Suchergebnisse

Background: Governments often provide support to Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) to ensure that they are sustainable. Micro-enterprises play an important role in the economic and socio-economic development of developing countries. However, the majority of micro-enterprises find it challenging to survive or to grow due to numerous challenges they experience. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) could assist micro-enterprises to grow and be competitive. E-Government has been internationally advocated to improve the delivery of government information. However, African governments are experiencing challenges that limit the success of e-Government. This has resulted in limited accessibility. Purpose of the research: The objective of the study is to investigate the challenges that micro-enterprises experience in accessing support information using e-Government websites in a developing country context. To achieve that the study describes the challenges experienced, analyses the types of support information accessed and identifies the Information and Communication Technology devices used to access support information. Design/methodology/approach: This multidisciplinary study adopted a constructivist approach and used an interpretive paradigm. The study was guided by Sen's Capability Approach as a theoretical framework, and thematically analysed patterns between context, capabilities and outcomes. Data for the study was collected using semi-structured interviews. Furthermore, annual reports, published statistics and additional documents were also used as secondary data. Purposive and snowballing sampling were used to target established micro-enterprises in the Western Cape, South Africa. Findings: Micro-enterprises gained several benefits of using ICT for general business activities. These included improved access to information, improved communication, improved marketing, reduced costs and improved efficiency and productivity. Microenterprises also experienced several challenges with accessing support information using e-Government websites. These included content, structure, design, language availability and red tape. Support information relating to business skills development, products and services development and funding were mostly accessed. Furthermore, micro-enterprises mostly used laptops and mobile phones to access support information. Practical implications: The findings indicate that if micro-enterprises could access support information using e-Government websites, it could have a positive impact on their businesses such as improved competitiveness. Finally, the study uncovered that access to support information could also have a positive impact on the personal agency of microenterprises i.e. personal objectives such as women empowerment. Originality/contribution: The study contributes to the gap in research in terms of investigating the phenomenon of e-Government accessibility in developing countries. The study also contributes new understanding by separating the ICT and e-Government into two commodities to identify and show where the accessibility problem emanates from. Furthermore, the study proposes a conceptual model that provides an opportunity for researchers to understand users such as micro-enterprises of Government-to-Business projects so that suitable recommendation on the next course of actions be proposed to relevant stakeholders of future Government-to-Business projects.

This study, titled The Language of War and Peace: A Critical Discourse Analysis of Conflict in The Lord of the Rings, delves into the intricate ways in which J.R.R. Tolkien's epic narrative constructs and represents concepts of war and peace. Utilizing Norman Fairclough's Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework (1941), this research investigates the novel's linguistic and ideological dimensions of conflict. By examining key passages that depict significant moments of war, such as the Battle of Helm's Deep and the Siege of Gondor, alongside moments of peace, including the Council of Elrond and Aragorn's ascension to the throne, the study reveals how Tolkien's language reflects and critiques power structures and moral values. The analysis highlights how Tolkien's use of martial and peace-oriented language, including lexical choices and metaphorical structures, contributes to portraying heroism, resistance, and moral duty. It also uncovers the binary oppositions between good and evil underpinning the narrative, offering insights into how these elements reinforce and challenge traditional ideologies of conflict. The study demonstrates that Tolkien's narrative glorifies heroism, provides a nuanced critique of violence, and advocates for unity and ethical leadership. By applying CDA to Tolkien's work, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the ideological implications of his portrayal of war and peace, providing valuable perspectives for literary scholars and critics. The study also opens avenues for future research, including comparative analyses with other fantasy literature and contemporary conflicts, to further explore how language influences perceptions of conflict and resolution

With COVAX touted as the only platform that is built on equity and fairness, there is growing discontent and concern that the platform is falling short of its goals as COVID ravages across multiple countries. There are two serious issues that we address here. Firstly, COVID distribution principles and mechanisms need to be rethought in terms of a shift from private to global interests with a focus on prioritizing deliveries. Secondly, with multiple vaccines present, it is vital that countries recognize all of them, once proven safe and effective, to prevent any form of vaccine apartheid and discrimination.

Background: Afghan refugees in Pakistan, particularly in Quetta, Balochistan, encounter formidable barriers in accessing maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) services. These challenges have been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and entrenched systemic health inequities. Methods: This qualitative study, conducted from February to April 2023, aimed to assess the obstacles within health systems and community environments that hinder MNCH service access among Afghan refugees. The study involved 20 key informants through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, including Afghan refugee women, community elders, health workers, and representatives from non-governmental organizations and government agencies. The research focused on experiences during the initial four waves of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021), utilizing a conceptual framework integrating Health Emergency Disaster Risk Management (Health-EDRM) with primary health care. Findings: The study identified significant systemic barriers to accessing MNCH services, such as insufficient funding, inadequate health infrastructure, and discriminatory practices within the healthcare workforce. Additionally, community-level obstacles were prominent, including cultural and language differences, geographical isolation, and economic constraints. The integration of Health-EDRM into local health systems was minimal, with many stakeholders either needing to be made aware of or unengaged with the framework. Conclusion: The findings highlight a critical need for comprehensive policy reforms, infrastructure enhancement, and community-centered approaches to address Afghan refugees' health needs effectively. Strengthening the integration of health-EDRM into health systems is crucial for enhancing resilience and ensuring continuous care during health emergencies. The study calls for concerted efforts to implement culturally sensitive health interventions that include disaster risk management components to improve MNCH outcomes among Afghan refugees in crisis-affected settings. Addressing systemic and community-level barriers makes creating a more resilient and equitable health system for vulnerable populations possible.

Abstract
Introduction
Armed conflicts have a severe impact on the health of women and children. Global health emergencies such as pandemics and disease outbreaks further exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable populations in accessing maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare (MNCH). There is a lack of evidence that summarizes the challenges faced by conflict-affected pregnant women, mothers, and children in accessing MNCH services during global health emergencies, mainly the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics. This scoping review aimed to analyze studies evaluating and addressing barriers to accessing comprehensive MNCH services during Ebola and COVID-19 emergencies in populations affected by conflict.

Methods
The search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using terms related to Ebola and COVID-19, conflicts, and MNCH. Original studies published between 1990 and 2022 were retrieved. Articles addressing the challenges in accessing MNCH-related services during pandemics in conflict-affected settings were included. Thematic analysis was performed to categorize the findings and identify barriers and solutions.

Results
Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Challenges were identified in various MNCH domains, including antenatal care, intrapartum care, postnatal care, vaccination, family planning, and the management of childhood illnesses. Ebola-related supply-side challenges mainly concerned accessibility issues, health workforce constraints, and the adoption of stringent protocols. COVID-19 has resulted in barriers related to access to care, challenges pertaining to the health workforce, and new service adoption. On the demand-side, Ebola- and COVID-19-related risks and apprehensions were the leading barriers in accessing MNCH care. Community constraints on utilizing services during Ebola were caused by a lack of trust and awareness. Demand-side challenges of COVID-19 included fear of disease, language barriers, and communication difficulties. Strategies such as partnerships, strengthening of health systems, service innovation, and community-based initiatives have been employed to overcome these barriers.

Conclusion
Global health emergencies amplify the barriers to accessing MNCH services faced by conflict-affected populations. Cultural, linguistic, and supply-side factors are key challenges affecting various MNCH domains. Community-sensitive initiatives enhancing primary health care (PHC), mobile clinics, or outreach programs, and the integration of MNCH into PHC delivery should be implemented. Efforts should prioritize the well-being and empowerment of vulnerable populations. Addressing these barriers is crucial for achieving universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals.

OBJECTIVES: Considering the therapeutic potential of honey and Nigella sativa (HNS) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, the objective of the study is defined to evaluate the prophylactic role of HNS. TRIAL DESIGN: The study is a randomized, placebo-controlled, adaptive clinical trial with parallel group design, superiority framework with an allocation ratio of 1:1 among experimental (HNS) and placebo group. An interim analysis will be done when half of the patients have been recruited to evaluate the need to adapt sample size, efficacy, and futility of the trial. PARTICIPANTS: : High-risk exposure (10min without face protection). Moderate exposure (10min with face protection). Subjects with acute or chronic infection, COVID-19 vaccinated, and allergy to HNS will be excluded from the study. Recruitment will be done at Shaikh Zayed Post-Graduate Medical Institute, Ali Clinic and Doctors Lounge in Lahore (Pakistan). INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: In this clinical study, patients will receive either raw natural honey (0.5 g) and encapsulated organic Nigella sativa seeds (40 mg) per kg body weight per day or empty capsule with and 30 ml of 5% dextrose water as a placebo for 14 days. Both the natural products will be certified for standardization by Government College University (Botany department). Furthermore, each patient will be given standard care therapy according to version 3.0 of the COVID-19 clinical management guidelines by the Ministry of National Health Services of Pakistan. MAIN OUTCOMES: Primary outcome will be Incidence of COVID-19 cases within 14 days of randomisation. Secondary endpoints include incidence of COVID-19-related symptoms, hospitalizations, and deaths along with the severity of COVID-19-related symptoms till 14(th) day of randomization. RANDOMISATION: Participants will be randomized into experimental and control groups (1:1 allocation ratio) via the lottery method. There will be stratification based on high risk and ...