bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Head-Mounted Virtual Reality and Mental Health: Critical Review of Current Research (Preprint)
Authors: Jerdan Shaun W , Grindle Mark , van Woerden Hugo C , Kamel Boulos Maged N
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

eHealth interventions are becoming increasingly used in public health, with virtual reality (VR) being one of the most exciting recent developments. VR consists of a three-dimensional, computer-generated environment viewed through a head-mounted display. This medium has provided new possibilities to adapt problematic behaviors that affect mental health. VR is no longer unaffordable for individuals, and with mobile phone technology being able to track movements and project images through mobile head-mounted devices, VR is now a mobile tool that can be used at work, home, or on the move.

OBJECTIVE

In line with recent advances in technology, in this review, we aimed to critically assess the current state of research surrounding mental health.

METHODS

We compiled a table of 82 studies that made use of head-mounted devices in their interventions.

RESULTS

Our review demonstrated that VR is effective in provoking realistic reactions to feared stimuli, particularly for anxiety; moreover, it proved that the immersive nature of VR is an ideal fit for the management of pain. However, the lack of studies surrounding depression and stress highlight the literature gaps that still exist.

CONCLUSIONS

Virtual environments that promote positive stimuli combined with health knowledge could prove to be a valuable tool for public health and mental health. The current state of research highlights the importance of the nature and content of VR interventions for improved mental health. While future research should look to incorporate more mobile forms of VR, a more rigorous reporting of VR and computer hardware and software may help us understand the relationship (if any) between increased specifications and the efficacy of treatment.
Una metodología para el estudio de la nutrición a partir de consumos según niveles de ingreso
Authors: Cross Beras Julio A. , Pérez Mera Amiro
Published: October 2017

Este artículo presenta la metodología utilizada a partir de datos fragmentarios contenidos en la encuesta sobre presupuestos familiares realizada en 1969 por el Banco Central de la República Dominicana. Presenta, además, en detalle la determinación de los patrones alimenticios de la población de Santo Domingo. La metodología del estudio cubre dos aspectos: primero, la reconstrucción de la dieta y de su aporte de nutrientes; y segundo, el perfil alimenticio que se deriva De ella. Por otra parte, dicha metodología sirvió para detectar, en la determinación de la dieta, las preferencias de bienes y su aporte nutritivo; así como un perfil del estado de bienestar de la población estudiada. Relacionado con esto, uno de los hechos relevantes que surge del análisis es la racionalidad en el consumo de nutrientes por parte de la población dominicana de escasos recursos.
A propósito del Año del Niño
Authors: CyS Ciencia y Sociedad
Published: October 2017

Esta nota se produce en virtud de la declaración de la Asamblea General de las Naciones Unidas que declaró el 1979 como Año Internacional del Niño.
La educación superior en la etapa colonial dominicana (1538-1795)
Authors: Fernández Jorge Max
Published: October 2017

Este artículo analiza lo relacionado con la educación superior en la etapa colonial en República Dominicana. El      presente artículo es parte de un intento mayor de producir un análisis del proceso de desarrollo de la Educación      Superior en la República Dominicana. En esta ocasión, el documento que aquí se presenta abarca la etapa colonial, o sea de 1538 hasta 1795. Es un primer borrador y como tal debe leerse.
Prevalencia del antígeno de superficie de la hepatitis B (HBs AG) en la comunidad de Medina, San Cristóbal
Authors: Arbaje Yamil M. , González José Enrique , Najara Julia E. , Pizano Battle María Víctoria
Published: October 2017

Este texto analiza la prevalencia del antígeno de superficie de la hepatitis B (HBs AG) en la comunidad de Medina, San Cristóbal. El propósito general de la investigación es aportar nuevos datos sobre magnitud de este problema de salud en la República Dominicana.
LA NUEVA ADMINISTRACIÓN PÚBLICA Y LA JURISDICCIÓN CONTENCIOSO-ADMINISTRATIVA
Authors: Sánchez Torres Carlos Ariel
Published: October 2017

Así, las nueva Administración pública, basada en los resultados y la eficiencia, ha generado una transformación del control judicial que, parece asegurarse en una doble vía; de un lado, por la implementación de acciones encaminadas a lograr una eficaz y rápida gestión de la Administración, y por el otro, por el cambio en la filosofía del control aplicada por el juez, la cual se dirige mas allá de la verificación del cumplimiento de normas y procedimientos, estos, hacia la verificación de resultados.
Joachim Lambek y la Filosofía de la Matemática
Authors: Pérez Jesús Hernando
Published: October 2017

Se presenta un ejemplo para explicar la propuesta de Joachim Lambek según la cual la teoría de categorías permite conciliar las cuatro grandes filosofías de las matemáticas: Platonismo, Logicismo, Formalismo e Intuicionismo.
En defensa de la persona humana la fundamentación de los derechos humanos a partir de la antropología del humanismo cívico
Authors: Irizar Liliana Beatriz
Published: October 2017

Se ha escrito y se escribe mucho sobre los derechos humanos, sin embargo los ataques a la persona humana son cada día más inauditos. De ahí la importancia de reflexionar sobre quién es el hombre y en qué se fundamentan sus auténticos derechos. Con este fin nos basaremos en la antropología que subyace al humanismo cívico en la versión de Alejandro Llano.
Presentación
Authors: Velasquez Fernando Velasquez
Published: October 2017

Presentación.
Internet Banking Adoption in South Africa: The Mediating Role of Consumer Readiness
Authors: C Aguidissou O , Shambare Richard , R Rugimbana
Published: October 2017

The recent rapid development of Internet banking (IB) around the world is not without certain challenges. For instance while a majority of banking SSTs (Self Service Technologies, e.g. ATMs and debit cards) have been well received by the South African market, consumers seem sceptical towards Internet banking. This paper seeks to test various conceptual frameworks of consumer adoption patterns of IB with the view of a framework with the greatest explanatory power for the South African market. To achieve the stated objective of a framework for IB adoption in South Africa, this paper suggests an approach not yet undertaken, according to the literature review conducted, within the South African retail banking industry – investigating a comparison of the predictive efficacy of two common groupings of variables most cited in the consumer behaviour literature as important determinants of adoptive behaviour in SSTs. These are: perceptions of innovation characteristics and consumer readiness (CR) variables. Therefore, the primary objective of this article is the consideration of this gap within the body of knowledge around South African consumers’ IB adoption behaviour. Through a descriptive quantitative analysis of 1516 large sample size, innovation characteristics as consumer’s perceptions (complexity, perceived risk notably) or views (endogenous variables) were found with greatest predictive power over IB adoption, in the South African consumer market context. This finding is therefore for marketers (particularly in South Africa) a set of useful tools that can be relevant to promote the adoption of IB.
The Influence of Firm Specific Determinants on Financial Performance in the Power Industry
Authors: J Mafumbate , U Ndlovu , A Mafuka , P Gavhure
Published: October 2017

This study concentrates on the impact of firm specific determinants on financial performance in the power industry. The firm specific determinants used in this study as independent variables were capital structure, firm size and liquidity whilst ROA, ROI and profitability were used as proxies of financial performance. Modigliani and Miller (1958) argue that capital structure has no impact on financial performance whilst the Trade-off theory suggests that the ideal capital structure that helps firm remain financially healthy is the trade-off between cost of leverage and the advantages of debt. Beyond that trade-off point, a firm will start making losses. The target population included 60 employees from all the 5 subsidiaries of the Holding company and researchers used 40 respondents as sample size to enhance reliability. A relationship was established between firm specific determinants and financial performance as measured by ROA, ROI and profitability. The results showed a negative but significant relationship between capital structure and financial performance and they support the pecking order theory which suggests that capital structure is a significant determinant of financial performance. Firm size and financial performance were also negatively related. However, a significant positive relationship was established between liquidity and financial performance. From the findings the researchers concluded that firm specific factors have a significant impact on financial performance. Researchers therefore recommend that ZESA holdings should use its internal funds such as retained earnings and more equity than debt when financing its activities so as to reduce leverage costs which lead to poor performance.
Weak Form Market Efficiency of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange: Pre, During and Post the 2008 Global Financial Crisis
Authors: Fusthane Olwetu , M Kapingura F
Published: October 2017

The importance of the efficiency of the stock market cannot be underestimated, given the critical role the stock market plays through brings together those who demand and supply development finance. It is against this background that this study focused on analysing the weak form efficiency of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for the period 2005 to 2016 utilising several methodologies which include unit root tests, autocorrelation test and variance ratio. The empirical results from unit root tests indicated that the null hypothesis of a random walk could not be rejected. The same also applied to the autocorrelation test and variance ratio test except for a few instances. Thus irrespective of the few instances which represent the inefficiency of the market, to a greater extent there is evidence of the market being weak form efficient. Thus even though the work done towards ensuring that the market is efficient is commendable, there is need to ensure that further steps are taken to enhance the efficiency of the market. This is, to some extent suggest that investors are able to make abnormal profits from the market.
The Most Effective Strategies to Curb Corruption and Improve Water Service Delivery in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mutuma Patrick , Jambawo Trevor
Published: October 2017

The main objective of this study was to find the most effective strategies to curb and eradicate corruption and improve water service delivery. The study also aimed to present the type, causes, and effects of corruption. A mixed-methods questionnaire survey design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. 220 questionnaires were distributed to providers and users of water services in Zimbabwe. 149 respondents returned the completed questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. The Analysis of Variance was used to test the significance of mean scores. The study revealed that corruption is highly prevalent in Zimbabwe. The main factors that cause corruption in the water sector are poor governance, economic hardship, and weak accountability. Corruption leads to economic stagnation and poor foreign investments. Organisations such as the Zimbabwe National Water Authority must improve systems and structures, enhance the auditing process, and educate staff on good ethical standards and effective governance to effectively fight against corruption and improve service delivery. They must also put in place strong governance and accountability frameworks and work closely with communities and policy makers to eradicate corruption. The availability of water should be the same across all the suburbs, and the country needs to adjust its water bill rates in line with regional rates. Service providers should make use of mobile technology to promote citizenry participation in sharing ideas and making decisions on water sustainability. This study reaffirms the need to fight corruption and improve water service delivery.
Antecedents of Employee Intention to Stay: A Study of Employees in Zimbabwean SMEs
Authors: Chinomona Elizabeth
Published: October 2017

Most research conducted on the influence of employee perception of equity (EPE), organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB), organisational commitment (OC) and turnover intention (ITS) has been on large organisations and little attention has been paid to SMEs. Studies on EPE and OCB have not filtered down to SMEs in developing countries. The primary objective of the study is to investigate the influence of OCB, EPE and OC on ITS in Zimbabwe’s SME sector. It also sought to ascertain the kind of relationships between OCB and OC, EPE with OC, OCB with ITS, EPE with ITS and finally OC with ITS. Structured questionnaires were distributed to SMEs in five major cities. A quantitative method using Smart PLS was employed to test the relationships among the three hypotheses. The results showed that there is a positive relationship between the three proposed hypotheses. Based on the findings, recommendations will be made to both the government policy makers and SME owners. The proposed study is expected to have practical and theoretical implications to both the policy makers in the government and the owners of small businesses in Zimbabwe. In addition, it will provide added insights and new knowledge to the existing body of literature on human resource management, hitherto not studied extensively in developing countries of Southern Africa and Zimbabwe in particular.
Measuring employee engagement of low-income workers either working at or visiting Marabastad Mall in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
Authors: Maleka Molefe Jonathan , Schultz Cecile , Van Hoek Lize , Dachapalli Leigh-Anne Paul , Ragadu Suzette
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study is to measure employee engagement of low-income workers either working at or visiting Marabastad Mall in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (CTMM). The literature review revealed that in the South African context there is a dearth of research on predictors of employee engagement. The research design was a survey and the sample size was six hundred and forty-nine (n=649). The descriptive statistics show that the respondents were moderately disengaged, disaffected, and committed. The descriptive statistics also revealed that respondents moderately disagreed that they had training opportunities and they had a good quality of work life. The inferential statistics showed that males were more engaged than their female counterparts, part-time employees were slightly more engaged than full-time employees and employees who were unionised were more engaged than the non-union members.  It was also found that job satisfaction was the highest predictor of employee engagement (β = 0.28, p<0.05). The study has implications for policymakers that employees earning between R1 000.00 and R10 000.00 are less engaged and committed and their job satisfaction levels were low. The implication for managers is that they must be aware that development and recognition of employees and job satisfaction predict employee engagement. Quality of work life and labour relations did not predict employee engagement
Income Diversification, Inequality and Poverty among Rural Households in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Alawode Olubunmi O , Oluwatayo Isaac B , Abdullahi Afusat O
Published: October 2017

The study examined income diversification, inequality and poverty among rural households in Oyo state, Nigeria. Cross-section data were generated from the survey conducted on a sample of 200 households with the aid of structured questionnaire using multi-stage sampling procedure. Descriptive statistics, diversification index, Gini coefficient, FGT poverty index, and the Probit regression model were used to analyze data. Mean income diversification index of 1.22 shows that majority of the respondents had multiple streams of income but crop farming had the largest share (90%) in total income. Mean income of respondents was ₦77,613.2±83575.01, and Gini coefficient of 0.48, 0.46, and 0.39 were obtained for total income, nonagricultural income, and agricultural income respectively. The poverty line was ₦6,490.50 and mean per capita expenditure was ₦9,735.74. The head count ratio showed that 53.5% of the households were poor while 46.5% were regarded as non-poor, and poverty gap was 0.214. From probit results, age, secondary occupation, and farm size had significant inverse relationship with poverty status. Having primary and secondary income sources is poverty reducing, therefore, rural households should be encouraged to remain in farming, especially crop farming, and motivated through skill acquisition to diversify into other income generating activities.
The Nature of Host Community Participation in Informative Consultation and Decision-Making Processes in Tourism Development: A Case Study of Umhlwazini, Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Ngxongo Nduduzo , Chili Nsizwazikhona
Published: October 2017

Tourism industry in the central Drakensberg region has enjoyed a noteworthy growth in visitor influx and earnings as well. Conversely, poverty and poor living conditions in and around villages positioned nearby to major tourist destinations in the country continues to degenerate, which ultimately raised the issue regarding the contribution of host communities in tourism decision making and informative consultation processes. Community consultation and participation in decision making processes constitute a crucial component that offers assurance to the host community that tourism benefits will be shared with the community and that their views will be considered when making tourism decisions. Thus, this paper aims at exploring the existing extent of community consultation and participation in tourism decisions making, using a case study of Umhlwazini, Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. The study incorporates a qualitative research approach with the use of interviews, focus groups and observations. The research findings show that the informative consultation process of community in the study area has been centralised, controlled, and minimal to none regardless of the constant aspirations of the host community to participate in decision making processes. Agreements and decisions relating to tourism and the community resources are agreed upon by outsiders who have no interest of the community at heart. The study recommends a private-public partnership, financial support for small local business enterprises, policy development and amendment to promote active community participation in tourism consultation and decision-making processes. This study contributes to a broader context of community participation in decision making structures, and present scholarly significance to researchers, students and academicians, and theoretical value to government, policy makers, investors and tourism authorities.
South African Sucrose Quality in Sugar: Determinants and its Empirical Implications
Authors: Doorasamy Mishelle , Rhodes Bruce
Published: October 2017

The study investigates which factors determine sucrose quality in the South African sugar cane production process. Though South Africa is the 8th largest producer of sugar cane in the world and the highest in Africa, a decline has been observed in the production of high quality sugar in the country. The study adopts the Auto Regressive Distributive Lags (ARDL) technique to analyze sugar cane production time series data from 1980 to 2016 in South Africa. Ten variables were tested, including Average Temperature, Stalk growth, Evaporation, and Soil Water Content (100mm). Our findings revealed that on both the short and long run, some of the variables investigated have the tendency of increasing sucrose level in sugar cane while an increase in other variables would decrease sucrose level altogether. However, the impact of Soil Water Content (100mm) appears not to be statistically significant on sucrose production in our regression model in the short and long run. Of special interest are Stalk growth (Reference sugar cane) and average temperature, as their values are more significantly germane as regards the quantity of sucrose obtained during sugar cane processing in South Africa.
Food Inflation and Passenger Vehicle Purchases in South Africa: Cointegration, Short Run Dynamics and Causality
Authors: Tshiakambila Eric Kateta , Chisasa Joseph
Published: October 2017

Food inflation in South Africa has been observed to be a major source of underlying inflationary pressures in the economy due to its persistence beyond that of other commodities. In this regard, this study investigated whether an increase in the prices of food products has a significant effect on passenger vehicle purchases in South Africa. The Phillip-Perron (PP) test, showed vehicle purchases to be stationary in level while food inflation was stationary in the first difference. Using secondary time series data, the Johansen cointegration test revealed that the variables in the vehicle purchase function were cointegrated in the long run. The vector error correction model showed a long-run relationship, albeit insignificant, between food inflation and vehicle purchases. There was no evidence of a short run relationship between the two variables. The Granger causality test revealed no causal effect between the variables, regardless of the direction of the test. The study concluded that an increase in the prices of food products will not play a considerable role in consumers’ vehicle purchase decisions in South Africa. These results have policy implications for the motor and related industries.
Market Orientation and Performance of Small Businesses in South Africa
Authors: Agbobli Edem Korku , Oni Olabanji , Fatoki Olawale
Published: October 2017

The study focused on identifying the relationship between market orientation and performance of small businesses in Vryburg region of South Africa. It aimed to achieve the following objectives, (1) To determine the level of market orientation among small businesses in Vryburg region of South Africa, (2) To establish if there is any relationship between market orientation and performance of small businesses in Vryburg region of South Africa. The study was exploratory in nature and utilised the quantitative research method with a descriptive research design. 268 questionnaires were distributed to small businesses owners/managers in the Vryburg region of South Africa. 207 questionnaires were returned, 9 questionnaires out of the 207 returned were incorrectly filled. Simple random sampling, a probability sampling technique was used in the study. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis. The Cronbach’s Alpha co-efficient was used to measure reliability.  The findings revealed that the majority of small businesses in Vryburg region of South Africa are market oriented. The findings further show that there is a positive relationship between market orientation and the performance of small business in the Vrburg region of South Africa. The study proposed the formalisation of small businesses, the development of strategic cultures as well as entrepreneurship and business management training for small business owners and managers.
The Endogeneity Effects of Conservation Agriculture Adoption on Smallholder Farmersâ€™ Food Security Status in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Olalekan Olawuyi Seyi , Ayodeji Balogun Taofeek
Published: October 2017

Goal two of the Sustainable Development Goals stipulates that, individuals at all strata are food secure. This is a major social problem with far reaching economic and development consequences. Growing population has exacerbated the pressure on land base agriculture to supply energy requirements, and traditional agricultural practices have complicated the topical issue. Thus, efforts to simultaneously improve agricultural productivity and keep the system sustainable calls for appropriate sustainable agricultural practice such as conservation agriculture. This study investigates the links between CA adoption and household food security in Nigeria. Two hundred and twenty-one respondents in the study area were sampled. Multisampling technique was used to select the required sample and a questionnaire was administered. Descriptive statistics result revealed farmersâ€™ and farm-based characteristics while food security index divulged the food security status of the respondents. The Double hurdle model was employed to investigate factors driving the adoption of CA and extent of adoption while two-stage least square (2SLS) estimated bi-causal links between CA adoption and food security status. The age of respondents, gender, education, access to credit, farm size cultivated and access to extension services contributed significantly to the adoption of CA and so to the extent of adoption. The two-stage least square confirms the exogeneity of CA adoption with food security status. By implication, the adoption of CA practices in Nigeria is a viable option to increase food production and by extension to attain sustainable food security status.
South Africaâ€™s Military and Peacekeeping Efforts: A new paradigm shift in its foreign policy since 1994
Authors: Adetiba Toyin Cotties
Published: October 2017

One of the South Africa's great soft power attributes has been the attraction and power of its transition to inclusive democratic governance after a long period of apartheid rule. This gave South Africa a certain moral authority and prestige to play very significant roles in conflict resolution and mediation through peacekeeping operations. Every government in an ever-changing and dynamic geopolitical environment ensure that its defence force cum foreign policy conform to the international environment while aiming at the defence and protection of its national interests. Using interpretive approach; this work argues that; fundamentally, there are three basic factors that reinforce South Africaâ€™s participation in peacekeeping which are politics, economy and security. By extension these three elements is considered a transformational agent of South Africaâ€™s economy. SANDF is, therefore, considered a dynamic and exceptional foreign policy tool that complements and at same time enhances South Africaâ€™s diplomatic manoeuvrings and influence within the wider international developments. It is concluded that South Africaâ€™s multilateral and foreign policy agendas have been driven by the pursuit of its national interest while trying to ensure peace in other African states.
Monetary Policy Transmission Mechanism in Namibia: A Bayesian VAR Approach
Authors: Sheefeni Johannes PS
Published: October 2017

This study analyzed the interest rate channel, credit channel, exchange rate channel and asset price channel for monetary policy transmission mechanism in Namibia. The idea behind this study is to have a comprehensive study that covers a variety of channels for monetary policy transmission mechanism. The study utilized a Bayesian vector autoregression (BVAR) technique on quarterly time-series data covering the period 2000:Q1 to 2016:Q4. In particular, the validity of the data used is checked and verified by using two sets of prior distributions suggested by Sims and Zha as well as prior distribution of Koop and Korobilis. The variables used in this study are real output (Yt), real effective exchange rate (Et), inflation rate (P t), repo rate (Rt), housing price index (Ht) and credit extended to private sector (Lt). The findings revealed that interest rate and credit channels remain important in the transmission mechanism to this day. Notably the exchange rate and asset price channels are also slowly gaining prominence in monetary policy transmission mechanism. Therefore, the study provides useful information to the monetary authorities regarding the process of transmission mechanisms. This is quite important especially that the Central Bank (Bank of Namibia) is very serious about financial stability within the financial system, given the fragility of the financial systems in the world due to financial crisis.
Human Capital Reputation as an Antecedent of Foreign Direct Investment Market Entry in Zimbabwe
Authors: Matiza Tafadzwa , Perks Sandra
Published: October 2017

This paper examines the influence that the reputation of Zimbabweâ€™s human capital has as an antecedent of FDI market entry opportunities in the country. By synthesizing nation branding, behavioural finance and foreign direct investment theory, this paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge in human capital as a determinant influencing foreign investor behaviour within an African economic context. Empirical data was generated from a self-administered online survey of a purposively sampled population of 305 foreign investors within the Zimbabwean context. Exploratory factor analysis extracted the items that constituted the Zimbabwean human capital construct, with Cronbachâ€™s alpha coefficients being utilized to measure the reliability of the measuring instrument. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment coefficients and multiple regression analysis were employed to further analyze the data. The results revealed that foreign investors considered the availability of a sustainable, highly productive, skilled, retainable and inexpensive workforce, as the influential human capital attributes they considered for FDI to Zimbabwe. The empirical evidence further affirmed that the reputation of Zimbabweâ€™s human capital is an antecedent for resource- and efficiency-seeking FDI typologies to Zimbabwe. As a result, practical guidelines are provided for the Government of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Investment Authority on the potential development and promotion of Zimbabweâ€™s human capital for the purpose of positively influencing investor behaviour, thereby attracting FDI to the country.
The Influence of Packaging Elements on Buying Behaviour for Convenience Goods amongst Customers
Authors: Tinonetsana Faith , Penceliah Darry
Published: October 2017

The role of packaging has changed with the move to self-service retail formats. Marketers have transformed packaging to become one of the major promoting tools to products. There was a necessity to explore packaging and its elements in order to understand which of these elements influence international university students purchase decisions. Thus, this paper seeks to determine the relationship between international university studentsâ€™ buying behaviour and package elements through linear regression analysis. A quantitative, non-probability research approach was employed. A convenience sample was used to select study 400international students from two South African universities. Research findings reveal that international studentsâ€™ perception of packaging elements influence their buying behaviour. The results also show that there is a significant relationship between consumer perception and students buying behaviour. Findings also reveal that there is a significant relationship between consumer buying behaviour and seven predictor variables; colour, graphics, packaging technology, label information, brand name, time pressure and level of involvement. It is thus imperative for the marketers to understand that packaging elements have various influences on the consumer depending on context and on product. If the package elements are properly combined, the package will be more attractive and attention grabbing.
The Impact of Ethical Practices on the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa
Authors: Dzomonda Obey , Fatoki Olawale
Published: October 2017

SMEs have become beacons of hope towards improving economic growth and development of many countries globally. However, the literature documents a high discontinuance rate among small businesses. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of ethical practices on the performance of SMEs in South Africa. The study was based on a quantitative research design. The survey method was used as a data collection method. Using this method, self-administered questionnaires were used as the primary data collection tool. These questionnaires were hand delivered to the participants by the researcher. The random sampling method was used to obtain the participants. The population consisted of SME owner/managers in Polokwane municipality. 74 SME owner/managers participated in the survey. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, factor analysis, T tests and regression analysis. The Cronbachâ€™s alpha was used as a measure of reliability. The findings showed that SMEs display unethical behavior and a weak performance. It was discovered that SMEs does not have policies in place to guide their ethical behavior. The T test results showed significant differences between gender and education levels with ethical practices of SMEs. The regression results showed that there is a positive relationship between ethical practices and performance of SMEs. Recommendations were made for SMEs to treat ethical issues seriously lest they risk incurring costs associated with lawsuits and negative brand reputation.
Understanding the Theory of Consumption in the Context of a Developing Economy
Authors: Oke David Mautin , Bokana Koye Gerry
Published: October 2017

This paper synthesizes the theory of consumption using some Nigerian contexts. The argument on what determines consumption is yet an unfinished task. We tested the general consumption function using Nigerian data covering 1981-2012. Based on the diagnostics, we employed a vector autoregression-in-first difference approach. The result shows that previous incomes (up to two lags) may not be significant in influencing consumption in Nigeria but previous consumption levels (up to two lags) attained may do. In addition, consumers in Nigeria may reduce their consumption in the current year based on their knowledge of previous year consumption but may raise the current consumption level  due to their experience of last    two years consumption. This corroborates suggestions that macro-econometricians must analyze consumption beyond the general consumption function. The pattern of historical data also suggests that consumption may be difficult to predict in Nigeria. Therefore, government of Nigeria may succeed in influencing its aggregate demand which consumption is the major component if its income and tax policies are permanent, rather than being temporary.
Work Intensification: A Stumbling Block to Work Life Balance?
Authors: Abdoolla Aaliya , Govender Patsy
Published: October 2017

Of recent, studies on work intensification have surfaced in many sectors of the work environment and, with work-life balance being triggered by numerous variables. Employees are working harder and faster to meet tight deadlines and the speed of work has escalated resulting in a negative association with their health. The study aims to assess whether work intensification hinders work-life balance and affects employeesâ€™ daily tasks.  A quantitative approach was selected for the study and, both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized.  Hypotheses testing were part of the study and most were partially accepted. The simple random sample was chosen and a sample of 100 employees was drawn. Data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire.  The results showed that work intensification and work-life balance occurred at varying degrees and improvements were required in several areas. The adverse results of work intensification and high-involvement work processes have a tremendous impact on the employeesâ€™ work-life balance. The study culminates with a projection on recommendations, conclusion and, practical implications are reflected upon based on the study.
Analysis of Structural Transformation in Agricultural Sector in Indonesia
Authors: Aziz Abdul , - Ragimun
Published: October 2017

Indonesia's economy is currently undergoing a sharp shift of structural transformation. This is evident from the change in the proportion of major sectoral contributions to GDP in Indonesia. The agricultural sector in 2000 accounted for 15.60 percent of the national GDP. This sector is experiencing a gradual downward trend in 2015 which only contributes 12.18 percent. On the other hand there is an increasing contribution to GDP for the trade sector from 16.15 percent in 2000 to 18.06 percent by 2015.  The study aims to identify the structural transformation of the agricultural sector in Indonesia, identify fiscal policy, appropriate development programs and can be implemented. The research methodology used is to explore the theory and implementation of several other countries by using SWOT analysis. The results of this research analysis found that the shift of structural transformation in the agricultural sector has the potential to cause negative impacts on several macroeconomic indicators such as GDP per capita persector and workforce of the sector. Therefore, there are several fiscal instruments that can be recommended, among others through credit programs such as Credit for  Business  Programme, subsidies and agricultural credit. Moreover, it can be done through agricultural insurance schemes and programs to increase infrastructure spending in agriculture so that the structural transformation is expected to keep Indonesia's economic growth more inclusive.
Plastic Money and Electronic Banking Services Espousal vis-a-viz Financial Identity Theft Fraud Risk Awareness in a Developing Country
Authors: Dzomira Shewangu
Published: October 2017

Exploitation of plastic money coupled with electronic banking services has come as expediency to financial establishment customers in Zimbabwe. This paper sought to analyze plastic money and electronic banking services espousal vis-a-viz financial identity theft fraud risk awareness in Zimbabwe banking sector via banksâ€™ websites. The theoretical underpinning for this study is Routine Activity Theory. The study used qualitative content analysis research technique for examination of the text content data through the consistent taxonomy process of coding and classifying themes or patterns to submit a painstaking considerate of financial identity theft fraud awareness by the banking sector in Zimbabwe. A sample size of 14 banks (including commercial, merchant and building societies) was used and the banks were arbitrarily chosen on the basis of website accessibility and ease of use of the data. The study findings suggest that there is very little financial identity theft awareness in Zimbabwe by the banking sector through their websites to the general public whilst there is amplified adoption of plastic money and electronic banking adoption. This study proposes a need to amplify the information and inform plastic card and electronic banking customers of the types of financial identity theft fraud. Plastic card and electronic banking is an urgent area to focus on for banking institutions and should inexorably capitalize in it. Financial identity theft information should be easily retrievable and conveyed in a manner that makes reasonableness to the varied customers.
La trascendencia como intrínsicamente constitutiva de ética y política
Authors: Scannone S.I. Juan Carlos
Published: October 2017

No solamente la ética, sino la política –en cuanto orientada al bien común– implican como constitutivo a la trascendencia metafísica, y aún religiosa. El artículo lo muestra analizando la “irrupción de los pobres” en la conciencia y la sociedad latinoamericanas como fenómeno saturado, en el sentido de Marion. Luego estudia aquella interrelación en la filosofía contemporánea, especialmente en Lévinas y en la filosofía de la liberación, que relee a éste en clave social. Por último, extiende lo dicho a toda situación con víctimas históricas, pues la auténtica trascendencia se juega en las relaciones éticas entre los hombres, el respeto de sus derechos y la transformación de la sociedad en más justa.
Temporalización intersubjetiva y tiempo del mundo en el pensamiento de Edmund Husserl
Authors: Illescas Nájera María De los Dolores
Published: October 2017

El presente artículo se propone explorar la cuestión sobre cómo se constituye el tiempo cósmico u objetivo sobre la base del tiempo subjetivamente vivido. Problemática que se trata particularmente en algunos manuscritos del Husserl de los años treinta. Se sugiere que el adecuado esclarecimiento de esta cuestión implica, necesariamente, la distinción entre una temporalización de carácter propiamente yoico y la temporalización intermonádica o intersubjetiva. Y también, por otro lado, el caer en la cuenta de que en ausencia de una cierta “naturalización” como ser en el mundo, la autoconstitución del ego trascendental en el tiempo (o como tiempo) no podría alcanzar una verdadera constitución del mundo.
Volumen 4. Número 5. enero 2013.
Authors: Open Insight Revista de filosofía
Published: October 2017

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Volumen 5. Número 8. julio 2014.
Authors: Open Insight Revista de filosofía
Published: October 2017

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El hombre, realidad de realidades: para una revaloración dentro de la antropología filosófica
Authors: Sierra Lechuga Carlos
Published: October 2017

Una de las interrogantes típicamente filosóficas ha sido la que pregunta por el hombre. Si bien desde antaño se ha tratado la cuestión filosóficamente, no se ha hecho, sin embargo, sólo filosóficamente. Para saber qué o quién es el hombre han investigado diversas disciplinas y ciencias. Este artículo sugiere la base para pensar o repensar al hombre en clave metafísica, allende la clave que lo piensa, primariamente, desde su animalidad. La antropología filosófica debe ser, ante todo, filosófica, por lo que debe justificarse desde sí misma.
“Aliquid inter nos fieri potuit” Sartreus et Deus
Authors: Redmond Walter
Published: October 2017

Sartreus Deum censuit tum in-se esse tum pro-se, quos tamen essendi modos conjungi nequire. Ejus vero descriptio exponi potest sensu orthodoxo, immo talis “synthesis idealis” non modo non sibi repugnat (quod ope logicae recentis patebit) sed ultro esse divinum prae se fert tamquam necessarium et liberum.
Die Blosse Vernunft (La sola razón)
Authors: Taylor Charles
Published: October 2017

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Fenologia de tangerina cv. Ponkan (Citrus reticulata Blanco) correlacionada aos insetos-pragas e predadores
Authors: Da Rocha Jaidson Gonçalves , Cassino Paulo Cesar Rodrigues
Published: October 2017

A citricultura em cultivos orgânicos vem em desenvolvimento crescente pelo mundo, pois além reduzir a quantidade exacerbada de produtos sintéticos, mantém um equilíbrio dentro dos ecossistemas. O objetivo do presente trabalho visou entender se existe uma associação dos insetos-pragas e seus predadores com a fenologia das plantas de citros em cultivo orgânico. O trabalho foi conduzido com o monitoramento feito com visitas a cada quinze dias à Fazendinha Agroecológica, Seropédica - RJ (EMBRAPA/UFRuralRJ), no período de fevereiro de 2007 a outubro de 2010, na área experimental selecionava plantas de forma aleatória, onde se dividia de forma imaginária em quatro quadrantes (Norte, sul, leste, oeste), e assim em cada observação simultaneamente quatro plantas. Foram utilizados a correlação e regressão linear para ver o efeito associativo dos estágios fenológicos das plantas de citros e seus insetos-pragas e predadores. Se observou que para as espécies de insetos-pragas existe uma correlação positiva com o estádio fenológico das plantas cítricas (0,907), isto é, uma variável é dependente da outra. Ademais, para os insetos-predadores a correlação é negativa (-0,438) e não existindo uma associação dos insetos-predadores com a fenologia das plantas de citros. De forma geral, os resultados mostram a possibilidade de associar os insetos-pragas diretamente à fenologia de plantas cítricas, enquanto que os insetos predadores não dependem exclusivamente dos estádios fenológicos da cultura em estudo.
Atividade fotossintética e produtividade de alface cultivada sob sombreamento
Authors: Guerra Antonia Mirian Nogueira  de Moura , Costa Ana Cecília Moura , Tavares Paula Raniele Freitas
Published: October 2017

Um experimento foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito de telas de sombreamento em relação ao pleno sol sobre a capacidade fotossintética e a produtividade de alface crespa cultivar Elba nas condições climáticas de Santarém - PA. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi blocos casualizados completos com quatro repetições. Foram estudados dois tipos de tela de sombreamento e um plástico(tela verde de 50%, tela preta de 50% e plástico transparente de 150µm) além da testemunha (cultivo a pleno sol). Foram avaliados a altura, diâmetro, número de folhas e peso de uma planta, produtividade, razão de massa de folha (RMF) e de caule (RMC), além da taxa de assimilação líquida de carbono (A), condutância estomática ao vapor de água (gs), taxa transpiratória (E), eficiência instantânea no uso da água (A/E) e relação entre as concentrações interna e externa de carbono (Ci/Ca). A tela verde e o plástico proporcionaram ganho de produtividade (49,26% e 48,47%, respectivamente, em relação ao cultivo a pleno sol) em virtude do maior número de folhas, peso de uma planta e alocação de massa seca para as folhas. A taxa fotossintética e a eficiência no uso da água tiveram aumentos de 24,1% e 21,94%, respectivamente, com o uso do plástico em relação à condução em pleno sol. Sob o plástico transparente, ocorreram maior condutância estomática, concentração de CO2, taxa fotossintética, melhor eficiência no uso da água e maior acúmulo de massa seca. Os aumentos de produtividade para alface cultivado sob as telas de sombreamento se deram através de incrementos na atividade fotossintética das plantas.
Adubação nitrogenada associada à inoculação com Azospirillum brasilense na cultura do milho
Authors: Portela Moraes Gildean , Freire Gomes Vânia Felipe , Mendes Filho Paulo Furtado , Mascena de Almeida Aldênia Mendes , Tupinambá da Silva Júnior José Maria
Published: October 2017

A adubação nitrogenada por fertilizantes minerais é um dos principais manejos utilizados pelos produtores como forma de suprir as necessidades das plantas com esse nutriente. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada sobre o crescimento de plantas híbridas de milho associadas com bactérias diazotróficas endofíticas. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, por um período de 90 dias, com substrato natural. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, sendo que os tratamentos foram dispostos no esquema fatorial 2 x 4, com quatro repetições e constituídos, pela inoculação e não com o produto comercial a base de Azospirillum brasilense combinados com quatro diferentes doses de nitrogênio (0; 0,0714; 0,1428 e 0,2142 g kg-1). Foram avaliados os dados relativos à altura, diâmetro do colmo, área foliar, teor de clorofila, massa seca das folhas, colmo e raiz das plantas de milho, cultivadas em condições de casa de vegetação. As plantas de milho BM 3061 inoculadas com Azospirillum brasilense respondeu positivamente as doses de nitrogênio. Porém a dose que 0,1428 g kg-1 de N foi a que apresentou melhor comportamento, podendo ser indicada para adubação do milho.