bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research and Design of Space Manipulator System Based on Telescopic Arm
Authors: Wang Kang , Liang Chang Chun , Lin Yun Cheng , Yang Xu
Published: June 2017

The smaller envelope of space manipulator system is often required during the launch phase, while the lager range and higher precision for operation is needed in the space application stage. It is difficult for a single manipulator to meet the above requirements. To solve this problem, a self-reconfigurable space manipulator system with telescopic rod is proposed. When the manipulator is in the contracted state, the envelope is small and the operation precision is high; however, when the manipulator is in the extended state, it can reach a large operation range. This paper presents a equal-section arm telescopic mechanism，which can realize the extension and contraction of arms by the horizontal strip and the vertical strip being engaged and locked with each other. And the parameters of the telescopic mechanism and the stiffness of the rod are analyzed and simulated，which shows that it has the characteristics of high stiffness and high telescopic ratio. Finally, aiming at the target operating conditions in the narrow space, the manipulator motion planning simulation analysis is carried out. The simulation results show that the design of the equal-section telescopic rod can improve the adaptability of the space manipulator system.
Conceptual Design of an Auxiliary Autonomous Vehicle for Disabilities People
Authors: Mandujano Nava Arturo , Granados Alejo Vignaud , Paz Cabrera Mauro , López Enríquez Víctor Hugo
Published: June 2017

This paper deals with the detailed conceptual design development of an autonomous vehicle, with the primary goal of transporting people with mobility problems or visual weakness, and thus avoid the risk of falls, tiredness, and fatigue; this aims to satisfy the needs of an increasing population with disabilities. An alternative solution is set for transfer based design methodology, which addresses each of the established requirements. The design stages established by Pahl & Beitz are described in detail, from the design proposal to functional prototype. The result of this work after evaluating the technical and financial analysis is a proposal of the functional design of the autonomous vehicle, which will be used in the main entrances of the Polytechnic University of Guanajuato (UPGTO). Regarding the autonomy of the vehicle, a vision system can be integrated if necessary as futre work, which will ensure its functionality and safety throughout its way; and thus be able to move through the main entrance towards the desired site.
Parametric Identification of Control Objects to Provide the Improved Accuracy on Start or End Point of Timing Response
Authors: Goncharov V. , Berchuk D. , Than V. , Alexandrov I.
Published: June 2017

This work considers the parametric identification problem of control objects and signals. The problem feature is the necessity of searching for an approximate solution that provides the improved accuracy of the transition process in the high (or low) values of time. This work suggests a variant that satisfies the requirements of accuracy and robustness to solve the problem. Based on using numerical methods to solve the problem, the variant has its own singularities. Firstly, its instrumental variable allows redistributing the maximum error of the approximate solution by the interval of transient process. Secondly, the variant is applied to the dynamic systems, transfer functions of which have fractional-rational, irrational and transcendental expressions. This work also leads the calculations to illustrate the suggested method that obtains an improved accuracy of the approximation in the initial and final fragments of the transient process.
Processes of Titanium-Dioxide Colloids for Working Electrodes of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Lai Yeong Lin , Chen Li Wei , Chen Chih Hung
Published: June 2017

New titanium-dioxide (TiO2) colloids composed of nano-crystalline TiO2 and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) have been developed for use in the working electrodes of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The surface morphology and electrical characteristics of the TiO2 colloid electrodes were studied. The analysis of the surface morphology of the TiO2 colloids was conducted by an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The photovoltaic characteristics of the TiO2 colloids with different compositions were investigated. The TiO2 content of the colloids determined the photovoltaic conversion ability of DSSCs. Colorful colloids were implemented by adding pigments to the TiO2 colloids. The processes of the TiO2 colloids demonstrated the advantages of simple fabrication and low cost. The flexible property of the TiO2 colloids showed great potential for application in flexible optoelectronics.
The Application of 3D Laser Scanning Method in the Measurement of Pressure Vessel
Authors: Yin Hui Zeng , Yang Shi Zhu , Tian Rui Lan , Sui Xiu Zhi
Published: June 2017

Pressure vessel is widely used in the industrial engineering. Many materials in pressure vessel are inflammable and explosive dangerous goods. If the accident happens, great harm will be done to the lives and properties of people. Some common methods for studying pressure vessel have obvious drawbacks. 3D laser scanning method uses non-contact measuring method and can directly obtain the point cloud data of the mass surface which can be used to reconstruct any convex surface. According to the advantages of 3D laser scanning method, in this paper, it is introduced to measure the dimensions of flanges in pressure vessel. The experimental results obtained have little errors, which certify that 3D laser scanning method can be used to measure the dimensions of flanges and further study the characteristics of pressure vessel.
Research on Computational Method of Characteristic Parameters for Measuring System Based on Quasi-Static Absolute Calibration
Authors: Chen Jing , Kong De Ren , Gu Ting Wei , Shang Fei
Published: June 2017

Quasi-static absolute calibration is using force with semi-sinusoidal pulse to calibrate pressure measuring system. The pulse width must be wide enough in order to guarantee the effective bandwidth of frequency spectrum be in the flat section of amplitude-frequency characteristics of the tested system. In this way, the result is similar to that from static calibration. The working characteristic parameters for measuring system which is gained from quasi-static calibration is different form static calibration in species, physical meanings and attainment methods. Therefore, the research is of great significance in forming quasi-static calibration system and improving measurement accuracy. The pilot scheme will be introduced in this essay. What is more, the calculation of working characteristic parameters for measuring system will be discussed by taking the force with specific pulse as example, including sensitivity when force transfer to pressure, linearity and repeatability which are used to evaluate the uncertainty of measurement.
Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Side-Chain Polyfluorenes
Authors: Wang Ning , Hu Xiao Dan
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we reported one vinylfluorene derivative 9,9-dihexyl-vinylfluorene and its corresponding polymers. The monomer and polymers were characterized by NMR, UV-Vis, PL and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). Compared with the monomer, the polymers showed blue-shift in UV-Vis spectra but red-shift in PL spedtra. This kind of side-chain polyfluorenes could be candidates of blue OLED, organic solar cells, and so on.
Disaster Recovery of Online System Based on Cloud Computing
Authors: Chen Wei , Shang Yu Ting
Published: June 2017

This article discusses the disaster recovery technology of online system based on cloud computing, mainly starting from planning a backup strategy to restore the transaction log, pages, files and file groups by page and data restore from a snapshot database. Timely data recovery and fault exercises with a holistic, multi-level data backup and disaster recovery technology could protect the security of the online system.
Methods and Special Functions Used in Diffusion Modelling
Authors: Riza Ion , Opran Constantin Gheorghe
Published: June 2017

Natural phenomena can be modelled adequately precise with differential equations. An example of such phenomena is diffusion. All differential equations with partial derivatives, of two variables and of the second order, which model the diffusion are parabolic with simple solutions. This simple solution is: erf(x), exponential functions or power series. Adding new differential terms requires the use of more complicated functions, some degenerated, modified or confluent, of real or imaginary variables. This functions are: Bessel, Kummer, Whittaker, Hermite, hyper-geometrical or Heun. The benefit of using these functions lies in greater clarity and precision in mathematical expression. Modelling methods by change-of-variable and function, adding new differential terms and transformations of special functions increase modelling possibilities of convective diffusion in different environments using differential equations. The paper presents a novel approach to diffusion modelling for dry corrosion.
Research on Water Resource Efficiency in Provinces of China
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Xi Feng , Liu Jia Hong
Published: June 2017

Based on the concept of agricultural total factor efficiency and the concept of total factor energy efficiency, this paper uses the DEA model based on input method to measure the total factor water resource efficiency. In the process of calculation, some factors of production, such as GDP, labor force and so on, are considered in order to make up the traditional method for the deficiency of considering single factor of water resources. This paper calculates the total factor water resources efficiency in 31 provinces of China in the year of 2009 and 2012, and analyses the spatial distribution and the change of water resources efficiency. The results indicate that the absolute number and relative proportion of agricultural water use are important influence factors of water resources efficiency.
Use of Bioinformation Technologies in Carbon Cycle Assessment in Managed Technogenic Forests in Primorskiy Krai
Authors: Krupskaya L.T. , Zvereva V.P. , Rastanina Natalya , Golubev Dmitriy , Volobueva N.G. , Filatova M.Yu.
Published: June 2017

The paper describes the results of bioinformation technologies study in assessment of carbon cycle in managed technogenic forests in Primorskiy Krai. Therefore, the aim of the research was the assessment of carbon cycle in managed technogenic forests using bioinformation technologies. Computation was performed in the «ROBUL» program. Analysis, generalization and systematization of literary evidence suggest that a significant number of publications are devoted to various aspects of the carbon budget of the forests in Russia. The types of forest ecosystems in Primorskiy Krai have been identified, and the main forestry operations in this region were analyzed and described. It was found that in the global carbon cycle the forests play an important role, as they are characterized by the largest phytomass supply. However, the growth of anthropogenic activities leads to disruption of the balance of the carbon cycle on the Earth. The results of the research show decrease of carbon reserve in the study area in 2015 compared to 2003. With technogenic influence increase there is a gradual increase of carbon dioxide emissions into atmosphere for managed forests in Primorskiy Krai.
Research on Remote Monitoring System of Loom Workshop for Different Yarn Materials
Authors: Wang Quan , Tian Chuan , Hu Tian Liang , Zhang Cheng Rui , Xu Li Xue
Published: June 2017

The implementation of remote monitor in workshop can improve the production efficiency and contribute to the production management. In this paper, a remote monitoring system of air-jet loom workshop based on B/S structure is designed. The system adopts wireless networking mode in hardware and mainly consists of data acquisition module, database service module and Web service module in software. The data acquisition module is implemented with Visual C++. MySQL is chosen as the database management to design database service module. The Web service module is developed on the platform of asp.net and it is released on the IIS platform of cloud server, so that users can visit the Web site through browser clients. Different yarn materials need to be configured with different parameters. The loom computer can send requests to the cloud server for parameters. The system can analyze the types of yarn materials according to the requests and configure different parameters. This will be quite convenient for workers to change yarn materials.
New Damage Criteria for Machining Considering Contact Friction for FE Analysis
Authors: Khaimovich Alexander I. , Skuratov Dmitrii Leonidovich
Published: June 2017

This paper introduces new damage criteria for cutting process analyses based on the Coulomb-Mohr theory. When the accumulated damage reaches a certain critical level, brittle fracture occurs close to the tool tip, which is affected by the hydrostatic pressure and the location of conventional failure plane. The position of this plane is determined by the geometry of the cutting tool and the angle of friction. Numerical validation of the proposed criteria was made by FE-method in the Deform 2D using user routine usrdmg (User defined damage models).
Composite-Sorbent Based on Natural Mineral and Waste of Biological Treatment of Wastewater (Effluent)
Authors: Voytyuk A.A. , Moskvicheva E.V. , Shchitov D.V. , Katerinin K.V. , Sidyakin P.A. , Lykova E.Yu.
Published: June 2017

A new practical application of waste biological treatment of municipal wastewater activated sludge as a raw material for the composite-selective adsorbent is presented for the first time. Composite-sorbent contains up to 85% of the surplus activated sludge, and the rest-diatomit partlandtsement. It is shown that the adsorption capacity and selectivity of the resulting composite material is stabilized after electrochemical activation. The implementation preliminary purification step of waste water from ions of heavy metals allows to clean water to the regulatory requirements at minimum cost.
Quality of Metal Deposited Flux Cored Wire with the System Fe-C-Si-Mn-Cr-Mo-Ni-V-Co
Authors: Gusev A.I. , Kozyrev N.A. , Osetkovskiy I.V. , Kozyreva O.A. , Valuev D.V.
Published: June 2017

Studied the effect of the introduction of vanadium and cobalt into the charge powder fused wire system Fe-C-Si-Mn-Cr-Ni-Mo-V, used in cladding assemblies and equipment parts and mechanisms operating under abrasive and abrasive shock loads. the cored wires samples were manufactured in the laboratory conditions and using appropriate powder materials and as a carbonfluoride contained material were used the dust from gas purification of aluminum production.
Radiation-Modification Impact on the Filled Polytetrafluoroethylene Structure and Mechanical Strength
Authors: Morgunov A.P. , Revina I.V.
Published: June 2017

The article studies the structure and properties, regularities of their change with the introduction of various fillers and under the influence of gamma – irradiation (γ-radiation). PCM structure study was performed using electron microscopy with scanning electron microscope BS -350 (TESLA) and with X-ray structural analysis method using X-ray diffractometer DRON-3. Shooting of wide-angle X-ray patters was performed in the range of Bragg angles reflection 2Q=5° - 96°. We selected the following properties to study: tensile strength, static tensile modulus. The findings allowed determining: firstly, we determined that based on electron microscopy the supramolecular structural organization depends on the type and percentage of filler in PTFE matrix. Changes take place from lamellar (pure PTFE) to a defective spherulitic (20% of coke) structure. Secondly, we completed X-ray structural analysis (we determined the degree of crystallinity, crystallite size, with parameters а = b in the hexagonal cell, interlayer distance of amorphous area) showed the nature of supramolecular structure changes according to the nature of the filler and subsequent radiation dose. Thirdly there was conducted connection between changes in mechanical strength (tensile strength, statical module of elasticity) and structural changes; the depth of these changes depends on the original supramolecular structure, type and percentage of the filler and the dose of the absorbed radiation energy. The studies will allow change purposefully the supramolecular structure of polymer composite materials to improve the performance properties.
Effect of Ageing Process on Properties of Tube Steel under Conditions of Tyumen Region
Authors: Polyanskaya I.L. , Belova L.V.
Published: June 2017

The paper presents the results of study on artificial strain ageing of tube steel. Temperature fluctuations accelerate ageing processes in steel resulting in changes of its microstructure. Effect of strain ageing on mechanical properties of steel has been assessed during impact strength tests.
Thermal Properties and Phase Composition of Full-Scale Corium of Fast Energy Reactor
Authors: Skakov M.K. , Mukhamedov N.Ye. , Deryavko I.I. , Kukushkin I.M.
Published: June 2017

This paper has studied the phase composition and determined thermal properties of full-scale fast power corium at a room temperature. The obtained data of the corium thermal properties can be used for calculating temperature fields during modeling the processes for retention of corium melting in the nuclear reactor core.
Technology of Selective Laser Melting Formation of Heterogeneous Powder Structures
Authors: Grinin O.I. , Valdaytseva E.A. , Lasota I.T. , Pevzner Ya.B. , Somonov V.V.
Published: June 2017

The article presents technology of selective laser melting formation of heterogeneous powder structures. The results of comparative investigations of feeding device designs are shown. There is also presented a multi-powder system developed for providing dosed powder feed for different metals or alloys with set distribution in a layer.
Links or disconnect: a first consideration of inflation expectations and inflation credibility, with specific reference to South Africa
Authors: Rossouw Jannie , Padayachee Vishnu , Bosch Adel
Published: June 2017

This paper compares international and domestic inflation expectations and inflation credibility, and hypothesises about a possible link or disconnect between inflation expectations and inflation credibility among South Africans.  No similar tests have previously been performed using South African data, and there is also a general lack of domestic and international literature on any such possible link or disconnect.  While research shows that inflation expectations are taken into account by all countries targeting inflation, inflation credibility is very seldom considered.  Although the hypothesis is confirmed in certain instances, it is refuted by a disconnect between the inflation expectations and inflation credibility of male and female respondents in South Africa, which cannot be explained by available data.
Socio-demographic and behavioural determinants of visitor spending at the Kruger National Park in South Africa
Authors: Saayman Andrea , Saayman Melville
Published: June 2017

The Kruger National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the world and one of South Africa’s prime tourism destinations.  It attracts more than 1 million visitors per year and, as such, plays an important role in the regional and national economy.   The article aims to assess the extent to which socio-demographic and behavioural indicators influence the spending of tourists to the Park.  From 2001-2007 surveys have been conducted amongst tourists to the Park including a number of socio-demographic, behavioural and motivational questions, totalling 2 904 questionnaires used in the analysis.  The methodology includes both cross-sectional regression analysis and pseudo-panel data analysis to identify and compare possible influences on spending.  Findings indicate that, even though a combination of socio-demographic, behavioural and motivational factors influence spending at National Parks, behavioural indicators seem to be the most important and consistent influencer.
Intra project team disagreement, conflict communications, and team performance in cross-functional new product teams: A decision-making quality perspective
Authors: Chang Tsun Jin , Yeh Shang-Pao
Published: June 2017

This paper develops and examines a model of the antecedents and consequences of decision-making comprehensiveness during the new product development process. This model firstly suggests a concave relationship between intrateam task disagreement and decision-making comprehensiveness. It also conjectures that conflict communications influence the effectiveness of decision-making comprehensiveness on new product teams’ performance. An empirical test of the proposed framework involves a survey of 220 cross-functional new product teams. The findings show that an inverse U-shaped relationship exists between intrateam task disagreement and decision-making comprehensiveness. It also indicates that collaborative communication has a negative effect on innovativeness, whereas contentious communication adversely affects constraint adherence. However, decision-making comprehensiveness partially moderates the relationships between conflict communications and team performance. Some managerial and research implications of the findings were also discussed in this study.
Editorial foreword: SAJEMS 25 year anniversary special edition
Authors: Buys Pieter
Published: June 2017

No abstract available.
Linking project-based production and project management temporary systems in multiple contexts: An introduction to the special edition
Authors: Oerlemans Leon AG , Pretorius Tinus
Published: June 2017

As organisations in more and more industries look for flexible ways of production in the wake of rapidly changing market environments, project-based organising is becoming an increasingly important mode of organisation (Eisenhardt & Tabrizi, 1995). Whereas project-based organisation was traditionally mainly the domain of industries such as film making (Sorenson & Waguespack, 2006), theatre (Goodman & Goodman, 1976), and construction (Gann & Salter, 2000), a project-based mode of operation has recently pervaded many other sectors in the economy, including software development, advertising, biotechnology, consulting, emergency response, fashion, television and complex products and systems (Grabher, 2004; Hobday, 2000). This increasing prevalence is reflected in an exponentially growing body of research (Bakker, 2010), which has made marked progress in areas such as project-based learning (Prencipe & Tell, 2001), project-based innovation (Eisenhardt & Tabrizi, 1995) and project-based careers (Jones, 1996). As a consequence, research on project organisation has moved from being a narrow specialty domain toward being a broad research paradigm, attending to a broad audience in organisation science and beyond (Sydow et al., 2004). In a fairly recent review paper, Bakker (2010) shows that in the period 1988–2008 scholarly attention, as indicated by publications in books and ISI-indexed journals, grew exponentially (see Figure 1). Comparing the number of publications in the period 1988-1998 with the period 1998–2008, he observed an increase of almost 340%.
Team characteristics, peer competition threats and individual performance within a working team: An analysis of realtor agents
Authors: Lee Chun Chang
Published: June 2017

This paper uses survey data from a questionnaire for brokers given to Kaohsiung realtors in order to explore the effect of the threat of peer competition on an individual’s performance. In the empirical model, the branch “average performance of other agents” is used as the proxy variable for peer competition, and the hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) model is applied for estimation. The empirical results suggest that the average performance by other agents has a significant negative effect on an individual’s performance. In branches that have more “agents” or have a “team compensation scheme”, the effect of other agents’ average performance on an individual’s performance is significantly higher than that for the branches with fewer “agents” or without a “team compensation scheme”. These findings are consistent with theoretical expectations.
The impact of corporate social responsibility factors on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Turyakira Peter , Venter Elmarie , Smith Elroy
Published: June 2017

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become increasingly important to the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A positive relationship between the CSR activities of SMEs and their enhanced competitiveness exists, at least if a long-term perspective is adopted (European Competitiveness Report, 2008:106; Mandl & Dorr, 2007:2). Despite the widespread practical and academic interest in CSR and its impact on the competitiveness of SMEs, few theoretical and empirical contributions could be found. The primary objective of this study was to identify and empirically test the CSR factors influencing the competitiveness of SMEs in Uganda. The outcomes of this study will assist SMEs to effectively and responsibly manage their activities to increase their competitiveness. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 750 potential SME respondents. The respondents were identified by means of a purposive sampling technique, and the data were collected from 383 usable questionnaires. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients calculated to determine the discriminant validity and reliability of the measuring instrument. Correlations were assessed using structural equation modeling. The empirical results of this study indicate that workforce-oriented CSR activities, society-oriented CSR activities, market-oriented CSR activities and regulated CSR activities significantly influence the competitiveness of SMEs.
The non-consumptive value of selected marine species at Table Mountain National Park: An exploratory study
Authors: Saayman Melville
Published: June 2017

This exploratory study aimed to determine firstly the non-consumptive value of five marine species (whales, the Great White shark, penguins, dolphins and seals) and secondly the socio-demographic and behavioural variables that influence willingness to pay to see these species. This was achieved by means of a structured questionnaire survey conducted at Table Mountain National Park, the largest urban national park in South Africa. The data consisted of 319 fully-completed questionnaires. These were analysed using factor analyses and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression analysis. The results showed that the variables influencing willingness to pay differed from species to species, with the largest differences being found in behavioural rather than socio-demographic variables. In showing how much respondents were willing to pay to see the various species and which species they preferred, the results also highlighted the non-consumptive value of the species.
Building a scenario based active mapping investment tool within a physical asset management framework
Authors: Campher Cedric Abraham , Vlok PJ
Published: June 2017

This study explores the implementation of an integrated capital budgeting visual mapping framework comprised of both Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) and Real Options Analysis (ROA) techniques. Physical asset investment decisions are based largely on rigid discounted cash flow tools which provide untimely and incomplete decisional criteria. While literature outlines the widespread use of traditional DCF techniques, it nevertheless reveals extensive limitations, including its static inflexibility and slow-to-evolve framework. ROA is a more recent valuation tool based on stock option theory. It brings into account added value found in the flexibility of managerial decision-making and uncertain conditions. This study implements a combined DCF and ROA capital budgeting tool within a Physical Asset Management (PAM) environment. The validity of the framework is realised through an industry-relevant case study presented by a South African mining company.
Effects of transaction costs on mushroom producers’ choice of marketing channels: implications for agricultural market access in Swaziland
Authors: Mabuza Lawrence Majola , Ortmann Gerald , Wale Edilegnaw
Published: June 2017

Mushrooms are highly perishable agricultural commodities, and as such their marketing is invariably associated with high transaction costs. Despite the mushroom enterprise gaining popularity in a number of sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, where production is dominated by rural-based small-scale farmers, no research has been done to study the nature and complexity of transaction costs encountered by these producers in attempting to participate in mainstream supply chains. This study uses cross-section data obtained in 2011/2012 from mushroom producers in Swaziland to study the effects of transaction costs on producers’ choice of marketing channels and the quantity of mushrooms supplied. Having used Cragg’s model for analysis, the results indicate that producers’ decisions of where to sell their mushrooms are significantly affected by household labour endowment, production capacity, access to cooling facilities and market information, and producers’ bargaining position. Meanwhile, the quantities of mushrooms sold are significantly influenced by the difficulty in accessing reliable transport and producers’ level of uncertainty in meeting buyers’ quality requirements. The study concludes by highlighting potential interventions that could minimise marketing and transaction costs and further improve the general agricultural marketing environment in Swaziland.
Southern African customs union revenue, public expenditures and HIV/AIDS in BLNS countries
Authors: Ngalawa Harold
Published: June 2017

This study investigates how revenue from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) common revenue pool affects efforts to contain HIV/AIDS in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland (BLNS countries). Using a dataset for the BLNS countries covering the period 1990-2007 in annual frequency and a health production function, the study estimates a dynamic panel using the Arellano-Bond (1991) difference Generalised Method of Moments. The study results show that an increase in either SACU revenue or aggregate government expenditure increases HIV prevalence rates. Disaggregating the government expenditures into health and non-health outlays reveals that the health expenditure component decreases HIV prevalence rates. To be precise, the study finds that HIV prevalence rates decline when public health expenditures as a percentage of GDP and public health expenditures as a percentage of total government expenditures increase. It is argued, therefore, that the type of public expenditure is of consequence: public health expenditures decrease, while public non-health expenditures increase the HIV prevalence rates, with the ultimate direction of HIV prevalence rates determined by the dominant of the two effects.
Network diversity structure, closeness and innovation of South African micro-entrepreneurs
Authors: Griffin-EL Eliada Wosu
Published: June 2017

This study qualitatively explores the embeddedness of the innovation process of South African microbusinesses by investigating how small local entrepreneurs in the Greater Johannesburg area utilise their social networks to source entrepreneurial value. A comparative grounded theory analysis enabled the original conceptualisation of Network Diversity Structure and formulates the central proposition that the network dimensions of diversity and closeness enable the innovation process among manufacturing microbusinesses more so than in service microbusinesses. Furthermore, the study proposes that both a structural and relational/experiential dimension of closeness, enables micro-entrepreneurs to create meaning and knowledge collaboratively with other entrepreneurs and actors. This socially facilitated process of exchanging ideas, information, and resources is central to the innovation process of firms traditionally limited by both their size and historical social institutions.
Why is an ethical and integrated audit accreditation process required for Romanian hospitals
Authors: Agheorghiesei (Corodeanu) Daniela-Tatiana , Iliescu Liliana , Gavrilovici Cristina , Oprea Liviu
Published: June 2017

Nowadays, a third generation of ethics has come to the fore, whereby ethical issues are approached in an integrated manner, emphasising the management of ethics, which entails a cause-effect relation. One of its evaluation instruments is the ethical audit.This paper presents the findings of research focused on 47 executives involved in the management of quality in Romanian hospitals. The research concerns, in particular, the relevance and the opportunity for an ethical audit and the assessment of its possible effects.The data were gathered using a questionnaire.The research shows that Romanian managers consider the introduction of the ethical audit within theaccreditation process as being relevant and pertinent. They believe that ethical monitoring is beneficial for the activity of healthcare institutions, but also that these institutions are as yet not sufficiently prepared toimplement ethical audits. This study might be useful for sounding an alarm bell or for suggesting a direction for the qualitative and quantitative improvement of accreditation criteria and for the management of changein healthcare institutions worldwide.
The management accounting vocational fallacy
Authors: Shuttleworth Bienkie
Published: June 2017

Rapid changes in highly competitive economic environments have created the need for sound financial management in organisations. In order to source sufficient numbers of skilled financial managers, specialised career guidance should be high on the agenda of educational and labour policy makers. While the chartered management accountant (CMA) enjoys international status, not many studies have been conducted to measure South African students’ and accounting teachers’ awareness of the CMA designation. This article reports on the results of first-year accounting students’ perceptions of a career in management accounting as well as on the career guidance they received on how to become a CMA. It also reports on accounting teachers’ awareness of the management accounting designation. This study found that first-year accounting students and accounting teachers do not possess sufficient knowledge of the career opportunities in the management accounting field and of the route to follow on how to become a CMA. Recommendations are made for tertiary institutions and professional bodies to alleviate this information gap by distributing brochures and posters to accounting and career guidance teachers and by providing information sessions to them as well as to first-year accounting students on career opportunities in the management accounting field.
Demographics and consumer ethnocentrism in a developing context: A South African study
Authors: Pentz Chris D , Terblanche Nic S , Boshoff Christo
Published: June 2017

The continued growth in international trade results in the fact that consumers in many countries are exposed to increasing amounts of product offerings from various countries of origin. As the origin of products might have an influence on consumer behavior, many marketers realize that extended knowledge on consumer behavior toward both domestic and imported products can be useful in the formulation of more effective marketing strategies.  Past research in the field of international marketing suggest that the concept of consumer ethnocentrism can be an influencing factor in the decision of consumers to purchase locally-produced rather than imported products. While the concept of consumer ethnocentrism has been actively researched in a number of contexts and countries, research on this phenomenon has been limited in developing countries. The present study aims to add to the existing body of knowledge on consumer ethnocentrism in developing markets by investigating the possible relationships between consumer ethnocentrism and a number of demographic variables in South Africa. A unique contribution of this study is that the investigation focused on two different samples in terms of race, namely on a sample of “white” respondents and a sample of “black” respondents to account for the ethnic diversity in South Africa.  The results of the study revealed that for both groups of respondents there was a positive relationship between age and consumer ethnocentrism, while a negative relationship was found for both groups in terms of the relationship between consumer ethnocentrism and income.  In terms of the relationship between consumer ethnocentrism and gender, the results differed between the two groups of respondents.  The findings can be used rewardingly by marketers wishing to operate more successfully in developing markets, such as South Africa.
A review of factors affecting the attractiveness of Angola to private equity (PE) investments
Authors: Jover Estefania , Mlambo Chipo
Published: June 2017

Angola’s attractiveness to PE investors and the potential to increase PE investments in the country are explored. Primary data were collected using a survey of 18 PE funds that invest or have considered investing in Angola, followed by 10 expert interviews to gain deeper insight into the country’s institutional and economic environment, and its potential for PE investments. It is found that most PE funds are attracted to Angola by its rapid economic growth and high potential returns. The country is also vastly undersupplied, and many key economic sectors are fast developing, presenting exciting opportunities for investors. Nevertheless, PE in Angola remains limited, mainly owing to the difficulty of doing business in Angola, and owing particularly to the unfavourable regulatory environment. There is no regulation or process when it comes to the registration of PE funds in Angola, and any new regulation that applies to foreign investments is marred by unnecessary red tape, making it difficult for the investment to enter the market. Only two funds are authorised to operate in Angola: Fundo de Investimento Privado de Angola (FIPA), and BESA Activ. Streamlining regulation is critical to increasing PE flows to Angola in order to advance the country’s economic and social objectives.
Software piracy – Some aspects for South African managers to keep in mind
Authors: De Kock D , Lubbe S , Kritzinger W
Published: June 2017

Software piracy is a significant issue for managers of organisations, especially in  developing countries. There are several factors which contribute to software  piracy, and which are investigated in this study. This study consists of a  literature review, and reports on empirical research, which was conducted using  a survey instrument to determine if software piracy is prevalent in South Africa.  The findings confirm the results of previous studies. The conclusion is made  that software piracy will always exist and that stricter measures are needed to  prevent its occurrence.
Changing approaches to financing and financial management in the South African local government sector
Authors: Sing D
Published: June 2017

Sections 152 and 153 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) have given local government a developmental mandate. Local government has a constitutional obligation to participate in national and provincial development programmes. Local government should become a powerful development catalyst in collaboration with other spheres of government, the non-governmental sector and the local citizenry. It has to address social, economic and infrastructural backlogs and inequalities in a stable and sustainable manner to ensure developmental outcomes are reached. Different financing and financial management policies, strategies, structures, processes and procedures have to be instituted with a view to transformation and innovation. Constant and consistent monitoring, analysis and evaluation of these policies, strategies structures, processes and procedures should ensure these constitutional imperatives.
Coping, stress and suicide ideation in the South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape
Authors: Meyer R , Rothmann S , Pienaar J
Published: June 2017

The objective of this research is to determine the relationship between coping and stress on the one hand and suicide ideation among police members on the other. A cross-sectional survey design was used. The study population (N = 307) consisted of uniformed police members in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The COPE, Police Stress Inventory, Adult Suicide Ideation Questionnaire and a Biographical Questionnaire were used as measuring instruments. The results showed that passive coping strategies are related to suicide ideation. A discriminant analysis showed that suicide attempt, passive coping strategies, medical conditions, use of alcohol, problem-focused coping strategies and police-specific demands correctly classified 64.29 per cent of participants who scored high on suicide ideation.
The effects of different approaches to salary survey data analysis on pay curve midpoint values
Authors: Snelgar RJ
Published: June 2017

Despite the acceptance of salary survey market data as justification for salary differentials, the whole area of collection, analysis, and interpretation has not been subject to the same scrutiny as hiring practices and testing. Many aspects of surveys have been ignored by researchers. Little can be said about the effects of different formats in the accuracy of data obtained, about ensuring comparability of job matches, about how representative relevant markets surveys are, or about reliability of analysis of survey results. This study has revealed the extent to which individual survey position averages have been obscured by the inclusion of data from different position grades. As a result, different approaches to the analysis of data from the same salary survey have resulted in different pay lines/curves.
Identifying associations between sport sponsorship decision-making variables
Authors: Van Heerden CH , Du Plessis PJ
Published: June 2017

Sport sponsorship spending in South Africa has increased steadily. This paper discusses the findings of an exploratory study into key sponsorship decision-areas, namely the setting of sponsorship objectives, the integration of marketing communication variables into sponsorship to create a leverage effect, and the measurement of sponsorship success. It is argued that for a sponsorship to be successful certain associations should exist between these key decision-making areas and also among elements internal to each of these areas. The main findings are that the respondents indicated a bias towards setting media related objectives that will subsequently enable the sponsors to use media-related measurement tools. It is recommended that sponsors should develop alternative methods to measure the effectiveness of their sponsorships.
An analysis of an organisational strategy, structure and culture that supports corporate entrepreneurship in established organisations
Authors: Nayager T , Van Vuuren JJ
Published: June 2017

The environment in which a business operates is not static. Intensifying global competition and rapid technological progress put presure on business to change.  Better quality and service and lower costs are no longer enough to give a competitive advantage.  Adaptability, flexibility, speed, aggressiveness and innovativeness are increasingly necessary. This can be achieved by entrepreneurial organisations.  Through corporate entrepreneurship, big business can improve its profitability and competitive standing.  This research aims to determine the characteristics of organisational strategy, structure and culture that foster corporate entrepreneurship in large and established companies.  These characteristics were applied to an established organisation to evaluate to what extent its strategy, culture and structure would support entrepreneurial activities and initiatives.  Data were collected through self-completion questionnaires and analysed by calculating Cronbach alpha values, t-test and ANOVA.
The South African tax mix and economic growth
Authors: De Wet AH , Schoeman NJ , Koch SF
Published: June 2017

The research reported in this paper suggests that government fiscal policy can influence economic growth through alterations in the tax mix and the overall size of government spending.   The authors estimate the impact on economic growth of changes in fiscal policy via government expenditure, direct taxation and indirect taxation.  The results show that economic growth is negatively affected by increases in the size of government, as reflected in its expenditures and direct tax revenues, although significant indirect tax effects are not found.
Considering barriers to investment in South Africa
Authors: Afful KB , Okeahalam CC
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the effect of South Africa’s economic fundamentals on net direct investment and net portfolio investment. The results suggest that the main determinants of investment in South Africa are resource prices, input productivity and the economic performance of the domestic economy. The results illustrate that net direct investment and net portfolio investment are close but not perfect substitutes. In addition, we find that an increase in labour input costs reduces both net direct investment and net portfolio investment. Further, an increase in fixed capital productivity increases net direct investment. Further, also the results illustrate that subsidies increase both net direct investment and net portfolio investment. Moreover, an increase in exports increases both net direct investment and net portfolio investment. Policy recommendations are thus proposed that may increase foreign direct investment in South Africa.
6 June 1944 - D-Day
Authors: Eidelman Irvine J
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE
Electroconvulsive therapy and its use in modern-day psychiatry
Authors: Prinsloo S , Pretorius P J
Published: June 2017

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been regarded as a some- what controversial treatment modality. Despite initial stigmati- sation, ECT has remained with us for the past 60 years and is now emerging as a safe and effective treatment option.ECT is indicated in a wide range of disorders and is often found to be of equal or even superior efficacy compared with currently available pharmacological agents. However, it is not without adverse effects and therefore a sound knowledge of this treatment modality is crucial before its administration. The clinician should have a thorough knowledge of indications, method of administration, patient preparation, required seizure duration, treatment course and side-effect profile.
Second-generation antipsychotics - a panacea?
Authors: Carey Paul D , Stein Dan , Emsley Robin
Published: June 2017

NO ABSTRACT AVAILIBLE