bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Milk Thistle Seeds (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.)
Authors: DOĞAN Gülden , KARA Nazan , GÜR Seher , BAGCI Eyup
Published: July 2022

Milk Thistle Seeds (MTS) purifies the liver from all toxic and harmful substances, supports the regeneration of liver cells. In this study, the chemical composition of milk thistle seeds (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertner = Carduus marianus L.) and also its biological activity were determined. Essential oil was analyzed using by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques. After that, the essential oil was tested against bacteria and fungi by agar well diffusion and micro dilution methods. The essential oil yield was 1.1% (v/w). Eight constituents were comprised the 97.3% of the total oil extract of the Milk thistle seeds. The major compounds were determined as oleic acid (45.6%), linoleic acid (29.0%), ethylbenzene (7.0%) and stearic acid (5.7%). The seed essential oils of MTS significantly inhibited the growth of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Streptococcus sp.) bacteria (p < 0.05). The oils also showed fungicidal activity against Candida tropicalis and C. globrata.
Grammatical and Lexical Variation of Standard Tibetan Between the Region of Lhasa and the Tibetan Diaspora
Authors: Vokurkova Zuzana
Published: July 2022

In this paper, I deal with differences between the variants spoken in Lhasa and in the Tibetan diaspora. Although they are very similar, one can find various minor differences in the grammar and numerous differences in the lexicon of these two variants of Standard spoken Tibetan. Dissimilarities in the grammar can be illustrated by the use of different variants of case particles or by different verb stems of a verb. Another example of geographical alterations of Standard Tibetan is epistemic verb endings. Certain epistemic types are common for Lhasa and the diaspora, but other types are only used in Lhasa Tibetan and are rare in Diaspora Tibetan, or vice versa.

                The paper will further examine lexical dissimilarities between the two variants. These are especially owed to the fact that spoken Tibetan has a large number of loanwords from Chinese and English. Many words used in everyday speech in Lhasa and Central Tibet have been borrowed from Chinese whereas the Diaspora variant mainly employs loanwords from English. Nonetheless, the two variants also contrast in the use of words of the Tibetan origin, such as personal pronouns, nouns or verbs. These lexical dissimilarities are in the centre of attention of this paper.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Peroperative Color Doppler Ultrasonography for Determining the Nature of Anterolateral Thigh Flap Perforators
Authors: Mohsin Ata  , Muhammad Naveed Shahzad  , Ahmad Ali
Published: July 2022

Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of color Doppler ultrasonography for diagnosing septocutaneous nature of anterolateral thigh flap perforators taking peroperative findings as gold standard among patients undergoing soft tissue reconstruction.
Methodology: A total number of 100 patients undergoing soft tissue reconstruction using antero-lateral thigh flap perforators at plastic surgery unit, Pak Italian Modern Burn Center, Multan and fulfilling the selection criteria were approached. An informed consent were taken from them before enrolling in the study. Information regarding their demographic data were noted in the proforma. A high frequency color Doppler ultrasound was done by the consultant radiologist to determine the nature of the perforator (as per operational defination) and the results were noted in the proforma. The anterolateral thigh thin flap was undermined, but kept in situ. The elevation was performed either on superficial or sub-facial plane depending upon situation and surgical plan, and the points of emergence through the deep fascia and nature of its perforators, as they appeared during surgery, was noted in the proforma.
Results: Age distribution of the patients was done, it showed that out of 100 patients, 17 %( n=17) were in age group of 15-27 years and 83%( n=83) were in age group of 28-40 years andÂ  mean age was calculated as 33.96Â±5.72 years. Gender distribution of the patients was done, it showed that 88 %( n=88) were male whereas 12 %( n=12) were females. In this study, Sensitivity and specifity of septocutaneous nature of perforator was 78.41% and 83.33% respectively and PPV was 97.18% and NPV was 34.48% andÂ  accuracy was 79%.
Conclusion: Color doppler ultrasonography is the reliable test for the prediction of nature of anterolateral thigh flap perforator.
Early Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy for Premature Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Jawaria Zia  , Nahdia Zaman  , Anam Zafar  , Hassan Mumtaz  , Sonia Fazal
Published: July 2022

Objective: To determine the outcome of preterm neonates with the early introduction of bubble continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Methodology: This observational study was conducted in NICU of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad from March 2017 to August 2017. Ninety preterm infants were enrolled with a gestational age of 28 to 37 weeks and with the clinical features of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Infant variables that were recorded were birth weight, gestational age, and severity of RDS and Fio2 requirement. Bubble CPAP was started at 5cm of water and FiO2 adjusted to maintain SpO2 of 87 to 95%. The SPSS 26 version was used to analyze data. The Chi square test was used, with a P value of <0.05 considered significant.
Results: The study included 90 neonates who were clinically diagnosed with RDS. To treat RDS, CPAP was started at the mean age of 5.27 hours of life with a standard deviation of 2.66 hours. 11 out of 90 (11.22%) babies had chest X-ray findings in favor of severe RDS; while X-rays of the remaining 79 (88.78%) showed mild to moderate RDS.
Conclusion: CPAP is of valuable importance in low resource countries with a lack of ventilators and provides an adequate and conservative treatment method of mild to moderate RDS for preterm neonates. However, in cases of severe RDS, intubation and mechanical ventilation are often necessary.
Variations in Pulmonary Function in Relation with the Menstrual Cycle in Healthy Adult Female
Authors: Hira Saeed Khan  , Saima Naz Shaikh  , Kavita Bai  , Rizwan Ali Canna  , Abdul Haq Shaikh
Published: July 2022

Objective: To compare the respiratory parameters during different menstrual versus luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in healthy adult female.
Methodology: This comparative study was conducted in research lab physiology department of Liaquat University of medical and health sciences Jamshoro, from January 2018 July 2018.Â  Adult healthy non-pregnant females aged between 18 and 24 years were Included. Each participant was advised to visit the Physiology Lab on a particular date for pulmonary function test duringÂ menstrual (1-5th day) and luteal (19-22th day) phases,Â based on their menstrual history. Using the Power lab AD tools 15:HT Computerized Spirometer and parameters recorded on Labtutor software, the participants were made to undertake pulmonary function testing in distinct menstrual cycle stages. All the data was collected via study proforma.
Results: Mean age of the cases was 20.03+6.30 years and mean duration of menstrual cycle was 28.62Â±1.35 days. Mean FVC value was significantly higher in luteal phase (2.57) as compared to menstrual phase (2.50) (p-0.016).Â  Average FEV1 value was significantly higher in luteal phase (2.61) compared to menstrual phase (2.53) (p-0.009). Average values of PEF and FEV1/FVC were also significantly higher in luteal phase as compared to menstrual phase (p-<0.05).
Conclusion: Pulmonary functions as well as respiratory efficiency were significantly improved in luteal phase compared to menstrual phase of menstrual cycle, which were enumerated in this study thus suggesting a possible beneficial role of progesterone in improvement of respiratory parameters. The reason could be the bronchodilator effect of progesterone, its level remains higher during this phase.
Quality Of Life of Women, Pre- and Post-Operative Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Summera Ambreen  , Ayesha Javed  , Riaz Hussain Siddiqui  , Hana Mehmood  , Rizwan Sultan  , Fatima Tuz Zahra
Published: July 2022

Objective: To evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) of women with breast cancer who came for treatment in surgery department before diagnosis and post-operative time period.
Methodology: A prospective cohort study was conducted at General surgery Department, Islamabad Medical complex, NESCOM, from October 2021 to March 2022. Seventy four diagnosed breast cancer patients, above 18 years of age, who underwent surgical treatment (MRM and Axillary clearance), were selected. QoL was assessed with the help of EORTC QLQ C-30 and EORTC BR-23 questionnaire. Data was collected on opd follow up and through telephone. SPSS 20 was used to analyze the data and Wilcoxon test and Kruskal-Wallis test were performed.
Results: The QoL assessed at pre and post operative stage showed positive results only in the future prospects and emotional function domain. Whereas, negative results were scored in rest of the domains, which are symptoms in the arm, body image, financial concerns, sexual pleasure, cognitive function and physical function.
Conclusion: The need for a multidisciplinary approach for breast cancer patients is required regarding different dimensions that can improve their QoL.
Checklists of Cultivars of European Ash (Fraxinus) Species
Authors: McArdle Alice , Santamour Frank
Published: July 2022

Cultivars of 4 species of Fraxlnus native to Europe are described and discussed: F. angustifolia (incl. F. oxycarpa), F. excelsior, F. holotricha, and F. ornus.
Roller-Wiper Herbicide Applicator: Control of Right-Of-Way Hardwood Brush
Authors: Gibson Harry , Gaultney L.D. , Holt H.A. , Krutz G.W.
Published: July 2022

The application of herbicides to target plants by using contact method such as wicks or absorbent wipers has several advantages over spraying in many circumstances. Elimination of herbicide drift, conservation of herbicide material, and plant height selectivity are characteristic of most contact application methods. An analysis of the most suitable method of applying translocatable herbicides to woody brush was carried out in field and laboratory tests. A horizontal, rotating, carpet-covered roller was used in test plots and on utility rights-of-way to treat a wide variety of woody brush using seven translocatable herbicides. An average of over 90% brush control was achieved in these tests. Laboratory testing studied variations in the roller speed, roller diameter, carpet covering, wiper flap pressure, liquid surface tension and liquid viscosity in order to determine optimal levels for these application parameters. Mathematical models are developed for predicting the behavior of liquid added to the top of the rotating cylinder. More than 86% of the variation in the amount of liquid held on the roller could be attributed to the variables studied. Field studies indicated that the roller-wiper concept of herbicide application is very effective in controlling unwanted woody brush. It was determined that by controlling the proper parameters, an efficient, reliable, safe herbicide applicator could be built using the carpet roller principle.
Assessment of Pesticide Usages by Commercial and Municipal Arborists
Authors: Neely Dan , Himelick E.B. , Cline Steven
Published: July 2022

Questionnaires on fungicide and insecticide usage were mailed to 529 commercial and 40 municipal arborists in Illinois in 1982; 156 arborists responded. Of these respondents, 37 were also personally interviewed. Responding arborists combined purchased 9,200 pounds of fungicide and 225,000 pounds of insecticide in 1982. Benomyl, maneb, and zineb were the most frequently used fungicides; carbaryl, dimethoate, malathion, and dormant oil were the most frequently used insecticides. Scab and rust were the most prevalent diseases; scales, aphids, and bagworms were the most prevalent insects. Cost of pesticide purchased by the average Illinois arborist was $8,500. Of this, 15% was for fungicides and 85% for insecticides.
A Managed System for Distribution Forestry
Authors: Griffiths S.T.
Published: July 2022

The maintenance of vegetation that affects or has the potential to affect electric distribution lines goes beyond the periodic treatment of existing trees and brush. Utility managers must understand and continuously address why the brush and trees are there. Tree and brush density has to be managed as a prerequisite to actually doing the physical work. The managed system, applied to distribution forestry maintenance, sets performance standards for doing the work and utilizes reliability as a measure of effectiveness. The system which is based on the distribution feeder, categorized by customer type, right of way location and/or landscape is dynamic and can be changed or adjusted in response to quantitative results from the performance indices. These performance indices, when fully developed, will help the manager to determine which areas of the operation require corrective attention.
Response of Honeylocust Cultivars to Air Pollution Stress in an Urban Environment
Authors: Smith G.C. , Brennan E.G.
Published: July 2022

Five honeylocust cultivars were evaluated for tolerance to O3 pollution over a 3-year period. Symptom development was monitored on a monthly basis during the growing season and changes in diameter growth measured once each year. Measurements of diffusive resistance and transpiration were used to determine if cultivar differences in Og-tolerance were associated with differences in gas exchange rates through the stomates. 'Imperial' was the most O3 sensitive and 'Majestic' the most O3 resistant cultivar based on foliar response. The average yearly increase in diameter was greatest in the cultivars more resistant to O3. Ozone sensitivity was negatively correlated with leaf diffusive resistance and positively correlated with transpiration rate. When making cultivar selections for urban tree plantings on the basis of O3-tolerance 'Majestic' should be considered first, followed by 'Sunburst,' 'Skyline,' and 'Shademaster.' 'Imperial' should not be used in polluted environments.
Bluetooth Low Energy Technology Simulators
Authors: Yordanov Yordan , Haka Aydan
Published: July 2022

The growing interest in Internet of Things technologies in modern life requires their active research. This can be done most easily by using a simulation product for the technology in consideration. This article presents the most famous existing simulation products of Bluetooth Low Energy technology, as well as the one developed by the authors, and presents a comparison between the considered solutions.
Theory and Applications of Fourier, Laplace, and Z Transformations
Authors: Ciulla Carlo
Published: July 2022

This study presents the mathematics for the implementation of direct and inverse Fourier, Laplace, and Z transformations. This research is at the intersection between signal processing, applied mathematics, and software engineering, and it provides a study guide to implementers. Mathematical concepts and details necessary to transform the math into code are provided as theoretical background. Validation is conducted for the cases when the transforms do intersect, when the transforms do not intersect, and when, in Fourier and Z-transformations, the frequency domain encodes a phase shift which is reconstructed as an image space shift. Coherence between the software implementation of the three transformations is confirmed when: 1. The real component of the complex variable s = σ + i ω is σ = 0, which is the case when Fourier and Laplace transforms are the same. 2. When the magnitude of the complex variable z = r e jω is r = 1, which is the case when Fourier and Z transforms are the same. Congruency between software implementation of transformations is confirmed comparing departing image and inverse reconstructed image. The novelty of this research is the presentation style of the theory of direct and inverse Fourier, Laplace, and Z transforms. Details provided in this research make this paper a study guide that is not found elsewhere.
Machine Building and Mechatronics Field in The Industry 4 for 5 Regions in Europe
Authors: Ntolou Kalliopi , Fantidis Jacob , Parasyri Despoina , Kogias Panagiotis
Published: July 2022

The article presents the needs for professional training of technicians and engineers in mechanical engineering and mechatronics was conducted in two areas of Bulgaria - Gabrovo and Plovdiv, Kavala, Greece, Pomorskie Region, Poland and Nis region, Serbia. These regions are very different, both in area and population and the most developed sectors of the economy. The survey was realized under an Erasmus+ KA2 programme which duration from 1.09.2020 up to 31.08.2022 with title Active Learning Community for Upskilling Technicians and Engineers. This works presents the basic data about the training proposals both for engineers and technicians. Last but not least illustrates the preferences of companies about the most suitable training method.
Exploring the Impact of Social Media in Education and Employment in Youth
Authors: Mubashir Ansari
Published: July 2022

During the previous several years, the use of social media has exploded. It is not only utilised by working people, but it is also becoming increasingly popular among students, or in the education society. During the previous several years, the use of social media has exploded. It is not only utilised by working people, but it is also becoming increasingly popular among students, or in the education society. This study is an attempt to investigate the applicability and utility of social media in transferring resources and interacting with academicians in higher education institutions and employment, an area of research that has remained largely unexplored. This empirical study is based on a survey of some students from a Maharashtra College in India, with the goal of understanding students' perceptions of social media and mobile devices through collaborative learning, interactivity with peers, and teachers, as well as their impact on academic performance. According to the findings, using online social media for collaborative learning had a substantial impact on peer interaction, teacher interaction, and online knowledge sharing behaviour.
Estado trófico y características morfométricas como factores reguladores de las tasas de sedimentación en embalses mediterráneos
Authors: De Vicente Inmaculada , García-Bermúdez Álvaro , Cruz-Pizarro Luis
Published: July 2022

En este trabajo se ha medido la tasa de sedimentación de material particulado, como peso seco (DW) así como de carbono (C), nitrógeno (N) y fósforo (P) en seis embalses mediterráneos de características muy contrastadas. Nuestro principal objetivo ha sido determinar: (1) las relaciones entre: DW, la razón molar (C:N:P) del seston, el fósforo total (PT), la razón entre el área de la cuenca de captación y el área superficial de los embalses (Ac:Ar) y la resuspensión del sedimento (razón dinámica); y (2) la relación entre la fracción de la producción primaria que sedimenta desde la zona trófica (razón de exportación) y el estado trófico. Los resultados muestran relaciones positivas y significativas de DW con Ac:Ar, y relaciones positivas pero no significativas con PT y con la razón dinámica. La estequiometría sestónica mostró grandes diferencias con la relación de Redfield. Finalmente, la razón de exportación y el estado trófico muestra una relación inversa, aunque no significativa, indicando posiblemente que el plancton de los embalses menos eutrofizados es menos eficiente reteniendo nutrientes en la columna de agua.
Preparing for future e-waste from photovoltaic modules: a circular economy approach
Authors: Hidalgo-Carvajal David , Carrasco-Gallego Ruth
Published: July 2022

The increasing adoption rate of photovoltaic power generation shows that renewable energies have a bright future. Yet, this could be overshadowed by the unintended consequence of increased generation of Waste of Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at the installations’ End-of-Life (EoL) stage. As countries find themselves dealing with the increasing WEEE issue, they may adopt different practices which, if wrongly implemented, could potentially backfire, creating additional issues especially among vulnerable social groups. This work proposes improving the WEEE management system by including the Informal Recyclers in the equation, benefitting social groups and material recovery through by delivering materials along different streams in the closed-loop supply chain. The proposed model intends to support the circular economy approach on waste management systems.
Propuesta de mapas conceptuales para mejorar la enseñanza de los circuitos basados en entornos virtuales
Authors: Pérez Martínez Maykop , Santos Fuentefria Ariel , Ayllón Fandiño Esperanza de la Caridad
Published: July 2022

Las actuales transformaciones en el modelo de formación han exigido a la Educació Superior, un replanteo de los modelos del perfil profesional con currículos más flexibles y pertinentes. En este empeño se perfecciona el currículo en  la  carrera  de  Ingeniería  Eléctrica,  en  el  que  la  esencialidad  de  los  contenidos  es  fundamental  para  reducir el  tiempo  de  formación  y  lograr  mayores  niveles  de  independencia  y  protagonismo  del  estudiante.  Para  ello  es importante aprovechar las ventajas que ofrecen las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación en el ámbito educativo, por ejemplo, los entornos virtuales de aprendizaje que ayudan a diseñar y mejorar los procesos de enseñanza ? aprendizaje con un alto nivel de organización, comunicación e interacción, posibilitando las actividades colaborativas  entre  los  estudiantes  y  entre  estos  y  el  profesor.  Estos  entornos  virtuales  brindan  la  posibilidad  de organizar los contenidos mediante mapas conceptuales que permiten potenciar y/o mejorar el aprendizaje autónomo, activo, significativo y colaborativo de los estudiantes. El objetivo del artículo es proponer la construcción de mapas  conceptuales  para  un  sistema  de  enseñanza  semipresencial  de  la  asignatura  Circuito  Eléctricos  I  para  los estudiantes de 2do año de la Facultad de Ingeniería Eléctrica de la Universidad Tecnológica de la Habana. Estos mapas se incorporan al curso ya elaborado sobre la plataforma interactiva MOODLE, para orientar en la dirección de mejorar, con los elementos fundamentales, el proceso de enseñanza ? aprendizaje basado en entornos virtuales de la asignatura de Circuitos Eléctricos I.
Modelizando el campo acústico generado por superficies vibrantes
Authors: Andrés Diana , Camarena Francisco , Jiménez Noé
Published: July 2022

Cuando una superficie vibra comprimiendo el medio que tiene delante, genera ondas acústicas. Este es el caso de los altavoces, que generan ondas acústicas a frecuencias audibles mediante una superficie móvil. En este trabajo presentamos un tutorial para modelizar la radiación acústica de superficies vibrantes, diferenciando entre geometrías circulares planas y curvadas. En primer lugar, derivaremos los modelos que describen la radiación de superficies móviles, y obtendremos soluciones analíticas para los casos más simples. Para los más complejos, se integrará numéricamente. Ambas soluciones se han incorporado a una interfaz gráfica sencilla, con las que se puede visualizar el campo acústico generado por las distintas superficies al variar sus características de radiación. La metodología propuesta permite profundizar en el análisis de la radiación de ondas acústicas, y presentar un ejemplo de modelización para estudiantes de Acústica, desde la modelización hasta la obtención de soluciones analíticas y numéricas.
The Implementation of Talking Football Game Towards Students’ Speaking Skill at Second Semester English Department of STKIP Dharma Bakti Lubuk Alung
Authors: Hayati Amal , Basthoh El
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this research was to know the students’ speaking ability by implementing Talking Football Game at second semester English Department students of STKIP Dharma Bakti Lubuk Alung. This research was experimental research called One-Shot Case Study which used one class as the sample. The population of this research was second semester English Department students of STKIP Dharma Bakti Lubuk Alung registering in 2014-2015 Academic Year. The data of this research were collected by using oral test. The data were analyzed by t-test formula. From the calculation of the result of the test, it was indicated that tcalculate was 3, 22 and ttable 2, 02 with a = 0,05. So, it means that tcalculate was greater than ttable and the hypothesis was accepted. The result of this research showed that Talking Football Game increase students’ speaking ability. It implied that Talking Football Game could be used as a technique of teaching speaking ability at second semester English Department students of STKIP Dharma Bakti Lubuk Alung year of 2014-2015.

Keywords: Talking Footbal Game, Speaking Skill, Speaking Ability
Marco de referencia para la discusión del futuro de la educación en El Salvador
Authors: Samayoa Joaquín
Published: July 2022

Con este artículo se pretende iniciar la discusión sobre la problemática de la educación. Una discusión que debe empezar y que además debe situarse en las coordenadas políticas y económicas. Esto es necesario para clarificar el mínimo de condiciones que deben darse antes de pretender realizar planes educativos. En segundo lugar, la discusión es necesaria para identificar con mayor precisión los márgenes de autonomía relativa que la educación pueda tener respecto de dichas dimensiones en medio de la situación de guerra y, consiguientemente, para orientar las actividades educativas a mediano plazo. El autor propone en estas páginas situar la discusión dentro de una perspectiva histórica, porque lo que pueda hacerse con la educación está determinado por la dinámica histórica de subordinación de la educación a las exigencias técnicas e ideológicas de un determinado esquema de “desarrollo”. Así pues, el objetivo de estas páginas es comenzar a construir un marco de referencia que resulte útil para discutir el papel de la educación a corto y mediano plazo en El Salvador.
ECA Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol. 40, No. 435-436, 1985: 17-27.
Fundamentación doctrinal sobre el trabajo con refugiados y desplazados
Authors: Rivera Damas Arturo
Published: July 2022

En el encuentro sobre refugiados y desplazados realizado en el Valle de Angeles (Honduras) del 18 al 22 de febrero, Mons. Arturo Rivera presentó la siguiente ponencia. Inspirado en Mt.25, en Mc. 6, 34, en Hch. 4, 32-37 y en 2Re. 24, 8-19 y apoyado en el magisterio de la Iglesia universal y latinoamericana, Mons. Rivera ilumina doctrinalmente el trabajo con los refugiados y los desplazados. Una labor urgente que Dios está pidiendo. La ponencia está dividida en tres partes: las razones cristianas que obligan al servicio a los refugiados y desplazados, la doctrina de la Iglesia sobre esta situación humana tan vieja como el Antiguo Testamento y la tarea prioritaria que debe ser emprendida por la Iglesia y los cristianos.

ECA Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol. 40, No. 435-436, 1985: 65-72.
inconstitucionalidad de la ley electoral
Authors: R. D.
Published: July 2022

No hay resúmenes disponibles.
ECA Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol. 40, No. 435-436, 1985: 77-78.
¡Reagan no es el amo del mundo!
Authors: A. O. M.
Published: July 2022

No hay resúmenes disponibles.

ECA Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol. 40, No. 435-436, 1985: 92-94.
Diciembre 1984-enero 1985
Authors: El Editor
Published: July 2022

No hay resúmenes disponibles.

ECA Estudios Centroamericanos, Vol. 40, No. 435-436, 1985: 99-104.
A study of the factors that will increase the number of Chinese tourist visits to South Africa, with a particular reference to the Chinese tourism industry in Shanghai
Authors:   , Gao Grace H.
Published: July 2022

Tourism is one of the world's major industries and is increasing in importance as a source of substantial employment and of great economical and social benefit to many regions around the world. China has the world’s largest population and it has been predicted that China will become one of the world’s major sources of international travellers in the 21st century. Although the outbound travel industry in China has only been developing in recent years, there has been an increasing number of outbound Chinese going all over the world. South Africa is one of the countries that are beginning to be penetrated by the emerging Chinese outbound traveller market. The purpose of this study is to examine the South Africa inbound tourism industry’s readiness for the increasing Chinese tourist market to South Africa and also to examine South Africa as a secondary international destination for the Chinese traveller. The study also aims to explore the Chinese travellers’ interests and major concerns when travelling to South Africa and the expectations of the inbound tour operators in Shanghai. A purposive sample of 118 respondents from Shanghai’s tourism industry participated in the study.
Students' perceptions of service quality at the Durban University of Technology
Authors:   , Arpin Justin
Published: July 2022

Interest in the quality of university education has grown considerably over the last decade. Higher education institutions are increasingly placing greater emphasis on meeting students’ expectations and needs. As universities become more student orientated, student perceptions of higher educational facilities and services are becoming more important. It is apparent that there is a need to measure students’ perceptions of service quality at the Durban University of Technology. To investigate students’ perceptions of service quality, a study was conducted which was guided by four objectives. These objectives were: firstly, to identify students’ expectations in terms of higher educational services provided; secondly, to ascertain the perceptions of students towards the service the Durban University of Technology provides; thirdly, to measure the gaps between the expectations and perceptions, using the SERVQUAL score, and fourthly, to calculate and measure the score of the five SERVQUAL dimensions.
The impact of amalgamation on human resources practice in eThekwini municipality
Authors:   , Madondo Siphiwe E.
Published: July 2022

The amalgamation of municipalities came into effect as a legislative requirement brought about a number of challenges for the local government. One such major challenge relates to the impact that these amalgamations will have on human resource practices of the various municipalities. Literature study reveals that during any merger or amalgamation, less attention is paid to the human element of a merger until the merger is almost complete. This lack of attention impacts negatively on the merger results. Like other municipalities, Ethekwini Municipality is a product of this legislative requirement. It was formed as a result of the amalgamation of different municipal entities that had different human resource practices. The problem facing eThekwini Municipality is the misalignment of human resources policies and their effect on the working environment. This study looks at the impact of this amalgamation on the human resources practices of the eThekwini Municipality. The sub-objectives of the study are: to ascertain employees’ perceptions of amalgamation; to determine whether employees believe that the human resources’ matters are handled in a manner that will bring about stability and equity in the workplace; and to establish whether different perceptions exist between employees of the former Durban Metro Central and those of the erstwhile entities.
The use of marketing strategies by small, medium and micro enterprises in rural KwaZulu-Natal
Authors:   , Lekhanya Lawrence Mpele
Published: July 2022

Many researchers undertook research about small, medium and micro enterprise in South Africa. Although there are numerous articles and a lot of previous research surveys about SMMEs in South Africa, USA, UK, Taiwan, China, Australia and many other countries, no research has been done in South Africa with regard to the use of marketing strategies by SMMEs in rural areas with specific reference to KwaZulu-Natal rural areas. Therefore, the assumptions and the confusion that surrounds rural owners‘/managers‘ awareness, perceptions and the use of marketing strategies in their areas highlight the need and create interest for marketers to conduct more research on this particular area. There were number of other important reasons such as the failure rate of SMMEs, high rate of unemployment and the large numbers of people moving from South African rural to urban areas due to unemployment and poverty. The study was conducted within the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal province, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The sample for the study consisted of 374 respondents of owners/managers of SMMEs. The respondents were selected using quota sampling. Respondents were required to complete a 10 page questionnaire with an interviewer present to assist. The overall aim of the study was to investigate and describe the use of marketing by SMMEs, in order to identify factors influencing the possible insufficient use of marketing, so as to improve rural SMME marketing, and thus reduce SMME failure. The results of the research revealed that there was a lack of marketing knowledge and expertise and limited use of marketing strategies by the owners/managers of the rural SMMEs. There were also some external and internal factors contributing to the use of marketing strategies by the rural SMMEs. This means that marketers in South Africa cannot simply apply the marketing strategies and marketing theories in this situation. It is also important for marketers to conduct more specific research studies to determine the suitable marketing strategies for the rural businesses, as the rural situation is different from the urban situation.
Customer service quality at Great Wall Motor (GWM) service centres in the greater Durban area
Authors:   , Yin Yue
Published: July 2022

China was the world’s third-largest producer of cars in 2006, and also the third-largest producer of “motor vehicles”. Great Wall Motor Company Limited (GWM) is the largest privately-owned automotive manufacturer in China. It was among the Top 500 Enterprises of China in 2004 and one of the best brands in the national automobile range. One of the more prominent industries in South Africa is the automobile industry. A high level of customer service is of paramount importance due to the competitive nature of this industry. Poor service at GWM service centres has created a negative perception amongst customers. GWM service centres do not appear to provide a satisfactory level of service for customers. The purpose of the study is to investigate customer perceptions of service quality at GWM service centres in the greater Durban area. In this research, the literature survey defined the service quality “gap” at GWM service centres, identified the role of effective communication in the service delivery system, measured the variables affecting current service delivery using the SERVQUAL instrument, and prioritized the importance of the factors influencing service delivery at GWM service centres. The analysis of the results revealed important findings. The results demonstrated that, in each of the five SERVQUAL dimensions, there was a negative quality gap. Improvements are needed across all five dimensions. Specific recommendations have been made to improve the levels of customer service quality at GWM service centres.
The role of public relations: case study of selected corporate organisations within the greater Durban area
Authors:   , Gqamane Zukiswa
Published: July 2022

Public relations is an important subsystem of an organisation and the effective practice of public relations is integrally bound to the health of an organisation. As such, it provides the avenue for the organisation to effectively monitor, interact and react with other key groups within the organisational environment. According to Naidoo (2007:3), “public relations has been described as synonymous to marketing. The function of public relations is becoming more confusing as initial scanning of the environment has revealed that certain organisations within the greater Durban area have merged public relations with other departments such as marketing”. Whilst some organisations may view public relations as a separate entity as opposed to marketing, others see these two functions as falling under a common umbrella. It is, therefore, evident that the boundaries between public relations and marketing are very blurred. Many organisations do not show the public relations office as an independent role. Since so many factors influence how public relations begins in organisations, public relations departments, in some organisations, have large numbers of staff and generous budgets even though the original motivations for their functions have long been forgotten and their mission is not clearly defined. Conversely, many, if not most, organisations reorganise the public relations functions, reduce the number of staff and try to do more with fewer people. Even practitioners disagree about what is the best structure and place for their functions in various types of organisations. This study, therefore, seeks to investigate the role that public relations plays within the selected corporate organisations in the greater Durban area.
Mentorship as a strategy to improve research output at tertiary institutions : case study of University of Johannesburg
Authors:   , Nundulall Reetha
Published: July 2022

Research production is increasingly becoming a focal point in higher education transformation. Merging of higher educational institutions has produced various challenges ranging from changing the focus from purely teaching functions to both research and teaching. While novice researchers (i.e. those that are training to become researchers) are expected to develop capacity by engaging in research through various means, the aim of capacity development is to enable young researchers (i.e. those who are developing a profile as researchers) to publish in high impact publications which attracts funding in the form of subsidy from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DoHET). The manners in which tertiary educational institutions promote research output through capacity development initiatives are important from the perspective of attracting funding. The researcher undertook this study to explore mentorship as a means to increase research output at a merged tertiary institution. A case study using a mixed method approach was adopted. The literature reviewed indicated that mentorship was popular in many fields but there is a paucity of data evident on mentorship as a means to increase research output for researchers. The researcher obtained views and perceptions from academic staff members from sample faculties with regards to an implementation of a formal research mentorship program (REMP). Semi-structured interviews with the deans of four sample faculties and analyses of institutional documentation was also undertaken to ascertain institutional and faculty support and development for research. The findings of this study are useful not only to the case study institution, but to all HE institutions, especially merged institutions and the public management sector.
Enhancing the ecotourist experience at Shongweni Reserve through the use of appropriate interpretive strategies
Authors:   , Foley Jonathan
Published: July 2022

The current biodiversity and extinction crisis has ignited global concern for human and planetary well-being, culminating in the declaration by the United Nations of 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. Concomitant with these developments has been the steady ascent of the ecotourism industry, a subset of the travel and tourism industry that holds some promise for the conservation and enhancement of natural areas. A third strand that may be added that weaves them all together for mutual benefit, is the use of interpretation as a communication strategy that enhances the travel experience for the visitor, stimulating interest and enriching their knowledge of local natural resources. This study examines the role of interpretation within one of the largest protected areas in the Durban area, Shongweni Reserve. Rich in faunal and floral diversity, the reserve hosts a range of active and passive recreational pursuits for local and international visitors. This study examines the range of natural, historic and cultural resources within the Shongweni Reserve and then develops appropriate themes for interpretive print material to effectively provoke and stimulate visitor interest in local biodiversity. Print samples were attractively designed to showcase interesting facets of plant and animal wildlife in the reserve. The samples integrated aspects of floral and faunal conservation status together with Zulu cultural use in the narrative and text. Findings from the survey revealed that most visitors were interested in learning more about local biodiversity and found the interpretation material to have a high degree of personal relevance. This has significance in terms of encouraging reserve management to communicate effectively with their visitors using interpretive media as a vehicle and stimulus for biodiversity conservation.
Employee retention : a multiple case study of South African national government departments
Authors:   , Pillay Sagaren
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the research is to identify key factors influencing employee retention in the South African national government departments as a guide towards developing effective employee retention strategies. The research was conducted in three phases. For the determination of employee turnover rates and benchmarks, 33 national departments were classified into three homogenous subgroups with respect to their number of employees (Phase one). Thereafter the employee turnover rates for each department and benchmarks for each subgroup were determined (Phase two). These employee turnover statistics were analysed for all 33 national departments in the three subgroups and used as guidelines for the selection of cases for the multiple case (Phase three). Four departments were selected from each subgroup for the case study where selection was based on a department‟s turnover rate relative to the benchmark rate. These departments participated in a cross sectional survey. The data from the survey was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The analysis confirmed a significant relationship between employee turnover rates and responses for the combined subgroups of selected small, medium and large departments. Significant relationships were also observed for the subgroups of small and large departments. Employee turnover has a significant impact on business performance primarily due to the fact that it takes too long to fill vacant posts together with uncompetitive salary scales and the lack of skilled candidates. Further, the lack of human resourcing strategies, recruitment difficulties, problems related to monitoring and measuring of employee turnover and employee retention difficulties were important issues that influence employee retention. Future research on knowledge and systems for managing employee turnover is recommended.
Effect of Leg Length With 100m Sprint Running Speed on The Men’s Soccer Team at SMA 1 Mataram
Authors: Videla Ardelia Citra , Soekanto Ayly , Sudibjo Sudibjo , Siahaan Salmon Charles P.T.
Published: July 2022

Running is one of the movements needed in soccer. A person in running motion has several factors that affect his speed. These factors include internal and external factors. One of these internal factors is leg length which is thought to have an influence on the frequency of a person’s footsteps so that they produce different speeds. This study aims to determine the effect of leg length on the 100M sprint running speed on the men’s soccer team at SMA 1 Mataram. This research method is an experimental method that is carried out directly by measuring leg length and running speed with 20 people as respondents from the entire soccer team at SMA 1 Mataram. There is an effect between leg length and 100M sprint running speed on the male soccer team at SMA 1 Mataram after the normality test p> 0.05 is 0.140 and the relative coefficient is 0.965, where the two characteristics above show a strong influence that has processed through the SPSS application.
Strategi Pembelajaran Dalam Konsep Al-Zarnuji
Authors: Khoiri Akhmad
Published: July 2022

Pendidikan adalah proses manusia sosial yang dapat menyebabkan seseorang tunduk taat pada agama, bangsa untuk diterapkannya secara sempurna di dalam kehidupan individu dan masyarakat. Guru adalah seseorang yang  mentransfer ilmu pengetahuan kepada peserta didik. Murid adalah orang yang sedang mempelajari ilmu. Dalam pendidikan memerlukan strategi pembelajaran untuk mendapatkan tujuan yang diinginkan. Artikel penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan menggunakan metode deskriftif. Metode yang akan digunakan dalam penelitian ini ialah penelitian kepustakaan (library research). Artikel ini membahas strategi pembelajaran dalam konsep Al-Zarnuji dalam kitab Ta’lim Al-Mutaalim memuat 4 strategi pembelajaran yang terdapat pada fasal-fasal yang disusun oleh Al-Zarnuji. Strategi ini masih sangat relevan untuk diterapkan pada masakini guna meningkatkan mutu pendidikan dari aspek moralitas tanpa mengesampingkan aspek intelektualitasnya. 

Kata kunci: Guru, Murid, Al-Zarnuji,  Strategi Pembelajaran, Ta’lim al-Muta’allim.
El misterio del mal en Agustín de Hipona
Authors: Torra Bitlloch Joan
Published: July 2022

El artículo tiene su origen en una conferencia que con el mismo título fue pronunciada en el Congreso Internacional de Filosofía Teórica y Práctica destinado a estudiar el problema del mal y ver el tratamiento realizado por varios autores empezando por Agustín de Hipona. En la presentación se quiere mostrar la característica única que tiene Agustín por la manera cómo enfrenta el problema del mal, por lo cual se le puede considerar el primer autor moderno porque el planteamiento sigue su experiencia vital hecha de búsqueda de felicidad y el resultado pasa a ser la primera filosofía cristiana. Se estudia la respuesta maniquea a la que se adhirió y los motivos que le llevaron a abandonarla totalmente y superarla definitivamente tal y como queda patente en los textos claves de sus obras y en particular en las Confesiones y en el De natura boni que se presentan.
La realitat del mal en la teologia de Martí Luter
Authors: Castanyé Josep
Published: July 2022

El misteri del mal no té un tractament específic en Martí Luter, però és a través dels seus múltiples escrits, com són les classes i comentaris bíblics, cartes i sermons, consells i respostes a qüestions que li plantejaren els seus contemporanis, que és possible de refer el seu pensament. Molt característic del seu estil és que, aquí com tots els altres temes que tracta, defuig tot tractament racional i filosòfic, amb la finalitat de posar més clarament al descobert allò que, segons ell, professa una fe cristiana alimentada únicament per la Sagrada Escriptura.