bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Crystalline Phase of the Carbonate Moonmilk: A Terminology Approach
Authors: Chirienco Mirona
Published: July 2019

Izvleček: Kristali, ki gradijo trdno fazo jamskega mleka, lahko zrastejo iz različnih raztopin kot posledica anorganskih in/ali organskih procesov. Terminologija, ki se uporablja za defi niranje keristalinske faze jamskega mleka je obsežna. Kakorkoli, če se kdo posveti široko sprejeti klasifi kaciji in terminologiji uporabljeni v sedimentni petrologiji, se ta široki obseg izrazov, ki opisujejo določeno obliko karbonatov lahko zoži na naslednje tri kategorije: vlaknati kristali, polikristali in kalcitizirana vlakna; uporabljeni izrazi, glede velikosti in oblike kalcitnih kristalov v jamskem mleku ter njihov medsebojni odnos, pa postanejo v tem primeru vprašljivi. The crystals forming the solid phase of moonmilk deposits can grow from various solutions due to inorganic or/and organic processes. The terminology used so far to defi ne the crystalline phase of the moonmilk is vast. However, if one applies for the widely accepted classifi cation and terminology used in sedimentary petrology, this wide range of terms describing particular morphologies of carbonates may be narrowed to the following three categories: fiber crystals, polycrystals, and calcifi ed fi laments, and applied whenever the size and shapes of calcite crystals in moonmilk and their mutual interrelationships come into discussion.
Effect of Citric Acid on Cerium Conversion Coating of Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel
Authors: Zhang Shuang Hong , Yang Bo , Li Mao Dong , Zhai Wei , Wang Zhi Gang , Li Shuang
Published: July 2019

Cerium conversion coatings were obtained by immersing hot-dip galvanized steel (HDG) sheets in a cerous nitrate solution. The surface morphologies were observed with scanning electron microscopy. The composition of the coating were determined with X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that the modified cerium conversion coating grows more quickly than that of common cerium conversion coating. Potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements revealed that the corrosion resistance of the modified cerium conversion coating was superior to that of common cerium conversion coating and was comparable to that of the conventional chromate passivation coating.
Effects of Mixed Mode Loading Conditions on Fatigue Crack Growth Rate
Authors: Hong Sang Hyun , Kim Sang Deok , Kim Jae Hoon
Published: July 2019

The fatigue crack growth rate is the most important factor in predicting the life of a product when applying the damage tolerance design concept. Studies related to pure mode I for structures under fatigue loading have been actively conducted, while not many studies are conducted on the mixed mode. In this study, therefore, mixed mode fatigue crack growth experiments were designed using the Compact-Tension-Shear (CTS) specimens and the loading devices, proposed by Richard. Furthermore, the finite element analysis was used in determining the stress intensity factors of CTS specimen. As the results, the fatigue crack growth rate using the equivalent stress intensity factors proposed by previous researchers was lower than that of pure mode I at the initial stage of crack growth when the load angle increases.
Welding Repair of High Chromium Cast Iron Defects
Authors: Li Xing Hui
Published: July 2019

Welded arc welding repair welding technology was used to repair the casting defects of high chromium cast iron ball mill liners. Select the same high-chromium cast iron as the casting. The diameter of the electrode is 4mm and the welding current is 150-160A. After welding, the castings were found to have no cracks by surface non-destructive testing. The macro-hardness was comparable to that of the matrix material, and the microstructure showed that the fused surface was a good metallurgical bond.
Study on Fatigue Life of Straight Hole Plate of Directionally Solidified Alloy IC10
Authors: Lian Ye Da , Xu Zhuang Zhuang , Yin Qian , Liu Lu , Wen Zhi Xun
Published: July 2019

Low-cycle fatigue test of three kinds of flat plates with different hole diameters (0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm) and film-cooling hole arrangement (5 holes, 9 holes and 14 holes) were carried out. The variation of fatigue life with hole diameter and arrangement was analyzed. A modified critical distance method based on crystal plasticity theory was adopted to predict fatigue life under different hole diameters. The experimental results are as follows: the uneven distribution of stress was caused by the different arrangement of holes, which seriously affected the fatigue performance of the structure; the fatigue life decreased with the increase of the aperture. The critical distance method with the stress concentration factor around the aperture can accurately predict the fatigue life.
Preparation and Properties of Tea Polyphenol Modified Graphene Oxide/Epoxy Resin Composites
Authors: Ren Xiang Yu , Chen Hui , Wu Jing , Liu Hong Bo
Published: July 2019

Microcrystalline graphite (MG) was used as raw material and oxidated by Hummers method. And further the graphene oxide (GO) was obtained by ultrasonic stripping. The TP modified graphene (TPG) was prepared by the surface grafting of pure natural green tea extract tea polyphenols (TP) on the surface of GO. Finally, the TPG/epoxy resin composite was prepared by solution blending and heat-curing moulding method.The characterization of structure and properties of TPG was analyzed by X ray diffraction pattern (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A universal material testing machine was used to test the mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites with different addition of TPG. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the tensile-sectional morphology of the composites. The thermal stability of the composites was investigated by thermogravimetry and thermal dilatometer. The experimental results showed that the TP molecule was successfully grafted on the oxygen-containing functional groups of the GO surface through the phenolic hydroxyl group.When the addition of TPG was 1.0 wt%, the decomposition temperature of the epoxy resin was increased by 22.2 °C,and the surface resistivity decreased from 1.35×1014 Ω·m to 1.7×109 Ω·m. When the added amount of TPG was 0.5 wt%, the tensile strength of composites was increased by 13.5% reaching 59.85 MPa.
Correlation between Unconfined Compressive Strength and Penetration Index Obtained from DCP Tests for Cemented Lateritic Soils
Authors: Uchaipichat Anuchit
Published: July 2019

This paper presents the relationship between the dynamic cone penetration (DCP) test results and the unconfined compressive strength of lateritic cemented soils. A series of DCP tests and unconfined compressive strength was performed on lateritic cemented soil. The soils sample used in this study was lateritic soil. The test results for the DCP tests are presented in terms of penetration index. It can be observed that the penetration index decreased with increasing curing period and cement content. Moreover, the unconfined compressive strength of cemented soils increased with curing period and cement content. The relationship between unconfined compressive strength and penetration index is presented. A unique relationship for unconfined compressive strength can be obtained.
Effect of High Temperature Process on Microstructure and Properties of Industrial Steel Slag Cement
Authors: Wang Fang , Xu Ming Han , Wang Rui Hua , Yang Chao , Chen Ai Xia , Li Shi Bin , Song Jie Guang , Yang Xue Qing
Published: July 2019

The construction industry continues to develop and the requirements for cement performance are getting higher and higher. At the same time, in the steel industry, the discharge of steel slag is also increasing. The effective reuse of steel slag has become a prominent problem in the steel industry. . Therefore, it is envisaged to use steel slag as a raw material for the cement production process to produce cement and to produce high-performance cement. The main raw materials of this experiment are steel slag, limestone, sandstone and shale. Through the cement preparation process, the cement is made, and then the cement is made into concrete to test its performance. This experiment mainly studies the sintering temperature and holding time variable. In the experimental test, the analysis and comparison were carried out in five aspects of the degree of macroscopic cracking, particle size, density, microstructure and composition. In the comparison experiment of sintering temperature, with the increase of temperature, the flexural and compressive properties of cement gradually increased. In this test, 1200 °C is the most suitable temperature for the performance of the cement. Through the experimental comparison of different holding time, it is known that with the prolonging of the holding time, the microstructure and actual performance of the cement are continuously enhanced. Comprehensive consideration: the ratio of steel slag in cement ratio is 10%, sintering temperature is 1200 °C, and heat preservation is 2h. The steel slag cement prepared under this condition has the strongest performance.
Response Surface Methodology Optimization for Extraction of Natural Anthocyanins from Vietnamese Carissa сarandas L. Fruit
Authors: Pham Tri Nhut , Huynh Thi Ha Xuan , Tran Bui Phuc , Tran Thien Hien , Nguyen Phu Thuong Nhan , Nguyen Duy Chinh , Vo Dai Viet N. , Toan Tran Quoc , Minh Bui Le , Le Xuan Tien , Bach Long Giang , Nguyen Trinh Duy
Published: July 2019

Anthocyanins are naturally occurring compounds that are responsible for a wide variety of colors in many plants, fruits and vegetables. In this study, the extraction of natural anthocyanins from VietnameseCarissa carandasL. beverage was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). We applied a Box–Behnken design consisting of three levels and three factors. Examined factors are extraction temperature (ranging from 40 to 60°C), liquid to solid ratio (ranging from 2:1 to 4:1), extraction time (ranging from 30 to 60 min). Using 60% ethanol as solvent for the process, we determined the maximum yields of anthocyanin was 273.786 mg/L. This yield corresponds to extraction conditions of 3:1 (v/w) liquid to solid ratio, temperature of 48.10 °C with a 44.08 min extraction time. The experimental results also fit well with the proposed response model of anthocyanin yield (R2= 0.9992). Therefore, this study suggested optimization of different extraction methods for the defatted fruit parts.
Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Microspheres ZnO by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Lin Xi Hao , Tang Pei Song , Wang Bei Bei , Tang Hai Qiang
Published: July 2019

Using zinc acetate, glycerol alcohol and sodium hydroxide as principal raw materials, the ZnO microspheres were prepared by hydrothermal method at 200°C. The samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Using methyl orange as the degradation object, the photocatalytic activities and recycling stability of ZnO were characterized. The results show that ZnO samples are spherical and the average diameter is approximately 3-4μm. Moreover, the bandgap width is 3.1eV. Under ultraviolet light irradiation, it is testified that ZnO shows a excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange. From experience, we can draw a conclusion that the ZnO samples were in line with first-order kinetics, with an apparent rate constant of 0.016min-1. At the same time, ZnO showed excellent recycling performance. Although the samples have been recycled three times, it still maintained high photocatalytic activity.
Immune Response Resetting in Ongoing Sepsis
Authors: Nowill Alexandre E. , Fornazin Márcia C. , Spago Maria C. , Dorgan Neto Vicente , Pinheiro Vitória R. P. , Alexandre Simônia S. S. , Moraes Edgar O. , Souza Gustavo H. M. F. , Eberlin Marcos N. , Marques Lygia A. , Meurer Eduardo C. , Franchi Gilberto C. , de Campos-Lima Pedro O.
Published: July 2019

Cure of severe infections, sepsis, and septic shock with antimicrobial drugs is a challenge because morbidity and mortality in these conditions are essentially caused by improper immune response. We have tested the hypothesis that repeated reactivation of established memory to pathogens may reset unfavorable immune responses. We have chosen for this purpose a highly stringent mouse model of polymicrobial sepsis by cecum ligation and puncture. Five weeks after priming with a diverse Ag pool, high-grade sepsis was induced in C57BL/6j mice that was lethal in 24 h if left untreated. Antimicrobial drug (imipenem) alone rescued 9.7% of the animals from death, but >5-fold higher cure rate could be achieved by combining imipenem and two rechallenges with the Ag pool (p < 0.0001). Antigenic stimulation fine-tuned the immune response in sepsis by contracting the total CD3+ T cell compartment in the spleen and disengaging the hyperactivation state in the memory T subsets, most notably CD8+ T cells, while preserving the recovery of naive subsets. Quantitative proteomics/lipidomics analyses revealed that the combined treatment reverted the molecular signature of sepsis for cytokine storm, and deregulated inflammatory reaction and proapoptotic environment, as well as the lysophosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylcholine ratio. Our results showed the feasibility of resetting uncontrolled hyperinflammatory reactions into ordered hypoinflammatory responses by memory reactivation, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality in antibiotic-treated sepsis. This beneficial effect was not dependent on the generation of a pathogen-driven immune response itself but rather on the reactivation of memory to a diverse Ag pool that modulates the ongoing response.
A Comparative Study on the Level of Postpartum Womens Fatigue between Rooming-in and Non Rooming-in Groups
Authors: Song Ju Eun
Published: July 2019

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study which compares the level of postpartum women's physical, phychological, neurosensory fatigue between rooming-in and non rooming-in groups. The data were collected by using self-report questionnaire from April 1 to May 31, 2001. Subjects were 68 mothers who opted the rooming-in choice and 98 mothers who did not choose the rooming-in at one hospital in Seoul, Korea. They all had NSVD. The research questionnaire consisted of 36 items on general chracteristics and 30 items on postpartum fatigue developed by Pugh (1993). The data were analyzed by using the SPSS 10.0 window program.The results of this study were as follow: 1. There was significant statistical difference in general characteristics between rooming-in and non rooming-in groups in prenatal class attendance (chi(2)=3.935, p=0.047), maternal fetal attachment score (t=2.130, p=0.035), husband attendance during the labor and delivery (chi(2)=9.147, p=0.002), breast feeding (chi(2)=12.503, p=0.000), and self feeding time including bottle feeding (t=4.588, p=0.000).2. There was no significant statistical difference in the level of total fatigue score between two groups (t=0.282, p=0.780).3. The physical and neurosensory fatigue scores were slightly higher in rooming-in group (21.63+/-4.92, 18.53+/-4.60) than those (20.71+/-5.78, 18.23+/-5.39) of non rooming-in group. And the phychological fatigue score was slightly higher in non rooming-in group (17.67+/-4.95) than that (17.04+/-4.63) of rooming-in group. However, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of three sub-dimension fatigue between two groups (t=1.068, p=0.287; t=-0.827, p=0.410; t=0.368, p=0.714).4. Even after controlling characteristics showed significant differences between two groups, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of fatigue between two groups (F=0.135, p=0.714). According to this study, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of postpartum fatigue whether they were rooming-in or not. Based on this result, the common notion of rooming-in mothers will be more fatigue than non rooming-in mothers is proved to be false.However, it is necessary to develop appropriate nursing interventions to meet the need of mothers who decide to rooming-in.
A Study of Symptom of Health and Fatigue-regulation Behavior in Middle-aged Women
Authors: Park Chai Soon , Oh Jeong Ah , Yeoum Soon Gyo
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study were to identify a relationship between symptom of health and fatigue-regulation behavior in middle-aged women. The subjects were 241 women living in Seoul and near the city, ranging in ages of 30-59(mean=42.1 years) being interviewed during the month of Oct. to Dec., 2000. The following questionnaires were utilized in this study: a self reported symptom of health and a fatigue-regulation behavior scale originated from Kwon(1997). The analysis for the data was done by SAS program, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. The results of this study were as follows 1. Total mean scores of health status were shown 29.1, physical symptom 17.9 and psychological symptom 11.2. According to symptom of body system were higher in muscular-skeletal sympom 5.5, neurologic symptom 3.5, and digestive symptom 2.7.2. The mean scores of symptom of health were significantly different in duraion of marriage, status of menstruation, perceived fatigue, perceived cause of fatigue, perceived help of family, hours of sleep. Physical symptom was significantly different in years of educational, status of menstruation, perceived fatigue, perceived cause of fatigue, perceived help of family, hours of sleep. Psychological symptom was significantly different in parity, whether or not having past illness, perceived fatigue.3. The neurologic symptom was significantly different in years of education, status of menstruation, perceived fatigue, time to rest The respiratory symptom was significantly different in years of education, status of menstruation and hours of physical exercise. The muscular-skeletal symptom was significantly different duration of marriage, status of menstruation, BMI. perceived fatigue, perceived cause of fatigue, perceived help of family. The cardiovascular symptom was significantly different in whether or not having religion, number of children, duration of marriage, number of pregnancy & abortion, parity, status of menstruation, BMI. The digestive symptom was significantly different in whether or not having religion and the number of children. The urologic symptom was significantly different in whether or not having job, type of family, status of menstruation, BMI, perceived fatigue, perceived cause of fatigue, perceived help of family. The score of fatigue was significantly different in number of pregnancy.4. There were significantly positive relationships in the area of symptom on health, especially fatigue was significantly positive relationships in score of symptom of health, physical symptom and psychological symptom.5. They choose fatigue-regulation behavior physical rest, method of diversion, management of stress, enough sleep, and psychological rest in order. In the near future, it is required that further studies investigate socio-environmental factors related to symptoms of health and develop programs motivating fatigue-regulation behaviors actively.
Does the GAAP-shoe fit not-for-profit organisations or is it causing them blisters?
Authors: Rossouw Cobus
Published: July 2019

Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP), which comprises International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), has been designed to apply to the general purpose financial statements of all profit-oriented entities, and especially those competing in the international capital markets. On the other hand, not-for-profit organisations exhibit unique characteristics, different from businesses. The nature of not-for-profit organizations means that GAAP (IFRS) is not applicable to them. Small and medium entities (SMEs) and governmental institutions also exhibit unique characteristics and specific accounting standards were developed to meet their specific needs. In South Africa there are no accounting standards that specifically apply to not-for-profit organisations and that take their specific reporting needs into account. This article examines whether GAAP is applicable to not-for-profit organisations, and whether its application adds value to these organisations. The article focuses on the nature of not-for-profit organisations and its impact on accounting standards, discusses the applicability of GAAP and highlights some problems experienced when applying GAAP.
Interest rate stepping: Theory and evidence
Authors: Eijffinger Sylvester , Schaling Eric , Verhagen Willem
Published: July 2019

A stylised fact of monetary policymaking is that central banks do not immediately respond to new information but seem instead to prefer to wait until sufficient ‘evidence’ to warrant a change has accumulated. However, theoretical models of inflation targeting imply that an optimising central bank should continuously respond to shocks. This article attempts to explain this stylised fact by introducing a small menu cost which is incurred every time the central bank changes the interest rate. It is shown that this produces a relatively large range of inaction because this cost will induce the central bank to take the option value of the status quo into account. In other words, because action is costly, the central bank will have an incentive to wait and see whether or not the economy will move closer to the inflation target of its own accord. Next, the article analyses the implications for the time series properties of interest rates. In particular, we examine the effect of the interest rate sensitivity of aggregate demand, the slope of the Lucas supply function and the variance of demand shocks on the size of the interest rate step and the expected length of the time period till the next interest rate step. Finally, we analyse the effect of menu costs on inflationary expectations. In this respect we find that the economy will suffer from an inflationary bias if the cost of raising the interest rate exceeds the cost of lowering it.
Accountancy in the midst of a surplus-value-adding inter-functional development process
Authors: Hookana Heli
Published: July 2019

This article builds on the notion that, in order to meet the increasing management requirement for data, successful in-house accountancy professionals are internalising ever more capabilities and responsibilities, thereby reflecting a partnership role in professions related to basic operations. The study investigates the organisational interfaces of the accountancy profession vis-à-vis other professions during the change process. The findings identify some possible factors contributing to the traditional way of producing and utilising accounting information, and suggest some possible measures to be used as key facilitators in starting a change process aimed at securing an enlarged, more customer-oriented and highly interactive role for accountancy. The contribution of the study lies in increasing our understanding of surplus-value-producing inter-professional development processes. In addition, based on the case of rescue services the study provides a holistic view on accountancy knowledge management in public-sector services provided in inter-municipal cooperation.
The influence of location on the competitiveness of South African industries
Authors: Kleynhans Ewert , Drewes Ernst
Published: July 2019

The effects of location on the international competitiveness of South African industries are investigated in this paper. The relationship between location and its competitiveness platform is important during the establishment of new manufacturing plants, as well as in the designing of industrial development policies by government and industry. This article studies the traditional factors that influence location first, followed by the modern factors, especially those emphasised by the so-called New Economic Geography. Then the empirical findings of a survey conducted among South African manufacturers regarding their location and its influence on their industrial competitiveness are reported.
Financing the development of poor communities in the Northern Cape of South Africa: An analytical framework for the study of Livestock Banks
Authors: Marr Ana
Published: July 2019

This paper is part of a major project about the Northern Cape Land Reform and Advocacy (NCLRA) programme being implemented by FARM-Africa* in South Africa. The NCLRA programme had initiated a financial mechanism to help poor communities to get access to finance and training in order to enable them to make better use of their newly-acquired land. One prominent aspect of the programme is the implementation of Livestock Banks, or the use of animals as financial products. The paper provides an analytical framework with which to evaluate the effectiveness of Livestock Banks in the poor communities of the Northern Cape in South Africa. It focuses on the design, implementation and future of Livestock Banks. The paper argues that Livestock Banks need to be reformed and enhanced if they are to continue to play a key role in the goal of creating financial and economic value in Africa, particularly when the primary objective is simultaneously to help reduce poverty.
The influence of efficiency estimates on the financial ratios of South African listed banks
Authors: Oberholzer Merwe , Van der Westhuizen Gert
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between bank efficiency estimates, measured by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), and bank performance, measured by the financial ratios included in the Du Pont analysis. Annual financial statement reports were used to calculate the performance of listed banks on the JSE Limited over a ten-year period. This study is the first to use two unique DEA models: one focuses on the efficiency of the finance and investment activity, and the other on the efficiency of the operating activity of banks. The study found that the majority of significant relationships between efficiency estimates and financial ratios are negatively correlated. Further research is needed to explain this phenomenon. The practical implication of this study is that it indicates that an improvement in the DEA efficiency estimates will not necessarily result in better financial ratios. Therefore, both measurements should be used to evaluate different aspects of performance in order to stay competitive.
Exploring the finance and growth relationship for emerging market economies
Authors: Liang Hsin-Yu , Reichert Alan
Published: July 2019

This study focuses on alternative ways to measure financial sector development and the external factors that both directly and indirectly influence economic growth. The empirical results based upon panel data from 1985 to 2003 for a sample of emerging countries suggest three major conclusions. First, by including a range of alternative financial sector development measures and a variety of external policy-related factors in the model, the importance of supplying basic liquidity services, as measured by M3, becomes less important for emerging countries. Second, the empirical results suggest that while a basic level of deposit insurance protection might prove stabilizing for emerging economies, excessive levels of insurance may promote undue risk. Third, several competitive market structure and regulatory variables designed to measure efficiency in the intermediation process, such as net interest margin, and managerial efficiency as measured by overhead costs, are found to have a statistically significant, and in certain cases, unexpected impacts.
The expenditure and foreign revenue impact of international students on the South African economy
Authors: Aloyo Naum , Wentzel Arnold
Published: July 2019

In South Africa, there is still no clear policy of internationalisation of higher education, partly due to limited research. So far, only two efforts – at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in 2004 and Rhodes University in 2005 – have been made to determine the expenditure and foreign revenue impact of international students on South Africa. Each of these papers sampled only a single university, so they are of limited use for national impact analysis. To build on these studies, this research was conducted at six South African universities that admit the largest number of international students and also included the economic effects of spending items hitherto neglected. We show that international students (mainly from Africa) contribute significantly to South African GDP and balance of payments, but that South Africa still lags behind in exploiting and enhancing these benefits.
Stokvels as an instrument and channel to extend credit to poor households in South Africa
Authors: Mashigo Polly , Schoeman Christie
Published: July 2019

The aim of the article is to investigate the possible use of traditional stokvels as a channel or conduit to give poor households access to much-needed cash. Cash and access to cash or credit is central to economic life. The hypothesis of the article is that traditional stokvels in South Africa can be used in their existing form, when pooled, as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) to extend much-needed cash to poor households in order to smooth their consumption. In dealing with uncertainty, the traditional stokvels ensure reliable and predictable behaviour in a mechanism that makes it possible to supply credit at low cost and risk.
The influence of the economic recession on visitors to the Kruger National Park
Authors: Scholtz Marco , Saayman Melville , Kruger Martinette
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of demand of visitors for the Kruger National Park (KNP) during a recession. From 355 questionnaires, the results revealed the following determinants that influenced visitors’ demand for the Park: behavioural determinants as well as socio-demographic determinants. The results indicated that visitors to the KNP found that visiting the Park is a great way of getting away from their busy lifestyles (Gauteng Province), while visitors from Mpumalanga indicated that many of them considered visiting other tourism attractions. It was also found that visitors adapted their spending behaviour at the Park in order to afford a visit. This was the first time that the influence of determinants of tourism demand during a recession was determined. This information is important for SANParks, because it provides management with valuable insights into what strategic planning should be conducted in the event of a future recession. It was also found that the demand for visiting the KNP was not greatly influenced by the recession, because visitors could adapt their spending behaviour at the KNP. Furthermore, the study shows that visiting natural areas may have become a primary need or part of a lifestyle, especially during the 2008/2009 recessionary period.
Assessing dynamic capabilities: Mintzberg’s schools of thought
Authors: Arndt F.
Published: July 2019

A growing body of research in strategic management has focused on dynamic capabilities as a central source of firms' competitive advantage. The theoretical roots of dynamic capabilities can be found in many of the schools of thought identified by Mintzberg, Ahlstrand and Lampel (1998). In this paper, we identify three aspects of dynamic capabilities that, we believe, require more detailed attention: Process, cognitive and decision-based micro-foundations, and human agency. We explore each of these areas from an evolutionary perspective to emphasize the fact that dynamic capability is essentially an evolutionary construct. By highlighting the evolutionary implications of these areas, we add important detail to the way “evolution” has been used in this field of research.
Who spends and who does not: Clustering visitors at a national arts festival
Authors: Saayman M. , Saayman A. , Slabbert E.
Published: July 2019

The Grahamstown National Arts Festival is the oldest National Arts Festival in South Africa and was founded in 1974. This celebration of the arts takes place over a period of eleven days with the main festival running over eight days, which also makes it the longest (in terms of number of days) arts festival in the country. The literature review revealed that high spenders at arts festivals are also the visitors who buy the most show tickets. The success of these events is determined by ticket sales and not necessarily by the number of visitors. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to determine who the high spenders at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival are. Data obtained during the festival in 2008 by means of a questionnaire survey (N=446) was statistically analysed by means of K-means clustering, Pearson‟s chi-square test and ANOVAs. Results indicated two clusters, namely high and low spenders and can assist festival organisers in developing a more focused marketing strategy and festival programme. This was the first time that K-means clustering was applied to festival data in South Africa.
How sociable? An exploratory study of university brand visibility in social media
Authors: Botha E. , Farshid M. , Pitt L.
Published: July 2019

Social media has changed both the way in which organizations and their brands interact with their customers and the way in which business gets done. Brands are attempting to utilize social media to reach existing customers, gain new ones and build or maintain credibility and reputation. More importantly, brands need to measure their visibility in the most popular social media relative to that of competitors. This study describes a tool for collecting brand visibility information by looking at the visibility of various South African university brands and their relative positioning from a social media perspective. Correspondence analysis is then used to portray the various university brands in a multi-dimensional space so that they can be contrasted with each other in terms of their visibility in social media. The findings indicate that South African university brands are not distinctly positioned in social media and that none of them seems to currently have a concerted strategy for engaging its stakeholders in a particular social media. This means that there are both opportunities for those who manage these brands, and also threats to these institutions for taking a laissez fair attitude to social media in these times when social media are coming to dominate the Internet in particular and media in general.
An examination of strategy disclosure in the annual reports of South African listed companies
Authors: Padia N. , Yasseen Y.
Published: July 2019

This study examines the extent of strategy disclosure in the Annual Reports of South Africa’s top one hundred companies listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). Disclosure of strategy is voluntary and not required by law. Investigation into the strategy disclosure was carried out by scoring the amount of disclosure companies reported in their Annual Reports. Variables included items such as mission, goals and objectives. Two additional criteria, Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV) / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), were included specifically for the South African context.Results showed that maximum disclosure per criteria was low. Overall the scores of the variables indicate that although South African companies generally do disclose a lot more information on their strategy, only six per cent of companies made maximum disclosure on all twelve criteria. The lowest scores were obtained for HIV/AIDS and BEE. The low disclosure overall has implications for users of annual reports.
A stochastic frontier model for measuring online bank profit efficiency
Authors: Baten M. A. , Kamil A. A.
Published: July 2019

This study revisited an alternative profit efficiency function specified by Berger & Mester, (1997) and we applied Battese & Coelli, (1995) inefficiency model as a unified and consistent framework in exploring the determinants of important factors causing profit efficiency differential on banking industry in Bangladesh. Using stochastic frontier technique we estimated bank specific profit efficiency for the period 2000 to 2007. This study attempted to examine the changes in the profit efficiency in accordance with NBs (Nationalized Commercial Banks), ISBs (Islamic Banks), FBs (Foreign Banks) and PBs (Private Banks) and significant variations of efficiencies across different kinds of banks in time periods. We found that the profit inefficiency has declined over the reference period and Translog Production Function is more preferable than Cobb-Douglas Production Function. Our results showed that Nationalized Commercial Banks were significantly inefficient and on the contrary ISBs, FBs, and PBs were efficient in producing profit and noteworthy. The estimated year wise average efficiencies of the sample banks from the profit efficiency model was 0.664 while group wise average profit efficiency was 0,639. Dhaka Bank is highly efficient with score 0.89 and AB Bank was found lowest efficient with score 0,35 according to the sample data.
A quantitative examination of competition, coopetition and cooperation in supply chains
Authors: Sepehri M. , Fayazbakhsh K.
Published: July 2019

Traditionally, the members of a supply chain compete to reduce their individual costs. However, as collaborative supply chain approach is urged within industries to reduce the overall costs, either full cooperation or partial coopetition is considered by the members. In cooperative approach, members benefit from lower overall costs and lower cost variations. But individually, some seem better off in a competitive approach in a single period considering their local costs. Coopetition, or partial cooperation, may be suggested as a compromise to lower overall supply chain costs, while members choose alliances towards lower average costs and cost variations.A multi-stage, multi-member, multi-product and single period supply chain model is considered with deterministic demand, capacity and cost. Product prices are assumed to be constant. The objective is to minimize total production and distribution costs of the overall chain. Four distinct cases are considered, modeled, simulated and compared. These cases are complete competition, integrated cooperation, two-stage supply chain partition, and partial coopetition. Quantitative conclusions from the cost performance ratios are drawn using the simulation results.
The symptoms of and consequences to selection errors in recruitment decisions
Authors: Sutherland M. , Wöcke A.
Published: July 2019

The ability to select effective human capital has long been viewed as the bedrock of the human resource function and a driver of organisational success. There is a plethora of literature available on recruitment and selection methodologies but little empirical evidence of the consequences to selection errors. Data was gathered on 393 incidents of selection errors across a wide range of industries. The symptoms and attribution of, and the wide-ranging consequences to, these selection errors were documented. Methods to rectify the selection error and the outcome of those attempts were also explored. Recommendations based on these empirical findings are offered.
Director’s perspectives on the meaning and dimensions of corporate reputation
Authors: Reddiar C. , Kleyn N. , Abratt R.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this research is to explore the perspectives of directors to determine how they define, perceive, value, build and manage corporate reputation. A qualitative research design was employed. In order to gauge director’s perspectives, 12 semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with the directors of a multi-national company based in South Africa. The company operates in a highly regulated and competitive industry. The findings demonstrate that corporate reputation is indeed acknowledged as a key, intangible asset. Whilst the directors did not possess clear insight into building and managing corporate reputation, several key themes emerged. We report on their perceptions of the definitions, key dimensions and value ascribed to corporate reputation. By demonstrating the value that is associated with corporate reputation and by ascertaining that directors are indeed the appropriate custodians of corporate reputation, there will be better acceptance in introducing corporate reputation as a board room agenda item, that is well understood and implemented.
Antecedents of corporate entrepreneurship
Authors: Van Wyk R. , Adonisi M.
Published: July 2019

Businesses should strive to identify and nurture internal organisational factors that cultivate a dynamic entrepreneurial culture. This paper scrutinizes the contribution of the internal organisational factors, measured by market orientation, flexibility and job satisfaction, to intrapreneurship, as measured by the Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI). Information from a sample of 333 managers explores the relationships of corporate entrepreneurship with different work variables by means of Product-Moment Correlation, Multiple Regression Analyses and Structural Equation Modelling. Structural Equation Modelling confirms that four of the corporate entrepreneurship factors were predicted reasonably well by means of the market orientation, flexibility and job satisfaction sub-scales. The article attempts to fill the research gap of identifying which market orientation, flexibility and job satisfaction factors play an important role in facilitating corporate entrepreneurial actions.
Non-consumer based drivers of store success in a South African food retail group
Authors: Vleggaar M. , Smit E. V.D.M.
Published: July 2019

The research objective of this study was to determine the key drivers of store success in a large food retail group in South Africa. The group currently operates in excess of 800 stores, managed by independent retailers on a franchise basis. Both the biographical details of the store owners and their management styles, demonstrate considerable variability. The effects of six categories of explanatory variables were related to two overall measures of store success – sales growth and an internal measure of store performance – first pairwise and second, by stepwise multiple regression. The bibliographical profiles of the owners, with the exception of age and marketing experience did not predict store success, nor did the family history or number of stores owned. The legal form of ownership had no influence on performance either. As far as competition is concerned, specific competitors and competition density did not contribute to success, but the distance to the nearest competition was positively related to store performance.The implementation of category management and an increased frequency of stock take, as examples of operational procedures, were positively associated with performance. Two leadership styles, one related to a clear articulation of values and the other to the management of deviations from set goals did positively impact on store performance. Active participation in the local community was also reflected in improved store performance.Disappointingly, there was little evidence of significant relationships between retail sales growth and the selected variables. The multivariate model, however, explained approximately twenty per cent of the store performance measurements.
Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Pediatric Patients with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in East Asia
Authors: Suh Jin Kyung , Gao Yi-Jin , Tang Jing-Yan , Jou Shiann-Tarng , Lin Dong-Tsamn , Takahashi Yoshiyuki , Kojima Seiji , Jin Ling , Zhang Yonghong , Seo Jong Jin
Published: July 2019

PurposeThe presentations and geographic incidence of pediatric non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) differ from those of adults. This study delineated the characteristics and outcomes of pediatric NHL in East Asia.Materials and MethodsMedical records of 749 pediatric patients with NHL treated at participating institutions in mainland China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan from January 2008 to December 2013 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical features, survival outcomes, and putative prognostic factors were analyzed.ResultsFive hundred thirty patients (71%) were male. The most common pathologic subtypes were Burkitt lymphoma (BL) (36%). Six hundred seven patients (81%) had advanced diseases at diagnosis. The 5-year overall survival and event-free survival (EFS) rates were 89% and 84%. The 5-year EFS rates of BL, lymphoblastic lymphoma, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were 88%, 88%, and 89%, and those of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) were 71% and 56% (p < 0.001). Central nervous system involvement, high lactate dehydrogenase level (> 250 IU/mL), and advanced disease at diagnosis (≥ stage III) were associated with poor outcomes (p < 0.05). ALCL and PTCL relapsed more frequently than other pathologic subtypes (p < 0.001).ConclusionIn East Asia, PTCL was more frequent than in Western countries, and bone marrow involvement did not affect treatment outcome. This international study should motivate future collaborative study on NHL in East Asia.
Channel selection method for hyperspectral atmospheric infrared sounder using AIRS data based on layering
Authors: Chang Shujie , Sheng Zheng , Du Huadong , Ge Wei , Zhang Wei
Published: July 2019

Abstract. Because a satellite channel’s ability to resolve hyperspectral data varies with height, an improved channel selection method is proposed based on information content. An effective channel selection scheme for a hyperspectral atmospheric infrared sounder using AIRS data based on layering is proposed. The results are as follows: (1) Using the improved method, the atmospheric retrievable index is more stable, the value reaching 0.54. The distribution of the temperature weight function is more continuous, more closely approximating that of the actual atmosphere; (2) Statistical inversion comparison experiments show that the accuracy of the retrieval temperature, using the improved channel selection method in this paper, is consistent with that of 1Dvar channel selection. In the near space layer especially, from 10 hPa to 0.02 hPa, the accuracy of the retrieval temperature of our improved channel selection method is evidently improved by about 1 K. In general, the accuracy of the retrieval temperature of ICS is improved. Especially, from 100 hPa to 0.01 hPa, the accuracy of ICS can be improved by more than 11 %; (3) Statistical inversion comparison experiments in four typical regions indicate that ICS in this paper is significantly better than NCS and PCS in different regions and shows latitudinal variations. Especially, from 100 hPa to 0.01 hPa, the accuracy of ICS can be improved by 7 % to 13 %, which means the ICS method selected in this paper is feasible and shows great promise for applications.