bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of transplanting times on pollen and spikelet sterility, growth and yield of aman rice
Authors: Jalil MA , Shelley IJ , Pramanik MHR , Karim MA
Published: April 2017

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of planting dates on pollen/spikelet sterility, grain development and yield of hybrid rice in T. Aman season. The two varieties: Heera-4 (hybrid) and BINAdhan-7 (inbred) were transplanted on five consecutive dates at fifteen days interval viz. 15 July, 30 July, 15 August, 30 August and 15 September of 2011. The effect of variety and transplanting date showed significant variation in pollen sterility, grain growth & development, panicle length, filled grains panicle-1, spikelet sterility and grain yield. Pollen sterility was the highest in Heera-4 (>80%) consequently spikelet sterility for transplanting on 15 July while transplanting on 30 July low pollen sterility consequently spikelet sterility. Both early or late transplanting affected grain growth and development, enhanced pollen sterility as well as spikelet sterility and reduced grain yield. Late transplanting (30 August and 15 September) significantly reduced panicle length and filled grains panicle-1. Transplanting on 30 July gave low pollen sterility as well as spikelet sterility, high panicle length and high filled grains panicle-1 consequently greater grain yield in the varieties.Progressive Agriculture 27 (4): 400-408, 2016
Status of heavy metal pollution of water and fishes in Balu and Brahmaputra rivers
Authors: Rahman MM , Islam MA , Khan MB
Published: April 2017

The study was conducted to investigate the surface water quality and concentration of heavy metals in water and fish of the Balu and Brahmaputra rivers near to Demra in Dhaka city and BAU campus in Mymensingh respectively. Water samples were collected in distinct three sampling sites which were denoted as Station 1, Station 2 and Station 3. In Balu and Brahmaputra river, analysis of physicochemical parameters like temperature, transparency, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and alkalinity and the concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn) both water and three fish (Mastacembelus armatus, Channa punctatus and Mystus vittatus) species were analyzed. The comparative study reported that some physicochemical parameters like TDS (704±8.54 mg/l); EC (1043±39.15 mg/l), BOD (22±3 mg/l), and alkalinity (311±6.56 mg/l) of Balu river water were found much higher than Brahmaputra river where as transparency (10±0.25 cm), and DO (1.7±0.36 mg/l) lower than Brahmaputra river water. Temperature and PH were close to standard. The comparative study also revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals like Pb (0.032±0.003 mg/l), Cr (0.02±0.003 mg/l), Cd (0.02±0.005 mg/l), Ni (0.04±0.004 mg/l), Zn (0.08±0.005 mg/l) and Cu (0.01±0.002 mg/l) of Balu river water were higher than Brahmaputra River. In M. armatus, C. punctatus and M. vittatus, the concentration of heavy metals like Pb (0.85, 0.92 and 0.89 mg/kg), Cd (0.45, 0.48 and 0.51 mg/kg), Cr (0.72, 0.76 and 0.51 mg/kg), Cu (0.39, 0.38 and 0.35 mg/kg), Ni (0.95, 0.86 and 0.81 mg/kg) and Zn (1.17, 1.21 and 1.25 mg/kg) were noted in Balu river which were much higher than those of Brahmaputra river. Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish can increase with the increase of heavy metals in water if pollutants discharge simultaneously. The results suggested that the water in the Balu river was polluted and not suitable for human consumption and aquaculture. On the other hand water in the Brahmaputra river was usable for aquaculture and irrigation but gradually degrade its quality by growing industries and untreated waste from municipalities.Progressive Agriculture 27 (4): 444-452, 2016
Heavy metal determination of brinjal cultivated in soil with wastes
Authors: Uddin N , Islam MA , Baten MA
Published: April 2017

An experiment was conducted to determine the heavy metal status in fruits and roots of brinjal plant cultivated in soil mixed with wastes at Environmental Science Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agriculture University, Mymensingh. Two brinajl varieties of BARI namely BARI1 and BARI4 and three treatments viz. T0: control soil, T1: Municipal waste and T2: Industrial wastes were used for the present study. The data were collected on Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe of both fruits and roots of the brinjal plants. The data were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The two factors experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results revealed that the initial contents of Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe were higher in industrial waste mixed soil as compared to municipal waste and control soil. In contrast, the incidence of heavy metals in fruits and roots were tolerable range in normal and municipal waste mixed soil while industrial waste mixed soil showed highest values. This study also showed that the industrial waste treated plants of BARI1 uptaked the more Cu and Zn content (16.12 and 21.39 mg/kg, respectively) in roots while plants of BARI4 gave the more Pb and Fe content (0.363 and 365.70 mg/kg, respectively) in roots compared other interaction treatments. However, without waste treated or normal soil showed lowest effect on the incidence of heavy metal but municipal waste obtained the moderate effect. This result revealed that the both control and municipal waste treated soil may be acceptable for the cultivation of BARI brinjal in Bangladesh condition. This study also suggested that the industrial waste treated soil may not suitable for the vegetable cultivation might be due to the higher incidence of heavy metal in fruits and roots.Progressive Agriculture 27 (4): 453-465, 2016
Economic analysis of antibiotics use and vaccine program in commercial broiler farming of Tangail district in Bangladesh
Authors: Sultan S , Begum R , Rahman MA , Ahmed MJU , Islam MM , Haque S
Published: April 2017

The present study was conducted to investigate the status of  current antibiotics use and vaccine application program in commercial broiler farming, to understand about the current market scenario of antibiotics and vaccine related products and to identify the major problems of broiler farming and suggestions for its improvements. For achieving these objectives, 50 broiler farms and 20 antibiotics-vaccine products sellers were selected purposively from 5 selected unions of Sakhipur upazila in Tangail district. In the study area, 42% respondent had a slim idea about residual effect of antibiotics. Most of the farmers in the visited area used almost same types of antibiotics. Among the farms surveyed, 98% farms practiced proper vaccination. Among the 50 farmers, 66% farmers had idea about sound vaccination program and 98% farmer thought that vaccination is essential for their farming. In the study area, 70% farmers got their antibiotics and vaccine from dealer. The study showed that antibiotic cost is only 3.53% and vaccination cost is 1.06% of the total cost. Regarding the antibiotics use, results were alarming and found that 100% respondents used antibiotics in broiler production. Both positive and negative significant correlations were observed for different parameters. The problems related to present antibiotics and vaccination program and their probable solutions suggested by broiler farmers were also focused in this study.Progressive Agriculture 27 (4): 490-501, 2016
Development of a sperm cryopreservation protocol of Gangetic Mystus (Mystus cavasius)
Authors: Islam MM Islam , Noor MN , Islam AA , Sarder MRI , Islam MZ , Jahan DA
Published: April 2017

Cryopreservation is considered as one of the most useful techniques for long-term preservation of genetic material specially sperm of fish. This study focused on the development of a sperm cryopreservation protocol for indigenous near threatened gulsha (Mystus cavasius) and a number of experiments were conducted for the purpose. To collect milt, male gulsha were sacrificed and milt was suspended in extenders. Different concentrations of NaCl were used to evaluate the activation of sperm motility and it decreased as the concentration of the extending media increased, therefore, motility was completely inhibited at 0.8% and 1.2% NaCl solution when sperm suspended in Kurokura-2 and Alsevers solution, respectively. The toxicity of cryoprotectants to sperm were evaluated using two cryoprotectants, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methanol along with the extenders, Alsevers solution and Kurokura-2 solution. DMSO and methanol with 5% and 10% concentrations produced significantly higher motility during 5 and 10 min incubation and their 15% concentration found toxic to sperm. Alsevers solution with 10% DMSO produced best equilibration (83.75±2.39%) as well as post-thaw motility (67.5±3.23%) while Kurokura-2 solution with DMSO produced similar equilibration motility (81.25±2.39%) but the post-thaw motility (50.0±6.12%) was significantly much lower than that of Alsevers solution. Sperm preserved with Alsevers solution plus DMSO produced highest fertilization, 72.5±7.5% and hatching, 56.8±5.6% while fresh sperm yielded 85.0±5.0% and 74.8±3.6% fertilization and hatching, respectively. The protocols that have been developed can be used for conservation of genetic materials of M. cavasius and other endangered fish species and new generations of them can be propagated using the cryopreserved sperm.Progressive Agriculture 27 (4): 517-529, 2016
Histopathological changes in the gonads, liver, and kidney of Glossogobius giuris exposed to sub-lethal concentration of diazinon
Authors: Banik U , Rahman MM , Khanam T , Mollah MFA
Published: April 2017

The organophosphorus insecticide, diazinon that is widely used in agricultural field and private industrial premises to control pests, easily accumulates in aquatic ecosystems and exerts toxic effects on aquatic animals. The study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity (LC50) of diazinon on Glossogobius giuris and histopathological alterations of its gonads, liver and kidney due to the effect of this insecticide. G. giuris were exposed to different concentrations of diazinon ranging from 0.00025 ppm to 2.048 ppm with parallel untreated control. At the doses of 0.0005 ppm, 0.001 ppm, 0.002 ppm, and 0.004 ppm 40%, 50%, 70%, and 90% mortality of G. giuris were observed within 96 hrs, respectively, whereas, 100% mortality was observed at doses above 0.008 ppm. Based on probit analysis, the LC50 value of diazinon for 96 hrs of exposure on G. giuris was found as 0.001 ppm. During the exposure trial several behavioral alterations including restlessness, sudden and quick movements, loss of equilibrium, increased opercular activities and paralysis were observed in the fish. The histopathological changes observed in the tissues of G. giuris indicate that sub lethal concentration as well as higher concentration caused moderate to severe alterations in the liver, kidney as well as gonads. Kidney was found to be the most seriously affected organ compared to gonads and liver. Major histopathological changes like fragmentation of testis and ovary with ruptured wall, karyolysis, hypertrophy, pyknosis and degenerative changes such as necrosis of tubular and haematopoietic cells of kidney, necrotic hepatocytes, pyknosis, hypertrophy, haemorrhage and vacuolation were observed in the liver cells. The present study demonstrated that diazinon is highly toxic especially to G. giuris and thus, indiscriminate use of this insecticide in the agriculture and industrial sectors should be strictly controlled.Progressive Agriculture 27 (4): 530-538, 2016
Complex anaphora with this: variation between three written argumentative genres
Authors: Crompton Peter
Published: April 2017

The concept of complex anaphora – ‘nominal expressions referring to propositionally structured referents’ ( Consten et al., 2007 ) – makes a useful distinction between a text-structuring function, one important to argumentative text, and the forms used to accomplish the function. Since complex anaphors often contain the demonstrative this, the contexts of all this tokens in three corpora of written argumentation – research articles, editorials and student essays – were analysed in order to identify instances of complex anaphora. While the frequencies of pronoun use for complex anaphora were similar, the frequencies of determiner use varied, as did placement of anaphors within their host sentence, with determiners appearing non-initially much more often than pronouns in all corpora, particularly editorials. Overall, there was greater variation between the patterns of use in research articles and editorials than between these and student essays.
Erratum: “The Kepler Follow-up Observation Program. I. A Catalog of Companions to Kepler Stars from High-resolution Imaging” (2017, AJ, 153, 71)
Authors: Furlan E. , Ciardi D. R. , Everett M. E. , Saylors M. , Teske J. K. , Horch E. P. , Howell S. B. , van Belle G. T. , Hirsch L. A. , Gautier T. N. , Adams E. R. , Barrado D. , Cartier K. M. S. , Dressing C. D. , Dupree A. K. , Gilliland R. L. , Lillo-Box J. , Lucas P. W. , Wang J.
Published: April 2017

We have added references to Tables 3 and 8 (last column in each table). Below is a sample of both tables; the full tables are available in machine-readable form.
Origin of Non-axisymmetric Features of Virgo Cluster Early-type Dwarf Galaxies. I. Bar Formation and Recurrent Buckling
Authors: Kwak SungWon , Kim Woong-Tae , Rey Soo-Chang , Kim Suk
Published: April 2017

A fraction of early-type dwarf galaxies in the Virgo cluster have a disk component and even possess disk features such as bar, lens, and spiral arms. In this study, we construct 15 galaxy models that resemble VCC856, which is considered to be an infalling progenitor of disk dwarf galaxies, within observational error ranges, and use N-body simulations to study their long-term dynamical evolution in isolation as well as the formation of bar in them. We find that dwarf disk galaxies readily form bars unless they have an excessively concentrated halo or a hot disk. This suggests that infalling dwarf disk galaxies are intrinsically unstable to bar formation, even without any external perturbation, accounting for a population of barred dwarf galaxies in the outskirts of the Virgo cluster. The bars form earlier and stronger in galaxies with a lower fraction of counter-streaming motions, lower halo concentration, lower velocity anisotropy, and thinner disk. Similarly to normal disk galaxies, dwarf disk galaxies also undergo recurrent buckling instabilities. The first buckling instability tends to shorten the bar and to thicken the disk, and drives a dynamical transition in the bar pattern speed as well as mass inflow rate. In nine models, the bars regrow after the mild first buckling instability due to the efficient transfer of disk angular momentum to the halo, and are subject to recurrent buckling instabilities to turn into X-shaped bulges.
The Fornax Deep Survey with VST. II. Fornax A: A Two-phase Assembly Caught in the Act
Authors: Iodice E. , Spavone M. , Capaccioli M. , Peletier R. F. , Richtler T. , Hilker M. , Mieske S. , Limatola L. , Grado A. , Napolitano N. R. , Cantiello M. , D’Abrusco R. , Paolillo M. , Venhola A. , Lisker T. , Ven G. Van de , Falcon-Barroso J. , Schipani P.
Published: April 2017

As part of the Fornax Deep Survey with the ESO VLT Survey Telescope, we present new g- and r-band mosaics of the SW group of the Fornax Cluster. It covers an area of 3 × 2 square degrees around the central galaxy NGC 1316. The deep photometry, the high spatial resolution of OmegaCam, and the large covered area allow us to study the galaxy structure, trace stellar halo formation, and look at the galaxy environment. We map the surface brightness profile out to 33′ (∼200 kpc ∼ 15R

e
) from the galaxy center, down to

arcsec−2 and

arcsec−2. This allow us to estimate the scales of the main components dominating the light distribution, which are the central spheroid, inside 5.′5 (∼33 kpc), and the outer stellar envelope. Data analysis suggests that we are catching in the act the second phase of the mass assembly in this galaxy, since the accretion of smaller satellites is going on in both components. The outer envelope of NGC 1316 still hosts the remnants of the accreted satellite galaxies that are forming the stellar halo. We discuss the possible formation scenarios for NGC 1316, by comparing the observed properties (morphology, colors, gas content, kinematics, and dynamics) with predictions from cosmological simulations of galaxy formation. We find that (i) the central spheroid could result from at least one merging event (it could be a preexisting early-type disk galaxy with a lower-mass companion) and (ii) the stellar envelope comes from the gradual accretion of small satellites.
Effects of Preionization in Radiative Shocks. I. Self-consistent Models
Authors: Sutherland Ralph S. , Dopita Michael A.
Published: April 2017

In this paper we treat the preionization problem in shocks over the velocity range 10 < v
s < 1500 km s−1 in a self-consistent manner. We identify four distinct classes of solutions controlled by the value of the shock-precursor parameter,

, where

is the ionization parameter of the UV photons escaping upstream. This parameter determines both the temperature and the degree of ionization of the gas entering the shock. In increasing velocity, the shock solution regimes are cold neutral precursors (v

s
 ≲ 40 km s−1), warm neutral precursors (40 ≲ v

s
 ≲ 75 km s−1), warm partly ionized precursors (75 ≲ v

s
 ≲ 120 km s−1), and fast shocks in which the preshock gas is in photoionization equilibrium and is fully ionized. The main effect of a magnetic field is to push these velocity ranges to higher values and to limit the postshock compression. In order to facilitate comparison with observations of shocks, we provide a number of convenient scaling relationships for parameters, such as postshock temperature, compression factors, cooling lengths, and Hβ and X-ray luminosity.
Reducing Uncertainties in the Production of the Gamma-emitting Nuclei 26Al, 44Ti, and 60Fe in Core-collapse Supernovae by Using Effective Helium Burning Rates
Authors: Austin Sam M. , West Christopher , Heger Alexander
Published: April 2017

We have used effective reaction rates (ERRs) for the helium burning reactions to predict the yield of the gamma-emitting nuclei 26Al, 44Ti, and 60Fe in core-collapse supernovae (SNe). The variations in the predicted yields for values of the reaction rates allowed by the ERR are much smaller than obtained previously, and smaller than other uncertainties. A “filter” for SN nucleosynthesis yields based on pre-SN structure was used to estimate the effect of failed SNe on the initial mass function averaged yields; this substantially reduced the yields of all these isotopes, but the predicted yield ratio 60Fe/26Al was little affected. The robustness of this ratio is promising for comparison with data, but it is larger than observed in nature; possible causes for this discrepancy are discussed.
A Very Large (θE ≳ 40″) Strong Gravitational Lens Selected with the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich Effect: PLCK G287.0+32.9 (z = 0.38)
Authors: Zitrin Adi , Seitz Stella , Monna Anna , Koekemoer Anton M. , Nonino Mario , Gruen Daniel , Balestra Italo , Girardi Marisa , Koppenhoefer Johannes , Mercurio Amata
Published: April 2017

Since galaxy clusters sit at the high end of the mass function, the number of galaxy clusters both massive and concentrated enough to yield particularly large Einstein radii poses useful constraints on cosmological and structure formation models. To date, less than a handful of clusters are known to have Einstein radii exceeding

(for a source at

, nominally). Here, we report an addition to that list of the Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) selected cluster, PLCK G287.0+32.9 (z = 0.38), the second-highest SZ-mass (M
500) cluster from the Planck catalog. We present the first strong-lensing analysis of the cluster, identifying 20 sets of multiply imaged galaxies and candidates in new Hubble Space Telescope (HST) data, including a long,

giant arc, as well as a quadruply imaged, apparently bright (magnified to

AB), likely high-redshift dropout galaxy at

[6.13–8.43] (95% C.I.). Our analysis reveals a very large critical area (1.55 arcmin2,

), corresponding to an effective Einstein radius of

. The model suggests the critical area will expand to 2.58 arcmin2 (

) for sources at

. Our work adds to recent efforts to model very massive clusters toward the launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, in order to identify the most useful cosmic lenses for studying the early universe. Spectroscopic redshifts for the multiply imaged galaxies and additional HST data will be necessary for refining the lens model and verifying the nature of the

dropout.
Is there an association between convergence insufficiency and refractive errors?
Authors: Wajuihian Samuel Otabor
Published: April 2017

Background: Refractive errors and convergence insufficiency play major roles in reading efficiency. Uncorrected refractive errors are a primary cause of binocular anomalies, including convergence insufficiency. Symptoms of asthenopia in both refractive and binocular vision anomalies are similar. Despite the relationships that exist between them, the extent of association between refractive errors and convergence insufficiency has not been studied extensively.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of convergence insufficiency and refractive errors and investigate their associations with gender and age in a sample of high school children.Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and comprised data from 1056 African high school students aged 13–18 years, who were randomly selected from 13 high schools in uMhlathuze municipality in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In the final sample, 403 (38%) were males and 653 (62%) were females. The participants’ mean age and standard deviation were 15.89 ± 1.58 years and median age was 16 years. Refractive errors, heterophoria, near point of convergence, fusional vergences and accommodative functions were evaluated.Results: Prevalences for convergence insufficiency were as follows: low suspect 12.4% (confidence interval, [CI] 10.2–14.4), high suspect 6.3% (CI, 5.0–7.9), definite 4.6% (CI, 3.4–5.9), and pseudo-convergence insufficiency 2.1% (CI, 1.2–3.0). Refractive errors were: hyperopia 6.8% (CI, 5.3–8.4), myopia 6.0% (CI, 4.6–7.5), astigmatism 2.3% (CI, 1.8–3.2), anisometropia 1.3% (CI, 0.7–2.0) and emmetropia 86.2% (CI, 85.1–89.1). There were no significant associations between convergence insufficiency and gender (p = 0.32), age (p = 0.38), grade levels (p = 0.99) or refractive errors (p = 0.08).Conclusion: The prevalence of clinically significant convergence insufficiency and refractive errors was low in this sample of black high school students in South Africa, and there was no significant correlation between them.
The risk-adjusted performance of companies with female directors: A South African case
Authors: Mkhize Mkhethwa , Msweli-Mbanga Pumela
Published: April 2017

The objective of this research was to examine the effects of female directors on the risk-adjusted performance of firms listed on the JSE Securities Exchange of South Africa (the JSE). The theoretical underpinning for the relationship between representation of female directors and the risk-adjusted performance of companies was based on institutional theory. The hypothesis that there is no difference between the risk-adjusted performance of companies with female directors and that of companies without female directors was rejected. Implications of the results are discussed and suggestions for future research presented.
The determinants of capital structure of microfinance institutions in Ghana
Authors: Kyereboah-Coleman Anthony
Published: April 2017

Using a panel data methodology, this study examines the determinants of capital structure of 52 microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Ghana. The empirical results show that the MFIs are highly leveraged and that their capital structure is explained partly by standard finance theory and by other unconventional variables. Specifically, the study confirms that leverage is positively related to asset tangibility, with small MFIs using short-term and large MFIs using long-term debt. Though, the findings confirm that leverage is inversely related to risk, they also suggest that some MFIs enjoy long-term debt in spite of risk, while profitability is irrelevant in explaining the capital structure decisions of MFIs. Finally, the study shows that the reputation and board independence of MFIs significantly and positively affect their capital structure decisions.
Is there a need to audit CVM applications to the environment?
Authors: Hosking S
Published: April 2017

It is well known to economists that the contingent valuation method (CVM) fills an important gap in valuation technology with respect to managing public environmental goods and services.   Currently acceptable CVM practice requires many challenging steps to be followed.  One of these important steps is that of assessing the theoretical validity of the household willingness to pay (WTP) finding, but it is far from being a sufficient basis for reaching conclusions as to the credibility predicted community willingness to pay for environmental services.  This paper reviews the step of testing for theoretical validity and challenges its importance relative to other more fundamental assessments of the credibility of the predicted household and societal WTP.  This paper then deduces that an external ‘audit’ assessment may be necessary, in addition to an internal one, for these values to attain credibility in the determination of public choices.
A critical assessment of the perceptions of graduates regarding their generic skills level: an exploratory study
Authors: Smith Elroy Eugene , Krüger Janine
Published: April 2017

This article outlines the perceptions of potential Business Management graduates regarding their generic skills level.  To achieve the aim of this article, a literature study and empirical research were undertaken.  A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 205 potential Business Management graduates at a tertiary institution. To investigate the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, thirteen null-hypotheses were tested.  The results revealed some significant relationships between these variables.  Seven predetermined generic skills factors, namely basic, communication, management, environmental awareness, intellectual, self and career management as well as interpersonal skills, were identified and empirically tested in this article.  Skills development should take place within an overall framework providing for the coordination and progression of skills development from first to final year of study.  Future curricula development should specifically focus on developing those skills lacking most by potential graduates as identified in this article.
Portfolio liquidity-adjusted value-at-risk
Authors: Botha Marius
Published: April 2017

An important, yet neglected, aspect of risk management is liquidity risk; changes in value due to reduced availability of traded financial instruments. This ubiquitous risk has emerged as one of the key drivers of the developing “credit crunch” with global financial liquidity plummeting since the crisis began. Despite massive cash injections by governments, the crisis continues. Contemporary research has focussed on the liquidity component of single instruments’ value-at-risk. This work is extended in this article to measure portfolio value-at-risk, employing a technique which integrates individual instruments’ liquidity-adjusted VaR into a portfolio environment without a commensurate increase of statistical assumptions.
The role of entrepreneurial characteristics in predicting job satisfaction
Authors: Van Wyk Rene , Adonisi Mandla
Published: April 2017

This study investigates the prediction of job satisfaction using the important entrepreneurial characteristics of corporate entrepreneurship (CE), market orientation (MO) and organisational flexibility (F). In this study, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to predict the causal relationship between these entrepreneurial characteristics and job satisfaction (JS) as the outcome variable. It was found that the corporate entrepreneurship factors of work discretion, work improvement and rewards/reinforcement displayed a statistically significant common variance of ≥ 25.00 with extrinsic job satisfaction. The four Structural Equation Models built in this study indicated a reasonable to good fit with the data. Since all the entrepreneurial variables investigated can be controlled by management, it follows that the application of the research findings of this study can go a long way toward improving job satisfaction and possibly organisational performance through innovative entrepreneurial activities.
Environmental conditions for SMME development in a South African province
Authors: Mahadea Darma , Pillay Morgan
Published: April 2017

The development of entrepreneurship is the focus of considerable policy interest in South Africa and many other countries.  This is particularly in recognition of its contribution to economic growth, poverty alleviation and employment creation. In South Africa, various new strategies and institutions have recently been created with a view to empowering formerly disadvantaged members to enter the mainstream economy as entrepreneurs rather than job seekers. While the government directs considerable efforts to advancing Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), certain environmental factors can favour or hinder the optimal development of these firms. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reports, the level of entrepreneurial activity in South Africa is rather low in relation to that in other countries at a similar level of development.  This paper uses factor analysis to examine the internal and external environmental conditions influencing the development of small ventures on the basis of a survey conducted in Pietermaritzburg, the capital of the KZN province.  The results indicate that three clusters constrain SMME development in Pietermaritzburg:  management, finance and external environmental conditions. In the external set, rising crime levels, laws and regulations, and taxation are found to be significant constraints to the development of business firms.
Active versus passive policies of unemployment: growth and public finance perspectives
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Du Toit Charlotte
Published: April 2017

This paper develops a general equilibrium endogenous growth model in an overlapping generations framework, and compares, in terms of economic growth, a passive unemployment policy (unemployment insurance) with an active unemployment policy (government expenditures targeted towards improving the job-finding probability of an unemployed). Besides, the standard result of unemployment being growth reducing, under realistic parameterization, we show that the government, under an active policy, can generate higher growth without any compromise on its own consumption, when compared to the unemployment benefit regime. The result, however, depends crucially on the efficiency with which the resources are spent in creating employment.
A dynamic macroeconomic model of the Nigerian economy with emphasis on the monetary sector
Authors: Udah Enang Bassey
Published: April 2017

The dynamic nexus between money supply, fiscal deficit, inflation, output and exchange rate management has recently generated much debate in economic literature in Nigeria. To contribute to this debate, this paper uses the co-integration and error correction framework of analysis and also conducts policy simulation experiments to investigate how monetary variables interact with aggregate supply, demand and prices in order to aid stabilization policies. The results show that monetary variables and government finance are linked through government’s net indebtedness to the banking system. The simulation results show that a 20 per cent monetary squeeze would reduce the inflation rate faster than if the reduction in money supply were 10 per cent. This reduction in money supply would also lead to a reduction in output, employment and government expenditure, which may hurt the domestic economy. The paper thus concludes that there is a trade-off between higher GDP growth and inflation in Nigeria.
IAS15 inflation adjustments and EVA: empirical evidence from a highly variable inflation regime
Authors: Erasmus Pierre
Published: April 2017

Inflation can have a pronounced effect on the financial performance of a firm. This study makes inflation adjustments to a firm’s cost of sales, depreciation, level of gearing and assets in line with International Accounting Standard 15 (IAS15) in order to calculate an inflation-adjusted version of the economic value added (EVA) measure. The study was conducted using data from South African industrial firms during a period characterised by highly variable inflation levels (1991-2005). The results indicate that during this period there were significant differences between the nominal and real values of the firms’ EVAs
Addressing the need for a clean development mechanism (CDM) specific project management strategy
Authors: Lotz Marco , Brent Alan , Steyn Herman
Published: April 2017

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects have additional technical, financial and regulatory requirements that are not fully addressed by classic project management approaches. Research has been done on individual novel concepts of the CDM, like additionality, but little has been achieved to address an overall CDM project management approach. CDM and project management literature was reviewed and the South African CDM Industry Association was used as a case study to gain insight into an appropriate CDM specific project management strategy. A stage-gate model was subsequently derived to align classic project management approaches with the additional requirements of CDM projects. Further research will, in time, determine the completeness and practicability of the proposed model.
Determining the negative effect on house values of proximity to a landfill site by means of an application of the hedonic pricing method
Authors: Du Preez Mario , Lottering T
Published: April 2017

This study applied the hedonic pricing method to determine whether a disused, solid waste landfill site has an adverse effect on the prices of low-cost houses in New Brighton, a neighbourhood of the Nelson Mandela Metropole, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The results of the study show that the landfill site has a negative effect on New Brighton house prices. The average increase in house value is R36.00 per one hundred metres from the landfill site. This increase amounts to 0.44 percent of the value of a house per 100 metres from the landfill. When the change in value is summed for all the properties in the sample area (allowing for variation in value change due to differing distances from the landfill site) the total disamenity effect of the landfill site is approximately R1.4 million.
Estimating the carbon emissions balance for South Africa
Authors: Brent Alan , Hietkamp Sibbele , Wise Russell , O’Kennedy Kenney
Published: April 2017

The carbon footprint of materials and products is becoming an increasingly important factor in international trade. At present the carbon emissions balance of the South African economy is not well understood, especially the carbon emissions associated with imports and exports. An investigation was done of known economic input-output and life cycle analyses models addressing this shortcoming. The results reveal that South Africa is a major exporter of carbon; at least 129 per cent more carbon is associated with a dollar earned with exports than a dollar spent on imports, and the carbon footprint of the outflows on average, equates 37 per cent of the total carbon emissions of the economy. Such figures have serious policy-related implications in a future where international climate-change trade limitations will become stricter and binding.
Perceptions of the role and contribution of human resource practitioners in a global petrochemical company
Authors: Pieterse H , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: April 2017

The value-adding contribution of human resources departments in organisations has often been questioned. It is not clear whether human resource practitioners are adding value according to organisational managers’ expectations. The objective of this study was to compare the perceptions of human resource practitioners in a global petrochemical company concerning expected and real contributions to business performance with those of their internal clients. Stratified samples of human resource personnel (N = 128) and their internal line customers (N = 67) were taken. The Human Resource Role-Assessment Survey was administered. The results showed that human resource practitioners and their line customers agree on the importance of the human resources roles that enable business performance, indicating that human resource practitioners have a good understanding of their job requirements. However, both human resource practitioners and their line customers perceive the performance of human resource practitioners to be average, which is lower than the expected level of performance as indicated by importance scales.
Application of the contingent valuation method to estimate the willingness-to-pay for restoring indigenous vegetation in Underberg, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Du Preez Mario , Tessendorf S , Hosking Stephen
Published: April 2017

This study estimates the willingness-to-pay (WTP) for a project (i.e. the Working for Water Programme) aimed at removing alien vegetation and restoring indigenous vegetation in Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The WTP estimate reflects the benefit of preference for indigenous vegetation over alien vegetation. In a survey, a questionnaire was administered to 260 households in the Underberg region during September 2005. It was deduced that the mean WTP for the project was R21.12 in 2005 (R26.40 in 2008), the total WTP was R25 344.00 (R31 680.00 in 2008) and the WTP per hectare was R21.87 (R27.34 in 2008).  A valuation function to predict WTP responses was also estimated. The function showed that knowledge of the local Working for Water Programme and income were important determinants of WTP.
The relationship between employee motivation and job involvement
Authors: Govender S , Parumasur Sanjana Brijball
Published: April 2017

The study aims to assess the current level of, and relationship between, employee motivation and job involvement.  This cross-sectional study was undertaken in a financial institution from which 145 employees were drawn using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using the Employee Motivation Questionnaire (Fourie, 1989) and the Job Involvement Questionnaire (Lodahl and Kejner, 1965) and, was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.  The results indicate that significant intercorrelations exist amongst the majority of dimensions and sub-dimensions of employee motivation and job involvement.  Recommendations are graphically presented to provide practitioners and managers with guidelines for enhancing employee motivation and job involvement respectively.
The relationship between job insecurity and burnout
Authors: Tilakdharee N , Ramidial S , Parumasur Sanjana Brijball
Published: April 2017

Organisational survival has necessitated more flexible practices (short-term contracts and outsourcing) and, the need for an effective workforce that is able to work continuously under immense pressure.  Whilst the former has raised feelings of job insecurity, the latter has resulted in burnout.  This study aims to assess levels of job insecurity and burnout amongst 87 employees in a training and development environment, relationships between these two key dimensions and the impact of biographical variables.  Data, collected using the Job Insecurity Questionnaire (JIQ) and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), reflects a significant relationship between these dimensions.  The study provides recommendations for reducing their catastrophic individual and organisational consequences.
Debt financing the capital requirements of informal market traders
Authors: Schraader Derek , Whittaker Louise , McKay Ian
Published: April 2017

This paper describes a case study undertaken to determine whether formal sector personal debt financing might contribute to the funding of South African informal market traders. The case study was conducted at the Natalspruit informal market in Ekhuruleni, Gauteng1.  Quantitative questionnaire surveys and a financial diaries project established that market traders in the Natalspruit informal market: have capital requirements large enough to justify the use of formal sector debt financing, can generate sufficient operating profits to pay for formal sector debt financing, and would be willing to utilise formal sector debt financing if given the opportunity. However, formal sector debt financing is most relevant to those informal market traders with the skills and motivation to utilize financing provided effectively and who are willing to inject more formality into their business.
South Africa and United States stock prices and the Rand/Dollar exchange rate
Authors: Ocran Matthew
Published: April 2017

This paper seeks to examine the dynamic causal relations between the two major financial assets, stock prices of the US and South Africa and the rand/US$ exchange rate. The study uses a mixed bag of time series approaches such as cointegration, Granger causality, impulse response functions and forecasting error variance decompositions.  The paper identifies a bi-directional causality from the Standard & Poor’s 500 stock price index to the rand/US$ exchange rate in the Granger sense. It was also found that the Standard & Poor’s stock price index accounts for a significant portion of the variations in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange’s All Share index. Thus, while causality in the Granger sense could not be established for the relationship between the price indices of the two stock exchanges it can argued that there is some relationship between them. The results of the study have implications for both business and Government.
The impact of intra-group processes on family business success
Authors: Farrington Shelley , Boshoff Christo , Venter Elmarie
Published: April 2017

Interpersonal ties and intra-group processes influence the ability of people to work together effectively as teams. In the context of the family business team, intra-group processes describe the interaction that takes place between the family members and the resultant psychological climate that exists in the family business. Given the increasing number of sibling teams among family businesses, as well as the challenges they face as team members, this study focuses on sibling teams in family businesses and the intra-group processes that influence their success. Consequently, the primary objective of this study is to identify and empirically test the intra-group processes influencing the effectiveness of sibling partnerships. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 1323 sibling partner respondents. The respondents were identified by means of a convenience snowball sampling technique, and the data were collected from 371 usable questionnaires. The empirical findings of this study show that the sibling relationship and fairness are important determinants of sibling team effectiveness.
An exploratory study of motivations driving corporate investment in voluntary climate change mitigation in South Africa
Authors: Reyers Michelle , Gouws Daan , Blignaut James
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study investigates factors driving investment in voluntary climate change mitigation among a selection of listed corporations in South Africa. Based on a review of the literature, a proposed conceptual framework is developed and empirically tested using case studies. A qualitative analysis of the data reveals three key motivational drivers: legitimacy, the financial business case and moral responsibility. In addition, a number of sub-drivers are identified which provide insights for engagement with companies in developing South Africa’s response to climate change.
Travel service exports as comparative advantage in South Africa
Authors: Fourie Johan
Published: April 2017

World service exports have grown at a rapid rate over the past few decades. While some countries have benefited from the surge in service exports, others have been left behind. This paper provides a snapshot of South Africa’s comparative performance in service exports, using a new measure of revealed comparative advantage, the normalised revealed comparative advantage (NRCA). Countries are ranked according to their performance in 10 service export sectors. South Africa is found to reveal a strong comparative advantage in travel service exports (tourism). A discussion of the travel services sector follows, with historical, theoretical and empirical evidence to support the NRCA findings.
Estimating the price elasticity for demand for electricity by sector in South Africa
Authors: Inglesi-Lotz Roula , Blignaut James
Published: April 2017

This paper analyses electricity consumption patterns in South Africa in an attempt to understand and identify the roots of the current electricity crisis. This is done by investigating various economic sectors’ responses to price changes using panel data for the period 1993–2004. Positive and statistically significant price elasticities over this period were found for the transport (rail) and commercial sectors while there are positive, but small and statistically insignificant responses to price changes in the agriculture and mining sectors. Only the industrial sector responded to changes in electricity prices according to theory, namely illustrating negative demand elasticities. This sector, however, dominates electricity consumption resulting in aggregate demand elasticities that are negative. These results explain, in part, the current electricity crisis. Given the historic low level of electricity prices in conjunction with, on the whole, a real price decline, i.e. price increases lower than the inflation rate; there was no major incentive to reduce electricity consumption and/or to be efficient. This result supports the notion that prices do have an important signalling effect in the economy. Hence, the electricity prices should be considered not only from an economic growth or social vantage point, but also from a supply and technocratic perspective, which includes environmental factors such as CO2-emissions. Prices should not be determined without considering the system-wide implications thereof.
CSIR the motivational role of interactive control in the research sector: a case study
Authors: Sartorius Kurt , Trollip Neil , Eitzen Carolyn , Uliana Enrico
Published: April 2017

Performance measurement in the public research sector is complex because of the need to configure stakeholder expectations with operational efficiency. The paper investigates the appropriateness of a performance measurement framework (PMF) in a state controlled research organization in South Africa. A case study method, combined with a survey, is used to test the research questions. The results indicate that the public sector PMF incorporated a checklist of critical success factors, it was sustainable and performance measures had been developed for all the stakeholders. Furthermore, the results indicated that the PMF had facilitated the achievement of the division’s strategic objectives, as well as ancillary objectives like motivation, learning and decision making at a local operations level. Finally, the results suggest that it may be possible to create a generic form of public sector research PMF that is based on the balanced scorecard.