bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porosity and Permeability Alteration of Carbonates by CO2-Enriched Brine Injection
Authors: Castro Diana Maria Hernandez , Vargas Janeth Alina Vidal , Koroishi Erika Tomie , de Oliveira Luis Fernando Lamas , Trevisan Osvair Vidal
Published: July 2019

Some carbonate reservoirs are known for their high CO2 content in oil. One possibility to handle this gas without environmental problems is to reinject it into the reservoir. Injection of carbonated water has been drawing attention because it is an advantageous technique when compared to gaseous CO2 injection, due to its improvement in mobility in the reservoir. The objective of this study is to evaluate the phenomenon of dissolution and precipitation during carbonated water injection in carbonate rocks. These effects are identified by analyzing the porosity variations through X-ray computer tomography images and permeability profile, determined indirectly by pressure transducers that measured the differential pressure by the fluid at the inlet and outlet of the core holders. The Coreflooding test were carried out with two core holders in series to represent a near region at the reservoir by the injection of brine saturated with 25% of CO2 in reservoir samples, composed of dolomite, calcite and clay. The test were performed using the following reservoir conditions of 8,500 psi at 70°C. Based on the experimental data provided by CT images, it can be seen that the core porosity increases or decrease during carbonated water injection due to coexistence of dissolution (increase of porosity) and precipitation (decrease of porosity) along the samples. These phenomena are observed in regions with high heterogeneity in porosity. In addition, the mineralogy of the cores is composed by three minerals, which influence in the capacity of reaction with carbonated water. For the experiment, the core placed in the core holder one presented a porosity increase and the second one decreased. On the other hand, the permeability showed a significant increase for both cores, it is believed that, the injection promoted a preferential way flow (wormhole) that affected considerably the permeability of the rock. The novelty of the investigation is that the experiments were carried out using Brazilian pre-salt carbonate reservoir rocks with mineralogy composed basically by dolomite, calcite and clay. Also, experimental work was performed at reservoir operational conditions.
A more Sustainable Polyurethane Membrane for Gas Separation at Room Temperature and Low Pressure
Authors: Santos Gabriela H.G. , Rodrigues Maíra A. , Ferraz Helen Conceição , Moura Luiza Cristina , de Miranda Jussara Lopes
Published: July 2019

Membrane separation technology has been recently attracted more attention as an option for gas separations due to its compact system, ease of operation and low power consumption. In this study, polymer membranes with different percentages of polyurethane were synthesized and submitted to permeability and selectivity tests for the following gases, CO2, N2, O2 and CH4, at two pressures of 4 and 8 bar and at room temperature. The membranes were characterized by FTIR-ATR, Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). At low pressure of 4 bar and room temperature, the membrane with low percentage of PU, 10 %, presented the higher selectivity to CO2 in relation to both N2 and CH4. The same behavior was observed at a high pressure of 8 bar, with higher selectivity to CO2 in relation to all studied gases, N2, O2 and CH4, compared to the already analogous reported membranes submitted at greater pressures.
Technical Evaluation of the Applicability of Gas-Liquid Membrane Contactors for CO2 Removal from CO2 Rich Natural Gas Streams in Offshore Rigs
Authors: da Cunha Guilherme Pereira , de Medeiros José Luiz , Araújo Ofélia de Queiroz Fernandes
Published: July 2019

This work aimed to fulfill a technical evaluation of the applicability of gas-liquid membrane contactors (GLMC) to remove CO2 from CO2 rich natural gas in offshore rigs. For this purpose, a simulation case in HYSYS 8.8 (AspenTech) was performed to remove CO2 from a natural gas stream with concentration of 40% mol CO2 using an aqueous solution of monoethanolamine (MEA) 30% w/w. GLMC unit operation is not available in HYSYS, though. Hence, it was necessary to develop a mathematical model based on log-mean of differences of CO2 fugacities in both phases. Moreover, a GLMC Unit Operation Extension (UOE) was created for GLMC units to run in the process simulator HYSYS 8.8 using its thermodynamic infrastructure. The developed GLMC unit operation extension performed accordingly to the expected behavior. For a gas feed flow rate of 5 MMNm3/d (typical from FPSO's), the calculated total GLMC mass transfer area was 1,986 m2, which requires 14 GLMC modules. Consequently, this operation showed to be a feasible option for CO2 removal in natural gas conditioning on offshore rigs. The heat ratio in the reboilers of CO2 stripping columns was found to be 167 kJ/mol, compatible with data found in the literature of CO2-MEA-H2O systems.
The Effect of Steady and Pulsed Air Jet Vortex Generator Blowing on an Airfoil Section Model Undergoing Sinusoidal Pitching
Authors: Prince Simon , Green Richard , Coton Frank , Wang Yaxing
Published: July 2019

Experimental results are reported on the assessment of steady and pulsed air jet vortex generators (AJVGs) for the suppression of dynamic stall on a sinusoidal pitching RAE9645 airfoil model. Tests at Rec of 1 million, at reduced pitching frequencies between 0.01 and
0.10 were performed with and without steady and pulsed AJVG blowing. The effect of jet momentum coefficient (0.0003< Cμ< 0.0046), jet duty cycle (0.25< DC< 1) and jet pulsing frequency (0.29< F+< 2.93) were investigated. Pulsed
air jet blowing with F+ in the range 0.5–1.0 and with a duty cycle in the range 0.4–0.5, was found to be the most effective to achieve full suppression of dynamic stall vortex formation.
A case of therapeutic preaching done well: Theological diagnostics in Von Balthasar’s sermon, ‘Joy in the Midst of Anxiety’
Authors: Pembroke Neil F.
Published: July 2019

It is argued that the proper way to construct and deliver a therapeutic sermon is to take a theocentric approach. Preaching, rightly understood, is proclamation of the good news that God has redeemed the world through Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. It is by definition theological. Feeling pressure to be relevant, engaging and contemporary, a significant number of preachers fall into administering mini-doses of psychological self-help from the pulpit. Hans Urs von Balthasar’s homily, ‘Joy in the Midst of Anxiety’, is offered as a positive alternative. The sermon is theologically and homiletically analysed to show why it is an excellent example of theocentric therapeutic preaching.
Obtaining employee commitment to living the brand of the organisation
Authors: Boyd G. , Sutherland M.
Published: July 2019

In the competitive business environment, brand management is viewed as a critical success factor. The importance of building a brand-centric organisation in which employees are ambassadors for the brand is often espoused, but there has been little empirical evidence of how managers should set about achieving this. This exploratory qualitative study consisted of four case studies in organisations where employees are acknowledged to ‘live the brand’ to obtain empirical evidence of those factors that influenced employee performance. The study uncovered six key practices that managers should implement in an integrated manner when driving an intervention to enable employees to live the brand. The findings also contradict some of the human resource literature in what was found to be unimportant.
Factors affecting the adoption of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other converged IP services in South Africa
Authors: Tobin P. K.J. , Bidoli M.
Published: July 2019

The authors embarked on this study to investigate factors likely to impact on the adoption of VoIP and other converged Internet protocol (IP) services in the SA market. The intention of this study was to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of the forces shaping the market, in order to help industry participants and new entrants position themselves correctly. This is achieved by evaluating technology adoption and diffusion models, in particular Moore’s chasm model, which highlights the reasons why so many new technologies fail to break into the mainstream. Empirical research of business customers and potential customers shows that the two key factors hindering the adoption of these technologies in SA are high bandwidth costs/high costs of services and quality of service issues. The research also shows that the trend towards IP is well established in SA, with many companies having already invested in, or planning to invest in, VoIP and converged IP services.
Customer relationship management: Are software applications aligned with business objectives?
Authors: Hart M. L.
Published: July 2019

Customer relationship management (CRM) can be thought of as IT-enabled relationship marketing. It has numerous definitions and perspectives, and success of implementation has been limited to date. This paper examines recent literature on the subject, drawing attention to the importance of a balance between strategy formulation, IT and organisational alignment when adopting and implementing CRM. It then discusses results of an exploratory study carried out amongst 34 South African organisations on their business objectives for CRM, the CRM applications that they have invested in or are considering, and the extent of integration of their customer data. The most important objectives and most widely used CRM applications are determined, and associations between applications and objectives are analysed. It is not apparent that CRM applications are selected in line with business objectives, and expected associations with objectives often do not exist for the objectives rated most important. Only certain aspects of customer data integration are significantly linked to objectives or CRM applications. The study suggests the need for fuller determination of strategy and objectives when involved with CRM investigation and adoption, and co-ordination at all levels of implementation between Marketing and IT.
The relationship between a satisfactory in-store shopping experience and retailer loyalty
Authors: Terblanche N. S. , Boshoff C.
Published: July 2019

In this study consumer satisfaction with the in-store shopping experience is used to predict two measures of retailer loyalty. The first measure is an attitudinal measure of loyalty. The second measure is actual buying behaviour – actual sales recorded in monetary terms and in terms of units bought. The results suggest that a satisfactory in-store shopping experience enhances cumulative or ‘overall’ consumer satisfaction, which in turn enhances both attitudinal loyalty and behavioural loyalty (actual sales).
Risk factors affecting software projects in South Africa
Authors: Smith D. , Eastcroft M. , Mahmood N. , Rode H.
Published: July 2019

This paper reports on an analysis of risk factors relevant to South African software projects. Seven of the most widely cited studies in the research literature regarding software project risk were evaluated along with a detailed examination of the 53 risk factors developed by Schmidt, Lyytinen, Keil & Cule (2001). Forty completed questionnaires, submitted by software project managers, were analysed.The main findings of this research were:Project managers of varying experience perceived different software risks to be important Risks relating to quality, cost, time, requirements or methodology were not perceived to be more important than risks relating to people, relationships or change) by project managersThe top ten most important risks as perceived by project managers were:Lack of top management commitment to the projectUnclear/ misunderstood scope/ objectives Schedule Flaw Lack of client responsibility, ownership and buy-in of the project and it’s delivered systems No planning or inadequate planning Project not based on sound business case Lack of available skilled personnel Not managing change properly Lack of adequate user involvement Poor risk managementFrom this list it was noted that risks number 5, 6, 7 and 8 were unique to this study and were not found in prior studies in the research literature. It was concluded that the importance of these risks may be unique to South African software projects.
The effect of the social values of ubuntu on team effectiveness
Authors: Poovan N. , Du Toit M. K. , Engelbrecht A. S.
Published: July 2019

The study explores the management of South Africa’s diverse workforce by analysing the impact of the social values of ubuntu on specific characteristics of team effectiveness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with African Blacks who are members of successful work teams in a large South African company. The protocols were analysed by applying the methods of grounded theory. A conceptual model based on the canons of grounded theory was developed to explain how the social values of ubuntu could have a positive impact on team effectiveness. The study revealed that traditional African values, although in congruence with many universal ethical values, place more emphasis upon collectivism, collaboration, caring, dignity and respect. It is argued that these values should underlie a value-based leadership style to enhance team performance in modern organisations.
Occupational stress of employees in an insurance company
Authors: Coetzer W. J. , Rothmann S.
Published: July 2019

The objectives of this study were to assess the internal consistency of the ASSET, to identify occupational stressors for employees in an insurance company and to assess the relationships between occupational stress, ill health and organisational commitment. A cross-sectional survey design was used. An availability sample (N = 613) of employees in an insurance company was used. An Organisational Stress Screening Tool (ASSET) was used as measuring instrument. The results showed that job insecurity as well as pay and benefits were the highest stressors in the insurance industry. Two stressors, namely job characteristics and control were statistically significant predictors of low organisational commitment. Physical ill health was best predicted by overload and job characteristics. Three stressors, namely work-life balance, overload and job characteristics best predicted psychological ill health.
Seasonal effects: Evidence from emerging African stock markets
Authors: Mlambo C. , Biekpe N.
Published: July 2019

The paper investigates seasonal effects in seventeen indices on nine African stock markets using regression analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square Median tests. Significant seasonal effects are found on some, but not all indices. The strongest effect observed is the month-of-the-year effect followed by the day-of-the-week effect. The West African Regional stock Exchange (BRVM) exhibited a reversed ‘December decline - January rise’ pattern, while the turn-of-the-month effect observed for Egypt disappeared after the turn-of-the-year effect was removed. Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, no seasonal effects for Namibia were found. For the other markets, at least one seasonal effect was observed, suggesting some exploitable trading opportunities.
Return on equity: A popular, but flawed measure of corporate financial performance
Authors: De Wet J. H.V.H. , Du Toit E.
Published: July 2019

This article is aimed at analysing the impact of popular financial performance measures on shareholders’ wealth. It tests the strength of the linear relationships between these performance measures and shareholders’ returns, which consist of dividends and changes in the share price. The return on equity (ROE) is weighed up against the present favourite, economic value added (EVA) and the merits and flaws of each approach are discussed. Other approaches, such as a combination of performance measures and the expectations theory are also discussed briefly.The statistical tests performed found Spreads (a standardised EVA) to be slightly superior to ROE in explaining changes in shareholders’ returns. However, the use of same year data resulted in very weak linear relationships between all the performance measures tested, relative to shareholders’ returns.When 5-year medians were used in the analysis, significant correlations were obtained between current shareholders’ returns and the future results for the internal performance measures. This engenders some support for the expectations theory with its contention that the most effective positive impact on shareholders’ returns can be accomplished by managing expectations about future financial results, rather than maximising these results now. It is clear that the debate about the effectiveness of traditional accounting performance measures, as well as the search for the real drivers of shareholder value, will continue and increase in intensity.
Job demands, job resources, burnout and work engagement of managers at a platinum mine in the North West Province
Authors: Rothmann S. , Joubert J. H.M.
Published: July 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between job demands, job resources, burnout, and engagement of management staff at a platinum mine in the North West Province. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The study population (N = 310) consisted of managers at the platinum mine. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – General Survey, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and the Job Demands-Resources Scale were administered. The results revealed that exhaustion was predicted by workload, job insecurity and a lack of resources, while cynicism was predicted by lack of organisational support and advancement opportunities. Vigour was predicted by organisational support. Dedication was predicted by organisational support and high workload. Engagement was predicted by organisational support.
Positioning in cyberspace: Evaluating bestselling authors’ online communicated brand personalities using computer-aided content analysis
Authors: Opoku R. A. , Pitt L. F. , Abratt R.
Published: July 2019

This study employs a computer-aided text analysis technique to explore whether bestselling authors communicate Aaker’s brand personality in the online environment. We argue that content analysis facilitated by a computer is relatively reliable and less tedious than that performed by human coders. We analyse the content of websites on the presumption that this reflects what the author wants to say about him/herself. The study offers a new technique for content analysts and marketing communicators to quantify various aspects of marketing communications and goes a little further towards the evaluation and mapping of websites using correspondence analysis.
Sponsorship recall and recognition: The case of the 2007 Cricket World Cup
Authors: Boshoff C. , Gerber C.
Published: July 2019

Millions of rands are spent on sponsorship in general every year, and on sports sponsorships in particular. Yet little is known about the effectiveness of this expenditure. In addition, sponsors are often not sure whether only their brands benefit from a sponsorship or whether competing brands in the same product category also benefit from their efforts.In this study an attempt is made to clarify these considerations by comparing both the brand recall and the brand recognition of companies (and brands) who sponsored the 2007 Cricket World Cup. To determine whether brand recall and brand recognition increased during a sponsorship campaign, a quasi-experimental study was conducted by means of a one-group pre-test-post-test design. The data were collected using a convenience sample of 131 undergraduate students.The results seem to suggest that both the brand recall and the brand recognition levels of the sponsors increased significantly (α = 0,05), but that neither the brand recall nor the brand recognition levels of non-sponsor brands increased. The results therefore show that sponsorship does in fact increase brand awareness, by significantly increasing unaided brand recall, as well as increasing brand recognition and that non-sponsoring companies and brands do not benefit indirectly from their competitors’ sponsorships in terms of brand recall and brand recognition.
Business networking relationships for business success
Authors: De Klerk S. , Kroon J.
Published: July 2019

This study explored the context of business relationships in the networking practices of South African businesses. The objective of this study was to investigate the networking practices of Gauteng businesses and specific perceptions and experiences of business owners and managers on their business networking objectives. A multi-method design was used, which included qualitative research (focus groups) and quantitative research (structured questionnaire). Perceptions recorded amongst the participants indicated that business relationships are built for referrals and strategic networking connections. Different forms of business networking and different motivations behind the building of business networks were identified, such as profit, access to resources and improved efficiency. Different characteristics in terms of business relationships were identified and different age groups, group 1 (44 years and younger) and group 2 (older than 45 years of age) indicated that they felt differently about the number of connections in a network. This article can contribute to the business practice of networking and the awareness of business owners and managers in terms of the importance and influence of networking in their specific business.
Have workplace forums contributed to worker participation? Some management perceptions
Authors: Van Der Walt R.
Published: July 2019

The Labour Relations Act No. 66 of 1995 introduced workplace forums (WPFs) as a structure to promote employee participation in decision-making in the workplace. The study gathered the perceptions of management representatives regarding the reason(s) for the establishment, the process of establishment as well as the functioning of workplace forums in their respective organisations. The results indicate that contrary to popular belief management representatives understand that greater employee participation is the reason for the establishment of a workplace forum and that the establishment and functioning of workplace forums take place in accordance with the prescriptions of the Act. It is recommended that management create a climate in which more workplace forums can be established.
Responsible investing in South Africa: Drivers, barriers and enablers
Authors: Viviers S. , Eccles N. S. , De Jongh D. , Bosch J. K. , Smit E. V.D.M. , Buijs A.
Published: July 2019

Given growing interest in the phenomenon of responsible investing (RI) in South Africa, this study set out to identify and empirically evaluate the most pertinent drivers, barriers and enablers of RI locally. Telephone interviews were conducted with a sample of pension funds, asset managers and advisory service providers during 2007. All three groups of respondents viewed fiduciary responsibility as one of the most important barriers to RI in South Africa. More legislation/regulation and evidence for increased risk-adjusted returns from local RIs were identified as key drivers of RI in South Africa, whereas the two most important enablers were seen as mainstream RI benchmarks and co-operative initiatives.
Bank runs: A risk mismanagement perspective: A note
Authors: Abraham H.
Published: July 2019

This paper demonstrates that the fractional reserve system is a source of instability in commercial and investment banks. The purpose of investment banks is to enhance completeness of financial markets and thereby contribute to an efficient allocation of risk. When funds are raised through commercial banks to transact in securities of investment banks, this can cause instability to commercial and investment banks as is experienced currently in world financial markets.
Determinants of family employee work performance and compensation in family businesses
Authors: Van Der Merwe S. P.
Published: July 2019

This study highlighted the importance of establishing clear work roles and responsibilities in the family business, the measurement of family employee work performance and regular feedback on their performance and fair and market-based compensation of family employees in family businesses. An Oblimin oblique rotation was performed on the principal components of the exploratory factor analysis. In this study three factors describing the theoretical dimensions of family employee work performance, clear work roles and responsibilities and family employee compensation in family businesses were extracted. Although statistical significant differences were found between the perceptions of male and female as well as between senior and younger generation family employees regarding the constructs, these differences were not practically significant. This study, however, confirms the important role that an effective family employee work performance management and compensation strategy plays to ensure harmonious family relationships and at the end the sustainability of the family business. Practical recommendations are suggested to improve the effectiveness of family employee work performance and compensation in family businesses. Recommendations are also offered to utilise the questionnaire as a diagnostic tool.
The application of real option valuation techniques in the cellular telecommunication industry in South Africa
Authors: Mkhize M. , Moja N.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether real option valuation techniques can be used by cellular telecommunication operators in South Africa when making capital investment decisions in next-generation service-orientated architectures. Prior studies, in other parts of the world, recommend the use of real option valuation techniques by telecommunication operators when conducting capital budgeting. In this study, both Black-Scholes and Binomial models are used to examine their effectiveness in valuing capital investments within a cellular telecommunication industry in South Africa. Results show that real option valuation techniques are effective in analysing investments in cellular telecommunication industry. Their strengths are mostly demonstrated when determining the value of strategic options that are added to traditional (base-case) net present value. Summary and conclusions are provided.
An investigation of the determinants of estate and retirement planning in intergenerational family businesses
Authors: Van Der Merwe S. P.
Published: July 2019

This study highlighted the importance of estate and retirement planning in small and medium-sized family businesses. Data from 504 questionnaires linked to 81 family businesses were collected and analysed. An Oblimin oblique rotation was performed on the principal components of the exploratory factor analysis. Five factors with eigenvalues greater than one, explaining 65.78% of the variance, were extracted. These five factors describing the theoretical dimensions of retirement planning, perceived fairness of the will, estate taxes, perceived liquidity of the business after succession and acquiring equity ownership were extracted. No practical significant differences could be found between the perceptions of male and female respondents as well as between family members involved in medium-sized or small businesses with regard to the five factors. Practical recommendations are suggested to ensure a smooth final transfer of the management and control of the business to the next generation family members.
Finding and utilizing opinion leaders: Social networks and the power of relationships
Authors: Van Der Merwe R. , Van Heerden G.
Published: July 2019

Research suggests that consumer choice is sub-optimal: simply we satisfice. Limited data, time and expertise render our rationality ‘bounded’. The opinion leader offers a solution to this problem: when faced with a complex choice, we often seek the opinion of an expert. The Web has fueled an unprecedented expansion of this strategy by enabling ‘virtual’ opinion leaders (see Web sites such as Epinions.com and Amazon.com). However, despite its rise in popularity, opinion leadership has received limited attention in the advertising literature.It is this hiatus that we address and in doing so seek to make two potentially important contributions to the wider research on opinion leadership. First, we link opinion leadership to social network theory and show that, those at individuals who are central to social networks serve as opinion leaders. Second, we challenge the assumption that opinion leadership is monomorphic (topic specific) by showing that domain-specific opinion leadership is strongly related to general opinion leadership.Our paper is set out as follows. First, we provide overviews of the literatures on opinion leadership and social networks. Second, we outline our methodology and present the results of an empirical study. Finally, we delimit the research, present a framework for identifying opinion leaders, identify key implications, and explore potential avenues for future research.
Analysis of sources of return in South African private equity
Authors: Van Niekerk J. R. , Krige J. D.
Published: July 2019

Private Equity is rapidly growing as an asset class for investors in South Africa. Local and international literature presents overwhelming evidence to suggest that Private Equity offers superior risk-adjusted returns and portfolio diversification benefits.This study addresses the question of how exactly Private Equity managers are able to achieve superior returns. A sample of 46 individual completed investments representing large buy-outs in South Africa in the period 1992 to 2007 was selected and analysed to quantitatively investigate the relationship between some of the identified sources of return and the realised internal rates of return in the case of each investment. These relationships were not found to be as strong as expected and in many cases were not supportive of the findings in the literature. Only earnings growth and an increase in the earnings multiple had a significant impact on the internal rates of return achieved according to the sample analysed.The authors conclude that investing in Private Equity is too interdisciplinary to distil the sources of return into a few concise elements. Proprietary knowledge, expertise, superior management skills, relationships and experience all seem to play a role in providing Private Equity managers with a competitive edge over their public market participants.
The importance of networking as a management skill
Authors: De Klerk S.
Published: July 2019

Networking is a life skill and it is in managers’ interest to acknowledge its importance and develop their own networking skills. This article reports on networking practices in Gauteng businesses. The empirical study consisted of an exploratory, sequential mixed-method research design, which included five focus group discussions (n = 41) to investigate the content of the networks and a structured questionnaire aimed at analysing the perceptions and experiences of business owners and managers in Gauteng Province in South Africa on the structure of their networks. The participants considered networking important to business success and stated that they would have benefited from training on building relationships, earlier on in their careers. Based on these findings, it is recommended that educators at all levels, managers and policy makers focus on networking as part of management training.
Investigating the potential for the development of a just-in-time knowledge management model
Authors: Steyn P. D. , Du Toit A. S.A.
Published: July 2019

There have been numerous approaches to knowledge management over the past number of years. The term Just-in-Time (JIT) can be defined as a production or inventory scheduling technique found within the more complex production logistics disciplines. JIT is more appropriately thought of as a philosophy, as it is more than a mere set of management and production principles. JIT knowledge management is an endeavour to provide the right knowledge at the right time to the right person. This requires insight into the knowledge demand and supply process as well as the time horizon applicable to the knowledge required. Over the longer term business forecasts, environmental scans and strategic planning can be applied to close the gap between these variables. However, it is in the short term and in the satisfaction of immediate requirements that the present systems fail and management concerns are emphasised. JIT knowledge management seeks an optimisation of the matching process between demand and supply of knowledge within enterprises, i.e. it endeavours to translate the logistic concept of JIT to the knowledge management field. In addition to JIT knowledge management the concept of real-time knowledge management is introduced as an alternative, since present research indicates that the implementation of JIT knowledge management presents major challenges in terms of cost and development effort, restricting its use to mission critical applications. A more generic application of JIT knowledge management needs to be developed and it is contended that real-time knowledge management fits the requirements of enabling the enterprise to be agile in respect of its ability to respond to knowledge demands and to be sensitive to future knowledge requirements.
Project portfolio management implementation pitfalls
Authors: Leonard A. , Swanepoel A.
Published: July 2019

Project portfolio management could be regarded as one of the most comprehensive ways of managing a software project environment. To implement such a management approach in a large organisation, could also be seen as an endeavour that can only have a chance of success if all role players understand the pitfalls involved and how to deal with each. In this paper, a structured approach is proposed to identifying and addressing pitfalls that may potentially hinder the successful implementation of project portfolio management as a strategic initiative in an organisation. Furthermore, the paper presents an approach to combine checklists and pitfall management theories to identify those pitfalls that may realise during the implementation of project portfolio management.
Materialism and indebtedness of low income consumers: Evidence from South Africa’s largest credit granting catalogue retailer
Authors: Jacobs G. , Smit E. V.D.M.
Published: July 2019

In South Africa, studies have found changes in consumption and credit usage over time to be significant amongst low-income consumers. Yet, there has been limited empirical research on consumer behaviour in South Africa and even less on low-income consumerism. This study, which explores the relationship between materialism and indebtedness among a sample of low-income, instalment paying consumers of South Africa's largest catalogue retailer, aims to augment our understanding of these phenomena, whilst making some international comparisons.The study assesses whether (i) consumers display strong characteristics of materialism and (ii) whether materialism is a significant variable in predicting the consumers‟ propensity for incurring debt. It is concluded that low-income consumers are indeed highly materialistic. The study further suggests the presence of statistically significant relationships between consumers' levels of indebtedness and the demographic variables age and gender. However, materialism and monthly income are not significant in determining a consumer‟s level of indebtedness.While the decision to conduct the study on client data from one particular retailer, limits the extent to which the findings can be generalised to the larger South African population, the results do provide a number of important insights, which contribute to the scant body of literature on low-income consumer behaviour in the RSA.
Small business barriers to occupational health and safety compliance
Authors: Esterhuyzen Elriza
Published: July 2019

Background: The Constitution of South Africa indicates that all people have the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being. This right is reiterated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 83 of 1993. However, small business owners and/or managers experience specific barriers to occupational health and safety (OHS) compliance. The study was conducted in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape provinces of South Africa, as these three provinces account for 82% of active businesses in South Africa.Objective: This article discusses barriers to OHS compliance as perceived by South African small business owners and/or managers.Method: A total of 350 small business owners and/or managers from the three above-mentioned provinces participated in a questionnaire survey, with one section focussing on barriers to OHS compliance. Participants rated 11 predetermined barriers to OHS compliance and could indicate and rate additional barriers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report on these perceived barriers.Results: Results indicated that the perceived barriers to OHS compliance can be categorised as human and resource barriers.Conclusion: South African small business owners and/or managers experience barriers to compliance that prevent them from full compliance with OHS directives, which can be costly. Small business owners and/or managers need to take cognisance of applicable OHS directives as well as identified barriers to compliance. These barriers need to be addressed to allow small businesses to comply with OHS directives and to enhance the sustainability of small businesses. The question is not whether small businesses can afford OHS compliance, but if they can afford not to overcome barriers and comply.
A psycho-philosophical view on the ‘conceptualisation’ of psychological measure development
Authors: Du Preez Hannelie , De Klerk Werner
Published: July 2019

Orientation: When researchers’ understanding and application of ‘conceptualisation’ can allude to nearly anything, it loses its philosophical purpose and stature. Negating the philosophical meaning of the term ‘conceptualisation’, because it appears obvious, will result in research inquiries becoming ambiguous and ideologically diminished. Paradigms and theoretical frameworks are rooted in philosophical principles, yet researchers often ‘conceptualise’ and conduct inquiries without understanding the foundation of their applied scientific methods.Research purpose: The historicity of psychological measurement development depicts a fusion of transdisciplinary knowledge systems and the stature of scientific methods is comprehensive. Yet the philosophical lenses through which researchers ‘conceptualise’ their measure to understand psychological behaviour are not as clear.Motivation for the study: Contemporary psychometric literature postulates the ‘conceptualisation phase’ as a mere point of departure to develop a psychological measure, whereas philosophical literature depicts ‘conceptualisation’ as the mainstay of any research inquiry.Research approach/design and method: A qualitative design was used with the conceptual analysis of terminology as approach. Textual or typographical psychometric and psychological literature was purposively sampled and inductively and deductively analysed, using the philosophical framework of Van der Walt and Potgieter.Main findings: The definition of the ‘conceptualisation phase’ is principally characterised as the scientific method to measure the scientific reality, while the integral human component, represented by the measure developer, is overlooked.Practical/managerial implications: Insights derived can enthuse future dialogues on the purpose and importance of the conceptualisation phase in the development of psychological measures.Contribution/value-add: A potential delineation of what the ‘conceptualisation phase’ should encapsulate is proposed.
Tunnel effect in a shrinking shell enlacing a magnetic field
Authors: Kachmar Ayman , Raymond Nicolas
Published: July 2019

Let

C

be a smooth planar curve. We assume that

C

is simple, closed, smooth, symmetric with respect to an axis and its curvature attains its minimum at exactly two points away from the axis of symmetry. In a tubular neighborhood about

C

, we study the Laplace operator with a magnetic flux and mixed boundary conditions. As the thickness of the domain tends to 0, we establish an explicit asymptotic formula for the splitting of the first two eigenvalues (tunneling effect).
Complications Associated with Initial Clinical Presentation of Cystic Echinococcosis: A 20-year Cohort Analysis
Authors: Collado-Aliaga Javier , Romero-Alegría Ángela , Alonso-Sardón Montserrat , Muro Antonio , López-Bernus Amparo , Velasco-Tirado Virginia , Muñoz Bellido Juan Luis , Pardo-Lledias Javier , Belhassen-García Moncef
Published: July 2019

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a chronic, complex, and overlooked zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. In humans, it may result in a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations depending on the type of complications, ranging from asymptomatic infection to fatal disease. The primary complications and risk factors associated with CE are not well defined. We performed a retrospective, observational study of inpatients diagnosed with CE from January 1998 to December 2017 in the public health-care system of western Spain. Five hundred and six cases were analyzed. More than half of the patients (302 [59.7%]) were asymptomatic, and the diagnoses were made incidentally. A total of 204 (40.3%) patients had complications associated with CE; 97 (47.5%) were mechanical, 62 (30.4%) were infectious, 15 (7.3%) were immunoallergic, and 30 (14.7%) involved a combination of complications. Mortality was higher in patients with mechanical complications (9.4%) than in patients with infectious complications (5.6%) and in patients with allergic complications (0%) (odds ratio = 19.7, 95% CI, 4.3–89.1, P < 0.001). In summary, CE frequently results in complications, especially in the liver in younger patients and, regardless of other variables, such as size or stage of cyst. Mechanical problems and superinfection are the most frequent complications. CE is an obligatory diagnosis in patients with urticarial or anaphylactoid reactions of unknown cause in endemic areas.
Reproductive Aspects of Chagas Disease Vectors: Evidence of Transcriptional Activity during the Nucleolar Persistence Phenomenon in the Spermatogenesis of Triatomines
Authors: Madeira Fernanda Fernandez , Alevi Kaio Cesar Chaboli , Castro Nayara Fernanda da Costa , Vilamaior Patrícia Simone Leite , da Rosa João Aristeu , Azeredo-Oliveira Maria Tercília Vilela de
Published: July 2019

The subfamily Triatominae currently consists of 154 species, most of them being of great importance for public health because they are considered potential vectors of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. In addition to their epidemiological importance, these insects are considered important biological models for cell studies because they have peculiar characteristics in their cells, for example, persistence of the nucleolus during spermatogenesis. This phenomenon is characterized by the presence of the nucleolus or nucleolar corpuscles during all phases of meiosis. To date, all knowledge is restricted to the study of the presence/absence of the nucleolus during the triatomine meiosis, so the present work aimed to analyze if this persistent nucleolar material has transcriptional activity. Analysis of the meiotic metaphases of Rhodnius montenegrensis and Panstrongylus megistus by using fluorochrome acridine orange made it possible to characterize the presence of RNA in the nucleolar material. Thus, it was demonstrated, for the first time, that the persistent nucleolar material during triatomine meiosis is transcriptionally active, supporting the hypothesis of the relationship between nucleolar persistence during meiosis of these insects and the formation of the chromoid body, an organelle responsible for the support of all transcriptional activities during spermiogenesis.
Case Report: Multifocal Tubercular Osteomyelitis of the Spine and Bilateral Dactylitis
Authors: Taccari Francesco , Baldin Gianmaria , Emiliozzi Arianna , Campana Lara , Tamburrini Enrica , Leone Edoardo , Delogu Giovanni , Sali Michela , Cauda Roberto , Leone Antonio , Pallavicini Federico
Published: July 2019

We report a case of a 13-year-old immunocompetent male with multifocal tubercular osteomyelitis involving several spinal segments, small bones of the hands, and the scalp, who started with progressively back pain and enlarging painful swelling on the palms of hands, fatigue, and irregular fever. All the hand lesions were firm, mildly tender, and covered by ulcerated skin with serous discharge from the site. Magnetic resonance showed lesions of the right fifth metacarpal, of the right intermediate phalanx of the fourth finger, of the left second metacarpal, and of most vertebral bodies of the cervical, dorsal, lumbar, and sacral spine. The nucleic acid amplification test and the final culture from the drainage of the hands’ lesion were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient received a standard antitubercular treatment for 12 months with clinical improvement.
Soglasniki standardne kitajščine v okviru slovenskega glasovnega sistema
Authors: PETROVČIČ Mateja
Published: July 2019

Članek obravnava soglasnike standardne kitajščine z vidika govorca slovenskega jezika. Slovenščina ima 21 pomensko razločevalnih soglasnikov, kitajščina enega več. Ker se fonetične značilnosti soglasnikov med jezikoma razlikujejo, prispevek prouči možnosti, kako s slovenskimi glasovi predstaviti kitajske foneme, pri čemer upoštevamo tudi načelo gospodarnosti. V ta namen najprej podamo oris slovenskih in kitajskih soglasnikov, jih primerjamo s pomočjo mednarodne fonetične abecede, predlagamo ustreznice in predlagane rešitve strnemo v krajše navodilo, kako naj slovenski bralec izgovarja kitajske soglasnike.
Aspects of Aspect: Phasic and Episodic Dimensions of Verbs
Authors: VEISI HASAR Rahman , AHMADNEJAD Mohammad
Published: July 2019

The present study sets out to analyze aspectuality and coercion in Persian from a new perspective. With regard to the transcendental aspectual distinction between perfectivity, characterized by boundedness and heterogeneity, and imperfectivity, specified by uniformity and homogeneity (Langacker, 2008), it is argued that the heterogeneity of verbs may be assessed according to their phasic and episodic variables. In other words, in contrast to homogeneous verbs, which lack any kind of boundedness, heterogeneous verbs may occur either in a bounded phasic domain or in a bounded episodic domain. Concerning phasic-episodic features, this study presents a new model of lexical aspect that can differentiate five aspectual categories. The paper also scrutinizes the combinations of different verbs with different sentential operators in order to explain various kinds of type-shifting triggered by different operators. Thereby, two procedures of phasic coercion and episodic coercion are introduced which are responsible for modifying the phasic and episodic features of verbs in order to resolve the semantic conflicts between verbs and sentential operators. These procedures modify the phasic/episodic attributes of verbs according to the viewing frames evoked by interpretative operators.