bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolated from raw milk in some dairy farms in Egypt
Authors: Hussien Heba , Mahrous Eman
Published: March 2016

This study was conducted to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in milk in three Egyptian Governorates; El-Sharkia, El-Menoufia and El-Behera Governorates. 300 milk samples were collected from tuberculin positive cases, 18 (6.0%) were shedding Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in their milk which detected by real time PCR. On another hand, 170 milk samples were collected from tuberculin negative cases, 5 (2.9%) were shedding Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in their milk which detected by real time PCR. All milk samples were examined by three techniques including Microscopic examination, culture and real time PCR. Real time PCR is more rapid and accurate method than microscopic and culture method. The isolated colonies from culture were examined by Multiplex PCR to demonstrate the source of infection either human or animal source.
Limit Cycles Coming from Some Uniform Isochronous Centers
Authors: Liang Haihua , Llibre Jaume , Torregrosa Joan
Published: March 2016

This article is about the weak 16th Hilbert problem, i.e. we analyze how many limit cycles can bifurcate from the periodic orbits of a given polynomial differential center when it is perturbed inside a class of polynomial differential systems. More precisely, we consider the uniform isochronous centers

x
˙

=

-
y

+

x
2

⁢
y
⁢

(

x
2

+

y
2

)

n

,

y
˙

=

x
+

x
⁢

y
2

⁢

(

x
2

+

y
2

)

n

,

$\dot{x}=-y+x^{2}y(x^{2}+y^{2})^{n},\quad\dot{y}=x+xy^{2}(x^{2}+y^{2})^{n},$

of degree

2
⁢
n

+
3

${2n+3}$

and we perturb them inside the class of all polynomial differential systems of degree

2
⁢
n

+
3

${2n+3}$

. For

n
=

0
,
1

${n=0,1}$

we provide the maximum number of limit cycles, 3 and 8 respectively, that can bifurcate from the periodic orbits of these centers using averaging theory of first order, or equivalently Abelian integrals. For

n
=
2

${n=2}$

we show that at least 12 limit cycles can bifurcate from the periodic orbits of the center.
Influence of Duplex Treatment on Structural and Tribological Properties of Commercially Pure Titanium
Authors: Çelik Ilhan
Published: March 2016

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in many fields, including aerospace and the chemical and biomedical industries. This is due to their mechanical properties, excellent corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility although they do have poor wear resistance. In this study, a duplex layer was successfully formed on the commercially pure titanium surface by duplex treatments (plasma nitriding and physical vapor deposition (PVD)). In the initial treatment, plasma nitriding was performed on the pure titanium samples and in the second treatment, the nitrided samples were coated with CrN by PVD. The friction and wear properties of the duplex-treated samples were investigated for tribological applications. Surface morphology and microstructure of the duplex-treated samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the tribological properties were investigated using pin-on-disc tribometer. A compound layer composed of ε-Ti2N and δ-TiN phases and a diffusion layer formed under the compound layer were obtained on the surface of pure titanium after the nitriding treatments. CrN coated on the nitrided surface provided an increase in the surface hardness and in the wear resistance.
Mechanism of Selective Desulphurization in Iron Ore Sintering Process by Adding Urea
Authors: Long Hongming , Wu Xuejian , Chun Tiejun , Li Jiaxin , Wang Ping , Meng Qingmin , Di Zhanxia , Zhang Xiangyang
Published: March 2016

Iron ore sintering is an important part during the ironmaking process, and a large amount of SO2is also generated. Our previous research shows that it is an effective way to reduce SO2content of flue gas by adding urea to a special sintering material zone position. In this paper, the mechanism of selective desulphurization by adding urea during the iron ore sintering was carried out. The results show that 88.14 % desulphurization rate was obtained with the addition of 0.05 % urea particles at 100 mm height from the feed bottom. During the sintering process, when drying zone reached the added position of urea, large amounts of NH3were generated by urea decomposition, and then reacted with SO2to produce (NH4)2SO4in the wetting zone. With the accumulated desulphurization reactions during the sintering, the low SO2emission in the flue gas was achieved. Moreover, the addition of urea in the bottom zone avoided the ammonia present in the sintering ore and promoted the urea utilization efficiency.
Characteristics And Results Of The Near Real-Time System For Estimating The Seismic Damage In Romania
Authors: Dragos Toma-Danila , Ortanza Cioflan Carmen , Florin Balan Stefan , Florinela Manea Elena
Published: March 2016

The Near Real-Time System for Estimating the Seismic Damage in Romania, implemented in 2012 at the National Institute for Earth Physics, is one of the automated systems that can directly contribute to saving many lives right after a major earthquake, by translating earthquake parameters into damage probabilities for different areas within Romanian counties and showing emergency intervention necessities, and can also lead to mitigation actions before an earthquake, through raising awareness and highlighting vulnerable aspects of the building stock and economic and social impacts.

This paper aims to present the scientific background of this constantly upgrading system, and to show different results for relevant scenarios, for intermediate-depth Vrancea earthquakes and other crustal earthquakes. Several important questions are tried to be answered, like: “How credible are the estimated losses?”, “What are the most vulnerable aspects?” or “How can the damage maps be useful for authorities?”.

Currently, the system uses for building loss estimation the analytical methods (as the Improved-Displacement Capacity Method - I-DCM) implemented within the open-source software SELENA (SEismic Loss EstimatioN using a logic tree Approach), together with HAZUS methods for estimating the human casualties. The building stock is defined through 48 different capacity and fragility curves, depending on construction material, height and age. As hazard data, PGA and SA values obtained through the ShakeMap System and based on real recordings and attenuation relations are used. The area currently analyzed by the system consists of 19 Romanian Counties, capital Bucharest and 9 regions in northern Bulgaria; resolution of the data is at administrative unit (commune or city) level. We aim to provide an insight of each part of this system, justify the choices made and also discuss the improvement possibilities.
Significant life events and social connectedness in Australian women's gambling experiences
Authors: Nuske Elaine Mary , Holdsworth Louise , Breen Helen
Published: March 2016

Aim

The aim is to examine significant life events and social connections that encourage some women to gamble. Specifically, how do these events and connections described as important for women who develop gambling-related problems differ for women who remain recreational gamblers?

Design

20 women who were electronic gaming machine (EGMs, poker machines, slots) players were interviewed using a brief interview guide. They also completed the nine question Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) from the Canadian Problem Gambling Index CPGI). 11 women self-identified as recreational gamblers (RG) while 9 had sought and received help for their gambling problems (PG). Using a feminist, qualitative design and an adaptive grounded theory method to analyze their histories, a number of themes emerged indicating a progression to problem gambling for some and the ability to recognise when control over gambling was needed by others.

Results

Although both groups (RG and PG) reported common gambling motivations differences appeared in the strength of their social support networks and ways of coping with stress, especially stress associated with a significant life event.

Conclusions

The human need for social connectedness and personal bonds with others emphasised the usefulness of using social capital theories in gambling research with women.
At-Risk and Problem Gambling among Finnish Youth: The Examination of Risky Alcohol Consumption, Tobacco Smoking, Mental Health and Loneliness as Gender-Specific Correlates
Authors: Edgren Robert , Castrén Sari , Jokela Markus , Salonen Anne H.
Published: March 2016

Aims

The aims were to compare past-year at-risk and problem gambling (ARPG) and other at-risk behaviours (computer gaming, risky alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking) by age and gender, and to explore how ARPG is associated with risky alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, poor mental health and loneliness in males and females.

Design

Data from respondents aged 15–28 (n = 822) were derived from a cross-sectional random sample of population-based data (n = 4484). The data were collected in 2011–2012 by telephone interviews. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI, score≥2) was used to evaluate ARPG. Prevalence rates for risk behaviours were compared for within gender-specific age groups. Regression models were gender-specific.

Results

The proportion of at-risk and problem gamblers was higher among males than females in all age groups except among 18–21-year-olds, while frequent computer gaming was higher among males in all age groups. The odds ratio (95% CI) of being a male ARPGer was 2.57 (1.40–4.74) for risky alcohol consumption; 1.95 (1.07–3.56) for tobacco smoking; 2.63 (0.96–7.26) for poor mental health; and 4.41 (1.20–16.23) for feeling lonely. Likewise, the odds ratio (95% CI) of being a female ARPGer was 1.19 (0.45–3.12) for risky alcohol consumption; 4.01 (1.43–11.24) for tobacco smoking; 0.99 (0.18–5.39) for poor mental health; and 6.46 (1.42–29.34) for feeling lonely. All 95% CIs of ARPG correlates overlapped among males and females.

Conclusions

Overall, past-year at-risk and problem gambling and computer gaming seem to be more common among males than females; however, for risky alcohol consumption similar gender differences were evident only for the older half of the sample. No clear gender differences were seen in correlates associated with ARPG.
On soliton solutions of the Wu-Zhang system
Authors: Inc Mustafa , Kilic Bulent , Karatas Esra , Mohamed Al Qurashi Maysaa’ , Baleanu Dumitru , Tchier Fairouz
Published: March 2016

In this paper, the extended tanh and hirota methods are used to construct soliton solutions for the WuZhang (WZ) system. Singular solitary wave, periodic and multi soliton solutions of the WZ system are obtained.
Regionale Gesundheitskonferenzen und Gesundheitsregionenplus in Deutschland: Struktur-, Prozess- und Ergebnisqualitäten
Authors: Hollederer Alfons
Published: March 2016

Regionale Public Health-Probleme erfordern im Lösungsansatz häufig die Vernetzung, Kooperation und Koordination der relevanten Akteure im Gesundheitswesen vor Ort. Kommunale Gesundheitskonferenzen und Gesundheitsregionenplus zielen dabei auf die Optimierung der regionalen Gesundheitsversorgung und Gesundheitsförderung. Die Bundesländer setzen wesentliche politische, finanzielle, fachlich-konzeptionelle und gesetzgeberische Rahmenbedingungen für ihr Funktionieren. Die bisherigen Evaluationsstudien zeigen Erfolge in der Kooperations- und Netzwerkbildung auf. Die Wirksamkeit ist von der Strukturqualität und „weichen Faktoren“ abhängig. Auf Grundlage von Bestandsanalysen, Evaluationsstudien und Praxiserfahrungen werden 20 Empfehlungen für die Sicherung der Struktur-, Prozess- und Ergebnisqualität bei Implementierung und Weiterentwicklung abgeleitet.
Die Sicherstellung der ambulanten ärztlichen Versorgung auf dem Land
Authors: Lehmann Kathleen , Uhlemann Thomas
Published: March 2016

Ein flächendeckendes Angebot an medizinischer Versorgung und angemessene Zugangsmöglichkeiten für alle Bevölkerungsgruppen gehören gerade auch in ländlichen Regionen zu den zentralen gesundheitspolitischen Zielen. Anspruch und Wirklichkeit brechen sich dabei jedoch an den verschiedenen Interessen der beteiligten Akteure. Die Frage, wie viele Leistungserbringer für eine bedarfsgerechte Versorgung der Bevölkerung benötigt werden und wie eine angemessene Verteilung dieser Leistungserbringer im Raum sichergestellt werden kann, ist dabei beinahe so alt wie die gesetzliche Krankenversicherung selbst.
Gesundheit verbessern und fördern – Ein Schwerpunkt in der medizin-geografischen Forschung
Authors: Luther Stephan , Schweikart Jürgen , Scharlach Holger
Published: March 2016

Unterschiede in der Gesundheitsversorgung sind Ergebnis diverser Effekte, die häufig einen Raumbezug haben. Dazu gehören sozioökonomische Unterschiede in der Bevölkerung und eine eingeschränkte Erreichbarkeit als Barriere zur Inanspruchnahme medizinischer Angebote. Für die Analyse dieser Effekte sowie der Entwicklung von Lösungsansätzen bietet die medizinische Geographie vielfältige Methoden und theoretische Konzepte. Grundlegende Hilfsmittel sind dabei Karten und Geoinformationssysteme (GIS).
Constructing better roads with asphalt rubber
Authors: Pais Jorge C. , Thives Liseane P. , Pereirâ Paulo A. A. , Trichês Glicério
Published: March 2016

Brazilians mixtures containing asphalt rubber were evaluated by mechanical laboratory tests. A conventional mixture with asphalt CAP-50/70 was produced as a mixture control. With the aim of compare the Brazilians mixtures performance, a Portuguese asphalt rubber mixture was tested as well. The testing set involved the determination of the mechanical properties, fatigue and permanent deformation, of asphalt rubber produced by wet process through two different systems: continuous blend and terminal blend. The asphalt rubber morphology was evaluated in order to determine the compatibility of the systems. The asphalt rubber mixtures exhibit good resistance to permanent deformation and prolonged fatigue life in relation to mixture control. Therefore it is concluded that the application of asphalt rubber alters the characteristics of asphalt mixture in a very beneficial way.
Characterizing the global context for cross-cultural healthcare work by regions of the world
Authors: Strand Mark , Paulson Eckert , Myrick Timothy
Published: March 2016

Healthcare missionaries (n=393) from 18 English-speaking countries, serving in 67 countries, were surveyed. With an average of 11 years of field experience and working primarily in the local language, participants in this study were able to report on healthcare situations and experience for expatriate healthcare missionaries in their countries of service. The healthcare institutions in most countries of the world were reported to be improving. Most countries were reported hospitable to the presence of expatriate missionaries, but there also existed some resistance to expression of Christian faith in the workplace. As mission organizations consider where to place healthcare professionals for medical service, consideration should be given to the trends and opportunities present in different regions of the world, so as to achieve the greatest outcomes and to provide the best match between the missionary and the context in which they work.
Music in the mountains: creating sustainable therapy programs from short-term missions
Authors: Foxell Rachel
Published: March 2016

This field report describes the experiences of a Registered Music Therapist (RMT) living, working, and musicking1 during a short-term health mission to Northern India. Using a sustainability approach, collaboration with several local and global health organisations resulted in the development of a therapeutic music program for children with disabilities.
Disability is a complex phenomenon, and in rural areas of India, disability is viewed as a foundation for shame and exclusion. The Community-based project, Samvedna, oversees the therapy, healthcare, and education of over 100 children with a disability in remote villages and is heavily involved in disability advocacy in the area.
Sustainable programs are more effective for individuals and communities in both the short and long term. RMTs and other health professionals can be instrumental in setting up sustainable programs, such as teaching specific skills and knowledge to local teams, provided there is thorough preparation and ongoing collaboration to determine the priorities and expectations of the program.
Making distribution of wheelchairs sustainable: A Wheels for the World program in North India, October 2015
Authors: Varghese Jubin , Hughes Nicole , Grills Nathan , Kumar Mukesh , Singh Lawrence , Kumar Raj
Published: March 2016

A description of a program carried out in October 2015 in North India of distribution of wheelchairs and other assistive devices for persons with disabilities. Applying cooperative approaches through churches, NGOs and networks, outside resources were utilized to develop a sustainable approach to meeting identified disability needs in low-resource settings.
Smoking Cessation Support Among Oncology Practitioners in a Regional Cancer Center in the Middle East—Improving a Critical Service for Cancer Care
Authors: Obeidat Nour A. , Ayub Hiba S. , Amarin Rula , Aburajab Altamimi Barakat , Ghonimat Iyad , Abughosh Susan , Hawari Feras I.
Published: March 2016

This study examined smoking cessation support (SCS) by oncologists in a Jordanian cancer center and found it to be deficient. Recommendations to improve SCS include improving patient-provider communication and building providers’ self-efficacy through continuing education.
Coedty reservoir spillway tilting gate refurbishment, 2011
Authors: Shaw Louise
Published: March 2016

This paper describes the refurbishment work undertaken on three automatic mechanical tilting gates over the central spillway of Coedty reservoir in 2011. The gates were dismantled, removed, grit blasted and painted before reinstallation. Parts of the mechanism were replaced. The works were completed successfully without blocking the spillway at any time. Post-completion, the middle gate has exhibited unusual noise vibration with water shedding during low flow at minimal spill. This has been remedied by the installation of three splitters on the top edge of the gate to break the flow of water.
YAP/TAZ Are Mechanoregulators of TGF-β-Smad Signaling and Renal Fibrogenesis
Authors: Szeto Stephen G. , Narimatsu Masahiro , Lu Mingliang , He Xiaolin , Sidiqi Ahmad M. , Tolosa Monica F. , Chan Lauren , De Freitas Krystale , Bialik Janne Folke , Majumder Syamantak , Boo Stellar , Hinz Boris , Dan Qinghong , Advani Andrew , John Rohan , Wrana Jeffrey L. , Kapus Andras , Yuen Darren A.
Published: March 2016

Like many organs, the kidney stiffens after injury, a process that is increasingly recognized as an important driver of fibrogenesis. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are related mechanosensory proteins that bind to Smad transcription factors, the canonical mediators of profibrotic TGF-β responses. Here, we investigated the role of YAP/TAZ in the matrix stiffness dependence of fibroblast responses to TGF-β. In contrast to growth on a stiff surface, fibroblast growth on a soft matrix led to YAP/TAZ sequestration in the cytosol and impaired TGF-β–induced Smad2/3 nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity. YAP knockdown or treatment with verteporfin, a drug that was recently identified as a potent YAP inhibitor, elicited similar changes. Furthermore, verteporfin reduced YAP/TAZ levels and decreased the total cellular levels of Smad2/3 after TGF-β stimulation. Verteporfin treatment of mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction similarly reduced YAP/TAZ levels and nuclear Smad accumulation in the kidney, and attenuated renal fibrosis. Our data suggest that organ stiffening cooperates with TGF-β to induce fibrosis in a YAP/TAZ- and Smad2/3-dependent manner. Interference with this YAP/TAZ and TGF-β/Smad crosstalk likely underlies the antifibrotic activity of verteporfin. Finally, through repurposing of a clinically used drug, we illustrate the therapeutic potential of a novel mechanointerference strategy that blocks TGF-β signaling and renal fibrogenesis.
Improvement Opportunities in Commodity Trucks Delivery in Globalized Markets
Authors:   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Naberezhnye Chelny, Russia, Makarova Irina , Khabibullin Rifat , Belyaev Eduard , Mavrin Vadim
Published: March 2016

Market globalization has posed the problem of finding economical routes of product delivery one of which is via a system of intermodal motor traction. Currently, the automotive manufacturing plant KAMAZ supplies its products and accompanying servicing to countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America, and intends to extend the market. This study deals with peculiarities of the organization of spare parts delivery to the dealer-service network abroad. Risks of water haul are considered; methods for improving of transportation planning by developing a decision support system are proposed.
Development of LNG Infrastructure in Europe
Authors:   Department of Water Transport, The Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications, University of Žilina, Slovakia, Grobarčíková Anežka , Sosedová Jarmila , Kalina Tomáš
Published: March 2016

The transport sector is the fastest growing consumer of energy and producer of greenhouse gases in the European Union. With new emission regulation these days the potential application for LNG are expanding. LNG provides a greener alternative to other fossil fuels, which can significantly contribute to improve European air quality and to reduce the existing oil dependency. In Europe receiving terminals are mainly situated in Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Turkey and United Kingdom. However, infrastructure for proper function of LNG is still missing in central and Easter Europe. The aim of this paper draws basic properties of LNG as well as analyse the overview of LNG infrastructure in Europe.
Tehnološki razvoj kontejnerskog broda kroz povijest
Authors:   Pomorski odjel, Sveučilište u Dubrovniku, Mišković Darijo , Ivče Renato , Popović Marija
Published: March 2016

U ovom radu obradit će se koncept kontejnerskog broda, njegovi začeci i prihvaćanje na tržištu. Pratit će se razvoj broda i tehnologije s posebnim osvrtom na značajke modernih kontejnerskih brodova koji su mu omogućili da postane neizostavan dio globalno ekonomije. Statistički će se prikazati stanje svjetske kontejnerske flote, glavne kontejnerske luke te plovidbeni pravci.
Economic sustainability and methodological evaluation of air asset
Authors: Kumar Singh Mahesh , Vásáry Miklós , Baranyai Zsolt
Published: March 2016

Sustainability is focused on balancing environmental, economic and social concerns in order to “meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Poor air quality threatens not only the well-being of city-dwellers but our long -term productivity, as well, especially in terms of the quality of life, material and vegetation damage, reduced tourism to the country, discouraged foreign investments, among others. Further, loss of productivity due to pollution-related illnesses becomes a direct economic cost also. Peoples face the greatest health risk due to prolonged exposure to vehicular pollution inevitable in their livelihood. Continued exposure to high levels of common air pollutants such as ozone (O3), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO) and particulate matter (PM) can result in serious health impacts. In this preliminary study, we analyze the methodological questions raised related with the cost of clean air asset valuation.
The Favorite Cultural Places And Traditional Activities Of Travelers: A Case Study Of Songkhla Province, Thailand
Authors: Vaitayavanich Kuntalee , Doungchan Piboon , Thepsongkraw Praman , Tongchiou Chantas , Jorajit Sujitra
Published: March 2016

The manuscript entitled The Favorite Cultural Places And Traditional Activities Of Travelers: A Case Study Of Songkhla Province, Thailand was retracted on September 11, 2014. Please contact our office at Journals@CluteInstitute.com for more information.
An Evaluation Of An Integrated Case Study And Business Simulation To Develop Professional Skills In South African Accountancy Students
Authors: Van der Merwe Nico
Published: March 2016

One of the most debated topics in extant accounting education literature is that of professional skills. It appears that many universities are failing to sufficiently equip their graduates with the generic professional skills required for the workplace. The case study method and business simulations are two complementary teaching and learning tools that have proven successful in promoting the development and assessment of professional skills in accounting; however, very few existing cases or simulations appear to be integrated across the discipline areas within accountancy. This study aims to contribute to the field in three ways: 1) in aiding to fill the apparent gap in the literature on the usage of inter-disciplinary integrated case studies or simulations, 2) by producing a (hypothetical) case study and business simulation that can be used or adapted by accounting educators to develop and assess professional skills, and 3) by providing some evidence of students experiences (using a questionnaire adapted from a previous study) of such an assignment that can inform the development of future assignments. The findings show that the most obvious benefits of the assignment relate to the perceived level of learning that takes place and the exposure to real-life accountancy practice, as well as the perceived contribution to the development of various professional skills. A significant percentage of students did, however, experience high levels of stress and reported serious time constraints in completing the assignment.
Strategic Alignment Of Application Software Packages And Business Processes Using PRINCE2
Authors: Kruger Wandi , Rudman Riaan
Published: March 2016

Numerous factors exist that may contribute to the unsuccessful completion of application software package implementation projects. The most significant contributor to application software package project failure lies in the misalignment of the organisations business processes with the functionality of the application software package. While various IT control frameworks that may assist in the implementation of application software packages are available, the question arises why industry still reports that the success rate of application software package implementation projects remains low. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which the Projects in Controlled Environment (PRINCE2) framework assists in the alignment of the organisations business processes with the functionality provided by the application software package implemented. This study investigated whether PRINCE2 addresses all the reasons for project failure. It identifies the shortcomings and weaknesses in PRINCE2 which may contribute to the misalignment between the business processes of the organisation and the functionality of the application software package implemented. The study recommends how these weaknesses identified in PRINCE2 can be addressed. By taking these recommendations into account when using PRINCE2 to implement application software packages, proper alignment between the organisations business processes and the functionality of the application software package may be achieved. This results in a more successful application software package implementation.
Perceived Quality, Visitor Satisfaction And Conative Loyalty In South African Heritage Museums
Authors: Radder Laetitia , Han Xiliang
Published: March 2016

Museums are increasingly forced to pay attention to marketing-related aspects such as perceived service quality, satisfaction and loyalty. Using data from three South African heritage museums, this article first delineates the construct of perceived quality and then investigates the relationships between perceived quality, satisfaction and conative loyalty. The resulting perceived quality model comprises two service-based dimensions (service interaction and service evidence) and two product-based dimensions (product functionality and product enrichment). In addition, the results indicate that visitors perceived quality has both an indirect effect (through satisfaction) and a direct effect on their behavioral intentions, with the former effect being greater than the latter.
The Characteristics Of A Good ODL Practitioner
Authors: Cant Michael C. , Wiid Johannes A. , Machado Ricardo
Published: March 2016

Much has been said as to what makes a good Open and Distance Learning (ODL) practitioner - or lecturer if you prefer. It is easy to make statements and observations, but it is, however, essential to establish exactly what an ODL practitioner is and then to establish if there is a set of characteristics that can be attached to such a practitioner. That, in essence, is the main aim of this study; namely, to investigate the characteristics of a good ODL practitioner. With the increase in student numbers at ODL institutions, there is a need for an increased number of ODL practitioners who are able to provide the quality education that the ODL students desire or need (Roberts, n.d.:1). In order to satisfy the objectives of the study, a self-administered survey was distributed to the ODL practitioners within an ODL institute. The results of this study revealed that there is a difference as to what these respondents saw in terms of the relevant importance of some characteristics. It is evident from the results that an ODL practitioner should have good subject knowledge, and should be fair and ethical.
The Relationship Between Leadership Styles And Employee Commitment At A Parastatal Company In South Africa
Authors: Garg Ajay K. , Ramjee D.
Published: March 2016

The influence of leadership style on employee commitment for the organisation has not been adequately addressed in the Parastatal companies in South Africa. A need therefore exists for greater understanding of the relationship between the leadership style and work-related attitudes (such as employee commitment) in order to develop a leadership style that will encourage organisational commitment. This study examined the relationship between leadership style, and employee commitment. Managers and their subordinates participated in the study. 348 questionnaires were distributed, 58 to managers and 290 to their subordinates. Final data for analysis included responses from 197 participants (34 managers, and 163 subordinates). 163 respondents rated their managers leadership behaviour on Bass and Avolios (1997) multi-factor leadership questionnaire (MLQ) and Meyer and Allens (1997) organisational commitment questionnaire (OCQ). A series of statistical procedures were followed to analyse the data. Hypotheses were tested on two levels. First, correlations among managers and subordinates with regard to the MLQ, and then the MLQ versus the OCQ. Results revealed a weak positive yet significant relationship between transformational leadership and affective commitment, normative commitment and continuance commitment. Transactional leadership had a weak but significant positive correlation with normative commitment, and Laissez-faire results indicated a weak negative yet significant correlation to affective commitment and normative commitment. Overall findings from this study suggest that leadership styles do play important roles in determining levels of affective commitment, continuance commitment and normative commitment. This study contributes to the bank of findings relating to the development of leadership and organisational commitment, not only in South Africa, but within the Parastatal organisations in particular.
Exploring Relationship Among Customer Dissatisfaction, Complaints, And Loyalty In The Virtualized Environment: Roles Of Advanced Services
Authors: Cho Yoon C.
Published: March 2016

Various studies support how satisfied customers become loyal customers by investigating attitudes and behavior, while fewer studies have examined links among dissatisfaction, complaints, and loyalty, particularly in the virtualized environment. By applying justice dimension, the purpose of this study is to explore i) how different types of justice affect customer dissatisfaction; ii) how the level of customer dissatisfaction affects willingness to complain/complaining behavior; iii) how willingness to complain/complaining behavior affects repeat purchase behavior based on how complaints are resolved by a company; and iv) how repeat purchase behavior affects loyalty. Proposed relationships are investigated with effects of advanced services (i.e., 2Is, Interactivity and Individualization) and product category that are applied in the virtualized environment. By applying various statistical analyses, this study provides managerial and theoretical implications and offers suggestions to e-businesses.
On The Persistence Of Selectivity And Market Timing Skills In Hedge Funds
Authors: Mwamba John Muteba
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the persistence of hedge fund managers skills during periods of boom and/or recession. We consider a data set of monthly investment strategy indices published by Hedge Fund Research group. The data set spans from January 1995 to June 2010. We divide this sample period into four overlapping sub-sample periods that contain different economic cycles. We define a skilled manager as a manager who can outperform the market consistently during two consecutive sub-sample periods. We first estimate outperformance, selectivity and market timing skills using both linear and quadratic Capital Asset Pricing Model-CAPM. Persistence in performance is carried out in three different fashions: contingence table, chi-square test and cross-sectional auto-regression technique. The results show that fund managers have the skills to outperform the market during periods of positive economic growth only. This market outperformance is due to both selectivity and market timing skills. These results contradict the Efficient Market Hypothesis-EMH due to limited arbitrage opportunity.
On The Path To World Peace: Learning To Conscientiously Share The Supply Of Fresh Water
Authors: Shepherd Carol
Published: March 2016

On a global level, water has become a commodity that is no longer taken for granted. Whether it is due to determining the rights to water, or determining the channeling of water with dams to create reservoirs for consumption, water violence has become a reality. Many believe that intelligence is correlated with water consumption, and that six to eight glasses of water a day contribute to cognitive functioning of individuals (Garchik, 1999; Howard-Jones, 2008). Significant contention had developed between users of water for agriculture, industry, and households. Such environmental conflict situations tend to be both challenging and convoluted. These situations are affected by the difference in priorities of the stakeholders and resource management decisions (Walker, Daniels, & Emborg, 2008). As a result, solutions can be quite complicated and difficult to resolve.
The Impact Of Training Courses On Financial Management Skills Of South African Small-Business Owners
Authors: Kirsten Corinna Lina
Published: March 2016

Short-term financial management skills are regarded as critical for South African small business owners to effectively manage their businesses so they may survive and grow. These skills can be developed by attending training courses, preferably those specifically designed for the small business environment offered by private sector service providers with the necessary experience and expertise. Record keeping, determining future profitability, managing working capital, measuring past performance, and tax and legal entity compliance are identified as key aspects in which small business owners require training. This study investigates the extent to which a training course, developed and presented by academics from the accounting profession, improved the knowledge of a group of South African small business owners regarding aspects of short-term financial management. A pre-test and post-test single group experimental design was used. In addition, the participants satisfaction with the training course and the trainers was assessed using a post-test design. The results show a significant increase in the participants knowledge of aspects of short-term financial management, as well as overall positive feedbac kregarding the training course and trainers. Challenges relating to language and the duration of the training course were identified. Future research on how such a training course could be combined with other types of interventions to further develop financial management skills is suggested.
The Durban University Of Technology's Experiences Of Open Educational Resources
Authors: Van der Merwe A. D.
Published: March 2016

There seems to be growing confidence that the open education movement is set to reshape the higher education landscape. Perhaps the single most formidable challenge retarding the uptake of open education resources (OERs) is instructors' lack of knowledge and experience of these materials. This descriptive case study examines the experiences Durban University of Technology (DUT) faculty have of OERs. As such, it lays the groundwork for subsequent studies of the attitudes of faculty to OERs and to the philosophy of open education. It also interrogates the national and institutional policy environment to establish to what extent these foster a culture of sharing and openness in local higher education. The findings reported here may thus provide a context for understanding the attitudes of DUT faculty to OERs (examined in a separate study) and may serve as useful indicators of how the university is positioned; that is, how deep its foundations are, with respect to its prospects of participating successfully in the higher education OER movement.
Avoiding Frustrations Of Unprepared Students With Online Quizzes
Authors: Campbell Anita , Rajaratnam Kanshukan
Published: March 2016

The hierarchical nature of many degrees enables higher-level courses to build on knowledge that has been developed in earlier courses. However, when students enter with weak prior knowledge, lecturers have to spend time addressing this before starting with the new material. This adds time pressure and frustration to lecturers as well as students who have strong prior knowledge. In this paper, we discuss a strategy that we implemented in order to encourage students to revise or learn prerequisite material at the beginning of a masters level module. Students were asked to take an online quiz on the prerequisite topics. Immediate feedback directed the students to resources which could enhance their knowledge and understanding of the material prior to course commencement. We discuss the multiple benefits this had, for both students and the lecturer, drawing on students written responses to reflective questions about the experience and reflections from the lecturer on the use of online quizzes.
The Message Conveyed By IFRS-Compliant Information: A South African Perspective
Authors: Van der Zwan Pieter , Van der Merwe Nico
Published: March 2016

South African companies must prepare financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or other reporting standards modelled on IFRS. Literature suggests that the complexity of IFRS, which stems from detailed rules-based principles in these standards, may harm the ability of users of financial statements to understand financial information in a meaningful way. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate whether selected users and preparers of financial statements in South Africa interpret selected IFRS-compliant information prepared in accordance with rules-based principles in the manner intended by the standard-setters. The results of the study, which are based on data gathered by administering a questionnaire that contained selected IFRS-compliant note disclosures to accounting practitioners, accountancy students, and non-accountants in business, suggest that the participants of the study did not understand such IFRS-compliant information as intended by the standard-setters. Additional disclosure, the adoption of a simplified accounting framework for Small and Medium-sized Entities (SMEs) and the use of an output-based continuing professional education (CPE) system are identified as areas that warrant further research to overcome the threats posed by rules-based principles in IFRS.
The Effect Of Training Frequency On Selected Physical And Biochemical Health Parameters In The Conditioning And Reconditioning Of Sedentary Employees
Authors: Opperman Marlene C. , Strydom Gert L.
Published: March 2016

Non-communicable disease evolved as a major health risk in South Africa and accounts for about 37% of all deaths. This burden also challenges human resources in the corporate environment where poor health status (high health risks) may lead to increased health care costs, lowered productivity and eventually to premature death. Some of the South African companies have tackled this challenge by providing various employee health promotion initiatives. One of the popular contributions in this endeavour is to encourage employees to become more physically active in order to prevent detrimental health risk factors or to remedy the existing factors. A major challenge in this initiative is to keep up the compliance of the employees with their physical conditioning programmes, especially when business responsibilities take them away from their health facilities which, in turn, may lead to physical deconditioning. This endorses the motivation of this research as little information is available in South Africa on the aspect of conditioning, deconditioning and reconditioning in the corporate environment. In this study, 60 healthy but sedentary employees, ages 28-49 years, from an academic institution were recruited to participate. They were randomly assigned to three groups, where Groups A and B form the experimental groups with Group C the control group. During the initial training phase (first 12 weeks) Group A and B followed a training frequency of three times per week, while retraining took place at a frequency of two and four times per week for Groups A and B, respectively. Group C was not involved in any intervention and continued with their normal daily activities and lifestyle. Results of this study indicated that after training at a program frequency of three times per week, a salutogenic response occurred in the selected physical and biochemical health parameters. With deconditioning, about 50% of the physical benefits were lost, which occurred faster than the decline in the biochemical (lipids) benefits. With reconditioning, a program frequency of two times per week seems to maintain the physiological status, while with a program frequency of four times per week, an improvement reoccurred, exceeding the benefits of the program frequency of three times per week. In conclusion, it is clear that a physical intervention regime, to the apparently healthy employees, can decrease some health risks; but with an interruption of the program, salutogenic benefits will be partially lost. With retraining, a program frequency of two times per week will not produce significant improvement, but will only maintain the physical status.
The Euro And The European Debt Crisis
Authors: Castleberry Douglas , Maniam Balasundram , Subramaniam Geetha
Published: March 2016

This paper studies the history of the Euro leading up to its inception, what happened after the Euro was introduced into circulation and implications for its future. The Euro was set up to accommodate a unified currency while preserving sovereignty among nations who, less than a century ago, were mortal enemies. Preserving sovereignty weakened the ability to respond to crisis by design, and it wasnt long before the limits of the European Monetary Union were tested after a series of financial crisis threatened the very existence of the Euro. The Euro held together, yet the inability of the European Central Bank to assist member nations control subsequent debt following the financial crisis may wound the ability of the Euro to replace the dollar as the dominant world currency or even prove fatal. Greece is on the verge of collapse, and is so entangled with other Euro nations; a systemic domino effect will occur should any of the troubled member Eurozone nations collapse uncontrollably. Three options remain for the European Monetary Union, banding together and preserving the currency, grossly indebted countries exiting to preserve the health of countries which are more fiscally responsible, or the Euro may land inconsequentially between success and failure, never challenging the power of the dollar as the dominant world currency.
Higher Education As A Pathway To Entrepreneurship
Authors: Salem Mohamed Imam
Published: March 2016

The driving force of every successful economy in the world is entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurial university is a concept which explains universities that provide a good environment, culture, opportunities, and practices that enhance student entrepreneurship. This study discusses components that characterize the entrepreneurial university such as leadership and governance, organizational capacity, people and incentives, entrepreneurship development in learning and teaching, university relationship for exchange of knowledge, and entrepreneurial university as an international institution. The study confirms the critical role that higher education institutions play in fostering entrepreneurial culture among university students and staff.
The Relationship Between Job Satisfaction And Life Satisfaction: Empirical Evidence From Logistics Practitioners In A South African Steel-Making Company
Authors: Mafini Chengedzai
Published: March 2016

There has been an explosion of research interests centered upon the job satisfaction-life satisfaction nexus within organizations. Be that as it may, there is a relative paucity of research on the job satisfaction of logistics practitioners in general and limited evidence of studies that specifically address the issue of job satisfaction in the steel-making industry in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the structural relationships between job satisfaction and life satisfaction. The study followed a quantitative survey approach in which a three-section questionnaire was administered to 192 purposively selected logistics practitioners in a South African steel-making company. The Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were adapted for this study. Data were analysed through Principal Component Analysis using Varimax rotation, nonparametric correlation analysis, and descriptive statistics. Five job satisfaction factors, namely, skills utilisation, workplace flexibility, autonomy, teamwork, and remuneration were extracted. The five factors attained high Cronbach Alpha values above the recommended 0.70, which indicates high internal consistencies among the sub-scales. Positive, significant relationships were found between life satisfaction and two factors, namely, skills utilization and remuneration. Weak relationships were found between life satisfaction and three job satisfaction factors, namely, teamwork, workplace flexibility, and autonomy. Mean score rankings showed that among the job satisfaction factors, skills utilisation was more important to logistics practitioners. The study is important in that it provides further verification of the patterns in the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction. By examining the structural interplay between job and life satisfaction variables among logistics practitioners, organizations may be better equipped to initiate strategies of meeting the needs of their logistics workforce, thereby facilitating improved organizational performance as measured through the ability to deliver the right product to the right place at the right time, which is the mission of logistics.