bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Website Quality Model Investigating the Loyalty of South African Consumers towards Travel Websites
Authors: Omoruyi O.
Published: May 2018

Due to the increase in the need for travel by international visitors, it is important that organisations consider key attributes of website quality, namely information quality and system quality to encourage and enhance consumer loyalty overtime. Drawing from Delone and McLean’s theory, this research argues that information quality and system quality are antecedents of travel website quality, of which the latter is a predictor of consumer loyalty. A quantitative research approach was adopted by way of a survey methodology and data were analysed usingSmart PLS software for structural equation modelling (SEM). Based on the theoretical review, a research framework detailing the hypotheses relationships among the research constructs was developed. Based on the research findings, the results provide support for the proposed positive relationships among the research constructs.
Relationship between National Culture and Development
Authors: Zuva Tranos , Worku Zeleke
Published: May 2018

Culture, as it is defined and well understood, differentiates one group from the other; in more general form, one country from the other. Culture then influences the behaviour and how we think in our everyday lives but so far culture of any group can only be measured in terms of a collection of cultural dimensions. This has made it difficult to establish whether there is any relationship between culture and any other social factors. In this study we derived national culture index from the four (4) Hofstede cultural dimensions (power (equality versus inequality), collectivism (versus individualism), uncertainty avoidance (versus uncertainty tolerance), masculinity (versus femininity)) using geo-mean formula. We then investigated whether there is any relationship between national culture index and national development index. In doing this we endeavoured to answer the question “Is There Really a Relationship Between Culture and Development?” posed by Mbakogu (2004:38). The data used for our experiments for Hofstede’s dimensions of national culture values were retrieved from Hofstede website that has an open licence for academic researchers. Data for human development national index were retrieved from UNDP website (Letter of consent was obtained from UNDP officials). The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated (r=0.083, p=0.502>0.05), which indicated that there is very negligible positive relationship between cultural index values and the development index values. Since the value of p is greater than the significance level of 0.05, we concluded that there is inconclusive evidence about the significance of the association established between National Culture Index and National Development Index. Since we currently have a national culture index, researchers can now talk about culture as a homogeneous unit. Researchers may use the national culture index to investigate relationship between culture and any other social factors. In future we intend to use other cultural dimensions proposed by other researchers to present a national culture index.
Dynamic Capabilities as Determinants of Supply Chain Performance in Small to Medium Enterprises in Gauteng Province
Authors: Lavhelani Phathutshedzo David , Omoruyi Osayuwamen , Chinomona Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

The objective of the study is to investigate dynamic capabilities, service quality and relationship longevity as determinates of supply chain performance in small to medium enterprises in Gauteng province by focusing on small and medium enterprises in the Vaal region. The study will contribute to the body of knowledge by addressing dynamic capabilities as determinates of supply chain performance in small to medium enterprises. The study employs a quantitative method of data collection. Permission was sought from SME owners. Once permission was granted, the questionnaires were sent out to SME owners. A total 425 participates were chosen to participate in this study. The researcher used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 24.0) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS 24.0) to analyse the data. Sample data from SME owners/managersof Vaal region was collected for the final data analysis of this project. The sample data were analysed by performing a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM). The principal finding of this study reveals that dynamic capabilities, relationship longevity and service quality have an impact on supply chain performance. The conclusions and implications of the research findings are provided and recommendations are suggested.
Causes of Poor Service Delivery and the Feasibility of Outsourcing to Improve Services in Local Authorities
Authors: N. Wadesango , C. Mhaka , T. Chikomo , O Wadesango V
Published: May 2018

This theoretical paper was undertaken to ascertain the causes of poor service delivery and to establish if outsourcing of public service delivery could be used to improve local Authority services. It interrogated and critiqued documents on what other researchers in their different contexts had established in view of the feasibility of outsourcing as a strategy to improve service delivery. It emerged in this study that political interference, lack of citizen participation. lack of funds and corruption were the main causes of poor service delivery in local authorities. Therefore, outsourcing was seen to bring quality and affordable services for the public while costs savings and emergence of hidden costs were the financial implications unveiled for the local authorities (LAs). Social costs, accountability for public service delivery and quality shading were cited to be the outsourcing challenges.  It also emerged in this study that outsourcing can increase service quality and provide affordable services for the public. Taking into account the information that was accumulated and examined, the researchers came to the conclusion that the current services being offered by local authorities are very poor and this is attributed to many causes such as political interference, lack of citizen participation, lack of funds and corruption. The study therefore, concludes that outsourcing could be a feasible option to use to improve service delivery by local authorities.
Talent Management Predictors that Adversely Affect Job Satisfaction at a South African Parastatal
Authors: Lekgothoane Patrick , Maleka Molefe , Worku Zeleke
Published: May 2018

The purpose of the study was to quantify talent management predictors that adversely affect job satisfaction (JS). The literature review revealed that talent management predictors (i.e. neglecting experience during recruitment and appointment of managers, and supervisors’ lack of confidence in the achievement of goals) adversely affected JS. The research design was cross-sectional, pre-experimental, and a survey. Data were collected at a parastatal business unit with a population size of 800.Using calculating statistics, the appropriate sample size was n=204. The sample was stratified by gender and occupation. Data were collected by means of a validated questionnaire and analyzed by means of frequencies, and logit analysis. Bayesian analyses were used to test the hypotheses. The three hypotheses were supported; showing that employees are more likely to be dissatisfied if their experience was not considered during recruitment, if their experience was neglected when managers were appointed irrespective of their gender, and if supervisors lacked confidence that the organizational strategic goals would be achieved. Recommendations for future research are made. This study has implications for managers in the sense that if they do not factor in experience, i.e. during recruitment and appointment, they might have supervisors who do not have confidence in expressing the strategic goals of the parastatal. This study adds value to the existing body of knowledge by quantifying talent management factors using odds ratios to determine talent management predictors that adversely affect JS.
Assessing the Impact of Skilled Labor on Output Growth in South Africa: An ARDL Bound Testing Approach
Authors: Okoli Tochukwu Timothy , Tewari Devi Datt , N.O. Eneh George
Published: May 2018

Economic theory emphasized the necessity of skill acquisition and conservation as a precondition for growth. This paper investigates the extent to which skilled labor can contribute to output growth in South Africa in the long run. The theoretical framework employed was based on Hicks neutral augmented CobbDouglas production function to account for the impact of technological progress on labor and capital. Skilled labor was measured with three parameters of experience (learning-by-doing), special training and educational attainments. The methodology employed the ARDL bound testing approach and found that whereas there is no short run causality running from the independent variables to the dependent variable, there was a long run causality running from the measures of skilled labor to growth. The coefficient of the ECT was both significant and negative; therefore, the system gets adjusted towards their long run equilibrium steady state at the speed of 23 percent annually. This means that the measures of skilled labor contribute to growth in the long run to the tune of 23 percent annually. The study therefore recommends investments in human capital through education and special trainings as well as to encourage knowledge transfer through globalization and from one generation to another to conserve skills.
The Moderating Role of Job Satisfaction on Workplace Absenteeism and Substance use amongst the Employees at a Power Utility in Mpumalanga
Authors: Jaarsveld Diana Van , Keyser Elsabé
Published: May 2018

This article concentrates on the extent to which job satisfaction predicts absenteeism and substance use levels, and also investigates the moderating effect of job satisfaction on absenteeism and substance use levels amongst employees at a power utility in Mpumalanga. This study is based on data gathered from a survey regarding job satisfaction, absenteeism and the substance consumption levels of employees, its antecedents and outcomes. A total of 239 permanent employees based at a power utility in Mpumalanga participated in the research study. These employees were employed in a permanent position at the power utility, gave consent to participate in the research study willingly and were employed for more than three months. The core findings of this study revealed that the frequency of substance consumption influences employee absenteeism and that job satisfaction indeed plays a moderating role on the relationship between substance consumption levels and employee absenteeism. The findings of this study can assist management to understand the relationship between substance consumption and absenteeism and how job satisfaction influences this relationship in order torestrict unnecessary absenteeism properly. The study added value to the field of study by providing complementary scientific research to the lacking literature. In addition, it confirms international findings and its applicability in the energy sector.
Challenge’s Impeding Regional Integration in Southern Africa
Authors: Mlambo Victor H , Mlambo Daniel N
Published: May 2018

Regional integration through the establishment of regional groupings has been taunted as a gateway to regional development and growth, the coming together of countries to share and contribute to knowledge, policy development, peace and security, trade and educational development is undoubtedly seen as the key to the development of Southern Africa. However, regional integration in Southern Africa has been hampered by numerous challenges which have derailed the quest of regional countries to deepen integration and cooperation. By strictly analyzing relevant literature related to regional integration in Southern Africa, it became evident that the region is engulfed with serious challenges that are hindering the quest for deeper integration, and often this is further compounded by internal economic challenges that members’ states are faced with. The study uncovered the fact that regional integration has been difficult to entrench as member states are confronted with numerous internal challenges which are diverting their need to focus on regional matters. Consequently, regional integration is under threat in Southern Africa as many countries are not effectively prioritizing the development of policies aimed at aiding its entrenchment, mainly because of the significance of the challenges that they are facing and this will further affect members’ states regarding socioeconomic development. The study underscored the importance for regional governments to cooperate on issues of common threats and urgently develop and institute policies/mechanisms that would ensure the entrenchment of regional integration and more importantly its sustainability.
Leaf micromorphology, antioxidative activity and a new record of 3-deoxyamphoricarpolide of relict and limestone endemic Amphoricarpos elegans Albov (compositae) from Georgia
Authors: Gavrilovic Milan , Tesevic Vele , Djordjevic Iris , Rajcevic Nemanja , Bakhia Arsena , Garcia Jacas , Susanna Alfonso , Marin Petar , Janackovic Pedja
Published: May 2018

We examined for the first time the leaf micromorphology, phytochemistry and biological activity of the rare and stenoendemic Amphoricarpos elegans Albov (Compositae) from Georgia. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of glandular trichomes on the leaves, which appeared as glandular dots that are considered the main sites of biosynthesis and accumulation of sesquiterpene lactones. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analyses, we identify and characterized 3-deoxyamphoricarpolide, a known sesquiterpene lactone for the genus Amphoricarpos Vis. Regarding chemotaxonomic significance, 3-deoxyamphoricarpolide represents a link between Balkan and Caucasian species of the genus. The antioxidative capacity of different leaf extracts, obtained using a Soxhlet extractor, was evaluated by two radical scavenging assays: DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical and the 2,2?-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined. The highest antioxidative activity and the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents were detected in the methanol fraction, as a result of the contribution of not only phenols, but probably also lactones. The considerable antioxidative potential indicates possible applications in pharmacy and medicine.
Aggressiveness in the HEXACO personality model
Authors: Sokolovska Valentina , Dinic Bojana , Tomasevic Aleksandar
Published: May 2018

The a im of this research was to examine the relations between the HEXACO facets and aggressiveness components (anger, vengefulness, domination, hostility, reactive aggression, proactive aggression, and indirect aggression). On a sample of 654 participants from general population, HEXACO?60, Aggressiveness Questionnaire AVDH, Reactive?Proactive Aggression Questionnaire (RPQ), and Indirect Aggression Scale (IAS) were applied. The results of the community structure network analysis provided the most informative insight into these relations and showed that all aggressiveness components formed a single community with the Agreeableness facets. Thereby, facet Patience was the strongest correlate of anger, and hostility had the highest clustering coefficient, which brings together the Agreeableness facets and aggressiveness components. Although Honesty?Humility formed a separate community, some of its facets had strong isolated connections with indirect aggression and dominance. The results revealed that Agreeableness is a dominant correlate of aggressiveness and captures all aggressiveness components, while Honesty? Humility is related to specific components, referring to a manifestation of aggressiveness in a more subtle and indirect way.
Interleukin-6 Reduces β-Cell Oxidative Stress by Linking Autophagy With the Antioxidant Response
Authors: Marasco Michelle R. , Conteh Abass M. , Reissaus Christopher A. , Cupit John E. , Appleman Evan M. , Mirmira Raghavendra G. , Linnemann Amelia K.
Published: May 2018

Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a key instigator of β-cell dysfunction in diabetes. The pleiotropic cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) has previously been linked to β-cell autophagy but has not been studied in the context of β-cell antioxidant response. We used a combination of animal models of diabetes and analysis of cultured human islets and rodent β-cells to study how IL-6 influences antioxidant response. We show that IL-6 couples autophagy to antioxidant response and thereby reduces ROS in β-cells and human islets. β-Cell-specific loss of IL-6 signaling in vivo renders mice more susceptible to oxidative damage and cell death through the selective β-cell toxins streptozotocin and alloxan. IL-6-driven ROS reduction is associated with an increase in the master antioxidant factor NRF2, which rapidly translocates to the mitochondria to decrease mitochondrial activity and stimulate mitophagy. IL-6 also initiates a robust transient decrease in cellular cAMP levels, likely contributing to the stimulation of mitophagy to mitigate ROS. Our findings suggest that coupling autophagy to antioxidant response in β-cells leads to stress adaptation that can reduce cellular apoptosis. These findings have implications for β-cell survival under diabetogenic conditions and present novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM ELECTROSPINNING UNTUK MENSINTESIS NANOFIBER POLIVINIL ALKOHOL DAN KARAKTERISASINYA
Authors: Santosa Aa , Widianto Eri , Restianto Ferry
Published: May 2018

Telah dilakukan penelitian tentang rancang bangun sistem electrospinning untuk mensintesis nanofiber polivinil alkohol (PVA) dan karakterisasinya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah membuat electrospinning dengan memodifikasi syringe pump yang dapat bergerak kanan-kiri. Mesin electrospinning dibuat dari komponen-komponen yang mudah diperoleh. Pengujian electrospinning dilakukan dengan mensintesis nanofiber dari polimer PVA. Karakterisasi nanofiber PVA menggunakan Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), hasil karakterisasi menggunakan SEM menunjukan ukuran diameter rata-rata nanofiber sebesar (151,26  ± 27,47078) nm dan (152,89  ± 17,0341) nm masing-masing untuk jarak needle ke collector 15 cm dan 12 cm. Hasil menunjukan bahwa mesin electrospinning yang dibuat dapat menghasilkan serat (fiber) dengan ukuran nanometer.
Dynamics of selenium uptake and metabolism of organic selenium species in the leaves and seeds of Brassica napus L.
Authors: Seppänen Mervi M , Ebrahimi Nashmin , Kontturi Juha , Hartikainen Helinä , Lopez Heras Isabel , Cámara Carmen , Madrid Yolanda
Published: May 2018

The essential micronutrient selenium (Se) is retained better in animal and human tissues in its organic forms while nonprotein selenoamino acids, such as selenomethylselenocysteine (SeMetSeCys), are considered as functional organic Se species. We studied the ability of oilseed rape Brassica napus to metabolize inorganic selenate/selenite (SeVI/SeIV) into various organic Se species, including SeMetSeCys. At 14 d after the inorganic Se application, 33% of the Se had accumulated as selenomethionine (SeMet) and 60% as SeVI, whereas no SeMetSeCys was detected. SeMet was the main organic Se species (53−94%) in seeds. Brassica napus selenocysteine methyltransferase (SMT) protein sequence revealed a substitution typical of nonaccumulators explaining the low SeMetSeCys accumulation. Brassica napus absorbs rapidly inorganic Se and converts it into organic Se forms, mainly SeMet, that are suitable for augmenting animal feed and thereby supplementing the human food chain in Se-deficient countries. In contrast, Se biofortification did not result in accumulation of the more valuable SeMetSeCys.
Interspecific competition changes photosynthetic and oxidative stress response of barley and barnyard grass to elevated CO2 and temperature
Authors: Januskaitiene Irena , Žaltauskaitė Jūratė , Dikšaitytė Austra , Sujetovienė Gintarė , Miškelytė Diana , Kacienė Giedrė , Sakalauskienė Sandra , Miliauskienė Jurga , Juknys Romualdas
Published: May 2018

This work focuses on the investigation of competition interaction between C3 crop barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and C4 weed barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.) at 2 times higher than ambient [CO2] and +4 0C higher ambient temperature climate conditions. It was hypothesized that interspecific competition will change the response of the investigated plants to increased [CO2] and temperature. The obtained results showed that in the current climate conditions, a higher biomass and photosynthetic rate and a lower antioxidant activity were detected for barley grown under interspecific competition effect. While in the warmed climate and under competition conditions opposite results were detected: a higher water use efficiency, a higher photosynthetic performance, a lower dissipated energy flux and a lower antioxidant enzymes activity were detected for barnyard grass plants. This study highlights that in the future climate conditions, barnyard grass will become more efficient in performance of the photosynthetic apparatus and it will suffer from lower oxidative stress caused by interspecific competition as compared to barley.
Ikäihmisten kokemukset terveydenhuollon sähköisten palvelujen käytöstä ja kokemusten hyödyntäminen palvelujen kehittämisessä – kuvaileva kirjallisuuskatsaus
Authors: Rosenlund Milla , Kinnunen Ulla-Mari
Published: May 2018

Lähivuosien sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon palvelujen sähköistämisen yhtenä tarkoituksena on tukea kansalaisen aktiivisempaa otetta oman hyvinvointinsa ylläpitämiseksi ja edistämiseksi. Uudet teknologiat ja palvelujen sähköistäminen voivat kuitenkin aiheuttaa eriarvoistumista väestöryhmien välillä, sillä esimerkiksi ikääntyneiden valmiudet sähköisten palvelujen käyttöön ovat muita ryhmiä matalampia.

Ikäihmisten osuus väestörakenteesta kasvaa lähitulevaisuudessa voimakkaasti suurten ikäluokkien eläköitymisen, kuolleisuuden alenemisen sekä toisaalta lasten ja työikäisten osuuden vähenemisen seurauksena. Tämän vuoksi vanhimmista ikäluokista tulee entistä merkittävämpi sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon käyttäjäryhmä. Sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon palvelujen sähköistäminen vaikuttaa lähivuosina voimakkaasti sosiaali- ja terveydenhuollon palvelujen järjestämiseen. Tämän artikkelin tarkoituksena on kuvailevan kirjallisuuskatsauksen menetelmin kuvata, minkälaisia kokemuksia ikäihmisillä on terveydenhuollon sähköisten palvelujen käytöstä ja mitkä tekijät vaikuttavat terveydenhuollon sähköisten palvelujen käyttöön. Lisäksi katsauksessa kartoitetaan ikäihmisten sähköisten palvelujen käytössä kokemia ongelmakohtia, joita tulisi huomioida ikäihmisille suunnattujen palvelujen järjestelmäkehityksessä alusta alkaen.

Katsaukseen valikoituneiden artikkeleiden (n=36) perusteella havaittiin, että ikäihmisten kokemukset terveydenhuollon sähköisten palvelujen käytöstä ovat pääasiallisesti myönteisiä. Käyttöön vaikuttavat monet tekijät, joiden vaikutus on usein yksilöllinen. Joitakin yleisiä olettamia tekijöiden vaikutuksesta voidaan kuitenkin löytää. Havaitut ongelmakohdat liittyvät usein järjestelmien, sovellusten ja apuvälineiden käytettävyyteen. Yleisesti ongelmia aiheuttavat hahmottamiseen liittyvät seikat kuten sivustojen ja sovellusten ulkoasu, liian pienet fontit tai painikkeet sekä hankala navigointirakenne. Lisäksi tutkimuksessa havaittiin tietoturvaan liittyviä huolia sekä käyttäjän kokemaa leimautumisen tunnetta.
Los lazos sexo-afectivos: modos de ejercicio de cuidado en mujeres privadas de libertad
Authors: Colanzi Irma
Published: May 2018

El ejercicio de cuidado es un derecho que se despliega de manera específica en diferentes ámbitos. El propósito de este artículo es abordar los lazos sexo-afectivos en mujeres privadas de su libertad, en tanto un tipo de ejercicio de cuidado.

A tal fin, en el trabajo se presentan las lógicas sexo-afectivas en la situación de mujeres encarceladas en el Servicio Penitenciario Bonaerense (SPB), contemplando los aportes del giro emocional. A partir de la definición de la politicidad de las emociones, como actividad de cuidado, se analizan los vínculos entre mujeres presas, y las emociones que ellas muestran en relación con sus familias, actores involucrados en la situación de privación de libertad y entre las propias mujeres detenidas. En el artículo se analizan las emociones de las mujeres privadas de libertad y la especificidad de las mismas a partir de los modos de organización colectiva entre mujeres, tomando la noción de redes de affidamento. El artículo pretende complejizar la definición de cuidado a partir del aporte del giro emocional y contribuye al estudio de la especificidad de las mujeres en las tramas del poder punitivo.
Polosecki y la búsqueda de nuevas aventuras culturales
Authors: Bugin Cintia
Published: May 2018

Desde una mirada anclada en la actualidad, la autora analiza las innovaciones que introdujeron en el espacio televisivo los programas El otro lado (1993-1994) y El visitante (1995), de Fabián Polosecki. A partir de rastrear sus huellas en las obras televisivas actuales, el trabajo aborda el periodismo, la ética y la estética televisiva, lo audiovisual y sus formas narrativas, y reflexiona sobre los modos de hacer y de recrear la televisión contemporánea.
Periodismo de investigación en la televisión argentina
Authors: González Néstor Daniel
Published: May 2018

El siguiente artículo recorre la historia del periodismo de investigación televisivo en argentina desde sus inicios con el Primer Telenoticioso Argentino, en 1956. Parte de la propuesta de pensar la fundación del género como contemporánea a la obra de Rodolfo Walsh con el libro Operación Masacre, y finaliza indicando la necesidad de seguir reflexionando sobre los sentidos que construye la televisión argentina en sus pantallas, en tiempos de posverdad y crisis del Estado de Derecho en la Argentina.
Cuatreros de la memoria
Authors: Gómez Lía
Published: May 2018

El escrito aborda el último filme de la cineasta argentina Albertina Carri, Cuatreros (2016), a partir de la relectura del texto Isidro Velázquez. Formas pre revolucionarias de la violencia (1968), del sociólogo, y padre de Albertina, Roberto Carri, detenido desaparecido por la última Dictadura cívico militar argentina. Este libro, reeditado en 2015 por la Biblioteca Nacional, recorre toda la obra del escritor, cuyo problema central lo constituye la construcción de las formas de la memoria.
La cámara en movimiento. A cuarenta años del cierre de la Escuela de Cinematografía de La Plata
Authors: Galuk Igor
Published: May 2018

El autor da cuenta en este artículo del trabajo de recuperación llevado a cabo por un grupo de realizadores, nucleados en el Movimiento Audiovisual Platense (MAP), que se propuso realizar una película documental que rescatara la historia de la Escuela de Cinematografía de La Plata (Argentina), creada por Cándido Moneo Sanz, en 1955, y luego declarada extinta y finalmente cerrada por la última Dictadura cívico militar, en 1978.
La fricción como estímulo. El deseo de una revista de cine en papel
Authors: Ceccarelli Pablo , Lostra Agustín
Published: May 2018

Los autores estructuran el presente texto en torno a los principales objetivos que se proponen desde Pulsión. Revista de cine, publicación impresa que se edita en la ciudad de La Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Su visión de la crítica y el papel que esta ocupa en la escena audiovisual local y regional son los ejes a partir de los cuales los responsables de la revista pretenden hacer de este medio una intersección de conversaciones que contribuyan a conformar una comunidad audiovisual.
Perdida. Dudas y preguntas sobre el cine latinoamericano hecho por mujeres
Authors: Valdez María
Published: May 2018

A partir de la película Perdida (2010), de la mexicana Viviana García Besné, la autora reflexiona sobre la dificultad de definir el cine hecho por mujeres en América Latina al que ubica, en la actualidad, en un estado de permanentes planteamientos que atañen no solo a los mecanismos de producción, de distribución y de exhibición de las películas sino, también, a sus propios mecanismos enunciativos.
Perón, sinfonía de un sentimiento
Authors: Peña Fernando Martín , Félix Didier Paula
Published: May 2018

El texto se construye como una reflexión analítica sobre Perón. Sinfonía de un sentimiento (1999), filme emblemático del cineasta argentino Leonardo Favio que propone un recorrido histórico por la construcción del peronismo como partido del pueblo, por medio de un trabajo con el material de archivo abordado de una manera casi única en la historia de la producción audiovisual argentina.
Cicatriz en la imagen
Authors: Bellini Juan Manuel
Published: May 2018

Este artículo retoma una entrevista radiofónica al director de cine Gustavo Fontán, que dirigió películas sobre el poeta entrerriano Juan L. Ortiz y sobre el escritor santafecino Juan José Saer. Hace hincapié no solo en los filmes sino en la carrera del director y en la obra de los artistas mencionados. Sin descuidar la formación y la enseñanza universitaria de Fontán.
The EU Stabilisation and Association Agreement for the Western Balkans: Between Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Qorraj Gazmend , Jusufi Gezim
Published: May 2018

The role of the European Union (EU) trade liberalisation with the four Western Balkan countres — namely Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania, and Macedonia — is overestimated, as major benefits could be expected mainly from institutional reforms rather than trade creation and economic perspective due to low economic development and a lack of comparative advantages in these countries1. The core issue to be addressed in this article is whether these firms can exploit the opportunities arising from the EU integration process. The aim of this article is to confirm the hypothesis that the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) and trade agreements in the Western Balkans are not sufficient pre-conditions for successful performance and increase of exports by local firms; the main focus should be on the internal performance of firms. The paper analyses and compares the data collected by surveys conducted with local firms in Kosovo in order to measure the impact of the SAA. Finally, the article suggests that in the short and medium run the SAA could support and improve the quality of products, technical standards, and firm competitiveness as a pre-condition for better access to the EU market in the long run.
Right of Access to Supreme Courts in Light of the Guarantees under Article 6 § 1 of the Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (civil aspect)
Authors: Katić Nikolina , Bašić Matea , Briški Morana
Published: May 2018

Right of access to a court, enshrined in Article 6 § 1 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms forms one of the basis for reinforcement of the principle of rule of law. However, the right of access to a court may be limited by provisions of national legislation regulating the functioning of the judicial system and rules of judicial procedure. The higher the hierarchy of the court, the more limits may be placed on the right of access to it. The aim of this article is to examine the different modalities of organisation of supreme judiciaries in European countries (members of the Council of Europe) and mechanisms established in national legislation for filtering applications to those jurisdictions in civil cases, in light of the principles set forth in that regard by the ever evolving case-law of the European Court of Human Rights, and the effects of its judgments and decisions on national legal systems.
Legal Technology for Law Firms: Determining Roadmaps for Innovation
Authors: Kerikmäe Tanel , Hoffmann Thomas , Chochia Archil
Published: May 2018

The business model of many law firms, as legal professions on the whole, will be facing a considerable paradigm change since the work provided by law firms in the form of billable hours, in fact, largely consists of services which do not require superior legal education but involve mere data procession. It is only a question of time that the consequence – to have all outsourceable services be performed by means of legal technology – will become public knowledge in the branch, as the costs saved by the usage of legal technology are considerable. Legal technology, or Legal Tech, in this context represents a broad range of solutions that affect both lawyers and clients on various levels. However, the discourse on automatisation of law has been scant and sporadic. This paper aims to shed some light on the current operating technical solutions for innovation with the primary aim of explicating the different aims and levels of development of different legal technologies.
An Analysis of Public Debt Servicing in Zambia: Trends, Reforms and Challenges
Authors: Saungweme Talknice , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: May 2018

The main goal of this paper is to discuss the dynamics of public debt servicing – both domestic and foreign – in Zambia, tracing the trends, reforms and challenges over the period from 1964 to 2015. The paper shows that the exceptional rise in public debt servicing obligations in Zambia over the period under review has been principally due to high domestic and foreign interest rates, frequent debt rescheduling at commercial rates, and capitalisation of non-liquidated service obligations at commercial rates. Also revealed in the paper is the fact that prior to 2005, Zambia experienced severe public debt servicing problems which eased after 2006 owing to debt relief initiatives and an economic rebound. Among the government debt service reforms discussed in the paper are structural adjustments in foreign exchange management, fiscal and monetary reforms, and aggressive engagement of traditional creditors. Primary among the identified challenges of public debt servicing in Zambia was the insistent economic crises that dogged the country during the study period. Notwithstanding the current public debt service sustainability and remarkable economic performance that characterise the country today, the paper found that the recent contraction of nonconcessional loans by the state poses a threat to debt service sustainability in future. Hence, the paper recommends, among other things, for aligning of public sector infrastructure spending with revenues to ensure budget sustainability, and to continue diversifying the economy to minimise the impact of external commodity price shocks on the economy.
Natural Hazards in Sao Vicente (Cabo Verde)
Authors: Martins Bruno , Lourenço Luciano , Monteiro Sílvia
Published: May 2018

São Vicente island (República de Cabo Verde) lies within the Sahelian zone and faces a number of natural hazards, of which the most significant ones are erosion and gully formation, desertification and flash flooding hazards. Based on examples, we set out to examine the main factors involved in the development of these natural hazards from a regional point of view, while simultaneously assessing the importance of anthropic action as a structural factor. The investigation of Lazareto’s gullies (located to the west of Mindelo) aimed to determine the main factors of the gullies formation. It also sought to demonstrate that the gullies’ formation is a reliable indicator of the high rates of erosion on a regional scale. The approach to the desertification hazards was based on farmers’ perception related to the evolution of agricultural production, strategies to mitigate drought and desertification issues, consequences and future prospects based on a set of interviews conducted in Ribeira da Vinha. Finally, the intense rainfall event that occurred on August 26, 2008 was analysed to identify the main vulnerability factors of the city in light of the flash flood hazard.
Development of Streambed Potholes and the Role of Grinding Stones
Authors: Das Balai Chandra
Published: May 2018

The largest grinding stone episodically stored in pothole is not only responsible for growth of pothole size but also determines its shape. This paper examines the largest grinding stone found in cylindrical potholes and their role in pothole growth using empirical analysis. The largest grinding stone from 34 randomly selected potholes, developed on the riverbed of Subarnarekha River at Ghatshila, Jharkhand, India, were analyzed to have an insight into 1) their sizes and shapes; 2) controls on grinding stone shape; and 3) roles of largest grinding stone on streambed pothole growth. Strong correlation coefficient between the size and weight of grinding stones reveals their similar specific gravity. The pothole depth was proportional to the diameter of the largest grinding stone in it. Concave pothole-floors developed because of abrasion by grinding stones atop floor. A force applied on largest grinding stone depends upon not only eddy velocity within pothole but also on shape of the stone.
Every Start is Challenging: Fitting A New Artificial Lake Into the Landscape, Zalakaros, Hungary
Authors: Boromisza Zsombor , Szilágyi Ferenc , Csányi Béla , Mészáros Szilvia , Gergely Attila
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study is to conclude the experiences of the maintenance practice of an artificial thermal lake. The first years (2015-2017) of the development of the lake were analysed and evaluated along the following questions: a) What kind of design processes and maintenance interventions are related to the process of fitting the lake into the landscape? b) How have the ecological conditions of the lake evolved in the past period (zonation, succession, plantation and colonization)? c) Which general experiences could be gained from the operation of this artificial thermal lake this far? The authors of the present study were already engaged in the planning process, participating in the preparation of four different design documentations. The planting design and the maintenance instructions were based on a physico-chemical monitoring, phytoplankton, zooplankton and macroinvertebrate sampling, and machrophyte assessment. The significant processes during the three years of the lake are presented by functional groups of biota, separately assessing the characteristics of the changes of macrophytes. In 2017 an individual macroinvertebrate assessment was done, moreover a fish die-off occurred in August 2017, which are mentioned separately as well. The data in total suggested that the water of the lake is highly hypertrophic, further machrophyte introduction can prevent the plant nutriments to be absorbed by algae. Partly the algal growth but also the unlucky coincidence of other factors (e.g. high water temperature, cold weather front, maintenance problems) led to the die-off of the spontaneously overpopulated fish stock in 2017.
Assessment of Landscape Conflicts in Motorway Planning, NE Hungary
Authors: Mészáros Szilvia , Gergely Attila , Illyés Zsuzsanna
Published: May 2018

Field surveys are essential in the Hungarian motorway planning process so that it would be possible to assess their impacts on the landscape, since the available databases are insufficient in respect of listing all the valuable elements of the landscape. The aims of the research are to analyse the impacts of the planned M30 Motorway (located in north-eastern Hungary) on the landscape, to enumerate the cultural and natural valuable elements of the landscape near and within the area to be expropriated, to explore the possibilities of their protection and to outline the possible land use conflicts likely to arise after the implementation of the motorway. The main sources used for the research were: landscape, green space management and environmental protection studies made for the modification of the affected settlements’ urban plans, field surveys alongside the entire track, and existing environmental databases. In the case of M30 motorway, the chosen corridor was mostly acceptable in the sections where the motorway track leads along the track of the existing Main Road 3, because it is fitted to an existing linear artificial landscape element, it is basically on the border of two natural micro-regions and can also fit into the existing land use structure. Nevertheless, it is not considered to be the best choice in places where it separates vineyards from vine cellars, where it is located within 50 meters from residential areas or where it passes through small plot vineyards or horticultural areas instead of the arable lands of the nearby plain.
An Assessment of Urban Vegetation Abundance in Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana: A Geospatial Approach
Authors: Owusu Alex Barimah
Published: May 2018

The essential role played by urban vegetation in making urban areas livable is often overlooked in many developing cities. This is the case of Ghana where its capital, Accra is developing at the expense of urban vegetation. This study was conducted at the metropolitan area of Accra to estimate how the extent of vegetation cover has changed in the period of 1986-2013, using remote sensing satellite data from Landsat TM and ETM+. Furthermore, views of key informants were assessed on changes in the livability of the city of Accra which may be attributed to loss of urban green vegetation in the city. It was found that between 1986 and 2013, 42.53 km2 of vegetation was lost representing 64.6% of total vegetation in 1986. The rate of change in vegetation cover between 1986 and 1991 measured around 2.14% of the total land area annually. This however, reduced in the subsequent years measuring 0.26% between 2002 and 2008. Key informants interviewed, also believe that the loss of vegetation in the city creates livability concerns relating to ecosystem functioning, temperature rise and air quality. It is therefore recommended for urban planners and decision makers to address three critical concerns of resilience, sustainability and livability, which are the missing links in the city development agenda.
Approaching Inclusion as Social Practice: Processes of Inclusion and Exclusion
Authors: Hansen Janne Hedegaard , Jensen Charlotte Riis , Lassen Mikkel Christian , Molbæk Mette , Schmidt Maria Christina Secher
Published: May 2018

The article presents the results of a review of international research investigating mechanisms and processes of inclusion and exclusion as an ongoing part of social practice in a school context. The review forms part of a research project investigating the social practices of inclusive education in primary and lower-secondary education (age 6–16) in public schools as constituted by processes of inclusion and exclusion. The project aims to shift the scientific focus of research in inclusive education from the development of pedagogical and didactic practice to the importance of community construction through inclusion and exclusion processes. The project arises in context of Danish education policy, while the review looked for international research findings on the limits between inclusion and exclusion: how they are drawn, by whom, for what reasons, and for whose benefit? On the background of the review, we conclude that there seems to be a pattern of inclusive school practice leading to a specific social order that limits inclusion. The review also shows that the construction of the ideal student through various kinds of markers has a huge impact on these limits. A twin-track approach that combines research in the development of inclusive learning environments with research in the constitution of social practice in a school context will produce knowledge of the relation between inclusive school practice and the reproduction of social structures and patterns of inequality.
Attitude of Parents toward Female-Child Secondary Education in Sokoto State, Nigeria: Implications for Counselling
Authors: Onoyase Anna
Published: May 2018

The study was set out to investigate the attitude of parents toward female-child secondary education in Sokoto State, Nigeria. One research question and one hypothesis were formulated to guide the study. The study is a descriptive survey and made use of ex-post facto design. The researcher made use of purposive sampling technique to select 270 parents from the urban and 270 parents from the rural areas of Sokoto State. The researcher made use of an instrument adapted from that of Terhemba and Umaru 2015. The instrument is known as “Attitude of Parents Toward Female Child Secondary Education Questionnaire” (APTFCSEQ). The APTFCSEQ had a reliability coefficient of 0.81. The instrument had facial and content validity. It also had language appropriateness. The researcher used four (4) research Assistants to administer 540 copies of the questionnaire on the respondents. All the 540 copies of the questionnaire were retrieved showing 100 percent return rate. The data generated from the field were collated and the mean score analysis for the 15 items was carried out in order to provide answer to the research question raised in the study. 2.5 was chosen as the benchmark for either disagreeing or agreeing with each of the 15 items. The t-test statistics was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The investigation found out that parents in Sokoto State have shown unfavourable attitude toward female-child secondary education. It found out that there is no significant difference between parents in the urban and rural areas in their attitude toward female-child secondary education. This finding has shown that whether the parent is in urban or rural area, all of them have expressed their opinion in the same direction. One of the recommendations of the study is that parents in Sokoto State should show favourable attitude toward female-child secondary education.
Perspectives of Pre-School Teachers on Television Viewing in Determining Behavioral Tendencies among Preschoolers in Kenya
Authors: Cellestine Adhiambo , Odongo Benson Charles , Aloka Peter J.O.
Published: May 2018

The present study determinedperspectives of pre-school teachers on television viewing in determining behavioral tendencies among preschoolers in Kenya. The study was guided by Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. The target population of the study comprised of one head teacher, three ECDE teachers. Saturated sampling technique was used to sample 3 pre-school teachers.15 preschoolers were sampled using Purposive sampling technique after putting them into three stratus of those from rural, urban and more urban areas, which comprised of 20, 20 and 10 preschoolers from each stratum respectively. The researcher used interview schedules, observation schedules and focus group discussion guides as the study instruments. Validity of the instruments was ensured by seeking expert judgments of the supervisors and trustworthiness of qualitative data was also ensured. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data. The study findings revealed that there was increased physical aggression among children. Though; some children were also empathetic and loving. The finding also established an increased engagement in indoor and outdoor activities by the children. The results further showed an increased language development among children. Moreover, there was also enhanced mutual relationship realized among the learners. The study recommended that; pre-school teachers should encourage parents to engage their children in watching educational TV programs while at home, this was because the study findings revealed that children who watched television had well developed language and also performed well academically. Parents should limit TV viewing time per day and totally banning programs that are too violent or offensive by checking the television listings and programs ahead of time to ensure age appropriate programs, this was because the study findings revealed that children had long hours of TV watching.