bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Half a Century of Studying Genotype × Environment Interactions in Plant Breeding Experiments
Authors: Elias Ani A. , Robbins Kelly R. , Doerge R.W. , Tuinstra Mitchell R.
Published: August 2016

Variation in crop performance is directly affected by the environment in which the plant grows. Analyses and estimation of genotype × environment interactions (G×E) have the potential to provide information about the characteristics of genotypes, identify elite genotypes and suitable environmental conditions, establish breeding objectives, and make recommendations for crop management practices. For the past half century, a variety of statistical models have been used for estimating G×E in plant breeding field experiments to facilitate the allocation of superior genotypes to the target population of environments. The most commonly used models are described in this review starting with linear regression and ANOVA models. We then describe modifications in the form of multiplicative models, models that can accommodate external variables, and mixed effect models. Quantification of differential effects of segments of a genome across environments is shown by exploiting marker × environment (M×E) interactions. We close with a brief overview of some nonparametric concepts that aim to understand genotypic stability.
What Should Students in Plant Breeding Know About the Statistical Aspects of Genotype × Environment Interactions?
Authors: van Eeuwijk Fred A. , Bustos‐Korts Daniela V. , Malosetti Marcos
Published: August 2016

A good statistical analysis of genotype × environment interactions (G × E) is a key requirement for progress in any breeding program. Data for G × E analyses traditionally come from multi‐environment trials. In recent years, increasingly data are generated from managed stress trials, phenotyping platforms, and high throughput phenotyping techniques in the field. Simultaneously, and complementary to the phenotyping, more elaborate genotyping and envirotyping occur. All of these developments further increase the importance of a sound statistical framework for analyzing G × E. This paper presents considerations on such a framework from the point of view of the choices that need to be made with respect to the content of short academic courses on statistical methods for G × E. Based on our experiences in teaching statistical methods to plant breeders, for specialized G × E courses between three and 5 d are reserved. The audience in such courses includes MSc students, PhD students, postdocs, and researchers at breeding companies. For such specialized courses, we propose a collection of topics to be covered. Our outlook on G × E analyses is two‐fold. On the one hand, we see the G × E problem as the building of predictive models for genotype‐specific reaction norms. On the other hand, the G × E problem consists in the identification of suitable variance‐covariance models to describe heterogeneity of genetic variance and correlations across environments. Our preferred class of statistical models is the class of mixed linear‐bilinear models. These statistical models allow us to answer breeding questions on adaptation, adaptability, stability, and the identification and subdivision of the target population of environments. By a citation analysis of the literature on G × E, we show that our preference for mixed linear‐bilinear models for analyzing G × E is supported by recent trends in the types of methods for G × E analysis that are most frequently cited.
Introduction to a Special Issue on Genotype by Environment Interaction
Authors: de Leon Natalia , Jannink Jean‐Luc , Edwards Jode W. , Kaeppler Shawn M.
Published: August 2016

Expression of a phenotype is a function of the genotype, the environment, and the differential sensitivity of certain genotypes to different environments, also known as genotype by environment (G × E) interaction. This special issue ofCrop Scienceincludes a collection of manuscripts that reviews the long history of G ×E research, describes new and innovative ideas, and outlines future challenges. Improving our understanding of these complex interactions is expected to accelerate plant breeding progress, minimize risk through improved cultivar deployment, and improve the efficiency of crop production through informed agriculture. Achieving these goals requires the integration of broad and diverse science and technology disciplines.
Effects of Biochar Amendment on Soil Thermal Properties in the North China Plain
Authors: Zhao Jiankun , Ren Tusheng , Zhang Qingzhong , Du Zhangliu , Wang Yiding
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

Biochar may change the surface soil heat balance.

Biochar significantly decreased soil thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity.

Changes were mainly attributed to soil bulk density and the biochar itself.

Few studies have examined the effects of biochar amendment on soil thermal properties. Soil thermal properties dominate the storage and conduction of heat in soil, affect soil temperature and water and heat movement, and consequently influence plant growth and soil biochemical processes. A 7‐yr field experiment was performed to investigate the effects on soil thermal properties of biochar amendment at three application rates: 0 (control), 4.5 t ha−1 yr−1 (B4.5), and 9.0 t ha−1 yr−1 (B9.0). Soil heat capacity (C), thermal conductivity (λ), and thermal diffusivity (α) of the 0‐ to 5‐cm‐depth topsoil were determined throughout a corn (Zea mays L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing period using a heat pulse method. The results showed that soil bulk density was decreased significantly by biochar (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in soil water content between the control and biochar treatments. There was no significant difference in the soil volumetric heat capacity between the control and biochar treatments. Soil thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity were decreased significantly by biochar (P < 0.05). There was a strong positive relationship between soil thermal conductivity and bulk density, and between soil thermal conductivity and water content (P < 0.001, n = 99). In contrast, there was a strong negative relationship between soil thermal conductivity and biochar amount (P < 0.001, n = 99). The reduction in soil thermal diffusivity may be attributed largely to the low thermal diffusivity of biochar and the decrease in soil bulk density caused by biochar.
Postseason Diagnosis of Potassium Deficiency in Soybean Using Seed Potassium Concentration
Authors: Parvej Md. Rasel , Slaton Nathan A. , Fryer Matthew S. , Roberts Trenton L. , Purcell Larry C.
Published: August 2016

Core Ideas

Seed‐K concentrations accounted for 60% of the variation in relative yield of unfertilized soybean for 100 site‐years in North America.

The proposed deficient seed‐K concentration (<16.5 g kg−1) identified fields that responded positively to fertilizer K 77% of the time.

Seed‐K concentration difference with and without fertilizer K decreased with the increase of soil K.

Seed‐K concentrations can help diagnose reasons for low yields and correct K deficiency for subsequent crops.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed nutrient concentrations may be useful for postseason diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies to identify reasons for lower‐than‐expected yields. Our objective was to determine the relationships between seed‐K and soil‐K concentrations and relative soybean yield and to develop potential seed‐K concentration thresholds for diagnosis of K deficiency as a yield‐limiting factor. Soil‐test K and seed‐K concentrations and yield data were collected from published and unpublished K fertilization research conducted in Arkansas (33 site‐years), Indiana (1 site‐year), Iowa (34 site‐years), Missouri (1 site‐year), Tennessee (6 site‐years), Virginia (1 site‐year), and Canada (24 site‐years). Seed‐K concentrations accounted for 66% of the variation in relative yield of soybean receiving no fertilizer K for Arkansas, 48% for Iowa, 78% for Canada, and 60% for North America from a database that included 100 site‐years. The critical seed‐K concentration ranges were 15.6 to 17.0 g K kg−1 for Arkansas, 17.4 to 20.0 g K kg−1 for Iowa, 14.6 to 16.2 g K kg−1 for Canada, and 16.5 to 17.7 g K kg−1 for North America. Seed‐K concentrations below the lower threshold for North America accurately predicted positive yield responses to fertilizer K at 77% of the sites classified as deficient. The difference between seed‐K concentration of soybean grown with and without fertilizer K decreased linearly as soil‐K concentration increased and plateaued when soil‐K concentration was ≥87, 139, 73, and 104 mg K kg−1 for Arkansas, Iowa, Canada, and North America, respectively. Results suggest that seed‐K concentrations can be used to aid in the diagnosis of K deficiency at maturity.
Afectaciones psicosociales relacionadas con despenalización de marihuana en consumidores jóvenes de Bello - Niquía
Authors: Peláez Olarte Daniela , Ochoa Parra Jessica Magaly , Llano Sierra Laura , Torres Benítez Mariana , Martínez Saldarriaga Mayra Gisella , Mejía López Katerine , Catalina Caicedo Cano Catalina
Published: August 2016

Confirmada la despenalización en Colombia, se genera impacto en algunas dinámicas sociales como la libre expresión de la personalidad, la legislación de la autoridad y algunas afectaciones psicosociales que se transforman en la sociedad. Este artículo presenta por medio de un análisis categorial, obtenido a partir de entrevistas semiestruturada que recogieron una visión de la problemática del consumo de marihuana, orientada a identificar las afectaciones psicosociales relacionadas con la despenalización en jóvenes del sector Bello - Niquía, como resultado de la investigación del semillero de Farmacodependencia.Por otra parte, en los jóvenes se identificó que al comienzo del consumo de marihuana hubo prevalencia en los fines recreativos, donde la motivación fue la curiosidad y descubrir diferentes sensaciones, encontrando una vía tranquilizadora respecto a las problemáticas familiares y personales. A medida que el consumo fue tomando lugar en la realidad de los entrevistados, la dosis y la frecuencia aumentó; esta prevalencia es consecuente con hipótesis como: un nivel de dependencia, exigencias de un círculo social o que involucren con mayor intensidad las dinámicas personales y familiares.En conclusión, el consumo en el sector Bello - Niquía es un fenómeno de impacto social, que involucra la interacción de algunos jóvenes y que dentro de su misma realidad, existen causas que movilizan la inmersión al consumo desde fines recreativos hasta niveles de dependencia; en diferentes contextos sociales los consumidores se sienten estigmatizados, aunque existe una aceptación parcial cuando de uso recreativo se trata
Intercambio académico, una experiencia de crecimiento personal, profesional, laboral, académico y cultural
Authors: Marín Marín Santiago
Published: August 2016

En este artículo se hace una reflexión sobre lo que significa un intercambio académico y la importancia del desarrollo del mismo, a partir de la experiencia del autor como estudiante de Administración de Empresas de la Fundación Universitaria Luis Amigó (Funlam) sede Medellín, al hacer parte del programa de movilidad académica por convenio entre la Universidad de Caldas en la ciudad de Manizales y la Funlam, para el segundo semestre académico de 2014; allí en dicho intercambio, es posible observar cómo la diversidad de culturas enriquecen la movilidad académica y permite que estudiantes de diferentes naciones compartan sus experiencias de estudio con los connacionales del país anfitrión.
La cultura: un detonante en la globalización
Authors: Palacio Restrepo Manuela Valentina , Aguirre Serna Luisa María
Published: August 2016

La cultura es un  concepto de gran amplitud y complejidad que se convierte en un obstáculo para lograr crear lazos entre individuos de distintas partes del mundo. A pesar de ello, por medio de la aparición de nuevos conceptos como la interculturalidad y multiculturalidad, se ha logrado romper estos paradigmas que han impedido entrelazar dos o más culturas distintas, siendo una oportunidad de desarrollo en la globalización actual.  Es casi imposible comprender este concepto de cultura si no se pone en un contexto real, es decir, en países donde esta defina todos los aspectos en la vida humana y social ; por esta  razón el Continente Asiático se convierte en el foco de este artículo, particularmente India, China y Japón, realidades que no son imposibles de comprender o interactuar ni para una persona común o una gran empresa como McDonald’s que luego de sobrepasar muchos obstáculos en las tres culturas logró consolidar su negocio, al conocer y  adaptarse a la cultura particular de estos tres países.
Formación en investigación para los futuros maestros en el contexto de los semilleros
Authors: Ramírez Roldán Fabián Esteban
Published: August 2016

Los semilleros de investigación se han convertido en un espacio sustancial para la formación en investigación en las instituciones de educación superior. En los programas de licenciatura en particular, los semilleros juegan un papel preponderante debido a la necesidad de profesionales docentes con una formación investigativa coherente con las problemáticas que subyacen al contexto educativo colombiano. En este artículo se reflexiona en torno al lugar que ocupa la investigación en el desarrollo profesional de los maestros en formación desde dos ángulos: el académico y el personal. Para ello, aborda características y competencias propias del investigador como la reflexividad, el trabajo cooperativo y el pensamiento crítico, y explora la manera como los semilleros favorecen su desarrollo. Finalmente, se concluye que los semilleros de investigación aportan de manera significativa a la construcción del perfil académico y personal de los futuros maestros.
Aproximación a la comprensión de las conductas de consumo desde el marco jurídico colombiano y psicosocial
Authors: Granada de Espinal Luz Amparo , Córdoba Perea Deyner Andrés , Chaparro Laverde Lida Jasmín
Published: August 2016

Las conductas de consumo han sido permanentes en el ser humano y en la sociedad, logrando ser objeto de estudio de disciplinas científicas como son: el mercadeo, la economía, la publicidad, la psicología del consumidor, la sociología, el derecho, entre otras, las que se han dado a la tarea de vislumbrar el fenómeno del consumo como una actividad empresarial, económica, jurídica y psicosocial que tiene como objetivo analizar al consumidor desde visiones e intereses diferentes en los que se enmarcan  cada una de estas áreas. En este sentido el siguiente artículo es  una construcción que tiene como propósito contribuir al entendimiento de las conductas de consumo desde una perspectiva jurídica y psicosocial, además, de la  incidencia de la publicidad en los procesos emocionales del comprador.
Mobile banking in South Africa: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Assensoh-Kodua Akwesi , Migiro Stephen , Mutambara Emmanuel
Published: August 2016

Mobile banking in South Africa recently has undergone rapid growth, and research on it is on the increase. This paper seeks to improve authors’ understanding of the current state of knowledge of mobile banking in South Africa by providing a systematic review of the existing literature on the phenomenon. The literature review shows that research to date has centred on small academic models with a high level of practitioner involvement, consequently, narrowing research issues of greater concern. Thus, issues of assessing mobile banking needs, factors imparting continuance usage, and the measurement of impact have been comparatively neglected. A future direction for research and practice within the mainstream of mobile banking and financial services is suggested to remedy this imbalance and to contribute to mobile banking applications in South Africa
Capital structure and performance of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) banks: an assessment of credit rating
Authors: A. El-Masry Ahmed
Published: August 2016

The firm’s credit rating is an important communication tool and previous research has shown that many companies consider it important in capital structure decisions. This study examines the determinants of capital structure in MENA banks. In addition, it investigates the determinants of credit rating. Further, the impact of credit rating and capital structure on banks’ performance is examined. Therefore, this study is an attempt to answer the following questions: 1) what are the main determinants of capital structure? 2) how does credit rating affect capital structure? 3) what are the main determinants of credit rating? and 4) what is the effect of capital structure and credit rating on bank performance? The sample covers 169 banks and is divided into two sub-samples: rated (79) and non-rated banks (90). The results indicate that credit rating directly affects the capital structure decisions as rated banks use more debts than non-rated banks. Banks’ performance is positively associated with credit rating and negatively with the capital structure. This study has an implication on investors in their decisions to invest in the banking industry. It also helpful for policy makers to understand how bank’s capital structure behaves so they could take it into consideration when issuing new regulations such as Basel
Can the ECB save the Euro zone?
Authors: Cencini Alvaro
Published: August 2016

The European project of monetary unification is under threat as never before. It is, therefore, high time to point out what went wrong and what should be done to reform the Eurosystem accordingly. This paper shows that Euro zone member countries are de facto still lacking a single currency and a monetary system that would allow for the final payment of cross-border transactions. Starting from the RTGS mechanism adopted by the Eurosystem and from a comparison with the working of domestic payment systems, it describes the changes required to transform the ECB into a bank of central banks capable to guarantee the existence of a true system of intra-European payments, with or without a single European currency (that is, with or without the loss of Euro zone countries’ monetary sovereignty)
An exploratory study on the impact of social media of selected commercial banks in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Yakobi Khulekani , Sibongiseni Ngcamu Bethuel
Published: August 2016

The emergence of social media in financially high-risk institutions has had a negative impact on employees’ perceptions towards utilization of social media for team collaboration and communication. This study investigates social media impact in commercial banks and explores the contribution it has brought among teams, thus, ascertaining collaboration and effective communication within the banking industry. It adopted a quantitative research method whereby 194 questionnaires were distributed and 102 completed, thereby generating a response rate of 53%. The study findings revealed 60% of the research participants who agreed, 14% undecided, and 27% disagreed that social media present an opportunity for people to commit fraud and attracts hackers. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge in South Africa as there is a limited number of published studies on the impact of social media in financial institutions
Market orientation and performance: the contingency role of external environment
Authors: Ngek Neneh Brownhilder
Published: August 2016

In today’s business environment characterized by intense competition from globalization and incessantly changing customer needs, market orientation (MO) has been presented as a valuable approach for firms to safeguard themselves against market fluctuations and maintain continuous superior performance. Even though existing literature suggest that MO is a vital driver of business performance, some studies have failed to find its benefits. This is possibly because the MO-performance relationship is has been argued to be context specific and contingent to the business environment. This study thus had as objective to investigate the impact of MO on SME performance, as well as the moderating effects of the external environment on the MO- performance nexus. Using data from South Africa, this study showed that two of the three dimensions of MO (i.e. customer orientation, competitor focus) are significant drivers of business performance and that the MO-performance nexus is moderated by the external environmental factors. Specifically the MO-performance relationship is positively moderated by market turbulence and negative moderated by technological turbulence and competitive intensity. The study culminates with theoretical and practical implications that can be valuable for scholars and businesses operating in South Africa
A multiagent game theoretical approach to adverse selection in corporate financing
Authors: ELFakir Adil , Tkiouat Mohamed
Published: August 2016

In this research the authors tried to solve the adverse selection problem in the Mudaraba contracts with respect to the projects privately known prospects. The authors introduced a model of two contracts characterized by an adverse selection index for each contract. They have managed to find that a case of market breakdown can occur because the efficient agent might mimic the inefficient agent. The authors, then, managed to develop a ‘Mimicking Likelihood Index’ whereby one can infer whether a type of an agent has a tendency to mimic the other type. In the same context, the authors developed a “Relative Adverse Selection” index to measure which type of agents has more tendencies to select a specific type of contracts. These findings should help Islamic financial institutions in their agent selection process and hedge its risky Mudaraba contracts
Is there a link between economic growth and SMEs success in South Africa
Authors: van Scheers Louise
Published: August 2016

This research analyzes whether there is a link between economic growth and SMEs success in South Africa. The South African economy can only grow with the contribution of growing sustainably SMEs which will accelerate economic growth. The research concluded that SME success has a positive impact on sustainable economic growth in South Africa and that there is a link between economic growth and SME success. The conducted research recommends that by improving the success rate of SME, the South Africa’s stagnating economy
Various moving average convergence divergence trading strategies: a comparison
Authors: Hoang Hung Nguyen
Published: August 2016

Some studies published recently (Dejan Eric, 2009; R. Rosillo, 2013; Terence Tai-Leung Chong, 2008; Ülkü and Prodan, 2013) uncover that moving average convergence divergence (MACD) trading rules have predictive ability in many countries. The MACD trading strategies applied by these papers to execute the trading signals are various. This study analyzes the performance of a MACD trading strategy (MACD-4 in the current study), which is applied popularly by practitioners, but was not tested by prior academicians. Furthermore, the author compares the performance of each of the strategies on a group of markets to identify the best one. Before considering the costs, the author finds that the MACD-4 trading strategy has predictive ability. The best performance is MACD strategy applied by Terence Tai-Leung Chong (2008). This strategy is also the most effective one if it is applied in a high trading cost environmentm because the numbers of trades created are the lowest. Especially, the strategy applied by R. Rosillo (2013) is unpredictable in the selected samples
A simple analysis of the effect of the child support grant on school enrolment in South Africa
Authors: Biyase Mduduzi
Published: August 2016

This paper studies the impact of the child support grant on school enrolment in South Africa. It is based on the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) data set for South Africa for the year 2008. Using the probit model, the author find some encouraging evidence to suggest that indeed the child support grant helps in the way of improving school enrolment in South Africa. More specifically, the author found that the child support grant increases school enrolment by about 10 percentage points
The status of small business growth and entrepreneurial start-up capital availability during the current extended economic downturn
Authors: J.F. Southern Lloyd
Published: August 2016

Since the 2007 and 2008 economic downturn in the United States and most other countries of the world, it has become difficult for small business and entrepreneurial start-ups to obtain funds for expansion and seed capital even if they are brave enough to attempt to grow their businesses or startups in the depressed widespread economic conditions. Different sources of possible funding are reviewed along with short and long term costs and benefits of each are discussed. Good decision making and wise choices are discussed and encouraged from a long term business success perspective
The use of traditional marketing tools by SMEs in an emerging economy: a South African perspective
Authors: C. Cant Michael , A. Wiid Johannes
Published: August 2016

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in all economies around the world, they are responsible for creating of jobs, alleviating of poverty, contributing to innovation and to the gross domestic product of a country. However, many of these businesses face challenges and often fail within a short period of time. The success of small businesses is not only having products and a market to sell them to but also effective marketing of these products to the targeted market. A vast array of studies have investigated SME marketing tool usage however few have looked to SMEs in emerging economies and specifically to the traditional marketing tools such firms employ. Therefore the focus of this study was to describe the usage of traditional marketing tools employed by SMEs from a South African perspective. This study followed a quantitative research methodology whereby a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to SME owners within the Gauteng province of South Africa. Results obtained from this research indicate that SME owners mostly make use of print media while broadcast media is used selectively. Results obtained within this study will be of value universally to SME owners as it can be seen that all SMEs irrespective of geographic location face similar challenges
Strategic management and management of personnel costs: employing young people in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Mura Ladislav , Žuľová Jana , MadleHák Adam
Published: August 2016

This paper focuses on evaluating strategic management of the labor market through legislated active labor market measures introduced in the Slovak Republic to support youth employment. Based on the presented statistical data and managerial and legal analysis of the labor market in the Slovak Republic, with particular emphasis on the economic status of young people, two key parts of the adopted strategic document should provide better economic security for young adults. From the point of view of employers the initiatives are an attractive means for incorporating young adults into the economy, especially because this allows for increased active management of personnel costs that are directly related to compensatory incentives from the side of state agencies for employment of young people. This strategic management creates possibilities for employers to gain access to lower labor costs and to realize significant cost savings. Supporting data are presented graphically and at the same time the cost savings for employers are calculated. Overall, these two analyses demonstrate the practical effect of the new strategic measures on corporate management of personnel costs
Performance of South African private-public partnerships
Authors: Matshonisa Seeletse Solly
Published: August 2016

Huge monetary investments are made towards private-public partnerships (PPPs) in an effort to develop South Africa. These PPPs are based on emulations from international benchmarks. Many developed countries benefit from skillful use of PPPs. The paper is based on concerns that, in South Africa, many PPP projects do not reach finalization. Others only reach finalization from additional funding after exhausting initial invested funds. Some causes of barriers of success of these PPPs are reported. Respondents are 39 past PPP participants. A self-administered unstructured questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. The results show negligence and wrong deployment as main causes of the failures in which the government side is a grave wrongdoer. Recommendations found to be necessary for improving PPP performance are suggested
Prospect theory as an explanation for resistance to organizational change: some management implications
Authors: J. Adriaenssen Daniel , Johannessen Jon-Arild
Published: August 2016

The problem in organizational change projects is that people often resist organizational change. Many change projects in organizations do not reach their goals. The question is why? This paper investigates how prospect theory can be used to explain people’s resistance to organizational change. Prospect theory is based on research from Kahneman and Tversky. If we know why people resist organizational change, we as leaders can do something to promote the change project. The objective of this article is to advise managers and leaders on ways of reducing resistance to organizational change. The authors identify seven propositions that explain how managerial strategies reduce organizational change. They recommend seven measures that may be employed by management to obtain support for projects implementing organizational change
Impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth in Africa
Authors: D. Awolusi Olawumi , P. Adeyeye Olufemi
Published: August 2016

Several studies have been conducted to examine the influence of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow on economic growth. Indeed, the overall evidence is best characterized as mixed. This paper investigates the effect of FDI on economic growth in some randomly selected African economies from 1980 to 2013, using a modified growth model by Agrawal and Khan (2011). This model consists of Gross Domestic Product, Human Capital, International Technology Transfer, Labor Force, FDI and Gross Capital Formation (GCF). Ordinary least squares and generalized method of moments were used as the estimation techniques. Of all the results, only Gross Capital Formation, Human Capital, and International Technology Transfer in the Central African Republic were found not to have any statistically significant influence on economic growth. In general, the impact of FDI on economic growth in African countries is limited or negligible. Consequently, this study observes that a 1% increase in FDI would result in a 0.12% increase in GDP for South Africa, a 0.05% increase in Egypt, a 0.03% increase in Nigeria, a 0.02% increase in Kenya, and a 1% increase in GDP in the Central African Republic. The findings also reveal that South Africa’s growth is more affected by FDI than the other four countries. The study also provides possible reasons behind South Africa’s great show of FDI and the lessons other African countries could learn from South Africa better utilization of FDI. This study integrates the related drivers of the effectiveness and success of FDI
Resource-based view as a perspective management model in Russian reality
Authors: S. Balashova Elena , A. Gromova Elizaveta
Published: August 2016

Time after time, different economies, such as the world economy or a national economy, are exposed to diverse fluctuations of various origins. The reasons for this can be multifold. Thus, in the context of an economic crisis, staying ahead of competition is vital for any company’s survival. In addition, each year, the global competition becomes tougher. The fundamental question of modern management of an enterprise is how to achieve competitive advantage and hold it. Consequently, the effective management of an enterprise, based on a rational use of resources, comes to the fore. The goal of this research is to analyze one of the models of modern resource management – resource-based view and to relate this model of management to the current state of the Russian economy. Theoretical and practical aspects of the model are presented. Development of the resource-based view at the Russian retail chain – X5 Retail Group is separately allocated. It is the unique practical example of using above mentioned concept in Russia. The possibility of implementing the resource-based view is considered in the context of the current economic situation in the country. Summarizing, resource-based view can become a truly breakthrough strategy in the context of the Russian economic situation
Strategic entrepreneurship and intrapreneurial intensity
Authors: Stokvik Hanne , J. Adriaenssen Daniel , Johannessen Jon-Arild
Published: August 2016

Problem: the concept of strategic entrepreneurship remains underdeveloped. Research question: how can various aspects of strategic entrepreneurship provide us with more insight into intrapreneurial intensity? Purpose: to shed some light on the concept of strategic entrepreneurship. The aim is to discuss three aspects of strategic entrepreneurship: risk, knowledge processes and value creation. Methodology: conceptual generalization. Findings: 1. A mini-theory is developed on the basis of the insights reached. 2. A development of Kirzner’s concept of hidden knowledge as the foundation for entrepreneurship and innovation in organizations
Globalization, medical travel and healthcare management in Bangladesh
Authors: Mahboob Ali Muhammad , Medhekar Anita
Published: August 2016

There is an increasing evidence of people from Bangladesh travelling to neighboring countries of Asia, such as India, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore for medical treatment due to poor quality of healthcare services, high cost, and non-availability of speciality medical treatment and facilities. Medical travel is a practise where patients travel to other countries for diagnostic, pathological and complex invasive surgeries due to various push factors in their home country which prevents them for getting affordable, accessible and accredited quality of medical treatment in a timely manner, due to high cost of surgery, uninsured, long waiting period, non-availability of treatment, lack of medical facilities and proper care, lack of trained doctors and nurses, ethical and regulatory reasons, corruption and inadequate public or private medical facilities. This study is based on qualitative and quantitative analysis to examine why people are travelling from Bangladesh to India for medical treatment. Quantitative data were randomly collected from six divisional cities of Bangladesh: Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshai, Barisal and Khulna and two districts Comilla and Bogra. A total of 1282 participants, out of 1450 returned the questionnaires. Data were analyzed using regression analysis. The results concluded that the pull factors that motivated Bangladeshis to travel to India for medical treatment were: low cost of surgery, qualified experienced doctors, quality of nursing care, non-availability of treatment in Bangladesh, and state of the art medical facilities and treatment in India, which concurs with the literature
The effect of modern office technology on management performance: Durban Westville
Authors: Pfano Mashau , Beharry Andrisha
Published: August 2016

It is difficult to think of a situation where businesses can do well without the use of modern office technology, in particular, items like computers and telephones. It is extremely difficult to determine if businesses depend on technology or if technology creates business opportunities. Modern office technology is correlated with positive change in management performance. Using a quantitative approach, 67 questionnaires were sent to middle and upper-level business managers in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Modern office technology makes significant difference in a workplace. Office technologies enhance performance and this can only be seen if the office is equipped with relevant and needed technologies. There is a strong correlation between the right use of office technologies and positive change in management performance. It is recommended that office managers still procure modern office technology to increase performance. The challenge is to harness this newly emerging technology for the benefit of the business. This study concludes that technological advancement has a positive effect on our quality of life and the way we do business, and this trend is expected to keep escalating
Sustaining employment through administrative management experiential learning in an open distance learning institution
Authors: Eric Nenzhelele Tshilidzi
Published: August 2016

The supply of business and management graduates to the labor market has grown significantly. However, these graduates still find themselves without employment for years. This is because employment is lagging behind economic growth. As a result, unemployment rate in South Africa has increased from 22% in 1994 to 25% in 2014. In response, government, employers and managers are striving to create sustainable employment. However, creating sustainable employment is both challenging and difficult. No wonder that there is a constant cry to establish factors that enable sustainable employment. The aim of this research is to establish the impact of experiential learning in administrative management on sustainable employment. The research is quantitative in nature, and a questionnaire is used to collect data from the respondents. The research establishes that experiential learning in administrative management enables sustainable employment
Dinámica de la innovación y ganancias económicas de la producción de leche en el Valle del Mezquital, Hidalgo
Authors: Espejel-García Anastacio
Published: August 2016

El objetivo fue analizar la dinámica del uso de innovaciones pecuarias y su incidencia en las ganancias del sistema de producción de lechería familiar en el Valle del Mezquital para contribuir con elementos en la toma de decisiones e incentivar la productividad de este sistema. Se aplicó una encuesta a 66 productores de leche seleccionados mediante un muestreo simple aleatorio. Se realizó un análisis de correlación parcial para identificar aquellas variables que tuvieran incidencia con la variable ganancia. Cinco innovaciones incidieron en la mejora de la producción: alimentación con ensilado, inseminación artificial, ordeño mecánico, análisis de calidad e integración a un tanque colectivo. Se definieron tres estratos de productores con la ayuda del procedimiento K-medias de Minitab, el estrato medio resulto con una relación beneficio costo mayor que el bajo y el alto, mientras que las mayores utilidades son del estrato alto. Las variables de escala como tamaño del hato y superficie con alfalfa resultaron tener alta correlación con la ganancia y junto a las variables de innovación en aspectos nutricionales y asistencia técnica con significancia estadística (P<0.05).
The economic substantiation for choosing the hopper car for the transportation of grain
Authors: Bitutskaya Anastasiya Mikhailovna
Published: August 2016

The article studied the choice of parameters for the hopper car for transportation the most popular grain cargoes and on the basis of this calculated the required fleet. The authors point out the economic feasibility of the purchase of specialized cars only in case when the total value of required depot of cars, which is calculated by increasing the proportion of «light» cargo in the total cargo turnover, is lower for specialized cars than for universal.
Stereotype as a socio-cultural phenomenon in Russian and foreign researches’ studies
Authors: Vorojko Kristina Dmitrievna
Published: August 2016

This article is devoted to socio-cultural phenomenon of stereotyping as an object of studies of Russian and Western linguists. This study is intended for students specialized in philology and also for mainstream audience.
The establishment of WTO as a new stage of the multilateral trading system development
Authors: Medvedkov Semen Dmitrievich
Published: August 2016

This article describes the stages of formation of World trade organization (WTO), as a new aspect of multilateral trade relations regulation. It also describes the main objectives, key functions of WTO and regulations of this organization.
About educational tasks development of the subject «Transportation problem of linear programming»
Authors: Lebedeva Larisa Vladimirovna
Published: August 2016

The research offers a variant of closed transportation task of linear programming options choice, which optimal solution is defined by a standard method of potentials involving small quantity of steps.
Experimental Study on Relationship Between Mechanical, Seepage Characteristics and 3D Morphology Parameters of Marble Joint
Authors: Wang Chenlin , Guo Baohua , Wang Long
Published: August 2016

In order to investigate the influence of 3D morphology parameters of marble joint surface on its mechanical and seepage characteristics, artificial joints of coarse-grained marbles were scanned by Tianyuan OKIO-typed 3D laser scanner; and then, the professional software was used to obtain the 3D morphology parameters of marble joint surface. Tests of water flowing through a single joint were conducted under different normal stress and feeding water head by using self-developed radial flowing system, and the exponential function between flow rate per head and normal stress, the linear relation between equivalent hydraulic aperture and mechanical aperture, and the linear relation between joint closure and normal stress were obtained. The relationships between regression parameters in above three formulas and 3D morphology parameters of joint surface were also studied by fitting method. All in all, the results may provide a reference to understand the mechanical and seepage characteristics of rough rock joint.
The Shift in Existential Life Situations of Adult Children to Parents with Dementia Relocated to Nursing Homes
Authors: Høgsnes Linda , Norbergh Karl-Gustaf , Danielson Ella , Melin-Johansson Christina
Published: August 2016

Background:

Previous research describes spouses and adult children of people with dementia as a homogeneous group using one term: family caregivers. Recent research shows that the needs and experiences of spouses and adult children differ, therefore they cannot be studied as a homogeneous group.

Aims:

The aim of the study was to describe the shift in existential life situations of adult children of a parent with dementia relocated to nursing homes.

Design:

This is a qualitative study with an interpretive approach.

Methods:

Face-to-face interviews were held with 11 adult children aged 48-65 years. The interviews lasted 30–60 minutes and data were analysed using interpretive content analysis.

Findings:

The adult children described how they experienced their life situation before and after their parents’ relocation. Before relocation they described feelings of powerlessness, loneliness in their responsibilities, loss and guilt. After relocation they had feelings of freedom, ongoing responsibility, living with loss and having a new relationship with death.

Conclusion:

The most important finding in our study was that adult children developed a different relationship with death than before the parent became affected by dementia. It is essential that healthcare staff understand and address the adult children’s existential life situations and the suffering they are experiencing. Healthcare staff need to be conscious about adult children’s needs for support to address their existential life situations before and after their parents relocate to nursing homes.
Investigating the Effect of Interlayer Geo-stress Difference on Hydraulic Fracture Propagation: Physical Modeling and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Shang Xiaosen , Ding Yunhong , Yang Lifeng , Wang Yonghui , Wang Tao
Published: August 2016

The morphological control of the fracture has a great impact on the effectiveness of the hydraulic fracturing; the geostress difference between productive interval and barriers is one of controlling factors for the fracture height control. The propagation behavior of the hydraulic fracture was studied using the 3D physical simulation under conditions of the presence and absence of the interlaminar geostress difference. Combined with the result of the acoustic monitoring, the dynamic propagation process and the final shape of fracture were achieved. It shows that the lateral and vertical propagations of the fracture simultaneously occurred without the interlaminar geostress difference, and a fracture with round-shape face was finally presented. On the contrary, under the presence of the interlaminar geostress difference, due to the barrier effect of the high stress barrier on the vertical propagation of the fracture, the fracture height was obviously limited after the fracture propagated to the interval boundary. Therefore, the final shape of the fracture face was elliptical. Moreover, the extended finite element simulation was also adopted to analyze the propagation of the hydraulic fracture under two conditions mentioned above, and the result was consistent with that of the physical simulation. This verifies the feasibility of the extended finite element simulation method; therefore, this method was used to further simulate the fracture propagation behavior when several layers with different stiffness simultaneously exist. The result presents that during the fracture propagation, the fracture passed through the layer which has relatively weak stiffness and stopped before the layer which has stronger stiffness. Conclusions of this study can provide reference for the research of fracture propagation in complex geostress reservoirs.
MENERAPKAN ETIKA NILAI MAX SCHELER DALAM PERKULIAHAN PENDIDIKAN PANCASILA UNTUK MEMBANGUN KESADARAN MORAL MAHASISWA
Authors: Wahana Paulus
Published: August 2016

The universities, not only can develop the academic skill, also give lectures that are able to build the students' characters in complete. Pancasila Education, one of the subjects of character building, is hoped to be able to build the students' moral consciousness to create a high qualified life that is in accordance with Pancasila. Max Scheler is a moral philosopher who offers the material valueethic; offers the values as the basis thought for human action. According to Max Scheler's thought, the basic moral action of human beings hopefully does not stop at the consciousness to seek personal enjoyment (hedonist), and at the consciousness to obey the rules and do the obligations (deontologist), but do moral action based on their consciousness to create positive, high and objective values in human life. This piece of writing is aimed to explain the application of the Max Scheler's value-ethic as a base for Pancasila Education lecture to build students' moral consciousness. The students' moral consciousness is not only based on the moral consciousness to seek personal enjoyment and the obedience to regulations or institutions, but also the consciousness of the existence of a moral obligation to create positive, high and objective values in human life i.e. the high values of Pancasila.
FEMINISME DALAM PERGELARAN WAYANG KULIT PURWA TOKOH DEWI SHINTA, DEWI KUNTI, DEWI SRIKANDI
Authors: Ariani Iva
Published: August 2016

This research is a qualitative research which aims to understand the real position of woman in Javanesse culture based on the story of shadow puppets (wayang kulit purwa) performance and to know the values of feminism which relevant with the a woman's life in Java. The results of this study indicate that shadow puppet purwa is a phenomenal piece of art that have stories that can be used as a metaphor for human life. The values of feminism taught in shadow puppet which is that women in puppets depicted in figure Dewi Shinta, Srikandi and Kunti are the attitude of devotion and respect for her husband both in joy and sorrow, loyal and obedient to her husband though it should be a co-wife, always maintain purity, religious, and skilled defending her husband in trouble. Those values are widely used as the teaching of women's lives in Java that uphold the values of loyalty towards her husband and patience and sincerity live and life.