bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone marrow aspiration cytology in Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi State, Nigeria: Indications and diagnostic utility
Authors: Dachi Rufai Abdu , Mustapha Falmata Grema , Yuguda Saleh , Kagu Modu Baba , Gwaram Ali Adamu , Bwala Philemon
Published: August 2019

Bone Marrow Aspiration (BMA) cytology is an important diagnostic and monitoring tool where cytological details of the marrow elements are examined using light microscopy. Various hematological diseases are diagnosed and monitored by using BMA. This study aimed at reporting a 3-year BMA experience of Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Bauchi. This was a retrospective study that involved the use of records of the bone marrow aspirates done from January 1st, 2016 to December 31st, 2018. The age, sex, indications for BMA, anatomical site and final bone marrow diagnosis were collated. The data was analyzed using SPSS Version 23.0 software. One hundred and three (103) bone marrow aspirations were performed during the period under review. Two third of the participants were males, with the median age of 40.0 years and a range of 5 months to 92 years. The commonest indication for BMA was recurrent anemia 45.6%, followed by splenomegaly, fever and lymphadenopathy with 11.7% each. While, the commonest diagnosis by BMA was megaloblastic anemia (28.2%). Mixed nutritional deficiency and Bone Marrow (BM) metastasis are the commoner BMA diagnoses with 12.6% each. Recurrent anemia is the commonest indication for BMA and nutritional anemias (megaloblastic and combined nutrients deficiency) are the commonest BMA diagnoses in Bauchi. Proper evaluation of patients by the clinicians before referral is recommended to ensure that only those that really need the procedure are subjected to it.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus in an obese adolescent girl in Bauchi, northeast Nigeria
Authors: Bashir Muhammad Faruk , Adedeji Idris Abiodun , Adamu Adamu Sa'idu , Misau Yusuf Abdu , Dariya Nurrudeen Tanimu , Abdulsalam Abbas Mohammed
Published: August 2019

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among children and adolescents is on the rise and this correlates well with increasing prevalence of obesity and overweight worldwide. T2DM was thought to be a disease of the adults, however this has since changed. High index of suspicion is required especially in obese children with family history of type T2DM. To the best of our literature search, till date, no case was reported from Northeast Nigeria. We hereby report a case of newly diagnosed type 2 DM in a 14-year old obese teenage girl, who presented with polyuria, polydipsia and weight loss. Her father is a T2DM patient. She had acanthosis and multiple ovarian cysts. She underwent acute phase of care with insulin before discharge and has remained euglycaemic and clinically state on oral hypoglycaemic agent.
The sister concepts of the working alliance and the real relationship: on their development, rupture, and repair
Authors: Gelso Charles J. , Kline Kathryn V.
Published: August 2019

Jeremy Safran has presented seminal and widely applicable clinical theory and research around the therapeutic alliance and ruptures in the alliance. We explore areas of agreement with and departure from some of Safran’s key conceptualizations on these topics, focusing on overlap and distinctions between two constructs theorized to be fundamentally significant elements of all therapeutic relationships: the working alliance and the real relationship. We share Safran’s view that the alliance centrally implicates an emotional bond between patient and therapist, as well as an agreement about the goals of treatment and the tasks needed to attain those goals. We depart from Safran, however, in his belief that the real relationship should be seen as part of the emotional bond of the working alliance. Instead, we argue that the real relationship and the working alliance (including the bond aspect of the alliance) are best viewed as highly interrelated but distinct aspects of the therapeutic relationship. In addition, a distinction is made between the working bond (part of the working alliance) and the personal bond (part of the real relationship). Hence, we examine the concept of rupture in the working alliance, and in the real relationship as well. The nature of ruptures is discussed, as well as what therapists can do to repair them. A more limited definition of ruptures than the broader conception that has evolved in recent years is proposed. It is suggested that, whereas ruptures in the working alliance generally can be repaired to the benefit of the work, ruptures in the real relationship are likely to be more damaging to the treatment.
The flip side of collaborative alliance: a single-case study
Authors: Locati Francesca , De Carli Pietro , Lang Margherita , Parolin Laura
Published: August 2019

The present single case study explored whether a positive collaboration may conceal some of the patient’s dysfunctional interpersonal schemas, hence reflecting a non-authentic collaboration. In particular, we reasoned that conceiving collaborations only as adaptive relations may prevent a comprehensive insight of the therapeutic relationship itself. To explore this possibility, we used an intersubjective approach that emphasizes the integration of specific and non-specific factors in an interdependent way. In particular, we assessed different constructs (i.e. therapeutic alliance, technical interventions, defense mechanism, therapeutic relationship) of the therapeutic process and combined them through statistical methods able to investigate the micro- and macro-analytic processes that define each interaction. Results of a single case study (Sara) showed that the collaborative functioning may hold back many critical aspects, that hardly conciliate with the classic positive definition of collaboration. These findings, therefore, indicate that Sara’s collaborative alliance works mainly as a pseudo-alliance.
Die Lukaanse liedere
Authors: Vorster W.S.
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
Auxentius van Sirië: Troparia
Authors: Basson A.F.
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
Gelykrelige himnes
Authors: Hendrickx B. , Barkhuizen J.H.
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
Die Goeie Vrydag Alfabet-himne
Authors: Basson A.F.
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
Filosofiese plasing van die Fundering
Authors: Dreyer P.S.
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
Voorwoord van die Redakteur
Authors: Van Aarde Andries G.
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
Reeksvoorwoord
Authors: Office Editorial
Published: August 2019

No abstract available.
On the shady side of economics
Authors: Van Heerden J. H. , Blignaut J. N. , Groenendijk N. S.
Published: August 2019

This paper explains fraud from an economic point of view, using traditional economic tools and reasoning. It is shown how a supply-of-fraud function can be defined and estimated for individuals, and subsequently aggregated to derive crime rates for societies. Another approach is to explain the behaviour of fraudsters as rent-seekers, à la mode Gary Becker, and the problem of fraud may be seen as a case of market failure too. The paper also discusses some effects of fraud on society, and gives an empirical comparison between countries.
The evaluation of client service provided by the human resource division of a national service organisation
Authors: Brand H. E. , Joubert N.
Published: August 2019

The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of internal client service of the human resource division of a national service organisation. Two studies were in fact conducted, one involving 388 clients of the relevant division, and the other 99 human resource practitioners in the same division. Separate questionnaires were completed in the two samples. Results show that communication with clients, service provision and quality and competency of the human resource personnel are important problems to be addressed by management. The implementation of an achievement acknowledgement system, the re-evaluation of the divisional structure and functioning, and upgrading service provision skills could also assist the division in improving its client service competency.
South African competition law and the diamond "cartel"
Authors: Reekie W. Duncan
Published: August 2019

De Beers Central Selling Organisation is a co-operative marketing agreement its objective is price stabilisation not collusive monopoly gain. Collusive agreements do not last. Nevertheless the CSO has persisted. Cartels can persist if government helps and this may have occurred up to 1950. Today only two (complementary) explanations remain. The "box" and "sight' system is the least-cost method of organising a distribution channel given bargaining and uncertainty and it stabilises prices for a product whose demand depend on a Veblenian mystique. Recent competition law does not allow for the transaction cost and demand analyses which explain this co-operative marketing agreement as non-collusive.
An empirical capital market rate function for an emerging market economy in international financial crisis
Authors: Harmse Chris , Du Toit Charlotte
Published: August 2019

After the first democratic election in South Africa in April 1994, South Africa's financial markets became more exposed and vulnerable to international developments, vide the financial crisis of 1998. This vulnerability raises some important questions. Has its greater degree of openness led to a structural change in the South African economy? Are long-term interest rates now primarily determined by international sentiment regardless of domestic economic and political conditions, during periods of international financial market volatility? And, in the event, what is the consequent effect on monetary policy in South Africa? The aim of this paper is to investigate these questions by using a cointegration approach to estimate a long-run interest or bond rate function for South Africa.
Quality management amongst South African agribusiness firms: The role of ISO 9000 Quality Assurance Standards
Authors: Turner C. R. , Ortmann G. F.
Published: August 2019

Worldwide, the ISO 9000 quality assurance standards have received considerable support from firms seeking to improve their competitiveness. A postal survey was conducted amongst 92 South African agribusiness firms to determine the extent of the adoption of ISO 9000, reasons for certification and to identify the costs and benefits of adopting these standards. About 36 percent of the respondent firms were certified. The desire to improve customer service, a basis for quality improvement and the need to improve operational efficiency were the most important factors influencing certification. Respondents reported financial, managerial and production benefits following certification. Broadly speaking, certified firms operate as private or public companies, have parent company affiliations, are involved in manufacturing, and are established firms with large annual turnovers.
Financial management education: Is there a gap between academics and practitioners?
Authors: Wolmarans H. P.
Published: August 2019

From previous studies it seems that Financial Management may be regarded an important managerial skill. This study investigates the importance of different topics in Finance. The ranking of these topics according to their importance, as perceived by academics versus practitioners, is compared here. It was found that some topics are indeed regarded as more important than others. There were significant differences in the rankings of topics by the two groups of respondents. Areas which practitioners believe need more research to enhance the value of Finance for South African managers are indicated. Finally, conclusions are drawn about the implications of this study for the volatile management environment in South Africa, and possible areas for further research are indicated.
Employees' perception of service orientation: An exploratory study
Authors: Govender K. K.
Published: August 2019

In a matched sample survey of bank employees and customers, it was found that the employees' perception of the service orientation [SERVOR] of the banks, is positively correlated with the customers' perception of their overall service quality [SQUAL]. Service firm managers should take note that in the absence of direct control of the service encounter, organizational practices and procedures that treat service as top priority, are also likely to succeed in delivering service of high quality.
The application of psychometric tests in human resource management
Authors: Van der Merwe R. P.
Published: August 2019

Psychometric tests are widely used as aids in occupational decisions, including the selection and classification of human resources. Recent and ongoing developments in South African labour legislation, especially the implications of the Employment Equity Act, highlight once again the importance of validating all instruments used for assessment and selection purposes. This is a follow-up study, reporting on an investigation into psychometric testing in industry today. Information was gathered to establish which psychometric tests are presently used, and for what purpose. Biographical information on each company concerned is supplied, including the number of employees. The role of psychometric tests in the selection procedure is discussed, as well as the levels at which the tests were applied. The various tests used, as well as the users, are indicated, and comments, recommendations and shortcomings discussed.
Downsizing and the survivor syndrome: The South African case
Authors: Vermeulen Leopold , Wiesner Retha
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to obtain empirical data about the effect of workforce reduction on "survivors" in the public (n=158) and private (n=71) sectors in South Africa. Analysis of the effects of workforce reduction indicated that downsizing affected the survivors negatively. Employee morale, staff commitment and motivation plummeted, while job dissatisfaction and concern about job security increased conspicuously. It was found that the negative effects were more prevalent in the public than the private sector. Depth and frequency of downsizing seem not to intensify the survivor syndrome.
The role of marketing and advertising in the legal profession
Authors: Breytenbach A. , North E. J.
Published: August 2019

The majority of South African attorneys do not enjoy the benefits that may be derived from the marketing and advertising of their services. They seem to be unaware or do not make use of marketing and advertising opportunities to promote their firms and the services they render. The lack of marketing knowledge, ignorance of the value of advertising, as well as the perception that advertising will cause unnecessary costs, are reasons why many legal firms are not marketing oriented. This paper reports the results of an empirical study done to determine the role of marketing and advertising in the legal profession in South Africa.
Factors influencing perceptions and expectations of corporate social performance in South Africa: An exploratory empirical study
Authors: Coldwell D. A.L.
Published: August 2019

This paper analyses the effects of gender and ethnic group in the perceptions and expectations of corporate social performance (CSP) in a sample of students controlled for age, education and academic discipline. Instruments to measure perceptions and expectations of CSP are devised using Likert-type scales. The reliability and construct validity of the measuring instruments are assessed using Cronbach alpha coefficients of internal consistency and factor analysis. A backward elimination multiple regression incorporating dummy variables, indicates that gender and ethnic group are significant predictor variables in perceptions and expectations of CSP. The findings are discussed with regard to the utility of Carroll and Buchholtz's (2000) CSP model in the South African situation.
Formal rural financial markets in Nigeria: An attractive or deceptive development alternative?
Authors: Umoh Gabriel S.
Published: August 2019

This paper uses the outreach paradigm to examine the role of two formal rural financial institutions (Nigerian Agricultural Cooperative Bank and People's Bank of Nigeria) in development financing in Nigeria. Findings show that the two institutions have fared relatively well in the outreach to their target clientele, except women. The paper also suggests that for wider outreach, effective linkage with rural self-help is necessary.
The political economy of capital gains taxation in South Africa - Part I: The public finance of capital gains taxation
Authors: Spindler Zane A.
Published: August 2019

Public Finance and Public Choice principles are used to analyze the ideological and practical basis for the proposed introduction of a Capital Gains Tax into the income tax system of South Africa. The paper concludes that this is a flawed tax whose time has passed - especially for countries like South Africa.
An empirical capital market rate function for South Africa
Authors: Pretorius Elna , Du Toit Charlotte
Published: August 2019

The aim of this paper is to explain the determinants of the South African long-term interest rate. A market-related approach is followed which explains interest rate determination on the basis of the relationships between the capital market and other domestic and international markets. Some implications for monetary policy are derived.
An analysis of affirmative action in a South African public sector department
Authors: Brand H. E. , Stoltz S.
Published: August 2019

The South African labour market is characterised by a diversity of ethnic and cultural groups. The public sector is experiencing pressure from social, economic, political and legislative circles to make the workplace more representative of the population. This study investigated the affirmative action process in a national public sector department in terms of its employees' perceptions of that process. A questionnaire was developed and used as measuring instrument on a random sample of the department's employee population. Results show that the affirmative action process did influence employees' perceptions of their working life and career, and that the majority of respondents perceived the affirmative action process not to be successful.
Youth participation in the economy
Authors: Malan C. W. , Breitenbach M. C.
Published: August 2019

Youth in South Africa are persons of the ages 14 to 35 and constitute a large part of the potential labour supply and economically active population. The youth are also one of the central focus areas of government and receive priority in national development policies. Very little is known about the role of youth in the economy. The purpose of this article is therefore to explore the position of youth in the South African economy. The survey below will indicate that one of the major problems faced by youth in Africa is the inability to establish a sustainable livelihood. Youth constitute 40 to 65 per cent of the unemployed in African countries, and this figure is rising. This requires alternative policies, in addition to the economic growth policies within the Growth, Employment and Redistribution framework. It has become essential that the scope be broadened for a larger range of solutions.
Mechanisms to improve citizen participation in government and its administration
Authors: Fourie D. J.
Published: August 2019

Citizen participation on any level of government is timeless. The dynamics and the relationships of citizen participation on all levels are unique, due to the fact that many problems and solutions have their roots in the activities of local government and its administration. Furthermore the extension of democracy to all spheres of society and to all tiers of the administrative hierarchy, have been a central theme of the democratisation process in South Africa. The notion of "bringing the government to the people" is important, not only in strengthening civil society, but also in mobilising the population to implement the programmes of reconstruction and development necessary to transform the civil society.
Factors contributing to the success of benchmarking: A South African perspective
Authors: Human J. S. , Shotter M.
Published: August 2019

This study aims to identify the factors that have an influence on the success of benchmarking projects, and finds that listed South African manufacturing companies achieve a high degree of success with their benchmarking projects. The key success factors are a cost-benefit analysis and the formulation of an implementation plan during the planning stage of the process. Other factors include limitation of the scope and length of the project, an optimum number of four partners, the selection of partners of similar size and the inclusion of partners from other industries. It was also found that the compliance with a code of conduct by all the partners and the consideration of ethical and legal aspects are essential elements of success.
Value-Added Tax and its implication for the provision of private health services in Botswana
Authors: Kebonang Zein
Published: August 2019

This paper examines the impact of Value Added Tax on the provision of private health care in Botswana and argues that government cannot succeed in the discharge of its social obligations unless the private sector is also taken on board. The introduction of Value Added Taxation has led to an over-whelming demand for and constraint on government health facilities and a decline in the number of patients seeking private health care service. The government’s success in providing health facilities must be complimented by private sector participation and this can be achieved by providing certain incentives such as zero rating and exempting the provision of certain health care services.
Agricultural development problems in a newly independent, war-ravaged country: Eritrea
Authors: Osman Abubaker , Groenewald J. A.
Published: August 2019

Eritrea obtained independence in 1992, after a century of foreign rule and war. The agricultural sector has been unable to produce enough food for Eritrea and the situation deteriorated substantially during the war with Ethiopia. It has considerable potential for agricultural, including horticultural, production. Eritrea should therefore develop an export base built on agriculture. The rural economy should be transformed from a subsistence to a commercial economy. Agricultural policy could partially achieve this goal by developing incentives, including (nito alis) changes in land tenure systems, improvement of transport, storage and communications infrastructure, marketing services, and also extension and human capital development. Trade policy should focus on gaining access to foreign markets. The government should not attempt to take over entrepreneurial functions, instead it should focus on empowering this sector.
Line managements involvement in people management: A comparison between South Africa and Australia
Authors: Vermeulen Leo
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study was to obtain empirical data on expected shifts of people management activities from human resources managers to line managers. The research was done by means of a cross-cultural survey in South Africa (n=381) and Australia (n=653). The research results clearly indicate that there was a perceived shift of traditional people management functions to line management in both countries. This shift was more prominent in South Africa than in Australia. The main shift in South Africa seemed to be that line managers are increasingly involved in training and development. Equal employment opportunity was seen as the second most important area of change, followed by the use of human resources information systems, industrial relations, and occupational health and safety. Recruitment and selection were seen as the least important areas of change.
Adjuvant chemotherapy in stage II–III operated colon cancer patients from a nontrial cohort in a low colon cancer prevalence country with predominant use of modified CAPOX
Authors: Ramaswamy Anant , Kothari Rushabh , Desouza Ashwin , Gupta Tarachand , Bairwa Sandeep , Kapoor Akhil , Kumar Amit , Ventrapati Pradeep , Ramadwar Mukta , Mandavkar Sarika , Kumar Amit , Chavan Nita , Saklani Avanish , Ostwal Vikas
Published: August 2019

Background: Data regarding the practice of adjuvant chemotherapy, specifically with modified CAPOX, and survival outcomes in operated colon cancer patients from a nontrial cohort in a lower-middle income and low prevalence nation like India is scarce. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent upfront curative resection for colon cancer from January 2013 to December 2016 were analyzed for baseline variables and outcomes. Results: A total of 491 patients underwent curative resection in the predefined time period. The median age of the patients was 53 years (range: 17–87). Patients with Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III disease comprised 7.9%, 44.8%, and 45.4% of the entire cohort, respectively. Patients with Stage I cancer were observed. Adjuvant chemotherapy was planned for 384 patients (78.2%), with the doublet regimens (capecitabine-oxaliplatin, or 5-fluorouracil-oxaliplatin) being used commonly (77.6%). Common toxicities were Hand-foot syndrome (Grade 2/3 - 21.4%) and peripheral neuropathy (Grade 2/3 - 20.1%). About 85% of patients receiving monotherapy (capecitabine or 5 fluorouracil) and 81.2% of patients receiving doublet chemotherapy (mCAPOX or modified FOLFOX-7) completed their planned adjuvant treatment. With a median follow-up of 22 months, estimated 3 years event-free survival was 86%, and overall survival (OS) was 93.6%. Stage, younger age (<50 years), underlying cardiovascular abnormalities, need for dose reductions and noncompletion of planned chemotherapy predicted for inferior estimated 3-year OS on multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Adjuvant chemotherapy especially with modified CAPOX appears well tolerated in the Indian population and early survival outcomes appear to be comparable to published literature.
Palliative chemotherapy in carcinoma nasopharynx
Authors: Patil Vijay M. , Joshi Amit , Noronha Vanita , Talreja Vikas , Simha Vijai , Dhumal Sachin , Bandekar Bhavesh , Chandrasekharan Arun , Prabhash Kumar
Published: August 2019

Introduction: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a rare malignancy. We conducted an audit of systemic therapies received in palliative setting in carcinoma nasopharynx and studied their outcomes. Methods: Patients who underwent first-line palliative systemic chemotherapy between January 2014 and April 2017 for carcinoma nasopharynx at the department of medical oncology at authors' institute were selected for this analysis. Toxicities, responses, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. In addition, a Quality-Adjusted Time without Symptoms or Toxicity analysis with threshold utility analysis was performed. Results: Fifty-one patients were included in this analysis. The indication of palliative chemotherapy was locoregionally recurrent disease in 25 (49.0%) patients and metastatic disease in 26 (51.0%) patients. The overall response rate was 62.0% (n = 33). The median PFS was 225 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 164–274 days) and median OS was 513 days (95% CI: 286–931 days). The restricted mean TOX state duration was 2.6 days (95% CI: 0.3–4.9), restricted mean TWiST duration was 219.2 days (95% CI: 184.0–254.4), and restricted mean REL duration was 74.3 days (95% CI: 38.1–110.4). Conclusion: Systemic cytotoxic therapy in nasopharyngeal cancers is associated with high response rates and clinically meaningful PFS; with low duration of time spent in adverse events.
Patterns of brain metastasis in anaplastic lymphoma kinase - rearranged and epidermal growth factor receptor-mutated lung cancer patients in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Batra Ullas , Mahawar Vivek , Jajodia Ankush , Razdan Avinash , Mahanthi Himanshu , Koyyala Babu Venkata Pradeep
Published: August 2019

Introduction: The optimal management of neuroparenchymal lesions in cases of lung cancer is exigent as this frequent yet notorious complication negatively impacts the morbidity and mortality index. Aims: This study is aimed at recognizing various patterns of neuroparenchymal metastasis in patients of lung cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)- and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive mutations. Material and Methods: The radiological findings of the neuroparenchymal lesions were analyzed and the statistical data were charted. We identified two groups of patients with neuroparenchymal lesions among a cohort of 340 patients having EGFR-positive (68) and ALK-positive (24) mutations (total: 24 + 68 = 92). Results: We observed that among the ALK group, leptomeningeal spread was less compared to EGFR group (2/24 as opposed to 18/68). Morphological heterogeneity and central necrosis in the parenchymal lesion which were associated with unfavorable outcomes were predominant in ALK group (8/24) as opposed to EGFR group (2/68). Ancillary findings but pertinent to survival and morbidity such as presence of perilesional edema, hemorrhage, and hydrocephalus on magnetic resonance imaging were also analyzed. The mutation-specific differential imaging spectrum could be attributed to biological differences between these cancers.
An analysis of implementation of Taguchi method to improve production of pulp on hydrapulper milling
Authors: Hernadewita Hernadewita , Rochmad I , Hendra Hendra , Hermiyetti Hermiyetti , Yuliani E.N.S.
Published: August 2019

Abstract: Taguchi method is one of a design of experimental (DOE), by  using statistical approach to optimize the process parameters and maintaining the minimum variability and also improve the quality of product.  Based on data characterisation, Nominal is Best in Taguchi methods is suitable application in this study. Its describe the procedures and steps that occur in DOE to find an optimum quality parameter corresponding quality characterisation. Nominal is the best applied in milling process of pulp on the hydrapulper with pulp freeness 650 Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF). The result is shown by orthogonal array, Signal-to-Noise (S/N) Ratio and analysis of variances (ANOVA). Three factors cosidered in this study and namely the composition of pulp (waste paper), pulp consistency and milling time. The experiment will conducted after determination of each level and  the appropriate orthogonal array was selected. After measuring of pulp freeness produced by the pulp milling on the hydrapulper, then Signal-to-Noise (S/N) Ratio is calculated. As the conclussion, the factors and levels of optimum freeness obtained, pulp composition in level 1 (100%), pulp consistency at level 2 (8%) and milling time factor in level 2 (45 minutes). The result of experimental verification was interpreted in the conclusion.

Keywords: Taguchi; DOE; pulp; hydrapulper; Nominal is the Best; ANOVA
Effect of routing flexibility on the performance of manufacturing system
Authors: Ali Mohammed , Khan Wasif Ullah
Published: August 2019

This work presented in this paper is based on the simulation of the routing flexibility enabled manufacturing system. In this study four levels of each factor (i.e. routing flexibility, system load conditions, system capacity and four part sequencing rules) are considered for the investigation. The performance of the routing flexibility enabled manufacturing system (RFEMS) is evaluated using three performance measures like make-span time, resource utilization and work-in-process. The analysis of results shows that the performance of the manufacturing system may be improved by adding in routing flexibility at the initial level along with other factors. However, the benefit of this flexibility diminishes at higher levels of routing flexibilities.
A construção estético-retórica da ação social nos gêneros discursivos literomusicais: uma análise do jingle “Retrato do Velho”
Authors: Abreu Diego Candido
Published: August 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar o processo de construção estético-retórica da ação social desempenhada pelos gêneros discursivos fundados no seio da multimodalidade música-palavra, tomando os jingles como um exemplo representativo dessa ampla categoria. O cabedal teórico desta investigação encontra seu embasamento no sistema de ideias e posicionamentos erigidos pelos autores afiliados à escola da Nova Retórica (MILLER, 1984). A metodologia aqui proposta insere-se no viés da pesquisa qualitativa. À luz dos interesses deste trabalho, analiso o jingle Retrato do Velho. A análise sugere que a escolha paradigmática de dadas construções discursivas em articulação com certas estruturas musicais no jingle em questão tem como fundamento um esforço de concretização de determinadas ações sociais pretendidas por seus compositores e intérpretes.
Raising of argumental noun phrase in Brazilian Portuguese under the functional perspective: preliminary results
Authors: Andrade Gustavo Silva
Published: August 2019

Alçamento é definido na literatura como a codificação de sintagma nominal (SN) argumento do predicado encaixado aos limites do predicado da oração matriz, com o qual contrai relações morfossintáticas; são preservadas, assim, as relações semânticas do SN alçado com o predicado encaixado, mas há uma quebra na sua relação morfossintática (NOONAN, 2007). A partir de diferentes tipos de alçamento expressos em diferentes línguas (NOONAN, 2007; GÁRCIA VELASCO, 2013), este trabalho tem como objetivo extrair propriedades relevantes para a descrição de um tipo específico de Alçamento no Português Brasileiro (PB): Alçamento de Sujeito a Sujeito (ASS).
Ainda o ponto de articulação das sibilantes na alteração fonológica primária: dados de crianças portuguesas
Authors: Ramalho Ana Margarida , Freitas Maria João
Published: August 2019

Investigação sobre o perfil fonológico das crianças portuguesas com alterações fonológicas é ainda escassa. No presente artigo, contribui-se para o avanço do trabalho nesta área, estudando-se a aquisição do contraste de ponto de articulação coronal [±anterior] na classe das sibilantes, com base em dados relativos a sete crianças com alterações fonológicas primárias (associadas a perturbações dos sons da fala ou a perturbação do desenvolvimento da linguagem). Os dados foram recolhidos através da aplicação do teste CLCP‑PE, tendo sido transcritos e analisados no software de análise fonológica PHON. Os resultados demonstraram a existência de padrões preferenciais e ordens de aquisição quanto à emergência e estabilização dos contrastes inerentes ao ponto de articulação das sibilantes ([-soante; -contínuo; coronal [±anterior]] >> [-soante; +contínuo; coronal [±anterior]] >> [+soante; +contínuo; coronal [±anterior]]) e ao vozeamento ([-vozeado]>>[+vozeado]), assim como o impacto da constituência silábica (Ataque >> Coda), tendo sido observada uma inesperada preferência por [s] para a Coda fricativa.
The Rewards of Fiscal Consolidation
Authors: David Antonio , Guajardo Jaime , Yepez Juan
Published: August 2019

This paper investigates the effects of fiscal consolidation announcements on sovereign
spreads in a panel of 21 emerging market economies during 2000-18. We construct a
novel dataset using a global news database to identify the precise announcement date of
fiscal consolidation actions. Our results show that sovereign spreads decline significantly
following news that austerity measures have been approved by the legislature (congress or
parliament), in periods of high sovereign spreads or in countries under an IMF program.
In addition, consolidation announcements are less contractionary when sovereign spreads
decline, with the reduction in output being half of the counterfactual case in which spreads
do not respond to announcements. These results constitute direct evidence that confidence
effects, in the form of lower sovereign spreads, are an important transmission channel of
fiscal shocks. We also find that the role of confidence effects increases with the level of
spreads such that countries with high spread levels stand to benefit the most from putting
in place credible austerity packages.
Informality and the Challenge of Pension Adequacy
Authors: Freudenberg Christoph , Toscani Frederik
Published: August 2019

Past reforms have put the Peruvian pension system on a largely fiscally sustainable path, but the system faces important challenges in providing adequate pension levels for a large share of the population. Using administrative microdata at the affiliate level, we project replacement rates in the defined benefit (DB) and defined contribution (DC) pillars over the next 30 years and simulate the impact of various reform scenarios on the average level and distribution of pensions. In the DB pillar, the regressive minimum contribution period should be re-thought, while in the DC pillar a broadening of the contribution base and/or an increase in contribution rates would help increase replacement rates relative to the baseline forecast of 25-33 percent. A higher net real rate of return than assumed in the baseline would also have a significant positive impact. In the medium-term, labor market reform to tackle informality, and a broad pension reform to restructure the system and avoid competition between the DB and DC pillars should be a priority. Given low pension coverage, having a strong non-contributory pillar will remain important for the foreseeable future.
Climate Disaster Risks – Empirics and a Multi-Phase Dynamic Model
Authors: Mittnik Stefan , Semmler Willi , Haider Alexander
Published: August 2019

Recent research in financial economics has shown that rare large disasters have the potential to disrupt financial sectors via the destruction of capital stocks and jumps in risk premia. These disruptions often entail negative feedback e?ects on the macroecon-omy. Research on disaster risks has also actively been pursued in the macroeconomic models of climate change. Our paper uses insights from the former work to study disaster risks in the macroeconomics of climate change and to spell out policy needs. Empirically the link between carbon dioxide emission and the frequency of climate re-lated disaster is investigated using cross-sectional and panel data. The modeling part then uses a multi-phase dynamic macro model to explore this causal nexus and the e?ects of rare large disasters resulting in capital losses and rising risk premia. Our proposed multi-phase dynamic model, incorporating climate-related disaster shocks and their aftermath as one phase, is suitable for studying mitigation and adaptation policies.
Drivers of Cross-Border Banking in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Mathieu Paul , Pani Marco , Chen Shiyuan , Maino Rodolfo
Published: August 2019

Using data collected from pan-African banks’ (PABs), balance sheets and other sources (Orbis, Fitch), this study identifies some key patterns of cross-border investment in bank subsidiaries by key banking groups in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and discusses some of the determinants of this investment. Using a gravity model relating the annual value of a banking group’s investment in the net equity of its subsidiaries to a set of explanatory variables, the analysis finds that cross-border banking is in part driven by a search for yield, diversification, and expansion for strategic reasons.
Germany
Authors:   International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
Published: August 2019

Germany’s economic performance has been strong for the past decade, but external factors and structural challenges are now weighing on growth. The export-dependent economy has been hit by the recent slowdown in global demand, while medium-term growth is expected to fall due to low productivity growth and adverse demographics. External imbalances remain large, partly reflecting rising top income inequality, macro-financial vulnerabilities are rising, and the financial sector continues to suffer from weak profitability. Still, fundamentals are sound, with public and private balance sheets remaining healthy, and the unemployment rate at record lows. Inflation is subdued, but wage growth is continuing to pick up, reflecting the strength of the labor market and increasingly binding capacity constraints.
Statement by The Managing Director on the Work Program of The Executive Board
Authors:   International Monetary Fund
Published: August 2019

This Work Program translates the strategic directions and policy priorities laid out in the Spring 2019 Global Policy Agenda and the International Monetary and Financial Committee Communiqué into an Executive Board agenda for the next twelve months. Its main policy priorities and related deliverables are as follows:

• Support domestic policies to enhance resilience and inclusion:
• Upgrade global cooperation to level the playing field and address other shared challenges
• Adapt the Fund’s toolkits to lead and support change:
• Continue to modernize the Fund to deliver for the future:
Lake sedimentation as an agent of postglacial transformation of interfluves and fluvial landscapes of the Borisoglebsk Upland, Central European Russia
Authors: Garankina Ekaterina V. , Belyaev Vladimir R. , Shorkunov Ilya G. , Shishkina Yuliya V. , Andreev Pavel V. , Sheremetskaya Elena D.
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Borisoglebsk Upland is considered an example of a
secondary upland plain in the marginal zone of the last Middle Pleistocene
glaciation. Moraine hills and kames were reworked by glaciofluvial processes
and incised by small fluvial forms later. Its postglacial surface drift
cover is regularly defined as an undivided complex of mantle loams of
dominantly subaerial origin with characteristic cryogenic features and
remnants of paleosols. However, some previous studies suggest that lake
sedimentation played an important role in the postglacial history of the
Borisoglebsk Upland. This paper presents results of a detailed investigation
of postglacial sedimentary cover of the eastern part of the Borisoglebsk
Upland aimed to reconstruct the co-evolution of surface deposits, soil cover
and geomorphic landscapes since degradation of the last Middle Pleistocene
glaciation about 150 ka (MIS-6). The study is essentially based on a
comprehensive lithological, pedological and geocryological description of
postglacial deposits in cores (hand or machine-driven) and open sections,
systematic sampling for grain size analysis and selective sampling for
14C absolute dating and monoliths structural examination. The results
indicate that most of the surface drifts in this feature consists of
stratified lacustrine deposits. Their Late Pleistocene age is
stratigraphically confined by the underlying paleosols and incorporated
peats of the Mikulino interglacial age (MIS-5) and several organic-rich
layers within the lake sequence 14C dated to the Middle Valdai
interstadial (MIS-3). Overlying mantle loams and colluvial deposits with
cryogenic features and low organic matter content those facially substitute
lacustrine sediments were attributed to the Late Valdai stadial (MIS-2).
After the Mid-Holocene stabilization, relatively thin colluvial cover
identified by the increased amount of organic matter also deposited. We
conclude that lacustrine sedimentation is the primary Late Pleistocene agent
that transformed the initial glacial topography and most characteristic type
of lithodynamics of the eastern Borisoglebsk Upland.
Integrated approach to study river fluxes, water and sediment sources apportionment in sparsely monitored catchment
Authors: Chalov Sergey , Terskii Pavel , Pluntke Thomas , Efimova Ludmila , Efimov Vasiliy , Belyaev Vladimir , Terskaia Anna , Habel Michal , Karthe Daniel , Bernhofer Christian
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The paper presents an integrated approach for the apportionment of water and sediment sources and pathways in ungauged territories. The approach comprises various elements such as a large-scale semi-distributed hydrological and erosion model (using the SWAT tool), a statistical assessment of regular discharge data, the discrimination of runoff sources using end-member mixing analysis (EMMA), the apportionment of sediment sources using fingerprinting technique and sediment concentration and water discharge hysteresis rating curves analyses. The approach has been applied to Western Dvina River Basin (WDRB). The results discussed in the paper indicate main features of the water and sediment regime. The components of the presented framework provide a guide for detailed water and sediment studies making it an inexpensive way to develop a roadmap to understand important hydrological processes at a watershed scale.
Two-dimensional hydrodynamic modelling of channel processes and floods characteristics at the confluence of the Amur and Zeya rivers
Authors: Fingert Eugeniya , Krylenko Inna , Belikov Vitaly , Golovlyov Pavel , Zavadskii Aleksandr , Samokhin Mikhail
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Two-dimensional hydrodynamic STREAM_2D
model have been applied to the confluence of Amur and Zeya rivers. Main flow
characteristics and possible channel changes are considered during modeling
for two scenarios – without dams near Big Heihe Island (1) and with four
dams in the side channels around the island (2). Results of modeling
demonstrate impact of dams construction on flow concentrating in the main
channel, which can lead to increasing of flow velocities and subsequent
erosion in main Amur River channel downstream the river confluence.
Ervin Sinkó's Search for Community: The Early Years, 1898-1919
Authors: Deák George
Published: August 2019

Before the political shift that occurred in1989, the biographies of early communists who had participated in the Hungarian Soviet Republic of 1919 could not be the subjects of critical histories. Later, such historical actors were either vilified or simply neglected. This article contributes to the reversal of this neglect by examining the youth of the novelist Ervin Sinkó (1898-1967), who both participated in the rule of the Soviet Republic and authored Optimisták, Történelmi regény 1918-1919-ből [‘The Optimists, a Historical Novel About 1918-1919’]. This article describes how the experience of anti-Semitism and traumas caused by the First World War led Sinkó through a number of fluid, intermediary stages that culminated in his support of communism; eventually, however, Sinkó’s experiences within the Soviet Republic’s regime prompted him to abandon communism in favor of an idiosyncratic form of Christianity. From another perspective, this work also traces the concurrent development of Sinkó's personality, from that of an aggressive adolescent to a compassionate adult.
A New Historical Myth from Hungary: The Legend of Colonel Ferenc Koszorús as the Wartime Savior of the Jews of Budapest. Review Article of Jeszenszky, Géza, ed. July 1944: Deportation of the Jews of Budapest Foiled. Reno, Nevada: Helena History Press, 2018, pp. 317. Distributed by CEU Press.
Authors: Pastor Peter
Published: August 2019

This book is a compilation of essays by authors who were previously published elsewhere. Its main focus is on Ferenc Koszorús, a wartime colonel of the Hungarian army fighting as an ally of Germany who ostensibly was responsible for saving the Jews of Budapest with the so-called Koszorús Action during the German occupation of Hungary. Some of the articles also examine the roles of Regent Miklós Horthy and the Hungarian government in the destruction of close to one half million of its Jewish citizens, mostly in German death camps. The reviewer marshals facts, documentation, and works by prominent historians to demonstrate that Koszorús had little to do with the survival of the Budapest Jews in July 1944. The myth of Koszorús as a wartime champion of the Jews was invented by the colonel himself in his postwar memoirs. In the volume, the editor Géza Jeszenszky points out that most non-Jewish Hungarians were either active supporters of the deportations or were passive bystanders. It may be this sad fact that prompted him to mythologize and create a hero who allegedly saved the life of three hundred-thousand Jews.