bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PLANEJAMENTO DE AULAS EXPERIMENTAIS DE QUÍMICA: UM ESTUDO NA FORMAÇÃO INICIAL
Authors: Souza Andriele Coraiola de , Broietti Fabiele Cristiane Dias
Published: December 2018

A presente pesquisa focaliza a sua atenção em identificar e analisar as percepções de licenciandos de Química ao planejar aulas experimentais. Os dados consistem de registros sobre o planejamento de aulas experimentais e de entrevistas realizadas com os licenciandos. Com esse foco, a sistematização dos dados e a sua categorização foram realizados com base no referencial teórico-metodológico da análise textual discursiva e da Matriz do Professor – M(P). Como resultado, o instrumento se revelou bastante pertinente para a análise das percepções dos licenciandos ao planejar aulas experimentais, tendo sido observadas incidências em todos os setores da Matriz, com destaque nas relações: i) epistêmica com o ensino (setor 2A), ii) epistêmica com a aprendizagem (setor 3A) e iii) pessoal com a aprendizagem (setor 3B). Também foi observado, de modo geral, que as percepções estão mais direcionadas a uma linha epistêmica (A), centradas na gestão do ensino (coluna 2) e, principalmente, com uma preponderância no setor 2A. No caso, esse setor diz respeito à relação epistêmica dos professores com o ensino, ou seja, com o que eles compreendem, sabem, conhecem ou não sobre a atividade docente; com o planejamento que realizam; com as suas percepções e reflexões quanto ao seu próprio desenvolvimento como professores, com as maneiras como realizam, avaliam e procuram melhorar o ensino que praticam e, enfim, com o seu conhecimento a respeito da atuação docente. Diante das análises, é possível ratificar o pressuposto inicial de que aulas experimentais planejadas sob uma perspectiva investigativa possibilitam que sejam consideradas todas as relações com o saber presentes na M(P), favorecendo o enriquecimento do conhecimento dos futuros professores sobre processos de ensino e de aprendizagem que envolvem a atividade experimental. Nesse contexto, as análises mostraram-se expressivas para se compreender as práticas e conhecer as percepções de futuros professores de Química no que diz respeito aos procedimentos de ensino e de aprendizagem e ao conteúdo, fatores que influenciam na forma como se aprende por meio da experimentação.
TRANSPOSIÇÃO DO RIO SÃO FRANCISCO – O USO DA CONTROVÉRSIA CONTROLADA COMO MEIO DE PROMOVER APROXIMAÇÕES ENTRE O ENFOQUE EDUCACIONAL CTS E EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL CRÍTICA
Authors: Alves Richard , Rôças Giselle
Published: December 2018

Este estudo versa sobre o uso da técnica da controvérsia controlada como uma metodologia da pesquisa educacional voltada para o ensino de ciências, abordando a educação ambiental crítica sob enfoque educacional em ciência tecnologia e sociedade (Educação CTS). Com base nos referenciais teóricos de expostos, o tema transposição do rio São Francisco foi problematizado e debatido por professores-mestrandos, em uma pesquisa amparada em abordagens qualitativas de investigação, de natureza interpretativa com observação participante, realizou-se o estudo com 14 mestrandos inscritos na disciplina de Tópicos em Educação Ambiental de um mestrado em ensino de ciências. Sobre a coleta de dados, optamos pela utilização de registros de observações, transcrições de áudios, questionários e análise do relatório final dos grupos, que foram igualmente tratados pela Análise Textual Discursiva (ATD). Os resultados demonstraram que os mestrandos atribuíam uma visão ingênua e neutra sobre a Ciência, Tecnologia e relações com a natureza no início da disciplina; no entanto, a atuação e reflexão deles a partir do uso da técnica de controvérsia controlada revelaram potenciais contribuições à alfabetização científica e ratificou que a técnica é uma metodologia eficaz na promoção de discussões sobre CTS e educação ambiental crítica (EA Crítica).
UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE A REALIDADE DAS ENTIDADES CIENTÍFICAS EM UM LIVRO DE FÍSICA DO ENSINO SUPERIOR
Authors: Marineli Fábio , Pietrocola Maurício
Published: December 2018

No presente trabalho apresentamos uma investigação acerca da abordagem sobre entidades científicas em um livro didático de física do ensino superior. Procuramos analisar a justificativa usada pelo livro Fundamentos de Física (Halliday, Resnick & Walker, 2009a; 2009b; 2009c; 2009d) para que o fóton, o quark e o elétron sejam tomados como reais e, além disso, se as caracterizações e discussões relativas à realidade dessas entidades são significativas frente às demais vezes em que conteúdos referentes a elas aparecem no livro. A pesquisa levou em consideração que ensinar/aprender física envolve não somente tratar de aspectos conceituais e operacionalizações das suas teorias, mas também reflexões sobre questões relacionadas à natureza dos conhecimentos científicos, inclusive sobre a realidade das entidades da ciência. Como resultado, foi possível perceber que justificativas utilizadas pelo livro para as entidades serem consideradas reais se deram por meio de inferências abdutivas, mas de maneira pouco explícita e pouco frequente. Além disso, as entidades são tratadas na maior parte do tempo de forma operacional. Entendemos que a abordagem do Halliday possui uma feição “rotineira” (Giddens, 2009), considerando o caráter habitual do uso das entidades em atividades que envolvem aplicação e resolução de problemas algébricos, que não exigem reflexões sobre a realidade delas, mas tão somente reflexões concernentes ao “como fazer”. Atividades com feição rotineira limitam os modos de pensar àquilo que Giddens chamou de consciência prática e, dessa forma, a compreensão acerca da realidade das entidades daqueles que estudam física por meio desse livro pode permanecer em um nível tácito e utilitário, não havendo elementos suficientes para o esclarecimento da problemática relativa a como a ciência caracteriza a realidade e, mais ainda, em que sentido as entidades científicas podem realmente ser tomadas como reais.
Efficiency and Profitability Analysis of Agricultural Cooperatives in Mpumalanga, South Africa
Authors: Xaba Thembi , Marwa Nyankomo , Mathur-Helm Babita
Published: December 2018

Agricultural cooperatives are expected to generate sustainable profit as they are established as a vehicle of economic development. Efficiency and profitability analysis measures the performance of a firm, and assists management in decision-making through benchmarking with other firms (Marwa & Aziakpono, 2014). To understand the performance of agricultural cooperatives, our study analysed efficiency and profitability using an efficiency-profitability matrix to provide for multi-dimensional analysis. The study used secondary data from annual financial statements for the financial years 2015/16 collected from 19 agricultural cooperatives. Technical efficiency was estimated using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and profitability was estimated using Returns on Assets (ROA). The median scores were 68% for technical efficiency and 10% for profitability. Using the 68% efficiency and 10% profitability benchmark, the matrix separated best performers from low performers. The matrix indicated that 26% of the cooperatives had high-efficiency levels with high profitability (stars), however there was an even distribution between the stars and sleepers: 5 out of 19 cooperatives were sleepers and 5 out of 19 were stars. The majority of the decision-making units (DMUs) at 42% (8 out of 19) are in quadrant 3, categorised as ‘question mark’. These DMUs had low-efficiency scores and low profitability ratios. Only 1 out of 19 cooperatives had high-efficiency levels and low profitability scores. The results demonstrate that technically efficient firms do not always translate to profitable firms: in this regard, management needs to investigate how best to allocate resources in order to remain relevant within the business context and competition. Policy makers need to investigate other drivers of efficiency and profitability when measuring the performance of a firm to influence future policy directives.
The Rural Immigration Effects on Urban Service Delivery in South Africa (SA)
Authors: Nkabinde Buyani , Lekhanya Lawrence Mpele , Dorasamy Nirmala
Published: December 2018

The current socio-economic and political problems of South Africa are rooted in the colonial apartheid era as scholars and researchers suggest through extensive research. However, there have been high levels of service delivery protests related to the government performance on the issues of service delivery to the local communities’ countrywide. Governments departments appear to be lacking much required knowledge and understanding of external factors associated with rural to urban migration such social-economic factors and other various relevant challenges, hence, local authorities are struggling to meet up with demands caused by the ever-increasing number of urban populations, which affects services delivery performance. The study was quantitative approach and used 5 Likert scale questionnaires which were distributed in the selected areas of eThekwini city. A total of 100 with 25 respondents per area, chosen areas include emhlabeni, emalandeni, ezimeleni and silver city. Whereas, qualitative aspects of the study were secondary data through extensive literature review, the study has found that indeed rural to urban migration has a negative impact on service delivery the study argue that service delivery, rural to urban migration, public participation need to be part of the government agenda holistically to improve service delivery and capacity of local authorities. This study recommends proactive urban planning and community involvement through public participation channels. The generalization of the findings of this study should be done with care.
Analysis of Relationships and Causality between Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Producer Price Index (PPI) and Purchasing Manager’s Index (PMI) in South Africa
Authors: Meyer Daniel Francois , Habanabakize Thomas
Published: December 2018

The variables the consumer price index (CPI), the producer price index (PPI) and the purchasing managers’ index (PMI) and play major roles in economic forecasting. The overall objective of this study is to assess the inter-relationships between CPI, PPI and PMI as predicting variables. This study is quantitative in nature and employed an ARDL econometric model, error correction model (ECM) and Granger causality approaches to establish long and short-run relationships. The ARDL method was used due to the fact that the variables had a mix of stationarity at levels I (0) and the first difference I (1). Quarterly datasets were obtained from Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) and the Bureau of Economic Research (BER) for the period 2000 to 2017. Results from the estimations discovered that variables cointegrate in the long-run. Additionally, evidence of short-run relationships has been determined using ECM. Furthermore, causal relationships were also analysed with results indicating that CPI causes PMI and PPI causes PMI. The implication of the research is the confirmation of the importance of relationships between CPI, PPI and PMI, which is especially significant in the short-run and the three index indicators are important macro-economic indicators for changes in overall economic activity on a macro level.
Small-Scale Agriculture as a Panacea in Enhancing South African Rural Economies
Authors: Mbatha Mfaniseni Wiseman , Masuku Mfundo Mandla
Published: December 2018

The small-scale agricultural sector is considered as an indispensable role player in improving the South African rural economies by means of enhancing sustainable rural livelihoods. This paper critically assesses the contribution of small-scale agriculture in enhancing the South African rural economies. The South African Government have numerous agricultural interventions as an approach to improving rural livelihoods. Despite various policies and interventions that have been in place to ensure that small-scale agriculture improves rural economies; there is still a dearth of research in understanding small-scale agriculture dynamics that affect rural economies. Some of the essential aspects of the findings reveal that rural communities in South Africa regard small-scale agriculture as a source of income generation and enhancing food security. These findings highlight the negative effects on the South African small-scale agriculture suffering from insufficient productivity, infertility of soil, insufficient water and climate change. The poor access to markets and inadequate financial support services were identified as the major constraints that hinder small-scale agriculture to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and rural economic development. The small-scale agricultural sector should come up with self-sufficient interventions to avoid dependence on the Government and other stakeholders.
Financial Sector Liberalization and Financial Instability: Case of Selected Southern African Development Community Member Countries
Authors: Cele Nolungelo , FM Kapingura
Published: December 2018

The importance of financial liberalization is well documented in the literature. However, there has been an emergency of studies, which indicate that this can be another channel through which financial instability is generated in the domestic economy. Utilising data from four SADC countries, the empirical findings show that financial reforms are positively related to financial instability in almost all the specifications. The empirical results further revealed that financial instability intensifies in the face of a financial crisis. The result suggests that financial liberalization can therefore be another source of financial instability in the region. The empirical results imply that though policymakers should liberalise the financial system, policies aimed at maintaining financial stability should also be promoted.
Determinants of Informal Land Renting Decisions by A1 and A2 Farmers in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe
Authors: Tatsvarei Simbarashe , Mushunje Abbyssinia , Ngarava Saul , Makate Clifton
Published: December 2018

Land rental markets are critical in developing economies as they contribute to efficiency, equity and welfare gains to farmers involved under conditions of low transaction costs. Despite lack of policy consistency in Zimbabwe, A1 and A2 farmers have been involved in these land rental markets, albeit in an informal manner. This study sought to establish the determinants of farmers’ decision to take part in these informal markets. A survey was carried out in Mashonaland East province with a sample of 339 households selected through multi-stage sampling methods and data analysed using a bi-variate Tobit model. Results showed that combined together, the proportion of farmers involved in informal land rental markets are as much as those not participating. Determinants of renting-in were identified as gender, household income, permanent labour, cultivated area, tenure certainty, irrigable land size and crop diversification. Factors affecting renting-out decisions were age, permanent labour, irrigable land size and crop diversification and these results are not in any way different from findings from previous studies. The conclusion was that household characteristics and land endowments factors were strong in decisions to rent-in land while land endowments factors were dominant in decisions to rent-out land. Any future considerations for formalising land rental markets should consider these important factors having a bearing on land rental decisions.
Benefits of an Irrigation Scheme and Its Determinants to Surrounding Peripheral Rural Communities
Authors: Masela Zandile , Mushunje Abbyssinia , Ngarava Saul , Taruvinga Amon , Tatsvarei Simbarashe
Published: December 2018

The objective of the study was to identify the extent of benefits and their determinants to communities surrounding the Qamata Irrigation Scheme (QIS) in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The study used a quantitative based cross-sectional survey of 197 households within a radius of 20 km from the QIS. Multiple sampling methods were utilized where the villages were randomly and the households conveniently selected. A semi-structured pre-coded questionnaire was utilized to collect the data which was analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logit regression. The study identified 14 discriminant benefits ranging from job opportunities, income increment food diversification to share cropping. Sixty-two percent of the households identified less than 5 benefits, whilst 27% and 11% identified 6-10 and 11-14 benefits respectively. Determinants of a surrounding household to attain benefits were significantly influenced by the distance from the scheme, the main source of income and gender of household head (P<0.01); marital and employment status (P<0.05); and access to farm land (P<0.1). The study concludes that the level of benefit diffused to surrounding households is based on socio-economic factors. The study recommends conscientization of surrounding communities on the peripheral benefits accrued from the proximity to the QIS, achievable through awareness initiatives.
China’s Progress in Poverty Reduction: What Can South Africa Learn from China to Attain the Poverty Eradication Goal in the Sustainable Development Goals?
Authors: Mubecua Mandla Abednico
Published: December 2018

During the evaluation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) from 2000 to 2015, it was discovered that there was no country managed to meet the envisioned goal of eradicating poverty. However, it was observed that China is the only country that managed to half its poverty levels. Just like other developing countries, South Africa is one of the countries whose performance in the attainment of the first goal of MDGs was not satisfactory. Through the utilization of secondary data in a qualitative approach, this paper argues that South Africa can perform better if it can learn and follow the strategies used by China to shrink its poverty levels. The study shows that China mostly supports State Owned Enterprises, which make the economy to grow and help in poverty alleviation. For that reason, the study recommends that in order for South Africa to attain the poverty eradication goal by 2030 more SOEs have to be established.
An Analysis of Nation Brand Attractiveness: Evidence from Brand Zimbabwe
Authors: Masango Cleven , Naidoo Vannie
Published: December 2018

This paper examines the attractiveness of Brand Zimbabwe based on the factors perceived to impact on national competitiveness. Nation brand attractiveness is a necessary condition for a country to achieve influence and to effectively compete for global resources. Countries can enhance their attractiveness by building on their national brand equity and dealing with negatives around the national brands. The research sought to determine the perception towards Zimbabwe’s global risk and competitiveness; to ascertain the variables that promote competitiveness for Brand Zimbabwe and to contribute to the literature on risk perception and its impact on behaviour towards nation brands. The study followed a mixed approach; a combination of interpretivism and positivism. The research drew 372 respondents from politicians, scholars, the media, civic organisations, government officials, church and international organisations. The research established that Brand Zimbabwe faces glaring threats risks that impact on the country’s international image. The brand is affected by politics and governance together with socio-economic factors. Management and control of nation brand perception are critical for nations to distinguish themselves and to create vantage positions for sustainable performance. The way a country is viewed internationally is a function of how the country deals with factors that threaten its global competitiveness and perception towards the nation brand. Zimbabwe’s quest for foreign direct investment, international visitation and export revenue requires that the country deals with its nation brand image.
Success Factors for Creating Spin-Out Companies by South African Publicly Financed Research and Development Institutions: A Resource-Based View Perspective
Authors: Langa P , Edoun E.I , Naidoo V.
Published: December 2018

Technology commercialisation using spin-out companies has shown to be a viable option by publicly financed research and development (R&D) institutions internationally. In South Africa (SA) this trend of spin-out company creation for technology commercialisation is anticipated to be on the rise since the inception of the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act number 51 of 2008 (IPR-PFRD Act). This study aimed at trying to understand the factors that influence the successful creation of spin-out companies by SA publicly financed R&D institutions, utilising the RBV as the main theoretical framework. A survey questionnaire was distributed using a purposive sample approach to 49 key individuals (technology transfer professionals) who have been involved in spin-out creation in the past and the response was received from 17 respondents. A mixed methods research methodology was utilised and the data was presented using descriptive statistics and narration. The results of the data indicate a similar pattern to international trends and in some instances unique resource combinations that are relevant to SA.
Cash Flow Volatility and Firm Investment Behaviour: Evidence from African Listed Firms
Authors: Vengesai Edson , Kwenda Farai
Published: December 2018

This study explored the association between cash flow variability and investment behaviour of African listed firms. The research employed a dynamic panel data model estimated with the difference and system Generalised Method of Moments estimation techniques on a panel of 815 listed African non-financial firms. The estimation techniques control for unobserved heterogeneity, endogeneity, autocorrelation, heteroscedasticity and dynamic panel bias. Two different measures of volatility were employed; the exponentially weighted moving average, a forward-looking measure that captures innovations in cash flow volatilities and the coefficient of variation that captures the mechanical effect of the possible relation between cash flow levels and volatility. The results obtained suggested that cash-flow volatility is associated with average lower investment in African firms. These findings show that not only cash flows are an important determinant of investment decisions, but the variability of the cash flows also has a significant bearing on the investment levels of African firms. Cash flow volatility has a significant negative impact on investment even for firms with higher cash flows and unconstrained firms. African firms should not only aim at achieving higher cash flows, but the stability of the cash flows is equally important to sustain solid investment levels.
The Use of Social Media in Public Relations at Non-Governmental Organisations in South Africa
Authors: Nchabeleng G. , Botha CJ. , Bisschoff CA
Published: December 2018

Social media can be a useful tool in public relations in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), but do NGOs make use of social media in their quest for service delivery in South Africa? Social networking sites, blogging, email, instant messaging, and online journals are some of the technological changes that changed the way interaction between people and how they gather information. Although social media is mainly used for interactive dialogue and social interaction, the private sector soon realised that the web-based technologies (especially Facebook and Twitter) could also be a competitive business tool. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) soon followed suit however at a slower pace than the general communication growth rate of social media in South Africa. This article examines if social networking sites have any impact on public relations practices of NGOs in South Africa – an environment where both customers and employees still struggle to take full advantage of social media. The critical literature findings increase the understanding of the current and future challenges of social media use in public relations at NGOs in South Africa. The study explores the main differences between traditional and social media, how social media is redefining public relations role, and shed some light on defining public relations practices, identify the uses, limitations and benefits of social media by public relations practitioners in NGOs. Recommendations for future communication research are given. Based on the literature, a qualitative research design collected data using semi-structured, individual interviews. The results revealed that social media platforms such as Facebook do have an effect, and even changed the way in which NGOs communicate. The study also revealed that social media certainly has an impact on public relations relationships. This means that it has become crucial that public relations practitioners at NOGs embrace and take advantage of social media, and that they should also invest in proper electronic platforms to reap the benefits of improved communication internally and externally.
Contrasting Contemporary Advertising Media Strategies of Small Retail Firms:
Authors: Masocha Reginald
Published: December 2018

This paper is an investigation contrasting modern and traditional advertising media from the perspective of small retail firms in Limpopo province of South Africa. Prior studies established juxtaposition in terms of media choices which continuously challenges businesses at large, per se, small retail businesses. A cross-sectional survey, through a purposive sampling technique of a subsequent sample size of 236 owners and managers of small retail firms was utilised in this research. Descriptive statistics, correlation and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used in data analysis. Furthermore, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used in hypotheses testing. The findings of the study posit that traditional advertising media have no significant influence on communication effectiveness and the performance of small retail SMEs. Contrarily, modern advertising media was found to positively and significantly influence the performance of retail SMEs. The practical implications of this study primarily pertain to the demise of traditional advertising media in the contemporary environments which business people need to consider. Theoretically, the study posits a review of the theory that pertains to the use of traditional media juxtaposed to modern media in contemporary advertising.
Uptake of Efficient Marketing Strategies among Footwear and Textile Entrepreneurs in Alexandra Township
Authors: Worku Yohannes , Muchie Mammo
Published: December 2018

One of the priority needs of Small, Micro and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMMEs) that operate in Alexandra Township is to adopt effective marketing strategies that are recommended by Mooradian, Matzler and Ring (2012) and Kotler and Keller (2012), in which emphasis is placed on setting the right selling price of products, offering the right product, utilising the right promotion strategies for products, and rendering services to customers at the right place. Information needed for the survey was gathered from 108 operators of SMMEs in Alexandra Township. Ordered logit and Bayesian methods were used for estimating predictors of effective marketing. The study found that 63 of the 108 respondents who were selected for the study (58%) possessed adequate marketing skills and capabilities, whereas the remaining 45 respondents (42.23%) were incapable of marketing their goods and services effectively. Results obtained from logit and Bayesian analysis showed that 3 factors affected the ability to market goods and services effectively (access to credit facility for ordering stock, access to loan from money-lending institutions, and ability to network with wholesale suppliers and retailers).
Service Quality of Public Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges in South Africa: Customer Expectations and Perceptions
Authors: God ZUNGU Nkululeko Praise , LEKHANYA Lawrence Mpele
Published: December 2018

The focus of this survey is to seek the amount of the customers’ expectations levels of service quality in the public Technical Vocational Education and Training (PTVET) sector. The aim of this study was to examine and determine the expectations and perceptions levels of service quality provided by PTVET colleges, in order to achieve desired outcomes, and the survey followed SERQUAL model. Questionnaires were distributed to the 403 participants from selected PTVET in the Kwa-Zulu- Natal province. The study used a mix approach of systematic and quota sampling techniques. SPSS (25.0) version was employed for data analysis. The results of this study discovered that customers had higher service quality expectations (0,908 Cronbach's Alpha) compared to the service quality perceptions (0,923 Cronbach's Alpha) at the selected PTVET colleges, on all five service quality dimensions that were used to evaluate the expectations of service quality. This survey will benefit Rectors/Campus Managers for TVET colleges and to those who want to open their TVET colleges, because it will be used as a guide tool for them on how they can improve service quality strategy to differentiate themselves from their competitors. The findings are limited by the study’s exploratory, quantitative nature and small sample. Generalisation should be done with care and further research, with a large sample and consideration of other provinces, it therefore recommended.
Promotional Tools Employed by Medical Insurance Companies to Attract International University Students
Authors: Chibvura Faith Rudairo , Penceliah Darry
Published: December 2018

The South African Immigration Act 19 of 2004 requires that all international students have proof of medical insurance cover for the academic year of study. The medical insurance cover must be from a registered provider with the South African Council for Medical Schemes. Some medical insurance companies provide gifts to students to gain a larger market share within the educational institutions. Health insurance products are very crucial in the lives of university students and therefore the students must be familiar with medical product benefits and exclusions. It seems that many students lack relevant knowledge of health insurance products. Students seem to have a perception that medical insurance products cover all healthcare expenses. Dissatisfied customers may tarnish the image of the respective medical insurance company and result in customers seeking alternate products. The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of promotional tools in creating awareness amongst international university students’ selection of medical insurance products. The study was descriptive and quantitative in nature. Four hundred international students studying at two state universities in Durban, South Africa completed a structured questionnaire. The results indicate that the respondents are very sensitive to price and the majority of them are influenced by advertising and word of mouth. The results of the study indicated that medical insurance companies should consider the quality of service and price as being very important factors when designing a promotional mix. Awareness creation is the backbone of sales growth and market share.
Treasury Single Account: A Nudge towards Public Sector Accountability in Nigeria
Authors: G. T. Akinleye , S. B Fajuyagbe , B. O Owoniya
Published: December 2018

This study examined treasury single account, as a nudge towards public sector accountability in Nigeria. Specifically, the study analyzed the influence of adoption of treasury single account on the effectiveness of cash management, reduction of fraudulent activities and improvement in the level of accountability in the Nigerian public sector. The study made use of primary data collected through the use of a questionnaire, based on a sample of 400 respondents randomly selected from government parastatals, departments, institutions and ministries, across the six southwest states in Nigeria. Data collected were analyzed with frequency and percentage response analysis. The result showed that adoption of treasury single account provoked effective management of cash, sustained a considerable reduction in the level of fraudulent activities and aided improved level of accountability in the Nigerian public sector. Thus, there is no doubt that treasury single account is a nudge towards public sector accountability in Nigeria. Therefore, the government can further harness the potency of centralize control of public resources to birth a corrupt free society, where utmost accountability and transparency of resources mobilization and management can be attained.
Political Institutions and Macroeconomic Factors as Determinants of Credit Risk in South Africa
Authors: Zhou S. , Tewari D.D
Published: December 2018

This study analyses the effects of political institutions and macroeconomic factors on credit risk in South Africa using quarterly data between 1998 and 2016. The study uses the ARDL approach to cointegration and reports on both long-run and short-run influences of credit risk. In the long-run political institutions and gold prices are found to positively impact credit risk whereas Gross domestic product has a negative influence on credit risk. In the short-run however political institutions have a negative influence on credit risk. Further, the study confirms the recent country risk downgrades by rating agencies, S & P, Moody and Fitch. Policies that grow the economy and are consistent with the government’s long-term strategy needs to be followed to improve investor and lender confidence.
Positive and Negative Antecedents of Consumer Attitude towards Online Shopping
Authors: Redda Ephrem Habtemichael
Published: December 2018

The internet has enabled businesses to make a wide range of products available for consumers to shop online, conveniently, anytime from anywhere in the world. While online shopping has shown tremendous growth over the recent past, literature indicates that consumers do cite some serious risks in transacting through the internet, and show reluctance in engaging in such activities. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to identify positive and negative antecedents of consumer attitudes towards online shopping in an emerging economy, South Africa. Primary data through a survey method was collected from a sample of 215 consumers in Gauteng, South Africa, in early 2018. The study utilized descriptive, correlation and multivariate regression analysis to achieve its stated objective. The study identifies convenience, better deals/competitive pricing, a wider selection of products and online atmospherics as positive antecedents of consumer attitudes towards online shopping, while trust/reliability issues, financial risk, product risk, non-delivery risk and return policy issues are identified as negative antecedents of consumer attitudes towards online shopping. Online retailers are therefore encouraged to building on the positive antecedents by offering value for money (i.e. competitive pricing), offering a wide range of goods and services in their web pages, providing valuable information to customers, and designing visually appealing websites. Similarly, online retailers should try as much as possible to reduce the real and/or perceived risks related to financial risk and product risk by building trust with their customers.
Financing Smallholder Rice Farmers: A Field-Based Evidence Review of Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) Model in Nigeria
Authors: Obih Uchenna , Baiyegunhi Lloyd
Published: December 2018

Nigeria’s spending of US$2billion annually on rice importation has been considered a major source of foreign exchange drain and a threat to domestic rice industry. One of the major reasons adduced for this high import bills is the persistent demand-supply gap arising from the country’s inability to increase domestic output of paddy rice to optimize the total capacity of several integrated rice mills established across the country in the last 15 years. In 2015, the government launched the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) to make cheap funds accessible to smallholder farmers (SHFs) who produce more than 85% of total farm output in Nigeria. ABP is designed to encourage banks to lend to SHFs to boost paddy rice production. This paper presents the field experiences of SHFs, banks and rice millers who participated in the programme in 2016/2017. This paper concludes that ABP is a laudable programme that can contribute in achieving the food security objective of the government. The key challenges found to be threatening the success and sustainability of ABP included delays in timely disbursement of funds by deposit money banks (DMBs), inadequate personnel and institutional framework, side-selling of harvested paddy rice by SHFs, State government undue involvement in the ABP, and poor rural infrastructure. Policy recommendations to strengthen the ABP model for improved impact were discussed.
South Africa’s Trade Performance under Alternative Exchange Rate Regimes
Authors: Patrick Romaine , Nyatanga Phocenah
Published: December 2018

This study examined the effect exchange rates have on import and export volumes under alternative exchange rate policies adopted in South Africa over the period 1960 to 2017. Using quarterly time series data for the stated period, a log-linear error correction model is employed to estimate the country’s export and import elasticities, taking into account Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the real price of exports, the real price of imports and real exchange rates. Using the freely floating exchange rate regime as the base period, the study concluded that both export and import volumes are lower under a system of fixed exchange rates. Export and import volumes were also found to be lower under the dual exchange rate regime, relative to the freely floating exchange rate regime. In accordance with export-led growth strategies, exports were found to be higher and imports lower under a managed floating exchange rate regime. It is therefore recommended that South Africa revert to a more managed exchange rate regime, until the South African economy is developed to accommodate a freely floating exchange rate regime.
Dual Process Difference in Families Regarding Home Buying Decision
Authors: Anastasia Njo , Narsa Made
Published: December 2018

The system of thought between rational systems and experience systems is inherent in each individual and produces different decisions. Thinking using logic tends to be used by almost every individual, but cognitive limitations make the individual simplify complex thinking to make practical decisions. This study aims to examine more in dual process on decision home buyers according to dual motives based on demographics and life cycle. Data collection was done by distributing questionnaires to selective home buyers of 235 buyers. Survey instruments include demographic and family life cycle variables. The dual process measurements using Rational-Experiential Inventory (REI-40) are designed to test individual preferences for two decision making, such as cognitive styles (rationality) and intuition (experience) using Likert scales. The results show that dual process cannot be distinguished based on dual motives. However, demographic variables such as gender, age, education, and family life cycle showed the difference in the dual process.
Subjective Risk Tolerance of South African Investors
Authors: Dickason-Koekemoer Zandri , Ferreira Suné
Published: December 2018

In general, the amount of risk an individual is willing to tolerate can be influenced by demographic factors. However, needs for research arise as to whether demographic factors influence the amount of risk investors in South Africa are willing to tolerate. The survey was conducted in 2017 and all South African investors were included in the sample frame. For this study, a sample of 800 was collected and used. Multinomial regression was used to indicate whether there were more than two factors that can influence the four risk tolerance levels of South African investors. The study suggested that gender is a determining factor in the risk tolerance of individuals. African investors were more likely to take the substantial financial risk. Age was also a determining factor of risk tolerance which follows the assumptions of the investor lifecycle where younger investors are more risk tolerant. The study furthermore found that higher annual income attracts more risk-taking while lower-income attracts more risk averseness in individuals. It was lastly observed that married individuals and those that are no longer married will be more likely to be risk-averse. This study makes a significant contribution in profiling investors risk tolerance according to their demographic factors whereby financial institutions can offer more tailored investment options.
Gruppeprosesser og faseinndeling i egenskapt teater
Authors: Haagensen Cecilie
Published: December 2018

This article shows how dividing into different phases in devised theatre production can be used as a tool to structure and accommodate a creative group-devised process. The article starts by giving a brief outline of devised theatre, its genealogy and roots with regard to developing new ways of organising creative work. A theoretical framework is developed by using Lev Vygotsky’s Theory of Creativity, and his outline of the nature of the creative circle is adapted into four different phases for the devising processes. These phases are: 1) The starting point, where ideas are generated through group improvisations; 2) the phase when the material is explored and developed into more concrete material. In the third phase 3), the material is structured and formed, and in the last phase 4), the creative material is given its final form and performed in front of an audience. In addition to this, the article focuses on how devised work can be organised by dividing the various tasks and roles in the production in alternative ways.
Visningsseminar med kritisk responsprosess
Authors: Aune Vigdis
Published: December 2018

The article discusses facilitation in theatrical production in the Master’s Programme, focusing on a seminar form using showcase, including an adapted form of Liz Lerman’s Critical Response Process (CRP). In art-based research, the artist/researcher/student is the central theatre and knowledge-forming subject. Art, as well as knowledge, grows through a complex reflection of bodily, material, social and theoretical inputs. The more traditional forms of supervision tend to give the supervisor a more superior position, as master, or owner of the good questions. The seminar form puts the reflective artist’s project and questions at the centre of the facilitation, and offers an alternative to the traditional forms of guidance. A community of fellow students, teachers and participants have an active function as respondents, and the facilitator has a peripheral, but legitimate, position. The seminar form is discussed and presented using empirical data from student reports and Master’s theses.
Morphologists of institute of experimental medicine and poets of Silver century
Authors: Dyban P. A
Published: December 2018

The article highlights some aspects of the life of the morphologists of the Institute of Experimental Medicine, not related to their professional activities. Such different in their biography, career growth, the scientific contribution of morphologists (academicians N.G. Khlopin and V.G. Garshin, professor V.P. Mikhailov, D. Med. Sci. I.D. Starynkevich, Ph.D. M.G. Khizhnyak) united the general hobbies associated with art, and the brightness and uncommonness of their personalities and determined acquaintance with the poets of the Silver Age. Morphologists IEM contributed not only a significant contribution to the development of Russian histology, but their names were forever left in the biographies of the poets of the Silver Age.
Esophageal organoids: possibility of creating and potential implications for tissue engineering
Authors: Gilazieva Z. E , Arkhipova S. S , Zhuravleva M. N
Published: December 2018

Esophageal cancer, congenital anomalies, traumatic injuries and prolonged deformities of the esophagus often require radical surgical treatment followed by multi-stage organ reconstruction. Such operations are traumatic for the patient, and the use of the donor esophagus is associated with the need for prolonged immunosuppression. To replace a damaged tissue of the esophagus tissue-engineering structures can be applied. These tissue-engineering structures are based on the use of the association of differentiated or stem cells and natural or synthetic scaffolds, to create an artificial organ in vitro that can mimic an organ. Such formulations can be successfully used to study the development of organs, pathogenesis of diseases and preclinical studies of drugs as so-called "organoids”, and may also have a prospect for clinical use as tissue-engineered prototypes of the esophagus. This review describes the possibilities of using esophageal organoids, systematizes the literature data on studies on the creation of organoids and tissue-engineered prototypes and their effect on the experimental model in transplantation.
Modern pathogenesis-based methods and development of new gene and cell-based methods for cystic fibrosis treatment
Authors: Smirnikhina S. A , Lavrov A. V
Published: December 2018

Cystic fibrosis is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in CFTR gene. Until recent days, cystic fibrosis therapy was limited to symptomatic treatment of respiratory infections and malabsorption. In last years pathogenetic therapy of the disease received significant progress and premises for development of new methods of gene therapy came into sight. In the review, modern methods of cystic fibrosis treatment are considered, some of them are already used in the clinic (pathogenesis-based therapy with CFTR modulators), while the other part is only developing (gene therapy, including genome editing and cell therapy).
Human mitochondrial genome surgery
Authors: Mazunin I. O
Published: December 2018

Pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations are often in a state of heteroplasmy. The increasing mtDNA mutation load with age generally related to aggravation of symptoms and is also a one of the main sign of organism aging. Heteroplasmy shifting which can alleviate mitochondrial functionality is most perspective approach to fight mitochondrial diseases. Molecular machines to shift heteroplasmy level recognize mutant mtDNA and cut them. In general the molecular machines could be divided into two groups: mitochondria-targeted protein-only nucleases such as mitoREs, mitoZFNs, mitoTALENs, and RNA-protein systems such as mitoRGENs. The latest seem to be more flexible and offer perspective due to their reliance on Watson-Crick interactions for specific mtDNA site recognition. We discuss also some application area for the mitoRGEN systems.
Introduction to 3D-bioprinting: the history, principles and stages
Authors: Khesuani Yu. D , Sergeeva N. S , Mironov V. A , Mustafin A. G , Kaprin A. D
Published: December 2018

3D bioprinting of tissue and organ constructs is one of the most rapidly growing directions in biotechnology and regenerative medicine. Stages of 3D bioprinting process, "classic” bioprinting technologies (ink-jet, extrusion and laser-based) and novel (acoustic, magnetic and in situ) bioprinting technologies are described in the review. Data for hydrogel and cell material (single cells and tissue spheroids) usage in 3D bioprinting was systemized.