bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KNOWLEDGE MODEL FOR CREATIVE INDUSTRY INTERNATIONALIZATION
Authors: Thongmuang Pimporn
Published: June 2019

This study aims to serve as a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners to understand the concept of experiential knowledge in internationalization process and providing the model of knowledge requirement for international creative industry. An extensive literature review was carried out in experiential knowledge which spread in ISI Web of Science, Emerald, EBSCOS, and Science Direct.

A total of 10 articles from conceptual to empirical paper since 1995 until 2017.

This study resume four types of experiential knowledge for international creative industry which are internationalization knowledge, Institutional knowledge, business knowledge and technological knowledge. This study suggests to test the model empirically in the future research.
COMPETITIVE ASSESSMENT FACTORS OF SEAFOOD EXPORTERS IN VIETNAM
Authors: Ai Tran Huu
Published: June 2019

This study aims at exploring the factors influencing the competitiveness of seafood export enterprises in Vietnam by surveying 356 people who are leaders and managers of seafood export enterprises in Vietnam. The results for the impact factor analysis with 11 measures proves that these factors should be displayed in the following order of importance: (1) Managerial and operational abilities; (2) Prices; (3) Human resources; (4) Marketing; (5) The power of brand, (6) Distribution channel, (7) Production technology, (8) Finance, (9) Investments in research and development, (10) Being creative, (11) Commercial disputes’ resolution. After the analysis the author proposes some recommendations to the management board of seafood export enterprises so that to improve their competitive position.
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS FOR ENTREPRENEURS IN THE HEALTHCARE BUSINESS OF THAILAND
Authors: Kortana Tanapol
Published: June 2019

Healthcare business in Thailand has been hugely popular among foreigners and retired persons especially. The research presented here focuses on the question “How to become and remain a healthcare entrepreneur?”. The objectives have been formulated in the following way: 1) to study the success factors of the healthcare business in Thailand, and 2) to analyze the key success factors of entrepreneurs in this field. The population of the study is 6,717 people. The sample group has been 315 people, the stratified random sampling has been applied. The key success factors include education, investment plan, place/location, nurses, supporting staff and strategy. Education has got the highest score - 0.75. Most entrepreneurs have graduated with a bachelor degree or higher. The second comes strategy with the score of 0.636. As this business is quite famous, the competitors apply various strategies to get more customers, both local and international. Information technology and 4Ps are used for campaigns, for example. The lowest score in terms of business success impact got the investment plan with 0.528.
KEY REASONS WHY ORGANIZATIONS ENTER FOREIGN MARKETS
Authors: Onyusheva Irina , Ting Quah Yen , Kaewpradit Panirat , Changjongpradit Etiopia Elisa
Published: June 2019

This article focuses on the reasons why organizations expand their businesses onto foreign markets as well as different ways in which organizations can enter foreign markets along with the factors assisting organizations in making this entry successful. Emphasis is made on the importance of globalization and on how globalization has changed the course of doing business in the 21st century.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY: CASE STUDY OF BORDER SECURITY POLICE IN SANGKHLA BURI DISTRICT, KANCHANABURI PROVINCE, THAILAND
Authors: Chalong Boriboon
Published: June 2019

The objective of this research is to examine the level of direct participation of the Sangkhla Buri District residents in the implementation of national security policy. The results of this research helped us formulate recommendations on how to solve the problems related to participation of residents in this process. Population of this study includes the residents of 3 sub-districts of Sangkhla Buri District. The sample size is 400 and the data has been collected using questionnaires. Indepth interviews have been also conducted to explore the opinions of the local leaders and the related government officials. The data has been analyzed to track the statistical impacts. The research study expects to find the relationship between independent variables, which are democratic knowledge and attitude towards democracy, and the dependent variable, i.e., participation of residents in the implementation of national security policy.
RURAL MIGRATION PROCESSES IN MEXICAN COUNTRYSIDE
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the empirical-theoretical approaches to shrinking cities in Mexico. The study of tendencies in economic and environmental shrinkage is tied to the expressions of substantive changes in the complexity of determinant contexts of internal and migration flows. The analysis intents to answer the challenges posed by current economic and demographic tendencies, using theories and models and trying not to fall down victim of simplistic projections and conjectures and theories based more in speculations rather than on facts. The method used is the critical analysis of economic, social and political tendencies around the phenomenon of shrinking cities in México. The results of this analysis lead us to the conclusion that the shrinkage process in México, as a developing and emerging economy does not follow the same patterns as in well developed countries, where an increase in shrinking cities has been observed since the middle of the 1950s and the use of incentives in some localities to attract economic growth have had rather modest success in turning around the shrinking process. Further research on shrinking cities should be done in México. Finally, this paper analyzes some of the problems which are important for setting the agenda for future research in Mexico.
EMPLOYING LOCAL MARKETING IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AT BEN TRE PROVINCE
Authors: Ai Tran Huu , Nguyen Thi Le Minh
Published: June 2019

Local marketing is becoming an important factor in the development strategy of each industry, each locality, and each country. The official survey was conducted with 302 survey samples from managers, deputy directors, deputy department heads, department heads upward at local tourism businesses of Ben Tre province. This paper presents a study of the local marketing situation, thereby identifying the factors affecting the local marketing situation in order to provide some suggestions for local marketing strategies for tourism development in Ben Tre province
THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF CREATIVE ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Patlasov Oleg , Zharov Yerzhan
Published: June 2019

The work presents the review of the theoretical and methodological aspects of creative economy formation and development, in all the variations and peculiarities of its functioning. It is highlighted that the level of technological development has its significant impact on how soon a particular economy is able to transfer to the phase of its creative development. Different criteria are reviewed in this regard, using which it would be possible to determine the presence of creative phenomena in economy along with their impact on the state and dynamics of socioeconomic relations. The authors’ analysis covers the reasons that are leading to formation and development of creative economy, its development factors are defined. Results of the authors’ sociological survey concerning creativity are also presented. Pre-requisites of its further development in Russia are defined.
GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS: THE BUBBLE EFFECT IN INDONESIA
Authors: Alexandri Mohammad Benny , Dwisanti Raeny
Published: June 2019

US and Indonesia stock markets are entering record heights without being offset by economic growthand profitability growth of their traded companies. There are several indicators for the stock marketbubble: (1) Price Ratio (Ear Ratio); (2) Price Ratio / Book (PB Ratio), the latter comparing thenominal price of one share at a market with the book value (the value of company's assets). Thecurrent PB ratio of the composite stock price index being 3.3 means that for each shares the assetvalue of which is 1 IDR, the stock would be worth 3.3 IDR. This is one of the most expensive price in the world today. Based on the above, for Indonesian stock market sharp decline is just a matter of time and waiting. This decline will be much sharper if triggered by the US financial crisis. We can also also see a bubble emerging from increasingly irrational investment attitudes. Currently, in addition to high prices for stocks and bonds, investors have started looking at investment opportunities in digital currencies. This research tries to know the potential of financial crisis and itseffect for the financial market in Indonesia.
PROBLEMS OF TRADE FINANCING DEVELOPMENT IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Nikolova Lyudmila
Published: June 2019

From the standpoint of enterprises, searching for the minimum-risk methods and ways of organizing settlements in foreign trade is always a topical problem. The research study identifies the problems of trade finance in the Russian Federation (RF) after the sanctions have been imposed. The key features of trade finance management are formulated. The influence of economic sanctions on trade financing mechanisms is analyzed. Some mechanisms are considered for using a documentary letter of credit, one of the most popular trade financial instruments in international settlements today. Measures for eliminating the factors restraining the growing use of trade finance instruments and the possibility of their implementation under the conditions of current economic sanctions are grounded. System analysis methods and techniques, analogy methods, expert assessments and projection methods are used as part of this research study.
INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK SUITABILITY ESTIMATION FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISE
Authors: Kaušpadienė Laima , Ramanauskaitė Simona , Čenys Antanas
Published: June 2019

Information security is one of the key concerns of an enterprise or organization. To assure suitable management of information security a list of information security management frameworks has been developed by a number of institutions and authors. A condensed information in information security management framework is very important to a small and medium enterprise as this type of enterprise usually lacks resources for information security expertise and deep analysis. Despite the fact, the information security management process and its frameworks, on the other hand, are very complex and require a big number of different elements. At the moment the comparison it is very shallow, as all properties of the comparison are treated equally important. In real life, the importance of different criteria of information security management framework and their suitability for small and medium enterprise vary. Therefore we use the Analytic Hierarchy Process to construct a hierarchy of information security management frameworks quality and applicability in small and medium enterprise and define the weights for each of the criteria. Weighted criteria express the importance of the criteria and executed the final comparison of alternatives (five information security management frameworks) is more realistic (similar to experts opinion) comparing to existing comparisons.
Retrieval of the Fluid Love Number k2 in Exoplanetary Transit Curves
Authors: Hellard Hugo , Csizmadia Szilárd , Padovan Sebastiano , Rauer Heike , Cabrera Juan , Sohl Frank , Spohn Tilman , Breuer Doris
Published: June 2019

We are witness to a great and increasing interest in internal structure, composition, and evolution of exoplanets. However, direct measurements of exoplanetary mass and radius cannot be uniquely interpreted in terms of interior structure, justifying the need for an additional observable. The second degree fluid Love number, k
2, is proportional to the concentration of mass toward the body’s center, hence providing valuable additional information about the internal structure. When hydrostatic equilibrium is assumed for the planetary interior, k
2 is a direct function of the planetary shape. Previous attempts were made to link the observed tidally and rotationally induced planetary oblateness in photometric light curves to k
2 using ellipsoidal shape models. Here, we construct an analytical 3D shape model function of the true planetary mean radius that properly accounts for tidal and rotational deformations. Measuring the true planetary mean radius is critical when one wishes to compare the measured k
2 to interior theoretical expectations. We illustrate the feasibility of our method and show, by applying a Differential Evolution Markov Chain to synthetic data of WASP-121b, that a precision ≤65 ppm/

is required to reliably retrieve k
2 with present understanding of stellar limb darkening (LD), therefore improving recent results based on ellipsoidal shape models. Any improvement on stellar LD would increase such performance.
Photochemical Hazes in Sub-Neptunian Atmospheres with a Focus on GJ 1214b
Authors: Lavvas Panayotis , Koskinen Tommi , Steinrueck Maria E. , García Muñoz Antonio , Showman Adam P.
Published: June 2019

We study the properties of photochemical hazes in super-Earth/mini-Neptune atmospheres with particular focus on GJ 1214b. We evaluate photochemical haze properties at different metallicities between solar and 10,000× solar. Within the four-order-of-magnitude change in metallicity, we find that the haze precursor mass fluxes change only by a factor of ∼3. This small diversity occurs with a nonmonotonic manner among the different metallicity cases, reflecting the interaction of the main atmospheric gases with the radiation field. Comparison with relative haze yields at different metallicities from laboratory experiments reveals a qualitative similarity to our theoretical calculations and highlights the contributions of different gas precursors. Our haze simulations demonstrate that higher metallicity results in smaller average particle sizes. Metallicities at and above 100× solar with haze formation yields of ∼10% provide enough haze opacity to satisfy transit observations at visible wavelengths and obscure sufficiently the H2O molecular absorption features between 1.1 and 1.7 μm. However, only the highest-metallicity case considered (10,000× solar) brings the simulated spectra into closer agreement with transit depths at 3.6 and 4.5 μm, indicating a high contribution of CO/CO2 in GJ 1214b’s atmosphere. We also evaluate the impact of aggregate growth in our simulations, in contrast to spherical growth, and find that the two growth modes provide similar transit signatures (for D

f
 = 2), but with different particle size distributions. Finally, we conclude that the simulated haze particles should have major implications for the atmospheric thermal structure and for the properties of condensation clouds.
A New Line-by-line General Circulation Model for Simulations of Diverse Planetary Atmospheres: Initial Validation and Application to the Exoplanet GJ 1132b
Authors: Ding Feng , Wordsworth Robin D.
Published: June 2019

Exploring diverse planetary atmospheres requires modeling tools that are both accurate and flexible. Here, we develop a three-dimensional general circulation model (3D GCM) that, for the first time, uses a line-by-line approach to describe the radiative transfer. We validate our GCM by comparing with published results done by different 1D and 3D models. To demonstrate the versatility of the model, we apply the GCM to the hot Earth-sized exoplanet GJ 1132b and study its climate and circulation assuming an atmosphere dominated by abiotic oxygen (O2). Our simulations show that a minor CO2 composition can change the circulation pattern substantially, intensifying the equatorial superrotation in particular. Computation of the phase-resolved spectroscopy indicates that the vertical profile of the superrotating jet could be inferred in future spectrophotometric observations by the phase shift of the hotspot in the CO2 principle absorption band centered at 667 cm−1. We also show that atmospheric mass could potentially be constrained by the phase amplitude in the O2 vibrational fundamental band for planets with O2-rich atmospheres, although further experimental and/or theoretical O2–O2 collision-induced absorption data at high temperatures is needed to confirm this. More physical schemes, such as moist dynamics, will be implemented in the GCM in the future so that it can be used to tackle a wide variety of planetary climate problems.
New Constraints From Dust Lines on the Surface Densities of Protoplanetary Disks
Authors: Powell Diana , Murray-Clay Ruth , Pérez Laura M. , Schlichting Hilke E. , Rosenthal Mickey
Published: June 2019

We present new determinations of disk surface density, independent of an assumed dust opacity, for a sample of seven bright, diverse, protoplanetary disks using measurements of disk dust lines. We develop a robust method for determining the location of dust lines by modeling disk interferometric visibilities at multiple wavelengths. The disks in our sample have newly derived masses that are 9%–27% of their host stellar mass, substantially larger than the minimum mass solar nebula. All are stable to gravitational collapse, except for one that approaches the limit of Toomre-Q stability. Our mass estimates are 2–15 times larger than estimates from integrated optically thin dust emission. We derive depleted dust-to-gas ratios with typical values of ∼10−3 in the outer disk. Using coagulation models, we derive dust surface density profiles that are consistent with millimeter dust observations. In these models, the disks formed with an initial dust mass that is a factor of ∼10 greater than is presently observed. Of the three disks in our sample with resolved CO line emission, the masses of HD 163296, AS 209, and TW Hya are roughly 3, 115, and 40 times more massive than estimates from CO respectively. This range indicates that CO depletion is not uniform across different disks and that dust is a more robust tracer of total disk mass. Our method of determining surface density using dust lines is robust even if particles form as aggregates and is useful even in the presence of dust substructure caused by pressure traps. The low Toomre-Q values observed in this sample indicate that at least some disks do not accrete efficiently.
Discovery of Two Quasars at z = 5 from the OGLE Survey
Authors: Kozłowski Szymon , Bañados Eduardo , Udalski A. , Morrell N. , Ji A. P. , Wyrzykowski Ł. , Rau A. , Mróz P. , Greiner J. , Gromadzki M. , Szymański M. K. , Soszyński I. , Poleski R. , Pietrukowicz P. , Skowron J. , Skowron D. M. , Ulaczyk K. , Rybicki K. , Iwanek P. , Wrona M.
Published: June 2019

We used Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE-IV) deep (stacked) images (V ≲ 23 mag, I ≲ 23 mag at 3σ) of the Magellanic System, encompassing an area of ∼670 deg2, to perform a search for high-z quasar candidates. We combined the optical OGLE data with the mid-IR Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer 3.4/4.6/12 μm data, and devised a multicolor selection procedure. We identified 33 promising candidates and then spectroscopically observed the two most variable sources. We report the discovery of two high-z quasars, OGLE J015531−752807 at a redshift z = 5.09 and OGLE J005907−645016 at a redshift of z = 4.98. The variability amplitude of both quasars at the rest-frame wavelength ∼1300 Å is much larger (∼0.4 mag) than other quasars (∼0.15 mag) at the same rest-frame wavelength but lower redshifts (2 < z < 5). A larger sample of such sources with at least decade-long light curves would be necessary to determine whether increased variability is typical in the population of high-z quasars, or whether we are finding extreme outliers. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope will provide such light curves for sources 3–4 mag fainter than OGLE.
Application of soft computing techniques in WWER nuclear power plant safety
Authors: Abbasi Akbar , Sadikoglu Fahreddin
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is one of the intended energy resources for the world requirement energy in future, and nuclear power plants provided 11 percent of the world’s electricity production in 2014. Meanwhile, nuclear power plant safety has always been one of the most critical issues in the world. In this paper, the nuclear power plant safety improvement using Soft Computing Techniques were analyzed. For this purpose, the support system based on Neuro-Fuzzy Diagnosis System (NFDs) method and Genetic Algorithms (GAs) approach were used. The obtained result showed that the first symptom is P3 (pressurizer pressure) and second order symptom is P2 (core coolant average temperature) in both approaches. The comparison between the NFDs method and the GAs approaches indicated that the GAs in data test results was faster than the NFDs results.
Taper trop fort ? Règles d’interaction et qualifications violentes lors d’une bataille de polochons
Authors: Chartier Gaëlle
Published: June 2019

Cette étude analyse une situation de combat figuré, une bataille de polochons, afin de comprendre la qualification de gestes violents. Je m’appuie sur l’analyse de mes observations et de mes enregistrements de séquences de gestes qualifiés de violents par les participants. Cette analyse permet de mettre en évidence le processus de qualification cognitive de la violence, lorsque la propriété métacommunicative des cadres sociaux est remise en cause.
Ética de la investigación entre regulación y reflexividad
Authors: Carvallo Sarah
Published: June 2019

En treinta años, la ética de la investigación se ha extendido a todos los campos científicos y ha consolidado sus dispositivos, criterios y procedimientos a escala internacional. Articulado con la deontología y la integridad científica a través de reglamentos que proliferan, apoya a los investigadores e instituciones para permitirles o obligarles a asumir su responsabilidad y así fortalecer la confianza de los ciudadanos en la ciencia y los científicos. Se supone que tiene por objeto llegar a un consenso y aclarar las normas de una buena investigación, sin embargo, induce limitaciones y obligaciones que dan lugar a confusiones, tensiones e incluso contradicciones al frustrar a veces otras normas: el rendimiento, la aceleración, la globalización, la competencia, pero también la serendipia, la libertad y la reflexividad. El análisis de los discursos y las prácticas revela la reconfiguración contemporánea de los vínculos entre ciencia y valores y pone de manifiesto que la ética es más bien un problema que una solución.
L’observatoire d’hydrologie urbaine
Authors: Soyer Mathilde , De Gouvello Bernard , Deroubaix José-Frédéric
Published: June 2019

Le champ environnemental est marqué par une multiplication des dispositifs d’expertise en appui aux politiques locales. Les « observatoires d’hydrologie urbaine » participent de ces outils d’action publique ; ils mettent en œuvre depuis plusieurs décennies, au niveau de la gestion de l’eau, un dialogue original entre scientifiques et praticiens des services d’eau et d’assainissement de grandes collectivités (Lyon, Nantes et la région parisienne). L’article s’emploie à caractériser cette forme de collaboration scientifique qui donne à voir des pratiques assez inédites : co-construction de programmes pensés sur le long terme, expérimentations in situ, développement d’une recherche territorialisée. Il précisera notamment comment l’entrée des chercheurs dans le quotidien des collectivités transforme profondément la culture de travail des services techniques et comment cette expertise solide favorise une logique d’innovation relativement précautionneuse, en réintroduisant du doute, de la réflexivité et de la complexité.
Se survivre par la culture
Authors: de Mijolla-Mellor Sophie
Published: June 2019

On détruit toujours une culture spécifique par haine de l’autre qui en est l’origine et le garant parce qu’il impose grâce à elle ses modèles et ses valeurs. Mais ces équivalents de meurtres sont en soi la preuve de la valeur que les destructeurs attachent à ce qu’ils veulent éradiquer en les détruisant. Tout autre est le pourrissement de la culture quand le désir de beauté quelle que soit l’expression qui en résulte est rongé de l’intérieur par d’autres critères qui l’ignorent, comme celui de la rentabilité financière. La destruction de toute culture ne pourrait se faire que par l’annihilation du sens même de la notion de culture.
Le style carnavalesque : résistance au pouvoir dans le Liban contemporain
Authors: Germanos Besson Dina
Published: June 2019

Ayant une longue histoire discontinue, l’atmosphère carnavalesque semble émerger, de nos jours, comme registre d’expression. Seulement, elle est coupée du cadre mythique dans lequel elle a pris naissance : depuis les années soixante, nous dit Pauvert, un déchaînement s’exprime en des formes qui rappellent le dyonysisme. Toutefois cette résurgence du paganisme se distingue de l’univers breughélien, boschien et rabelaisien, puisque son défoulement, en s’affranchissant des racines et du cadre essentiellement rituel, tourne de nos jours à vide. Mais, à travers les figures déstructurées du peintre libanais Raouf Rifaï, nous analyserons la réponse artistique à la question du vivre-ensemble. Nous verrons alors en quoi cet art carnavalesque contemporain est, cette fois-ci, doté d’une dimension puissamment subversive au regard du contexte politique du Liban.
Art et propagande révolutionnaire : du peintre J.-L. David (1748-1825) à l’écrivain communiste E. Cabet (1788-1856)
Authors: Demeure Brigitte
Published: June 2019

J.-L. David, artiste peintre et grand ordonnateur des fêtes révolutionnaires de 1792 à 1794 et E. Cabet, auteur du roman utopique communiste «  Voyage en Icarie  » en 1840 œuvrent à séduire le public à des fins de propagande politique. La représentation de l’imago maternelle joue dans leur projet un rôle central. Se pose la question de l’apport de la psychanalyse quant à la compréhension de ces épisodes historiques notamment par le biais de l’approche du mythe et de l’utopie.
Digital Learning Tools for Mobile Devices for Accomplish Hypothesis Testing of Statistical Parameters
Authors: Tapia Moreno Francisco Javier , Villa-Martinez Hector Antonio
Published: June 2019

Technological changes have been associated with the evolution of computer and telecommunications systems. These changes have resulted in a rethinking of teaching and learning methods in the new digitalized environment at all educational levels. This rethinking motivates some teachers to design new digital tools that support students in their learning process, offering them an easier and more entertaining way to obtain knowledge. The digital learning tools are software and informatics programs that make everyday activities easier for students. We have designed four digital learning tools for the learning of inferential statistics that allow college students to perform hypothesis tests for: i) the arithmetic mean of the population, ii) the proportion of a population, iii) the difference between two arithmetic means, and iv) the difference between two proportions. These digital learning tools are products from the project “Statistics-to-Go” that is being developed at the University of Sonora. This project is now in its fourth stage.
Thesis Supervision Mobile System for Enhancing ‎Student-supervisor Communication
Authors: Almeatani Mashael , Alotaibi Haya , Alasmari Eman , Meccawy Maram , Alghamdi Banan
Published: June 2019

This paper investigates the problems facing masters’ students with their thesis writing phases and completion. This research seeks to provide a smart solution that is beneficial, both to the advisor and student(s). Survey and interviews were conducted among masters’ students to determine the challenges facing masters students in the course of their thesis writing phases and completion process. Based on the results of the survey and interviews, a concept model for thesis supervision system (TSS) was developed Providing an automated supervision system  might encourage  students and ‎advisors to communicate in an efficient way resulting in more quality of thesis outcomes and ‎reducing the delay in thesis process. Moreover, the user interface mimics the TSS process in an interactive way that illustrates how the application would be depicted when designed.
Carbapenemase-producing bacteria in food-producing animals, wildlife and environment: A challenge for human health
Authors: Bonardi Silvia , Pitino Rosario
Published: June 2019

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing global health problem and one of the major concerns for economic impacts worldwide. Recently, resistance against carbapenems (doripenem, ertapenem, imipenem, meropenem), which are critically important antimicrobials for human cares, poses a great risk all over the world. Carbapenemases are β-lactamases belonging to different Ambler classes (A, B, D) and encoded by both chromosomal and plasmidic genes. They hydrolyze a broad variety of β-lactams, including carbapenems, cephalosporins, penicillins and aztreonam. Despite several studies in human patients and hospital settings have been performed in European countries, the role of livestock animals, wild animals and the terrestrial and aquatic environment in the maintenance and transmission of carbapenemase- producing bacteria has been poorly investigated. The present review focuses on the carbapenemase-producing bacteria detected in pigs, cattle, poultry, fish, mollusks, wild birds and wild mammals in Europe as well as in non-European countries, investigating the genetic mechanisms for their transmission among food-producing animals and wildlife. To shed light on the important role of the environment in the maintenance and genetic exchange of resistance determinants between environmental and pathogenic bacteria, studies on aquatic sources (rivers, lakes, as well as wastewater treatment plants) are described.
Microbiological and physicochemical properties of smoked ricotta cheese during refrigeration and temperature abuse storage
Authors: Scarano Christian , Spanu Carlo , Mocci Anna Maria , Piras Francesca , Demontis Mariella , Murittu Gavino , Pinna Giuliano , Santoru Angela , De Santis Enrico Pietro Luigi
Published: June 2019

In the last years changes occurred in the production process of ricotta mustia, a traditional smoked, salted and sometimes ripened ricotta cheese, produced in Sardinia. Fresher, slightly smoked and with reduced salt content products, were introduced into the market to meet changes in consumer’s preferences for milder products. The present study of durability was conducted on an innovative fresh and smoked industrial product, also characterized by the small size and the packaging in modified atmosphere. A durability test to assess the evolution of microbiological and physicochemical profile of the product stored at refrigeration (4°C) and mild abuse (7°C) temperatures was carried out. A total of 126 ricotta samples smoked for either 1, 2, or 3 h were analyzed at intervals during shelflife for the determination of aerobic mesophilic counts, Enterobacteriaceae, yeast, moulds, L. monocytogenes, Pseudomonas spp. and B. cereus. Intrinsic properties, physic-chemical and headspace gas composition were also analyzed. Average and standard deviation were respectively 6,06±0,22 for pH, 0,982±0,05 for aW, 74,67%±1,81% for moisture, 10,25%±1,35% for fat, 10,92%±0,46% for protein and 1,70%±0,42% for salt content. Total bacterial count ranged between 3.88±0.48 log cfu/g at T0 and 3.25±1.02 at T45. L. monocytogenes, Pseudomonas spp. and E. coli were always below the detection limit. Enterobacteriaceae prevalence (percentage) was 3.17% (2.62±0.42 lg10 cfu/g) and was limited to samples stored longer than 30 days while B. cereus was recovered in 5.55% (2.36±0.35 lg10 cfu/g) of the samples and was never observed in samples after 45 days of refrigerated storage. The durability study is preliminary to challenge test to assess the shelf-life of this product in compliance with the requirements of Regulation (EC) 2073/2005.
Providing mothers with mobile phone message reminders increases childhood immunisation and vitamin A supplementation coverage in Côte d’Ivoire: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Dissieka Romance , Soohoo Marissa , Janmohamed Amynah , Doledec David
Published: June 2019

We conducted a randomised controlled trial to assess the effect of providing mothers with mobile voice or text (SMS) reminder messages on health facility attendance at five infant immunisation and vitamin A supplementation (VAS) visits. The study was conducted at 29 health facilities in Korhogo district. Mothers were randomised to receive a voice or text reminder message two days prior to each scheduled visit and two additional reminders for missed doses (n = 798; intervention group), or no phone reminder messages (n = 798; control group). Infants in the intervention group were 2.85 (95% CI: 1.85-4.37), 2.80 (95% CI: 1.88-4.17), 2.68 (95% CI: 1.84- 3.91), and 4.52 (95% CI: 2.84-7.20) times more likely to receive pentavalent 1-3 and MMR/yellow fever doses, respectively, and 5.67 (95% CI: 3.48-9.23) times more likely to receive VAS, as compared to the control group. In the reminder group, 58.3% of infants completed all five visits, compared to 35.7% in the control group (P < 0.001). Providing mothers mobile phone message reminders is a potentially effective strategy for improving immunisation and VAS coverage in Côte d’Ivoire.
The development of myasthenia gravis in a patient with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: case report and literature review
Authors: Nauman Feryal , Hussain Muhammad Fawwad Ahmed , Burakgazi Ahmet
Published: June 2019

The co-existence of facioscapulohumeral muscle dystrophy (FSHD) and myasthenia gravis (MG) is very rare and few cases have been described in the literature. To increase the awareness of the health care providers, we present herein a rare case of MG in a patient with FSHD, discuss the diagnostic challenges, pre- and post-treatment findings and provide a literature review.
Dropped head syndrome due to neuromuscular disease: clinical manifestation and evaluation
Authors: Burakgazi Ahmet , Richardson Perry , Abu-Rub Mohammad
Published: June 2019

In this article, we discuss the clinical approach to patients with dropped head syndrome and identify the various neuromuscular causes of dropped head syndrome, including muscle, neuromuscular junction, peripheral nerve, and motor neuron etiologies. We aim to increase awareness and recognition of the entity of dropped head syndrome and factors that may predict responses to immunomodulating therapy.
The new understatement penalty regime: A sharp ‘sword’?
Authors: Van Zyl Linda
Published: June 2019

The objective of this article was to form an opinion on the sharpness of the ‘sword’ of the new mandatory understatement penalty regime of the Tax Administration Act 28 of 2011 (as amended). Based on a review of the new bona fide inadvertent error exclusion and the burden of proof, it was found that it is imperative that comprehensive guidelines be issued expediently in order to prevent inconsistent application by South African Revenue Service (SARS) officials as well as to clarify the alleged automatic penalty position. The conclusion reached is that this sword is very sharp indeed based on its mandatory nature, the effect of the application of the highest penalty percentage and the current lack of guidance from SARS, especially regarding the practical application of the new bona fide inadvertent error exclusion.
The implications of climate change for Africa’s economic development
Authors: Lalthapersad-Pillay Pinky , Udjo Eric
Published: June 2019

Studies confirm that developing countries could be hardest hit by climate change given that they have to contend with extreme poverty levels and harsh geographic conditions. Even Africa will not escape the adversity that climate change will engender. Climate change could impact negatively on water resources, land quality, forestation and ecosystems, which may threaten livelihoods and food security, making it foremost a development issue. Existent socio-economic conditions in developing countries place them at greater risk to climate change as these inequities are likely to be reinforced by climate change, thereby jeopardising their future economic development. The results of the analysis based on the calculation of an overall index comprising four proxy variables, showed that eleven African countries are high risk countries whose future economic development may be impeded by climate change. Adaptation, economic diversification, mitigation, climate-smart polices within the framework of development policy are pertinent policy options.
Helping South Africans achieve a better income in retirement: a critical evaluation of the impact of treasury proposals
Authors: De Beer Jesse A.
Published: June 2019

Retirement income security is an issue relevant to the majority of South Africans, many of whom are financially inexperienced and illiterate. South Africa has a sophisticated retirement industry offering a very wide range of choice of annuity products, but these are often not designed to optimise choices by rather unsophisticated investors. This article provides an overview of issues in the South African income withdrawal market, as well as policy remedies proposed by National Treasury to deal with these issues. The aim of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of these policy proposals, using a behaviourally informed framework to financial regulation (Barr, Mullainathan & Shafir, 2008). It recognises that policy remedies need to take into account the realities of how people make retirement income decisions, and how the institutional environment impacts on this. The results of the research suggest that the main policy proposal – simplifying the retirement income withdrawal landscape through the use of default options – is only a partial solution to the problem of unsophisticated consumers who must make several challenging decisions. The research contributes to the literature by providing a more complete, integrated view of the factors that shape retirement income withdrawal decisions and offers practitioners several insights into appropriate reform of the retirement income market.
The economic impact of hunting in the Limpopo province
Authors: Van Der Merwe Peet , Saayman Melville , Rossouw Riaan
Published: June 2019

This study evaluated the economic impact of hunting on the regional economy of South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Data on biltong hunting was derived from a national survey conducted in 2009 and data on trophy hunting from the Professional Hunting Association of South Africa (PHASA). Using the input-output (social accounting matrix) and multiplier analyses, we found that the direct economic impact of hunting in the regional economy of the Limpopo Province, as a result of increased expenditure, exceeded R669 million (US$83.6 million). This direct impact resulted in a total economic impact in the order of R1.2 billion (US$150 million) and consequently in a multiplier effect of 1.76. With regard to employment, we estimated that some 8 382 jobs, in addition to those of the employees directly involved, may be dependent upon hunting in the province, which supports the notion that this is a viable and important sector of the tourism industry.
Agriculture and local economic development: a case study of uMshwathi
Authors: Ariatti Claudia , Chasomeris Mihalis
Published: June 2019

Local economic development (LED) is a process encompassing mobilisation of resources for competitive advantage by locally-owned or managed courses of action, identified through participation and social dialogue, in a strategically defined territory. LED based on sound business principles can contribute to economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. The South African Constitution mandates LED to municipalities. Agriculture remains one of the most labour-intensive goods-production sectors with substantial employment linkages. The study centres on whether agriculture can provide an effective strategy for LED in uMshwathi Local Municipality, District Municipality of uMgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal, using the research method of the case study and secondary data. LED theories applied embody the principle of value-adding risk management. Locational development-inducing factors and high potential agricultural land for smallholder and organic farming provide comparative and competitive advantage. Agriculture’s significant role to accelerate LED in uMshwathi is confirmed. A grand strategy and functional strategies are proposed.
Investigating financial literacy to improve financial behaviour among Black consumers
Authors: Rootman Chantal , Antoni Xolile
Published: June 2019

Due to South Africa’s high unemployment rate and large uneducated population, consumers’ low savings levels and high debt levels are of concern. Previous South African research in the domain of financial behaviour focused only on the population’s debt and savings behaviour and the statistics thereof. There is little research on identifying solutions to poor debt and savings behaviour, as well as improvements in financial literacy and behaviour. As it is essential to improve consumers’ financial literacy, increase their financial inclusion and change their financial behaviour to their financial benefit, it is important to investigate the relationships between these financial aspects. This exploratory study investigates aspects relating to financial literacy, financial inclusion and financial behaviour, specifically among black consumers in Nelson Mandela Bay. A total of 335 black consumers were respondents in an empirical investigation. The main results showed that saving and responsible spending behaviours can be improved as consumers’ financial knowledge and inclusion increase. Based on the results, the article presents conclusions and recommendations regarding the financial education necessary to improve aspects relating to financial literacy, financial inclusion and financial behaviour.
Testing weak form efficiency in the South African market
Authors: Grater Elmar , Struweg Jean
Published: June 2019

This paper furthers the work on efficiency of developing markets with specific focus on the JSE Limited. Empirical work on the efficiency of the JSE has been mixed; evidence both in favour of and against weak form efficiency is prominent. If markets are efficient new information immediately influences market prices; accordingly, prices follow a random walk and investors will not be able to continuously earn abnormal returns. Both the Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips-Perron tests were employed to test whether the JSE followed a random walk between 1999 and 2014. The null hypothesis (H0) for both tests is that the series of logarithmic returns has a unit root and is therefore weak form efficient. In both tests this H0 is rejected, which proves that for the period under analysis the JSE was not weak form efficient. The influence of factors such as market size and liquidity on efficiency is also discussed.
The competencies developed in an undergraduate accounting course before SAICA's competency framework was effective: a student's perspective
Authors: Smit Sybil , Steenkamp Gretha
Published: June 2019

SAICA developed a competency framework prescribing competencies a chartered accountant should master before qualifying. These competencies include compulsory, elective and residual skills (this study focused on compulsory skills: accounting and external reporting as well as pervasive skills). SAICA also issued guidance for academic programmes, detailing how competencies should be developed during academic training. Therefore South African universities should evaluate their academic programmes to ensure compliance with the guidance. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the extent that an academic programme at a university (before the effective date of the guidance) had developed the compulsory skills and (2) to propose changes to the academic programme in underdeveloped areas. It was found that most skills were addressed in the academic programme but certain pervasive skills (leadership, innovation, understanding the environment, teamwork and communication) had not been well developed. Solutions include additional subjects, case studies, group work, and practical examples.
Establishing Psychological Safety to Obtain Feedback for Training Programs: A Novel Cross-Specialty Focus Group Exchange
Authors: Saddawi-Konefka Daniel , Scott-Vernaglia Shannon E.
Published: June 2019

Background

Formative feedback from residents is essential to improve residency programs, and focus groups may provide rich information. However, residents may withhold information due to fear of retaliation or speak less candidly to please focus group moderators.

Objective

We assessed participant perceptions and utility of feedback obtained from a confidential focus group exchange between 2 residency programs.

Methods

Anesthesiology and pediatric programs at the same institution participated in 2017. Residents voluntarily provided program feedback during 1 of 2 confidential focus groups for each program. Each focus group was moderated by the program director (PD) of the other specialty. The PDs used thematic analysis to identify themes for use by the respective programs in improvement efforts. An anonymous survey was distributed after the focus groups to collect participant perceptions (quantitative and narrative) on this approach.

Results

Thirteen residents of 140 (9.3%) participated (7 anesthesiology, 6 pediatrics). Thematic feedback from focus groups was largely consistent with known issues, although novel information was also obtained (eg, pediatric interns wanted earlier one-on-one meetings with their PD). Survey data suggest that residents were able to share more meaningful feedback than they would otherwise, and they did not feel that having an external moderator (a PD who may have been unfamiliar with the specialty) was a barrier to discussion. The approach required 6 hours of time for each PD and approximately $200 for dinners.

Conclusions

The focus group exchange required modest resources, was perceived as safe by residents, and generated robust, actionable feedback for the programs.
A hybrid data assimilation method and its comparison with an Ensemble Optimal Interpolation scheme in conjunction with the numerical ocean model using altimetry data
Authors: Belyaev Konstantin , Kuleshov Andrey , Smirnov Ilya , Tanajura Clemente A. S.
Published: June 2019

Abstract. An original hybrid data assimilation scheme recently developed is presented and tested. The scheme is based on the application of the theory of diffusion random processes. It is applied here in conjunction with the Hybrid-Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) to assimilate altimetry data from the Archiving, Validating and Interpolating Satellite Oceanography Data (AVISO) in the Atlantic. Several numerical experiments were conducted and their results were analyzed. It is shown that the method is able to assimilate data and to produce analyses closer to observations. It also conserves the model balance. This method allows calculating the confidence range of the analyses by estimating their errors The presented method is compared with the Ensemble Optimal Interpolation scheme (EnOI) and it is shown that it has several advantages, in particular, it provides a better forecast and requires less computational cost.