bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS RANKING (COMPARISON OF THREE WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS)
Authors: Techarattanased Nattapong , Sinarkorn Pleumjai
Published: June 2019

Many universities have drawn attention to world university rankings, which reflect the international competition of universities and represent their relative statuses. This study does not radically contradict all types of global university rankings but calls for an examination of the effects of their indicators on the final ranking of universities. This study investigates the indicator contribution to the ranking of universities in world university ranking systems including the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Times Higher Education (THE), and QS World University Rankings. Results showed that in the ARWU system, three indicators regarding faculty members who won Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals and papers published in Nature and Science and in the Science Citation Index and Social Science Citation Index journals predicted the ranking of universities. For the QS and THE systems, the more powerful contributors to the ranking of universities were expert-based reputation indicators.
RUSSIA'S INVESTMENT COOPERATION WITH OTHER BRICS COUNTRIES UNDER CONTEMPORARY CONDITIONS
Authors: Shavina Evgeniya
Published: June 2019

Considering today’s tense geopolitical situation (including sanctions initiated by Western countries onto Russian Federation due to the Ukrainian military conflict), cooperation between Russia and BRICS countries has special significance. Russia's interest in foreign direct investment (FDI) is growing, since the latter can significantly improve the economic situation in the country. BRICS countries have rich scientific and technological base, high potential and best practices in many vital areas, all of this can be exchanged in the course of fruitful cooperation. BRICS countries have 27% of the territory and 43% of the world's population, 25% of the world's GDP (China has 13% of the world nominal GDP, India - 5.5%, Russia - 3.7%, Brazil - 2.9%), and this statistical data only stirs up the interest in strengthening the investment cooperation between these countries. For now, BRICS participants are investing small amounts in each other's production due to a number of factors: investor distrust due to poor investment climate, large amount of risks and difficulties with production processes in some of the BRICS countries, institutional barriers to protection of intellectual property rights etc. Development of investment interaction between the BRICS countries will really take place only when the states take specific actions. In Russia, for example, it would be needed to speed up the process of improving the investment climate overall, to introduce a differentiated tax regime etc. Also, an important direction in this regard would be step-by-step implementation of the investment Road Map within BRICS. It will stimulate the activation of various forms of foreign economic interactions, primarily, foreign trade as well as industrial, scientific and technological cooperation in all fields and sectors.
FACTORS INFLUENCING EMPLOYEES’ TURNOVER INTENTION IN BANGKOK, THAILAND
Authors: Lert-Asavapatra Pachoke
Published: June 2019

The objectives of this research are: 1) to study the personal factors, the level of perceived organizational support factors and the turnover intention of employees in Bangkok; 2) to investigate the relation between personal factors, perceived through organizational support factors that influence employees’ turnover intention in Bangkok. The sample consists of 385 respondents employed in Bangkok, and the data was collected by means of using the multi-stage sampling methods. Questionnaires were used as the research instrument. Multiple linear regressions were used to test the hypotheses. The results show that the majority of the respondents in the sample were less than 30 y.o., single, with bachelor’s degree and less than 5 years of work experience. The results of the regression analysis indicate that the personal factor of degree and the perceived organizational support (promotion) affect the turnover intention at the 0.05 and 0.01 levels of significance.
MIGRATION AND SOCIOCONOMIC EFFECTIVENESS OF RUSSIA’S NORTHERN REGIONS
Authors: Samarina Vera , Skufina Tatiana , Samarin Alexander
Published: June 2019

Features of population settlement on the North of Russia are highlighted in this article. The determining role of the North for Russia’s national economy is explained, however, it is also accompanied by the growth of various socioeconomic problems in the recent years, including those directly related to depopulation. Population settlement has been considered by the authors from two interrelated positions: as the process of settling on a certain territory in the course of migration and as the final result of this process - the resettlement in various regions and zones.  The article reveals the major contradictions in the development of Russia’s northern territories at the present stage of their socioeconomic development. On the basis of the authors’ own methodology the demographic indicators of Russia’s Northern territories were compared with the average Russian ones. Then, it has been estimated how peculiar is the management of the Northern territories in comparison with other Russia’s regions.  According to the results of our research, directions in the migration and population settlement management have been proposed. Taking these directions into account will contribute to ensuring the socioeconomic efficiency of Russia’s Northern regions.
THE ROLE OF TEACHER IMMEDIACY AS A MOTIVATIONAL FACTOR IN STUDENT LEARNING
Authors: Ai Tran Huu , Giang Luu Hoang
Published: June 2019

This research uses the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis  to find the correlation between the variables of Teaching effectiveness, Teacher behavior and affective learning and that of Student motivation in learning, Teacher immediacy and learning outcomes and Student learning outcomes. A model is built so that to confirm that teachers produce the intermediate influence and also motivate the learning outcomes, cognitive ones especially. Data obtained here in the course of survey proves to be consistent with our initial model. The results show that the immediate teachers’ function is to be the means of increasing students’ motivation to learn, and that such motivation, in its turn, increases students’ cognitive abilities.
Dissecting the Complex Genome of Crested Wheatgrass by Chromosome Flow Sorting
Authors: Said Mahmoud , Kubaláková Marie , Karafiátová Miroslava , Molnár István , Doležel Jaroslav , Vrána Jan
Published: June 2019

Wheatgrass (Agropyron sp.) is a potential source of beneficial traits for wheat improvement. Among them, crested wheatgrass [A. cristatum (L.) Gaertn.] comprises a complex of diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid forms with the basic genome P, with some accessions carrying supernumerary B chromosomes (Bs). In this work, we applied flow cytometry to dissect the complex genome of crested wheatgrass into individual chromosomes to facilitate its analysis. Flow karyotypes obtained after the analysis of 4ʹ,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI)‐stained mitotic chromosomes of diploid and tetraploid accessions consisted of three peaks, each corresponding to a group of two or three chromosomes. To improve the resolution, bivariate flow karyotyping after fluorescent labeling of chromosomes with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐conjugated probe (GAA)7 microsatellite was applied and allowed discrimination and sorting of P genome chromosomes from wheat–crested wheatgrass addition lines. Chromosomes 1P–6P and seven telomeric chromosomes could be sorted at purities ranging from 81.7 to 98.2% in disomics and from 44.8 to 87.3% in telosomics. Chromosome 7P was sorted at purities reaching 50.0 and 39.5% in diploid and tetraploid crested wheatgrass, respectively. In addition to the whole complement chromosomes (A), Bs could be easily discriminated and sorted from a diploid accession at 95.4% purity. The sorted chromosomes will streamline genome analysis of crested wheatgrass, facilitating gene cloning and development of molecular tools to support alien introgression into wheat.
On Geometrical Invariants of the Magnetic Field Gradient Tensor in Turbulent Space Plasmas: Scale Variability in the Inertial Range
Authors: Quattrociocchi Virgilio , Consolini Giuseppe , Marcucci Maria Federica , Materassi Massimo
Published: June 2019

In a recent paper, Consolini et al. investigated the statistics of geometrical invariants of the coarse-grained gradient tensor of plasma velocity for a case study of space plasma turbulence. They showed how, at spatial scales near the proton inertial length, there is evidence for the occurrence of dissipation structures along the Vieillefosse’s tail. Here, we extend the previous analysis to the statistics of the geometrical invariants of the magnetic field coarse-grained gradient tensor, computed using magnetic field measurements by the ESA-Cluster mission in the solar wind region. In detail, we investigate the evolution of the joint probability distribution functions of the magnetic geometrical invariants at different scales in the inertial range of turbulent solar wind. The results show a clear dependence of the joint statistics of geometrical invariants on the distance from the proton inertial length scale in the inertial range, which seems to be compatible with a variation of the dimensionality of the fluctuation field from two dimensions to three dimensions at the smallest scales. Evidence of an increasing role of the ingoing spiral saddle and current-associated dissipation structures is found at the smallest investigated scales, where dissipation can occur.
Incurvaria pirinella sp. nov., a new species of the vetulella species-group (Lepidoptera, Incurvariidae) from Bulgaria, with release of DNA barcodes for European species of Incurvaria
Authors: Junnilainen Jari , Buchner Peter , Kaitila Jari-Pekka , Mutanen Marko
Published: June 2019

IncurvariapirinellaJunnilainen, Kaitila & Mutanen,sp. nov.is described from Bulgaria based on specimens collected by netting and artificial light from several low-elevation localities in Bulgaria. The species is morphologically and genetically most similar toI.triglavensisHauder, 1912. Differences between these two species are present in external appearance and genitalia of both sexes. Additionally,I.pirinellashows a distance of 4.74% to its nearest neighbourI.triglavensisin the standard DNA barcoding marker (COI-5P). We provide preliminary observations of phylogenetic affinities of EuropeanIncurvariaand briefly discuss habitat preferences of some species. All species have distinct barcodes with minimum K2P divergences between species averaging 7.05% (range 1.2–12.8%). A world checklist ofIncurvariaHaworth, 1828 is provided and DNA barcodes for all European species are here released. Finally, we document morphological variation in male genitalia withinI.triglavensisHauder, 1912.
Une histoire de la violence. La reconstitution ritualisée de la capture de l’Inca dans les Andes centrales
Authors: Yaya McKenzie Isabel
Published: June 2019

Cet article porte sur les expressions de la violence dans une forme spécifique d’affrontements ritualisés perpétués chaque année par d’innombrables localités des Andes centrales. Connues sous le nom générique de « danses de la conquête », ces rencontres mettent en scène la capture du dernier souverain inca par les Espagnols. J’examine l’engagement belliqueux des célébrants à Chiquían (Ancash, Pérou) où la frontière est ténue entre combat figuré et bataille rituelle. J’interroge cette pratique à la lumière de l’histoire récente de la bourgade où de fortes disparités économiques et d’importantes vagues de migrations ont façonné le profil sociologique des factions rituelles.
Pogoter n’est pas jouer ? Punk, pogo et combats figurés
Authors: Robène Luc , Roux Manuel , Serre Solveig
Published: June 2019

Danse frénétique associée à l’essor du punk, le pogo manifeste un nouveau rapport à la musique, aux émotions musicales et au corps. Rendu très impressionnant par la charge émotionnelle et par la violence qu’il donne à voir, le pogo a été souvent décrit par les profanes ou par ses détracteurs comme la manifestation d’un désordre émotionnel associé à la panique morale du No Future . L’article cherche à décrire et à historiciser l’émergence et l’évolution du pogo, et à réfléchir à sa signification au regard des engagements des acteurs.
Trieur industriel de déchets : un maillon de l’économie circulaire en quête de reconnaissance
Authors: Gonzalez-Lafaysse Linda
Published: June 2019

Cet article questionne l’identité et la reconnaissance au travail dans un métier méconnu, celui de trieur industriel de déchets. S’appuyant sur des entretiens menés auprès du personnel d’un centre de tri girondin, il met en évidence une identification aux finalités environnementales de l’activité en dépit des paradoxes de l’économie circulaire. Il s’en dégage un discours de légitimité porteur de sens, ainsi qu’une culture professionnelle spécifique. Dans ce contexte, le collectif apparaît comme un support identitaire, palliant la pénibilité du travail.
L’éthique de la recherche entre réglementation et réflexivité
Authors: Carvallo Sarah
Published: June 2019

En une trentaine d’années, l’éthique de la recherche s’est généralisée à tous les champs scientifiques et a consolidé ses dispositifs, critères et procédures à l’échelle internationale. Articulée avec la déontologie et l’intégrité scientifique à travers une réglementation proliférante, elle accompagne les chercheurs et les institutions pour leur permettre ou les obliger à assumer leur responsabilité et ainsi renforcer la confiance des citoyens envers la science et les scientifiques. Censée faire consensus et clarifier les normes d’une bonne recherche, elle induit néanmoins des contraintes et des obligations, qui suscitent des confusions, des tensions, voire des contradictions en contrecarrant parfois d’autres normes : performance, accélération, globalisation, concurrence, mais aussi sérendipité, liberté, réflexivité. L’analyse des discours et pratiques met au jour la reconfiguration contemporaine des liens entre science et valeurs et fait apparaître l’éthique comme un problème plus qu’une solution.
Research ethics between regulation and reflexivity
Authors: Carvallo Sarah
Published: June 2019

In thirty years, research ethics spread across all scientific fields and strengthened its measures, criteria and procedures internationally. Linked to deontology and scientific integrity through multiplying regulations, it goes along with searchers and institutions in order to enable or obligate them to fulfil their responsibilities and heighten citizens’ trust towards science and scientists. If it is supposed to ensure consensus-building of all relevant stakeholders and to clarify norms of what is or should be a good research, it also leads to pressures and constraints that generate confusion, tensions, even inconsistency with other norms such as efficiency, acceleration, globalization or competition, but also with serendipity, freedom or reflexivity. Analyzing rhetoric and practices highlights research ethics as a problem rather than a solution.
Penser l’indissociabilité de l’éthique de la recherche, de l’intégrité scientifique et de la responsabilité sociale des sciences
Authors: Coutellec Léo
Published: June 2019

Dans un contexte d’institutionnalisation croissante des questionnements éthiques à propos de la recherche scientifique, nous postulons la nécessité d’une clarification conceptuelle, qu’expose cet article, entre éthique de la recherche, intégrité scientifique et responsabilité sociale. L’enjeu est à la fois de qualifier chacun de ces trois domaines et de proposer un mode de composition entre eux, composition qui doit aussi faire œuvre de discernement entre les enjeux éthiques, normatifs et politiques. L’hypothèse que nous défendons dans cette contribution est de positionner l’éthique de la recherche comme un pivot réflexif entre intégrité scientifique (démarche orientée vers la communauté) et responsabilité sociale (démarche orientée vers la société). Un positionnement auquel nous donnons une dimension épistémologique en qualifiant l’éthique de la recherche d’éthique épistémologiquement générique.
L’embarquement par son objet
Authors: Thoreau François
Published: June 2019

L’éthique de la recherche scientifique ne peut faire l’économie d’une politique de l’enquête. L’enjeu consiste à problématiser les circonstances et les contraintes qui pèsent sur la pratique de l’enquête en sciences sociales, en particulier en situation de recherche commanditée. À ce titre, le présent article retrace une expérience d’embarquement dans le cadre spécifique d’un projet européen visant à élaborer un prototype fonctionnel d’une technologie appelée virtual fence (clôture virtuelle). Il ne s’agit pas de juger en général du bien-fondé de situations d’embarquement. Il s’agit plutôt d’apprendre à suivre différents rapports matériels et épistémiques aux objets qui se déploient à l’intérieur de telles situations, dans leurs singularités. Suivant cette proposition, cet article élabore trois politiques de l’enquête à propos des modèles de virtual fences, et tente d’en explorer les conséquences et les limites respectives.
Codes d’éthique et travail éthique dans la recherche et le partage des données génétiques transnationales
Authors: Hoeyer Klaus , Tupasela Aaro , Bøgehus Rasmussen Malene
Published: June 2019

Depuis quelques années, les collaborations internationales dans la recherche médicale font l’objet d’une attention stratégique accrue. Un certain nombre de codes ont ainsi été élaborés afin d’améliorer le partage des données, d’assurer le libre accès et d’harmoniser les normes internationales et les principes éthiques dans l’idée de promouvoir l’accès aux ressources existantes et de favoriser la production de découvertes scientifiques. Parallèlement à cette promotion du partage des données, de nombreux codes d’éthique se sont attachés au contrôle de la circulation des données et à la protection la vie privée et de la confidentialité. Cependant, ces deux tendances accordent peu d’attention aux décisions morales et aux relations sociales qui se déploient dans la routine quotidienne du travail scientifique. Cet article prend comme point de départ les pratiques d’un laboratoire danois ayant une expérience importante dans la collaboration internationale en matière de recherche génétique. Nous traitons ici d’une question simple : qu’est-ce qui fait circuler le matériel génétique et les données de santé et quels sont les espoirs et les craintes qui les accompagnent ? Nous explorerons ce que nous appelons les flux, les non-flux et les débordements de matériel et d’information, et nous documentons le travail de production des flux de données de santé et de biomatériaux. Nous appelons ce travail « travail éthique » et soutenons qu’il est essentiel pour permettre le partage des données bien qu’il soit rarement formulé dans les codes d’éthique, qu’il demeure insuffisamment financé et n’est pas reconnu dans les politiques de promotion du partage international des données.
Les sciences sociales et l’éthique en recherche en contexte canadien
Authors: Larouche Jean-Marc
Published: June 2019

Lorsqu’il est question d’éthique en recherche, nous pouvons distinguer deux approches : l’une ancrée dans les politiques, régulations et dispositifs qui ont été élaborés, institutionnalisés et mis en œuvre pour baliser éthiquement les activités en recherche ; l’autre ancrée dans une démarche réflexive sur l’éthique en jeu et les enjeux éthiques à toutes les étapes d’une recherche, ce que nous désignons par éthique réflexive. Ces deux approches évoquent une tension entre régulation imposée et réflexivité. En effet, pour de nombreux chercheurs en sciences sociales, la régulation éthique de la recherche s’est littéralement transformée en une éthicocratie dont l’effet le plus paradoxal est de réduire l’éthique en recherche à ce pôle, une régulation imposée, et de négliger l’autre pôle, la réflexivité, celui où les chercheurs peuvent engager, au cœur de leur pratique de recherche, une réflexion éthique sur celle-ci. Nous allons examiner comment se déploie cette tension au sein des deux principaux domaines que recouvre l’éthique en recherche : 1) celui de l’intégrité ou de la conduite responsable en recherche ; 2) celui qui concerne le rapport des chercheurs aux sujets participant à la recherche. Dans ce dernier cas, nous le ferons principalement à partir du contexte canadien où, depuis près de vingt ans, les chercheurs en sciences sociales doivent composer avec les réquisits des comités d’éthique de la recherche.
Observer l’éthique en train de se faire pour une approche pragmatique des commissions d’éthique de la recherche
Authors: Gouilhers Solène , Riom Loïc
Published: June 2019

Les commissions d’éthique de la recherche (CER) focalisent une part importante des débats sur l’éthique de la recherche. Pourtant, peu de travaux ethnographiques se sont intéressés à leur travail. En développant une approche pragmatique des CER, cet article cherche à reconsidérer la manière d’appréhender ce débat en pensant l’éthique de la recherche comme un processus en train de se faire. Il s’appuie pour cela sur une enquête ethnographique menée auprès de la CER d’un canton suisse. Dans un premier temps, l’article s’intéresse aux modalités du travail de la CER. Celle-ci fonctionne comme une agence collective d’évaluation des projets de recherche soumis. Elle mobilise différents équipements qui lui donnent prise sur ces projets. Dans un deuxième temps, l’article s’attache à qualifier le travail de la CER. Pour produire des décisions robustes, elle articule une pluralité d’appuis parfois en friction. En conclusion, nous revenons sur les apports d’une approche pragmatique pour saisir et comprendre le travail de production de l’éthique de la recherche, mais également pour mettre en discussion ses modalités.
Un transhumanisme « à mains nues »
Authors: Dalgalarrondo Sébastien , Fournier Tristan
Published: June 2019

Cet article vise à analyser le développement récent du marché français du jeûne de « bien-être » à partir des promesses qu’il porte et des idéologies dans lesquelles il s’enracine. Le matériau collecté associe une analyse de contenu réalisée sur les sites internet promouvant les stages de jeûne, des entretiens réalisés avec les responsables des réseaux de commercialisation et une analyse documentaire approfondie (littérature grise et scientifique). Après avoir reconstruit la trajectoire socio-historique de cette promesse, caractérisé l’offre sur internet puis décrit la rhétorique mobilisée par les promoteurs, les auteurs identifient un assemblage argumentatif mêlant discours alternatif et discours scientiste, et se déclinant selon trois axes – l’ascétisme, le politique et l’exploration de soi. Cet assemblage original permet d’appréhender la pratique contemporaine du jeûne comme une technique d’optimisation de soi, où l’on fait du plus avec du moins : un transhumanisme « à mains nues ».
L’insupportable volupté du Beau
Authors: Fessaguet Dominique
Published: June 2019

La destruction des œuvres d’art en série, de sites historiques, vient questionner sur les motivations profondes de ceux qui la réalise. On peut invoquer différents abords, tous pertinents, ici, il s’agira d’être à l’écoute de l’insupportable volupté du Beau qui déclenche la haine chez ces meurtriers en série. Ce Beau est notre part intime que l’on assassine.
Pouvoir(s) de l’art ?
Authors: Martin-Mattera Patrick
Published: June 2019

Cet article développe dans une perspective psychanalytique, aux deux plans de la clinique et du social, les modalités du pouvoir de l’art – imaginaire, symbolique, réel – en tant que celui-ci s’articule à la création. Le pouvoir de l’art – si pouvoir il y a – procède en tout cas de son « défaut », à savoir de la castration et du renoncement.
Imprescriptibilité de la fuite
Authors: Vernet-Sévenier Anne
Published: June 2019

Hypothèse d’une rivalité originelle entre Art et Pouvoir, le premier devenant pouvoir de formaliser autrement l’existant, le second pouvoir sur l’objet collectif tel qu’il se présente à son désir. L’Art conteste la réalité, la fuyant pour la recréer. De Boccace au postmodernisme il s’agit de dégager l’enjeu vital du conflit qui les oppose jusqu’à la rivalité destructrice et de la tension créatrice qui plus rarement les porte ensemble.
Du pouvoir royal au pouvoir colonisateur : la « civilisation » de l’art à Madagascar
Authors: Carton Solange
Published: June 2019

À partir du discours issu de deux époques du pouvoir colonisateur, un an après l’annexion de Madagascar et trente ans plus tard, l’article s’attache à dégager la façon dont fut tenu le clivage entre le « sauvage » et le civilisé, déterminant la négation d’un art malgache. Mais l’étroite dépendance de l’art et de la culture du pouvoir est nouvelle forme de l’articulation entre l’organisation hiérarchique de la société malgache qui avait précédé et de ses expressions artistiques, notamment dans l’art funéraire. Jusqu’à nos jours, un certain regard sur l’art reste pris dans le leurre temporel de l’évolution civilisatrice, contre-investissant l’ inactualité du « primitif », de ses forces pulsionnelles hostiles et sexuelles infantiles.
Hunger in the midst of plenty: A survey of household food security among urban families in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Roberts Alero Ann , Osadare James Olufemi , Inem Victor Akpan
Published: June 2019

Research has documented that food security at national level does not translate to food security at household level. The study assessed the level of food security among urban households in Shomolu LGA, Lagos State. Using the 9-item Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) information was collected from 306 heads of households on adequacy of food availability and consumption. Data were analyzed using Epi info and presented as frequencies and percentages. Associations between variables were tested using Chisquare at a significance level of 0.05. Households were classified as food secure, food insecure without hunger and food insecure with hunger. Only 33.8% of households were food secure, 45.1% were food insecure without hunger and 21.1% were food insecure with hunger. Food secure households were statistically significantly associated with households where heads had secondary or higher education, women were married, spending <40% of household monthly income on food and living in their own homes (P=0.001). Household food insecurity is found in urban communities and is positively associated with indicators of poverty.
Giant Melanocytic Nevi and Soft Tissue Undergrowth in the Left Leg: Pathogenetic Hypothesis
Authors: Pavone Piero , Falsaperla Raffaele , Marino Silvia , Ruggieri Martino , Praticò Andrea D. , Nardone Beatrice
Published: June 2019

Congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) are observed frequently in children. The anomalous skin shows a widely variable clinical expression not only in the anatomic location, but also in color, morphology and superficial structure. According to the width CMN are distinguished in small, medium, large or giant. Aside the cosmetic problem and its psychological implications, CMN may present with severe complications consisting of malignant transformation and/or central nervous system involvement. We report on a 3-month old infant with an extensive CMN in the left leg, which extended from the lower portion of the knee to the foot, with satellite nevi. Concomitant with the extensive nevi in the same district a remarkable reduction in size was present, and involved the adipose and muscle tissues, contributing to a counterpart diameter difference of 5 cm, without bone involvement. Melanocytic nevi and soft tissue undergrowth in the leg is a usual association; a pathogenic explanation on the anomaly involving concomitantly the skin and the underneath soft tissues is advanced.
An investigation into the ethical standards and values of registered property valuers in South Africa
Authors: Currin Brent , Msibi Nompilo , Chuene Tsebang , Kruger Andre
Published: June 2019

Ethical issues and standards of property professions are being scrutinised. To date, no research has been carried out on the ethical standards in the property valuation profession in South Africa. This research compared the content of codes of ethics and professional conduct of the South African property valuation profession to international standards, and investigated the ethical standards and moral values held by registered valuers in South Africa. A self-administered survey, administered to 611 professional and professional associate valuers, was used. It measured five constructs of unethical behaviour layered into a survey adapted from Hoyt, Wright and Croft (2002). No statistically significant differences were found between different demographic factors in the ethical beliefs of South African valuers. A literature review comparing South Africa’s codes of conduct with those in the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand showed that the standards of ethics and professional practice in South Africa are not in line with international standards. South African valuers appear to be ethical and resist external pressures which could lead to unethical behaviour.
Understanding economic regulation and competition in a developing economy: Introduction to special issue
Authors: Robb Genna , Roberts Simon
Published: June 2019

No abstract is available.
Is vertical separation a prerequisite to enhancing competition in the South African energy industry?
Authors: Sithebe Thembalethu , Kolobe Tshekishi
Published: June 2019

Vertical separation is believed to have positive effects in energy sectors where certain phases of the value chain operate under a natural monopoly. This paper discusses whether unbundling is necessary in the South African electricity and piped gas sectors to encourage entry and increase competition based on the experiences of other nations. Despite positive results in some instances, unbundling does not always result in higher levels of competition and benefits for consumers. In fact, in some cases, vertical separation has resulted in energy sectors that are worse off.
Infrastructure development within a regulated environment: Concerns for regulators
Authors: Ismail Zaakirah , Mabuza Patrick , Pillay Kaveshin , Xolo Siyavuya
Published: June 2019

Poor delivery of infrastructure leads to inefficient pricing of these assets, which is passed through to consumers. Inefficient pricing is caused by a poor selection of a funding and financing method as well as project overruns. This article used a case-study approach to investigate if South African (SA) infrastructure projects were executed efficiently. It was found that the procurement method was not a reason for inefficient infrastructure delivery. Further, SA projects overran significantly by between 5 and 58%. The case of Transnet’s pipeline project was highlighted. Two case studies (Gautrain and e-tolls) are presented to highlight issues around funding. It was found that the user-pays mechanism of funding is efficient only if there is complete transparency and communication between the user of the infrastructure and other stakeholders. Given the findings, this paper ends with policy recommendations for regulators of utilities that will ensure that consumers are protected.
International Trade Administration Commission tariff investigations: An analysis of the poultry and paper cases
Authors: Kwaramba Marko , Tregenna Fiona
Published: June 2019

This paper critically evaluates the role and performance of the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) with a focus on tariff investigations. The paper analyses ITAC’s poultry and paper tariff investigations. For both of these cases, we analyse the economic context, assess parties’ submissions and perceptions of the tariff investigation processes and outcomes, evaluate the duration of the investigation, consider the balancing of the various interests involved, and analyse ITAC’s recommendations. From these two important cases it appears that ITAC has changed its approach to tariffs in line with developments in South Africa’s trade policy. The findings also indicate that ITAC is not yet consistently meeting the stipulated tariff investigation timeframes. Possible policy implications arising from the analysis are discussed.
Municipal assessments versus actual sales prices in hedonic price studies
Authors: Du Preez Mario , Sale Michael
Published: June 2019

In most hedonic price model studies, the actual sales price of a property is employed as the dependent variable in the parametric regression analysis. Although the use of this price is pervasive, alternatives to it do exist. One such alternative is the assessed property value, which is more readily available than the actual property price. The aim of this study is to compare implicit price estimates of property characteristics (both structural and locational) based on actual sales price data and assessed property values. To this end, a seemingly unrelated regression with two hedonic price equations is used, one which employs actual market prices as the dependent variable and the other which employs assessed values. The results show that the hypothesised influence of structural and locational housing characteristics on residential property prices is the same for assessed values, and actual market prices cannot be accepted. This finding should act as a caution for hedonic practitioners not to base their conclusions and recommendations solely on the use of assessed values in hedonic price models.
Maritime port pricing and governance in South Africa: trends and stakeholder comments
Authors: Gumede Sanele , Chasomeris Mihalis
Published: June 2019

This study assesses trends and stakeholder comments on maritime port pricing and governance in South Africa. Content analysis is used to analyse Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) tariff applications, Ports Regulator records of decision and stakeholder comments for 2010 to 2012. The study gathers data on port pricing from 1999-2012 and uses descriptive statistics to analyse the trends in port pricing. The findings show the distinctiveness of South Africa’s complementary system of ports and its uniform pricing policy. The ports are financed and managed using a mix of elements from the European and Asian port doctrines, whereas the pricing methodology appears to follow the Anglo-Saxon doctrine. A port doctrine should be developed that would be consistent with the country’s vision and policies.
Running up or down: why is there a difference in spending?
Authors: Kruger Martinette , Saayman Melville
Published: June 2019

This study investigated the determinants of participant spending at the Comrades Marathon ‘up’ run (Durban to Pietermaritzburg) and ‘down’ run (Pietermaritzburg to Durban). A participant survey conducted at the race in 2011 and 2012, using regression analyses, found that more behavioural than socio-demographic determinants had a significant influence on spending at both races. The two groups of participants had very similar profiles, but their spending at the event differed significantly in the way it was distributed between the ‘up’ and ‘down’ runs, and the spending was higher at the former. The reasons for the difference are currently unknown, but the implication is that the ‘up’ and the ‘down’ runs may have different economic outcomes. Although this cannot be confirmed on the basis of surveys of just two years’ Comrades runs, the findings could offer strategic insights for marketing the event and enhancing its economic impact and competitive advantage.
Access to formal banking services in the SADC, 200-2009
Authors: Schoombee Andrie
Published: June 2019

Access to basic financial services is one possible path leading to a better life for the poor. This is endorsed by SADC governments, and various strategies were in the past decade implemented to advance financial access. South Africa was particularly successful in enhancing access via its government-incentivised Mzansi entry-level bank account. This study researches what happened in the other SADC countries and specifically the role governments played in lifting the barriers to access to and use of formal banking services. It is concluded that no other SADC country was as successful as South Africa.
Do death taxes deserve to die? An international search for alternatives
Authors: Makoti Palesa , Oosthuizen Rudi
Published: June 2019

The death tax debate has been going on for a long time, with opponents and proponents of death taxes citing various reasons for retaining, amending or abolishing the taxes and no obvious answer coming to the fore. This study conducted a search for alternative taxes that could replace death taxes. The search transcended national borders in order to identify possible solutions to this age-old problem. The suitability of the alternatives (in the eyes of both the opponents and proponents of death taxes) was measured by comparing the advantages and disadvantages associated with each alternative identified to the advantages and disadvantages associated with death taxes. This study further evaluated whether any of the identified alternatives would be suitable for South Africa. It summarises the available alternatives, their advantages and disadvantages. It also concludes that extensive further research is required to arrive at an optimal solution for South Africa.
Using collaborative learning exercises to transfer pervasive skills: some South African evidence
Authors: Keevy Monique
Published: June 2019

Globally, academics have adapted their teaching methods to more active methods, such as collaborative learning exercises. Research provides evidence of the value of collaborative learning exercises in the development of pervasive skills. The objective of this paper is to examine the use of collaborative learning exercises by academics in South Africa (SA) – a developing country – and to obtain their views on the effectiveness of this method in transferring pervasive skills to students. An electronically administered questionnaire was sent to accounting academics working at universities accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. The findings of this paper reveal a gap between the use of collaborative learning exercises by SA academics compared to that globally. This gap can be attributed to a lack of awareness by SA academics of the competencies that can be developed using collaborative learning exercises, or the application of alternative teaching methods.
On the determinants of return on equity in South Africa's financial services industry
Authors: Ndlovu Chiedza , Alagidede Paul
Published: June 2019

This study examines the factors that determine the return on equity (ROE) of financial companies listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE). Two empirical strategies were adopted: the DuPont model and a multifactor Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT). Using the financial data of 73 companies and macro-economic indicators from 2002 to 2012, the study found that there was a positive relationship between profit margin and ROE, which can be enhanced if managers employ cost leadership strategies. Companies with predictable cash flows can afford high levels of debt and therefore high ROE, while companies characterised by unpredictable market conditions should use debt with caution. We found a positive relationship between interest rates and ROE for banks, insurance and real estate companies, which may suggest that managers employ short-term duration gap strategies in managing assets and liabilities mismatch rather than relying on long-term strategies. Inflation for banks, insurance and real estate companies is inversely related to ROE, and financial firms are better off immunising their portfolios against revenue erosion.
Declining labour share of income in South Africa: the Kalman filter approach
Authors: Kaseeram Irrshad , Mahadea Darma
Published: June 2019

Recent research has shown that in both developed and emerging market economies, the labour share of national income has exhibited a declining trend since the 1980s. Research investigating the problem of high unemployment in the South African economy has inferred that this problem arises partly because of past and current socio-political conditions, low rates of economic growth, labour market rigidities, globalisation and institutional arrangements. As the labour absorption capacity is rather low, many people are unable to earn an income from an engagement in the formal labour market. This is likely to have implications for the relative distribution share of labour and capital in the country’s national income. However, no recent published research has investigated this phenomenon in the South African context. Thus, this paper attempts to shed some light on the problem. Using yearly data from 1946 to 2013, the study employs the Kalman filter methodology within the standard Cobb-Douglas production function framework to investigate how labour and capital shares as well as total factor productivity have been behaving in this period. The results indicate that the share of total income going to labour has decreased over the long run, while that of capital has increased. Specifically, the share of capital increased from 3.1% in 1980 to 12% in 2013, while that of labour decreased from 91% to 83%. This reflects a rising income inequality and concentration of wealth, with output and income generation shifting to technological- or capital -intensive production requiring more skilled labour, a trend also observed in certain other countries.
Detecting layer height of smoke aerosols over vegetated land and water surfaces via oxygen absorption bands: hourly results from EPIC/DSCOVR in deep space
Authors: Xu Xiaoguang , Wang Jun , Wang Yi , Zeng Jing , Torres Omar , Reid Jeffrey S. , Miller Steven D. , Martins J. Vanderlei , Remer Lorraine A.
Published: June 2019

Abstract. We present an algorithm for retrieving aerosol layer height (ALH)
and aerosol optical depth (AOD) for smoke over vegetated land and water
surfaces from measurements of the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC)
onboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR). The algorithm uses
Earth-reflected radiances in six EPIC bands in the visible and near-infrared
and incorporates flexible spectral fitting that accounts for the specifics of
land and water surface reflectivity. The fitting procedure first determines
AOD using EPIC atmospheric window bands (443, 551, 680, and 780 nm),
then uses oxygen (O2) A and B bands (688 and 764 nm) to derive ALH,
which represents an optical centroid altitude. ALH retrieval over vegetated
surface primarily takes advantage of measurements in the O2 B band. We
applied the algorithm to EPIC observations of several biomass burning events
over the United States and Canada in August 2017. We found that the
algorithm can be used to obtain AOD and ALH multiple times daily over water
and vegetated land surface. Validation is performed against aerosol
extinction profiles detected by the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal
Polarization (CALIOP) and against AOD observed at nine Aerosol Robotic
Network (AERONET) sites, showing, on average, an error of 0.58 km and a bias
of −0.13 km in retrieved ALH and an error of 0.05 and a bias of 0.03 in
retrieved AOD. Additionally, we show that the aerosol height information
retrieved by the present algorithm can potentially benefit the retrieval of
aerosol properties from EPIC's ultraviolet (UV) bands.
Family Problem-Solving and Attachment Quality: Associations With Adolescent Risk-Taking Behavior
Authors: Keyzers Angela , Weiler Lindsey , Haddock Shelley , Doty Jennifer
Published: June 2019

Close parent–child relationships are protective against the development of delinquent behavior. By creating a context for open communication and trust, parents positively influence adolescent development. The current study examined the associations among attachment quality, family problem- solving, and adolescent risk-taking behavior, as well as the mediating effect of family problem-solving on the relationship between attachment quality and adolescent risk-taking behavior. Participants included 520 adolescents (ages 10 to 19, M = 14.24) and their parents or guardians (N = 520). Two path analyses were conducted to test study hypotheses. As predicted, attachment quality was negatively associated with parent and adolescent perceptions of adolescent risk-taking behavior and positively related to family problem-solving ability, after controlling for age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Contrary to our hypothesis, family problem-solving ability did not mediate the effect of attachment quality on parent or youth perceptions of adolescent risk-taking behavior. Preventive interventions that encourage warm, supportive bonds between parents and youth may aid families in deterring youth from negative risk-taking behavior. Further research should examine other family-level factors that might influence adolescent risk-taking via direct and indirect pathways.
Theming, Co-Creation, and Quality of Structured Experiences at Camp
Authors: Ellis Gary D. , Jiang Jingxian , Lacanienta Andrew , Carroll Mark
Published: June 2019

Lacanienta and his colleagues (2018) recently reported results of a study of the effect of themes on quality of experience of youths during summer camp activities. Existing literature suggested that theming activity sessions would have a strong main effect. Results, though, revealed an activity-by-theme interaction effect, i.e., themes seem to be effective in some activities but not others. In this follow-up study, we describe results of a secondary analysis revealing significant new insights regarding theme. Adding an indicator of campers’ co-created, lived-experience theme into the models tested substantially clarified how objective theme, lived-experience theme, and activity interact in influencing the quality of structured experiences. This study, then, underscores the importance of including measures of participants’ co-created lived experience as we seek to understand techniques that can be used to enhance the quality of youths’ structured camp experiences.
Youth Leadership Development in the Start2Finish Running & Reading Club
Authors: Shaikh Majidullah , Bean Corliss , Forneris Tanya
Published: June 2019

Researchers have asserted that offering intentional leadership roles to youth can help them to develop life skills (e.g., communication, decision-making); however, few physical-activity-based positive youth development programs provide youth these intentional leadership roles, and little research has explored the impact of these opportunities on youth who take them up. The purpose of this study was to understand the developmental experiences of youth leaders in a physical-activity-based positive youth development program. Sixteen youth leaders (Mage= 13.37, SD = 1.36) from 4 sites of the Start2Finish Running & Reading Club participated in semi-structured interviews to discuss their experiences as junior coaches. Fertman and van Linden’s (1999) model of youth leadership development was used to guide the data collection and analysis. Through deductive-inductive thematic analysis, 3 themes were constructed: (a) awareness: developing into leaders started with seeing potential through role models, (b) interaction: learning by doing and interacting with others helped youth to practice leadership abilities, and (c) mastery: taking on greater responsibility allowed for opportunities to refine leadership abilities and develop a variety of life skills. These themes helped to bring an understanding to the processes involved in leadership and life-skill development. Practical and research implications are discussed regarding leveraging youth leadership opportunities in youth programming.