bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High altitude endemic carabid beetles as biogeographic indicators: a case study in equatorial Andes
Authors: Moret Pierre , Barragán Alvaro , Murienne Jérôme , Faille Arnaud , Gobbi Mauro
Published: July 2019

The tropical Andean páramo ecosystem emerged after the final uplift of the Cordilleras, leading to the rapid radiation of species-rich clades and to the diversification of narrow-range endemic taxa in isolated high-altitude island-like environments. This study focuses on the wingless carabid species that inhabit the so-called superpáramo, i.e. the upper belt of this ecosystem, above 4200/4300 m a.s.l. The low dispersal ability of these cold-adapted ground beetles gives the opportunity of an exceptionally fine-grained analysis of endemism patterns. Two hypotheses are tested: (i) that most of these endemic carabids have evolved by niche shift, from local ancestors in the montane forest, rather than by long range dispersal from cool regions north or south, and (ii) that the high level of microendemism observed in several genera is the result of recent speciation events, related to the volcanic and tectonic history of the Andes.

More than 14,000 carabid beetles were collected above 4200 m on 12 superpáramo “sky islands” in central and northern Ecuador, using standardized sampling methods. COI sequencing was performed to strengthen species delimitations, and a further molecular study was conducted for phylogeographic analyses in two highly diverse genera: Oxytrechus (Trechini) and Dyscolus (Platynini). Of a total of 89 species, 65 species are microendemic, i.e. restricted to only one isolated superpáramo. The first results of this ongoing project are presented with a highlight on the extinction risk caused by the current climate change.
Distribution of Onthophagus vacca and O. medius (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae) in Romania
Authors: Drăghici Andreea-Cătălina , Ruicănescu Adrian , Cuzepan-Bebeșelea Gabriela , Chimișliu Cornelia , Manci Cosmin-Ovidiu
Published: July 2019

Morphological and molecular data indicate that two valid species exist in Europe within the O. vacca group of species, O. vacca (Linnaeus, 1767) and O. medius (Kugelann, 1792) (Roy et al., 2015). This is supported also by the fact that they are widely sympatric (Rössner et. al., 2010). The research of Rössner et. al. (2010) mentions for the first time the species O. medius for Romania. The aim of our study is to check specimens from major museum collections and some personal collections from the country and to assign them to O. medius or O. vacca.We have examined 417 specimens belonging to the following collections: National Museum of Natural History ''Grigore Antipa'' Bucharest, Brukenthal National Museum- Natural History Museum Department from Sibiu and the personal collections of authors. We have extracted elevation data for each specimen and we have created distribution maps.The biogeographic distribution for Romania shows the ranges of O. vacca and O. medius overlap and they are found in all the country's bioregions. Our study shows a high ecological plasticity in both species. Our data apparently indicate a preference for altitudes below 500 meters, possibly influenced by non-random sampling.
First record of Iris oratoria (Dictyoptera: Mantodea: Tarachodidae) in Romania
Authors: Cazacu Alexandru
Published: July 2019

Iris oratoria is recorded for the first time in Alba, Vrancea and Călărași counties, Romania. The presence of the species in Romania is not unexpected, as it is also present in the neighbouring countries and its tendency of migrating north is well known.
« Commander le silence à sa physionomie » : la rougeur des hommes
Authors: Abramovici Jean-Christophe
Published: July 2019

Que la rougeur des hommes paraisse beaucoup moins repérable que celle des femmes ne saurait étonner : cette dernière est en effet, dans l’imaginaire du siècle des Lumières, inséparable d’une “nature” féminine que les médecins du 18 e  n’ont eu de cesse de définir. Les romans et les discours du siècle réservent cependant une place et spécifient un empourprement masculin que le cas du ministre Turgot permet par ailleurs de documenter.
Rêves héroïques : lire Plutarque à la manière de Rousseau
Authors: Fréry Nicolas
Published: July 2019

Les pages où Rousseau décrit sa découverte précoce des Vies illustres de Plutarque comme un événement originaire qui a façonné son caractère ont eu une postérité des plus riches. Des admirateurs français et étrangers de Rousseau (Foscolo, Stendhal, Mary Shelley, Musset et bien d’autres) évoquent à leur tour la rencontre avec Plutarque comme une crise existentielle, à la source d’un goût ardent pour une Antiquité idéalisée. Après avoir souligné l’originalité de la lecture rousseauiste de Plutarque (alors même qu’il prétend opposer les Vies aux romans, Rousseau est un des premiers à insister sur leur portée romanesque), notre propos sera ainsi d’en étudier le rayonnement chez une série d’auteurs qui ont lu les Vies avec les yeux de Rousseau.
Le labyrinthe du Jardin du Roi (Paris, 1739-1788)
Authors: Rochon Élisabeth
Published: July 2019

Au 18 e  siècle, le Jardin du Roi est un établissement scientifique réputé partout en Europe. C’est au cours de l’intendance de Georges-Louis Leclerc de Buffon (1739-1788) que le Jardin atteint sa plus grande popularité et devient un espace vert aux multiples fonctions. En plus d’offrir aux amateurs de sciences naturelles un jardin botanique conservant près de 6000 espèces végétales, Buffon fait aménager des espaces favorisant la pratique de la promenade. C’est cette offre d’espaces récréatifs au Jardin que cet article entend sonder, à partir de l’étude du labyrinthe et des allées plantées. Il est question d’observer les interactions entre les aménagements proposés par l’intendance, les publics qui les fréquentent et les usages sociaux qu’ils font de ces espaces.
An intramedullary "flame" recognized as being an intramedullary spinal cord metastasis from esophageal cancer
Authors: Grillo Assunta , Capasso Raffaella , Petrillo Angelica , De vita Ferdinando , Conforti Renata
Published: July 2019

Intramedullary spinal cord metastases are rarely encountered in patients suffering from extra - central nervous system primary cancer, with only 2 described cases reported in the literature deriving from esophageal cancer. Intramedullary spinal cord metastases may occur at any level of the spinal cord but cervical location is the most frequent. We report the first case of intramedullary metastasis affecting the thoracic spinal cord from esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a 35-year-old patient.
La famille en Gévaudan au XVe siècle (1380-1483)
Authors: Maurice Philippe
Published: July 2019

La famille est la cellule primaire du corps social et sa représentation dépend de chaque société. L'étudier permet donc de comprendre l'environnement dans lequel elle évolue, mais son étude n'est concevable qu'en relation avec son milieu ambiant. Une monographie offre le mérite de présenter l'ensemble des questions dans un microcosme dont l'analyse détaillée autorise une relative exhaustivité.

Cette recherche sur la famille en Gévaudan au XVe siècle repose principalement sur l'exploitation de cent cinquante-neuf cotes notariales des archives de la Lozère, soit un ensemble de près de vingt-deux mille folios. Le travail réalisé est fortement marqué par le droit, la sociologie et l'ethnologie. Le recours à la prosopographie et à la généalogie a permis d'appréhender les influences exercées par la famille sur la société et les systèmes d'alliance.
Analyse didactique clinique de pratiques déclarées par des enseignants d’EPS : un déjà-là en tension dans l’enseignement du football en Tunisie
Authors: Guerchi Maher , Lengliz Hanene , Loizon Denis , Carnus Marie-France
Published: July 2019

Nous présentons ici une étude exploratoire réalisée dans le cadre d’une thèse portant sur l’analyse didactique clinique des pratiques enseignantes de quatre enseignants d’EPS tunisiens dans l’activité football. A travers un questionnaire où 167 enseignants ont répondu nous mettons en évidence des tensions et des contradictions au sein d’un déjà-là décisionnel composé de trois composantes conceptuelle, intentionnelle et expérientielle. En amont du processus décisionnel, ce déjà-là agit comme « filtre de l’action didactique » d’où émergent les savoirs à enseigner au cours d’un processus de transposition didactique influencé par des facteurs culturels, institutionnels et personnels. En ouvrant la voie à d’autres réseaux de signification ces travaux mettent en évidence la part de subjectivité des enseignants d’EPS dans le traitement de l’activité football déclaré par les enseignants, apportent un nouvel éclairage à la complexité du fonctionnement didactique ainsi qu’une autre compréhension de la difficulté à enseigner le football en milieu scolaire.
Dilemma Between ‘It's My or It's My Organization's Territory'
Authors: Bhattacharya Sonali , Sharma Pooja
Published: July 2019

In this research article, the authors attempted to compare how and to what extent knowledge base psychological ownership (KBPO), organization based psychological ownership (OBPO) and territoriality predict knowledge hiding behavior in different knowledge base industries in India. A sample of 429 employees from four knowledge base industries - Audio & Video, Machinery Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical and Telecom - was surveyed on the four constructs. A Hierarchical Regression method was used to determine whether KBPO and OBPO had direct effects on knowledge hiding, or indirect effects via Territoriality. The authors also tested whether OBPO moderated the indirect positive effect of KBPO on knowledge hiding. It has been found that KBPO has indirect effect on knowledge hiding behavior which is mediated by Territoriality in various knowledge base sectors except the Telecom Industry. Territoriality is antecedent to knowledge hiding in all knowledge base industries in India. OBPO does not have any direct or indirect effect on knowledge hiding but moderates positively the relationship between KBPO and knowledge hiding in the Machinery Manufacturing industry.
Contextual Relationship Among Barriers to Sustainable Procurement
Authors: Saroha Manju , Garg Dixit , Luthra Sunil
Published: July 2019

Sustainability is an important agenda within purchasing due to global awareness on environmental aspects. India has entered a track of economic reforms, with the purpose of integrating with the world economy. In this article, an attempt has been made to identify and evaluate barriers in implementation of sustainable procurement in Indian context. Literature review approaches have been used to identify barriers to sustainable procurement. Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) techniques have been used to develop models which gives a contextual relationship between barriers. Further, a MICMAC analysis has been used to learn the significance of identified barriers based upon their driving and dependence powers. This study concludes that lack of funding for research and lack of social and environmental consideration has been found as most dependent barriers and lack of legislations and government support has been found as the most independent barrier. This article may help practitioners and managers in eradicating these barriers and developing new ideas in this direction.
Feature Learning for Offline Handwritten Signature Verification Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Jagtap Amruta Bharat , Hegadi Ravindra S. , Santosh K.C.
Published: July 2019

In biometrics, handwritten signature verification can be considered as an important topic. In this article, the authors' proposed method to verify handwritten signatures are based on deep convolution neural network (CNN), which is s bio-inspired network that works as if there exists human brain. Deep CNN extracts features from the studied images, which is followed by cubic support vector machine for classification. To evaluate their proposed work, the authors have tested on three different datasets: GPDS, BME2 and SVC20, and have received encouraging results.
Automated Health Monitoring System Using Advanced Technology
Authors: Muneer Amgad , Fati Suliman Mohamed
Published: July 2019

Coma or unconsciousness is a state wherein the patient cannot respond to any internal or external stimulus. In this situation, the patient has no physical control over his entire body. Such cases require a serious attention and continuous monitoring to save patient's life. Currently, monitoring coma patients critically is very expensive and needs more manpower. Besides, such continuous intensive care by a paramedical assistant are error-prone, which may lead to further complications. Thus, the need for automated healthcare systems still exist. These automated systems help in continuously monitoring and recording all the vital information of a particular subject by maintaining all the comatose records. In this article, a health monitoring system for the coma patient based on the global system for mobile (GSM) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is proposed. IoT as a new technology which facilitates the process of extracting, analyzing and sending data with high efficiency. In this proposed system, four health parameters, temperature, heartbeat, accelerometer and eye blinks are monitored. By integrating these four parameters with live monitoring module and/or a GSM module, the need for clinical staff and accompanying persons will be less as the systems allows relatives and staff to monitor the coma patient online via mobile phones or receive notification based on the patient's status changes. The results achieved by the system shows real time reading of body temperature and the heartbeat. Finally, the results obtained by the MPU-6050 gyroscope and the eye blink sensor were very satisfactory.
ISEkFT
Authors: Mamta  , Gupta Brij B. , Ali Syed Taqi
Published: July 2019

Public-key encryption with keyword search (PEKS) is a well-known technique which allows searching on encrypted data using the public key system. However, this technique suffers from the keyword guessing attack (KGA). To address this problem, a modified version of PEKS called public key encryption with fuzzy keyword search (PEFKS) has been introduced where each keyword is associated with an exact search trapdoor (EST) and a fuzzy search trapdoor (FST) which is provided to the cloud server. PEFKS prevents KGA in such a way that two or maximum three keywords share the same FST. Hence, even if the cloud server knows the FST it cannot link it to the corresponding keyword. But, with a probability of 1/3 the malicious cloud server can still guess the keyword corresponding to FST. Therefore, in this article, the authors present an approach which can improve the security of the PEFKS technique by reducing the probability of guessing the keyword to 1/k where k is the number of keywords that share the same FST, thus enhancing the overall reliability. In addition, the authors have used an identity-based encryption (IBE) as an underlying technique to construct the searchable encryption scheme and proved its security in the standard model.
In situ analysis of a composting plant located in São Paulo city: fungal ecology in different composting phases
Authors: Ribeiro Ana Lucia Vardiero , Aquino Simone , Francos Maria Solange , Galvão Rafael Golin
Published: July 2019

The National Plan for Solid Waste has set out to reduce by 25% the amount of organic waste disposed of in landfills, mostly food residues from street fairs, besides determining the implementation of municipal composting plants, and it also mentions improving the capacity of plants already installed. The purpose of the study was to analyze which decomposing fungi are involved in the different composting phases, in a plant located in the city of São Paulo. Data was collected in four composting seasons from 2016 to 2017 and the analysis of 49 samples showed twelve genera belonging to the Ascomycetes and Zygomycetes phyla, but only at the mesophilic phase. In all seasons, yeasts and Aspergillus fumigatus were predominant with a total count of 1.0 x 109 cfu g-1 and 7.4 x 108 cfu g-1, respectively. These fungi can be applied in future studies of biostimulation to optimize the cycle at the municipal plant.
CO2 Emission and Energy Assessments of a Novel Pre-Purification Unit for Cryogenic Air Separation Using Supersonic Separator
Authors: Brigagão George Victor , Arinelli Lara de Oliveira , de Medeiros José Luiz , Araújo Ofélia de Queiroz Fernandes
Published: July 2019

Thermal power plants with oxy-combustion CO2 capture are featured by large scale oxygen demand, where cryogenic air separation is most suitable. In such context, a Pre-Purification Unit (PPU) is required, prior to air fractionation, to remove hazardous air contaminants – H2O, CO2 and several trace-species – preventing ingress into the Cold Box. The conventional PPU – named FULL-TSA – remove those contaminants by means of Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA), ordinarily using double-layered bed with activated alumina for adsorbing H2O and zeolitic molecular sieve for adsorbing CO2 and further trace-species, which implicates in relatively high demand of low-pressure steam for impurities desorption. A novel pre-purification concept (SS-TSA) embraces a Supersonic Separator (SS) performing the bulk of separation service, abating nearly 98.5% of H2O, followed by a finishing single-bed molecular sieve (MS) TSA step, which is featured by its relatively small size, for removing CO2 and remaining impurities. This work presents the energy analysis, as well as the related indirect CO2 emissions, of such a novel concept (SS-TSA) comprising air compression, cooling, SS dehydration and finishing MS-TSA against the conventional method fully based in TSA purification (FULL-TSA). Process simulation in HYSYS 8.8 assisted technical evaluation and comparison of alternatives, which included the use of two Hysys Unit Operation Extensions – SS-UOE and PEC-UOE – for rigorous thermodynamic SS modeling with phase equilibrium sound speed. SS was designed to impose only 1.4% of head loss, while shrinking TSA service to about 10% of FULL-TSA counterpart, also recovering super-cooled aqueous condensate that reduces water make-up and N2 consumption for cooling. Changing from FULL-TSA to SS-TSA the average demand of low-pressure steam reduced from 1.37 to 0.16 MW. In terms of electricity demand the difference was quite small, referring to a tiny increase of 0.07 MW in SS-TSA comparatively to total power demand of 14.97 MW in FULL-TSA. Assuming a natural gas combined cycle cogeneration plant matching requirements to air compression and pre-purification process, equivalent reduction in CO2 indirect emission was 20 kg/h for SS-TSA. These results point superiority of SS-TSA.
The Transcription Factor PLZF Is Necessary for the Development and Function of Mouse Basophils
Authors: Zhang Sai , Vieth Joshua A. , Krzyzanowska Agata , Henry Everett K. , Denzin Lisa K. , Siracusa Mark C. , Sant’Angelo Derek B.
Published: July 2019

Basophils are innate immune cells associated with type 2 immunity, allergic reactions, and host defense against parasite infections. In this study, we show that the transcription factor PLZF, which is known for its essential role in the function and development of several innate lymphocyte subsets, is also important for the myeloid-derived basophil lineage. PLZF-deficient mice had decreased numbers of basophil progenitors in the bone marrow and mature basophils in multiple peripheral tissues. Functionally, PLZF-deficient basophils were less responsive to IgE activation and produced reduced amounts of IL-4. The altered function of basophils resulted in a blunted Th2 T cell response to a protein allergen. Additionally, PLZF-deficient basophils had reduced expression of the IL-18 receptor, which impacted migration to lungs. PLZF, therefore, is a major player in controlling type 2 immune responses mediated not only by innate lymphocytes but also by myeloid-derived cells.
Stress and communication across job levels after an acquisition
Authors: Lotz T. , Donald F.
Published: July 2019

Mergers and acquisitions are frequently implemented as a strategy for organizational change, despite a fifty-fifty chance of success. One of the frequently cited reasons for the lack of success is that employee reactions receive inadequate attention. Using a sense-making framework, this research investigated the perceptions of employees at different organizational levels of the stressors that they experienced during an acquisition and their satisfaction with the organizational communication that occurred during the process. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 102 employees from a recently acquired organization, all of whom attended the same communication ‘road show’ regarding the acquisition. Results indicated that there were no differences between managers, supervisors and lower-level employees in the quantity or type of stress and satisfaction with communication. Communication satisfaction had an inverse relationship with sources of stress. The results are discussed in terms of power, sense-making and shifting boundaries.
Business schools and lifelong learning: Inquiry, delivery or developing the inquiring mind
Authors: Page M. J. , Bevelander D. , Bond D. , Boniuk E.
Published: July 2019

‘[V]irtually all public and private enterprises – including most successful corporations - are becoming dominantly repositories and coordinators of intellect’ (Quinn, 1992: 241). University based management schools play a role in harnessing this intellect by supporting the development of leaders with the capacity to think critically, to make choice and to facilitate implementation. As centers working with a higher proportion of mature executives, management schools are forced to address the complex resource issues surrounding knowledge accumulation and knowledge dissemination. Enhancing the capacity of our future leaders to contribute to society requires gifted academics – academics that expand the desire for inquiry in their students and thereby develop their capacities for self-driven lifelong learning. Are such academics teachers, researchers or hybrids?‘[We, researchers, should] not fall into the trap of answering questions of increasing irrelevance with increasing precision’ (John Gardner – cited in Davenport & Prusak, 2003: 87).
Access to information: Information disclosure in some South African organisations
Authors: Van Der Walt R.
Published: July 2019

Legislation such as the Labour Relations No 66 of 1995 and the Promotion of Access to Information Act No 2 of 2000 has paved the way for creation of a culture of un-coerced disclosure of information in South African organisations. The article reviews progress in respect of information disclosure in South Africa and other countries and discusses the effects of the LRA in regard to disclosure of information to trade unions and workplace forums. It then describes a study conducted by the author and discusses the findings. It concludes with pointing out certain weaknesses in the disclosure process and exhorts managements and the trade unions to work together to improve this important tool for achieving success in organisations and enhancing industrial democracy.
Unaffordable medical scheme contributions: A barrier to access to private health cover in South Africa
Authors: Fish T. , Ramjee S.
Published: July 2019

The purpose of the Medical Schemes Act, No. 131 of 1998 was inter alia to ‘promote non discriminatory access to privately funded health care’. A number of reforms were proposed as steps on a path to Social Health Insurance (SHI) with the ultimate goal of the reforms being to increase the number of people contributing to a private financing mechanism, thereby reducing the burden on the public sector.The increase in health care costs over time has been the focal point of industry discussions regarding affordability. In recent years the industry has responded positively to the affordability challenge by developing new products aimed at the lower end of the market. With medical inflation as a significant challenge, this paper argues that in 2003 the cost of entry-level medical scheme options was largely unaffordable and that this state of affairs has not improved over time. The proportion of the population covered by medical schemes declined marginally during the time period under review (2003 – 2006), despite the regulatory environment.The analysis, done from the perspective of a prospective medical scheme member, aims to identify the proportion of medical scheme options affordable to each of four ‘benchmark’ families.
Securitisation in South Africa: 2000-2007
Authors: Moyo Z. , Firer C.
Published: July 2019

This paper tracks the development of the securitisation market in South Africa since the first securitisation in 1989. It gives a chronological account of securitisation issuance activity on the Bond Exchange of South Africa and identifies factors that have led to the development of the market. It also records some of the topical issues market participants face.Listing data from the Bond Exchange of South Africa was sorted and analysed. The views of market participants were captured through interviews and by attendance of the 2007 annual securitisation conference.The results show that the South African securitisation market has grown exponentially over the last seven years. Market participants expect this market to continue to grow, but at a slower pace, given the pressure that world credit markets are under as a result of the sub-prime crisis in the US. Market participants identified the constraints to growth as being insufficient capacity of local investors to take up the paper. From a supply point of view the South African banks have substantial securitisation capacity that is still untapped.
A fuzzy clustering-based method for scenario analysis in strategic planning: The case of an Asian pharmaceutical company
Authors: Pishvaee M. S. , Fathi M. , Jolai F.
Published: July 2019

In today’s rapid changing market situations, many nations and companies try to keep or make better their situation and gain more market share by creating competitive advantages. Because of growing number of uncertain parameters in the environment and lack of information about the future, the strategic choice has become very complex and critical. One of the popular tools for solving the problem is scenario analysis. In this paper based on fuzzy clustering we propose a method for building, analyzing and ranking the possible scenarios. To cope with the issue of uncertain parameters of the environment in strategic planning, we use the concept of fuzzy set theory to enhance the proposed method. Finally the performance of the proposed method is illustrated in a strategic planning case in a pharmaceutical company.
Black economic empowerment in the South African mining industry: A case study of Exxaro Limited
Authors: Fauconnier A. , Mathur-Helm B.
Published: July 2019

This paper explores some of the key challenges and opportunities in the implementation of the broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) deal of Kumba Resources, which subsequently led to the formation of Exxaro Limited, a large black-owned mining conglomerate in South Africa. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with a sample of 11 leaders involved directly in the deal. The data were content-analysed and the findings suggested that BEE transactions faced numerous challenges, including finding sustainable funding, securing suitable investors, merging various cultures, dealing with fronting and leadership, and planning management and leadership succession. The study concluded that the deal led successfully to both the equitable transfer of ownership and management and to the control of financial and economic resources to a wider base of the black population. However, several malpractices were identified which may have impeded the process of achieving the intended outcomes. The article provides recommendations, indicates limitations and proposes a way forward.
Share repurchases: Which number of shares should be used by JSE-listed companies when publishing market capitalisation in annual reports?
Authors: Bester P. G. , Hamman W. D. , Brummer L. M. , Wesson N. , Steyn-Bruwer B. W.
Published: July 2019

The legalisation of share repurchases in South Africa since July 1999 introduced additional complexity to financial reporting. The repurchasing of shares by subsidiaries or share trusts has led to a new concept: the number of company shares differs from the number of group shares. Ratios like earnings per share and headline earnings per share are governed by accounting standards and circulars, and prescribe the use of the (weighted) number of group shares. No guidance exists on the calculation of market capitalisation.This article aims to determine the methods used by companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa (JSE) to calculate their number of shares when publishing market capitalisation. It was found that only about 25% of companies participating in share repurchases and publishing market capitalisation in their annual reports calculated market capitalisation based on the number of group shares. About 75% of the companies did not calculate their market capitalisation based on the number of group shares (i.e. they omitted to deduct subsidiary repurchases and/or trust consolidations in their calculation of the number of shares). It was also found that the JSE, when compiling the Top 40 index, calculates market capitalisation based on the number of company shares (i.e. ignoring subsidiary repurchases and trust consolidations). Accounting guidance is needed on the reporting of market capitalisation to ensure that this aspect is not overstated by the reporting entities.
Impact of branding and product augmentation on decision making in the B2B market
Authors: Alexander N. S. , Bick G. , Abratt R. , Bendixen M.
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the brand and product augmentation on the buyers of industrial tyres. While much has been studied about branding issues in B2C markets, very little research has been conducted in B2B markets. The research method used was a conjoint analysis experiment. The subjects were decision-making unit (DMU) members of open-pit mining companies in South Africa who purchased industrial tyres for mining operations. The results suggest that the brand is very important, followed by durability, and price. Differences of magnitude amongst the members of the DMU occurred. The impact of these findings as well as the implications for buyers and suppliers are discussed.
An analysis of corporate board networks in South Africa
Authors: Durbach I. N. , Parker H.
Published: July 2019

In this paper we analyse the networks created from directors sitting on the boards of companies in South Africa. We consider two projections of this network: a director network, in which only directors are present and two directors are linked if they sit together on one or more common boards; and a firm network, in which only firms are present and an edge indicates that the two firms share one or more directors. We describe these networks in terms of the statistical properties that they possess, and compare them to theoretical values obtained under various random network models. The network analysis is the first to be applied to a relatively small emerging economy like South Africa. We find that many of the features previously found to hold for highly-developed countries also apply here, suggesting that corporate networks may be fairly robust to stages of economic development.
A psychometric assessment of an instrument to measure a service firm’s customer-based corporate reputation
Authors: Boshoff C.
Published: July 2019

Over the years, marketers have been cautioned repeatedly about the use of measuring instruments that do not demonstrate sufficient evidence of reliability and validity, particularly construct validity. The use of marketing instruments that do not demonstrate sufficient evidence of construct validity can lead to invalid results and erroneous conclusions. In short, construct validity is not just a “nice to have” in marketing research – it is at the heart of marketing decision-making.This study assesses the psychometric properties of a recently published instrument by Walsh and Beatty (2007) to measure the customer-based corporate reputation of a service firm, and illustrates how, by using an approach proposed by Steenkamp and Trijp (1991) to assess the uni-dimensionality of the underlying dimensions of a multi-dimensional construct, one can enhance the construct validity of such an instrument. The result is a shortened, 17-item instrument with superior psychometric properties compared to the longer 31-item instrument.
Advertising agency retention: Views from South African advertisers
Authors: Jansen Van Rensburg M. , Venter P. , Strydom J. W.
Published: July 2019

Commercial reality demands long and lasting relationships that are beneficial to both advertising agencies and their clients. This article presents a conceptual model to illustrate the salient choice criteria employed by advertisers when renewing advertising agency contracts. The model was empirically tested, and data obtained from 116 respondents were subjected to factor and correlation analysis to explore the dimensionality of the retention construct. Research results support that retention is multidimensional and highlights the limitations of research that measure single factors related to retention. The model postulates that retention is the result of a good working relationship, service satisfaction, respect and support, clear terms of engagement; and affective conflict resolution. Insight into the nuances of each of these antecedents is also offered. In management practice, this model will provide valuable insight to agencies with regard to client retention management. Findings of this study may also be extended to other high-value professional service industries.
Customer service expectations in retail banking in Africa
Authors: Bick G. , Abratt R. , Möller D.
Published: July 2019

There has been very little research on customer service in the African continent. This paper determines and analyses customer service expectations of 4035 clients in retail banking across 10 African countries. In addition country differences in customer service expectations are identified. A quantitative research design was followed. Bank customers in banking halls were intercepted and interviewed about their service expectations at their bank. The survey instrument used was a questionnaire developed from the SERVQUAL model. A comparative scaling technique applying a partial rank order scale was used. The results show customer service expectations differ significantly between countries in Africa. Overall in Africa the dimension ‘responsiveness’ was the most important service requirement for retailing bank customers, followed by ‘reliability of service’. However, when analysing results by country clear differences and similarities emerge. It is important for Banks to take cross-national differences into consideration when designing and implementing a global marketing strategy, or even a Pan-African marketing strategy. Relational issues surrounding assurance and empathy are of less importance in an African context.
Performance measurement frameworks in a state controlled research organization: Can the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) be modified?
Authors: Sartorius K. , Trollip N. , Eitzen C.
Published: July 2019

The development of multiple stakeholder performance measurement frameworks (PMF) is a complex process in the public research sector. The objective of the paper was to investigate whether the performance measurement framework (PMF) of a state owned research organization could be adapted to the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). A conceptual framework developed a hybrid form of BSC that could be applied in a research setting before describing a case study setting. A case study, as well as a survey was employed to investigate the research questions. The results suggest that the research sector PMF incorporated the properties the organization’s value chain, as well as reflected its strategies and key actions. Furthermore, suitable performance measures had been created for all the organization’s stakeholders. Further inductive analysis indicated that the PMF resembled a hybrid form of BSC based on the Moullin (2002) public sector framework. Finally, the results indicated that the PMF motivated its researchers at operations level, however, a survey of opinions suggests there was a significant difference in opinion between different categories of researchers.
Portfolio management practices of investment practitioners active in the long-term insurance industry
Authors: Mostert J. H. , Steel S. J. , Mostert F. J.
Published: July 2019

In the long-term insurance industry, sound financial investment decisions depend largely on the portfolio management practices of the investment practitioners concerned. The ability of the investment practitioners to make well-informed decisions, as well as the strategies and policies underlying portfolio management practices, are the main issues of this research. Important correlations amongst various aspects of the financial investment decisionmaking process, as well as their association with the general information pertaining to the long-term insurers (which were disclosed during the empirical study), emerge in the closing section of this paper. The conclusions should be of prime interest to long-term insurers as well as investment practitioners who are working in that industry.
The demography of globalisation
Authors: Sadie J. L.
Published: July 2019

Demographic globalisation, as the counterpart of economic globalisation, is interpreted as the movement towards a state depicted as the "global village" where there are no official impediments to the cross-border movement of people. Such movement is posited as the outcome of inter-country disequilibria which determine the levels of the propensity to migrate. Relevant problems are addressed such as whether the international trade in goods and services can serve as substitute for migration of labour (accompanied or unacompanied by dependents); demographic complementarity between more and less developed countries; the type of labour demanded by countries of immigration; demographically perverse migratory flows; the socio-economic problems ensuing from the formation of numerically strong ethnic minorities in host countries; and what the outlook is for the realisation, in demographic terms, of a global village mode.
Africa and the challenges of globalisation: Agenda for action
Authors: Asante S. K.B.
Published: July 2019

As we enter the brave new world of the 21st century, a critical analysis of Africa's position in the globalising world economy with a view to grasping fully the policy challenges that lie ahead has become increasingly necessary. To this end, the paper addresses not only the challenges which globalisation poses to Africa; it also draws attention to the general denunciation, in Africa, of the phenomenon of globalisation. It is argued that while Africa cannot resist globalisation, it can at least make adjustments in economic policies that will enable the African countries to achieve gains while conceding losses. Hence an agenda for action has been provided to highlight a number of key areas on which policy should focus attention.
Managerial modes of conflict resolution in the banking industry
Authors: Slabbert A. D.
Published: July 2019

The Thomas Killman Conflict Mode Instrument is widely used to assess conflict management styles. The instrument uses two parameters, i.e. assertiveness and cooperation, resulting in five distinct styles: avoiding, competing, collaborating, accommodating and compromising. Twenty five senior- and twenty five junior managers in the banking industry (2 particular companies) completed the questionnaire, answering in the context of their relationships with each other. Results indicate significant differences between the two groups. Senior management prefers the assertive styles (competing and collaborating) with scant attention to cooperation, while middle management primarily uses the avoiding style, which is both uncooperative and unassertive. The implications of these findings are discussed, leading to particular recommendations.
The search for a new economic system continues
Authors: Blignaut J. N.
Published: July 2019

No abstract available.
Physicians' Dissatisfaction
Authors: Cocco Giuseppe
Published: July 2019

The review deals with “physicians' dissatisfaction (PD) due to working conditions.” The definition of PD is not standardized, and therefore, published papers report different data. It is, however, undeniable that the position of the physicians within the society has altered dramatically and that these changes are distressing. Every human deserves the right to be happy and fulfilled in his/her vocation. Too many physicians dislike their work after some years in practice. Of note, the financial aspect is not the first relevant cause of their dissatisfaction. The most important causes of dissatisfaction are the loss of autonomy, political mismanagement, and many bureaucratic hurdles. The increasing dissatisfaction among many physicians cannot simply be dismissed as inconvenient. The causes of their dissatisfaction are real because they interfere with a good medical care of patients. Dissatisfied physicians can negatively influence the workplace. Physicians should enjoy good working conditions and communities to which they can connect. This will allow them to devote time and energy building ties in their communities. There is an urgent need for all stakeholders to reconsider how to create a working environment that would reduce PD.
Improving Indoor Localization Based on Artificial Neural Network Technology
Authors: Han Chen Chi , Shiang Cheng Rung
Published: July 2019

Wireless networks are ubiquitous nowadays and hence provide a promising approach for indoor localization. Many algorithms have been proposed for exploiting wireless signals for localization purposes. Among the methods, ANNbased methods have attracted particular attention due to their robustness in complex signal environments. However, their accuracy is still degraded by multi-path effects, signal fluctuations, and so on. Accordingly, this study commences by examining the effects of fluctuations in the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurement on the accuracy of an ANN-based localization algorithm. This study list some strategies and illustrate by simulation experiment. Based on the investigation results, a systematic methodology is proposed for improving the localization performance by increasing the number of APs. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by means of numerical simulations.
Post-Devonian movement on the Fredericton Fault and tectonic activity in the New Brunswick Platform, central New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Park Adrian F. , Hinds Steven J.
Published: July 2019

The Norumbega Fault system is traced from southern New England to Prince Edward Island, and its major strike-slip history is pre-Carboniferous. Carboniferous and later movements are less well constrained. Along the Fredericton Fault in western New Brunswick, offsets affect outcrops of Carboniferous strata in several ways. Revision of Carboniferous stratigraphy in this area using new miospore data and mapping of new exposures augmented by LiDAR imagery permits refinement of some of the post-Devonian movement history. The oldest post-Silurian unit recognized, the Longs Creek Formation, is fault-dissected and tightly folded, with faults and folds overlapped by the unconformity at the base of the upper Visean Shin Formation. The age of the Longs Creek Formation is uncertain and may be late Devonian to early Visean. Faults affecting the Shin Formation and Royal Road basalts are truncated by the unconformity at the base of the Bolsovian Minto Formation. Beneath this unconformity the presence of fault-bounded panels of vertical Langsettian strata (Boss Point and Deerwood formations) along the Fredericton Fault demonstrate late Visean to Serpukhovian, and post-Langsettian, pre-Bolsovian (Duckmantian) movements. At least three phases of movement can be seen affecting the Minto Formation. All the movement phases along the Fredericton Fault appear to be right-lateral strike-slip, except for one phase of post-Bolsovian left-lateral displacement.
Novel preservation state of Dolerotheca (medullosalean male organ) from the Late Pennsylvanian of the Sydney Coalfield, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Zodrow Erwin L. , Mastalerz Maria
Published: July 2019

A new preservation state for the medullosalean male organ Dolerotheca is exemplified by a detached 31-mm sideritic mold with intact coalified compression from shale from the roof of a coal seam in the Sydney Coalfield, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. Clearly recognizable in the specimen is the quadripartite campanulum. Furthermore, maceration yielded significant internal information on acellular, cuticular, stomatiferous and pubescent surfaces, and prepollen sacs with grains. Stomata are rare and of the cyclocytic type. The rectangular prepollen sacs occur as doubly paired rows of sporangia that are radially arranged, and contain ellipsoidal prepollen grains 400−520 μm long and circular prepollen grains 330−460 μm in diameter. The approximate ratio of circular to ellipsoidal grains is 1:2. Regardless of shape, the prepollen grains are attributable to the genus Monoletes. The circular grains bear vestigial trilete marks. Infrared-based functional-group chemistry distinguishes between the cover-type compression state and prepollen grains on the basis of higher aliphatic and oxygenated group contents in the grains. In summary, the specimen represents a novel state of nodular preservation with intact compression.  Although the specimen is attributed to the genus Dolerotheca, specific assignment is not possible because of limited preservation and material.
Discretización de la red para el análisis del flujo transitorio
Authors: Twyman J.
Published: July 2019

Al aplicar el método de las características en el análisis transitorio se debe discretizar la red de tuberías de forma tal que se evite la aparición de errores debido al incumplimiento de Courant, lo cual puede ser difícil de conseguir ya que los sistemas generalmente están compuestos por tuberías diversas en cuanto a sus características físicas (longitud, material constituyente, etc.). Para solucionar esto existen técnicas como el método de ajuste de la velocidad de la onda (MAVO) que, pese a ser un método fácil de aplicar, debe cumplir con varias condiciones difíciles de verificar, aún en sistemas muy simples. Al analizar un sistema más complejo se concluye que el expediente de eliminar los tramos conflictivos o reemplazarlos por tuberías ficticias permite obtener una solución cercana a la exacta sin necesidad de aplicar el MAVO, en tiempos de ejecución bajos y sin afectar en forma sensible la calidad de los resultados.