importance of the position and number of nitrogen heteroatoms within the guest molecule. The sensitivity of molecules such as acridine (ACR) and phenazine (PHEN) toward the microenvironment provided by cyclodextrins appears to originate with the heteroatom. Quenching has also been observed for ACR and PHEN in the presence of α-and γ-CDx, although it is less extensive than in the β-CDx system. Induced circular dichroism (ICD) measurements are able to provide a more reliable estimate of apparent formation constants for the β-CDx systems since complex formation is a prerequisite for guest-induced symmetry in the cases discussed here. Fluorescence measurements were used to assess the association constants of the α- and γ-CDx with PHEN and ACR. The influence of size compatibility between guest and host and the orientation of the guest within the CDx molecule are also evaluated. © 1992 American Chemical Society

Characterization of select organic analytes in reverse micelles using lanthanide counterions as acceptors

A significant enhancement of sensitized room-temperature luminescence has been demonstrated using synthesized surfactants containing the lanthanide counterions Tb(III) and Eu(III). Various organic analytes have been used as sensitizers to donate triplet-state energy to the 4f energy level of the lanthanide ion. The enhancement factors were obtained by use of luminescence measurements of lanthanide ions in reverse micellar systems with organic analytes solubilized in the aqueous core. The results are used, with other luminescence parameters, to correlate the interaction between the donor and acceptor motecules. Proton (1H) NMR spectroscopy has provided evidence that organic analytes are solubilized at the polar end of the reverse micelles