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Journal articles on the topic 'SMSes'
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Enkono, Fillemon S., and Nalina Suresh. "Application of Machine Learning Classification to Detect Fraudulent E‑wallet Deposit Notification SMSes." African Journal of Information and Communication, no. 25 (June 30, 2020): 1–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.23962/10539/29195.
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Fraudulent e-wallet deposit notification SMSes designed to steal money and goods from m-banking users have become pervasive in Namibia. Motivated by an observed lack of mobile applications to protect users from such deceptions, this study evaluated the ability of machine learning to detect the fraudulent e-wallet deposit notification SMSes. The naïve Bayes (NB) and support vector machine (SVM) classifiers were trained to classify both ham (desired) SMSes and scam (fraudulent) e-wallet deposit notification SMSes. The performances of the two classifier models were then evaluated. The results revealed that the SVM classifier model could detect the fraudulent SMSes more efficiently than the NB classifier.
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Bengo, Irene, and Marika Arena. "The relationship between small and medium-sized social enterprises and banks." International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management 68, no. 2 (February 11, 2019): 389–406. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijppm-02-2018-0066.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to perform a critical analysis of the relationship between small- and medium-sized social enterprises (SMSEs) and banks. Based on the conceptual framework for the analysis of SME’s credit availability developed by Berger and Udell (2006), this study aims to contribute to the current debate in two ways: first, outlining the characteristics of the lending technologies currently used by banks and financial institutions to evaluate SMSEs when they apply for credit; and second, discussing, based on the results of the empirical analysis, the coherence of these systems from the social ecosystem perspective and identifying areas for possible improvement. Design/methodology/approach The paper develops a conceptual framework based on the model proposed by Berger and Udell (2006), which defines the characteristics of lending technologies that banks use to evaluate SMEs, and applies it to the case of SMSEs. To study the interplay of these lending technologies, the empirical analysis is based on a case study of five Italian banks. Data are collected from multiple sources to capture key dimensions of the problems analyzed. Findings The paper provides empirical insight about the relationship between SMSEs and banks. The Italian case shows that the current lending infrastructure must be revised to support SMSE credit availability, and government policies affect the national financial institution structure. The relationship between SMSEs and Italian banks remains underdeveloped. Social implications The research supports the scaling up of social business. Originality/value This paper fulfills an identified need to study how social enterprises credit access can be enabled.
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Swee Kian, Catherine Tay. "Electronic Business Communications: New Spamming Laws for Singapore." Business Law Review 29, Issue 2 (February 1, 2008): 28–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.54648/bula2008007.
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Although digital communication such as smses and e-mails is a very convenient way of offering fast global reach, it becomes a nuisance invading an individual’s privacy when huge amounts of unsolicited e-mails and smses are sent indiscriminately to him – a practice called spamming. What legal protection is there for him in this business world? This article discusses and outlines the new spamming laws, which balance the privacy of an individual and the business world of advertising.
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Deumert, Ana, and Sibabalwe Oscar Masinyana. "Mobile language choices — The use of English and isiXhosa in text messages (SMS)." English World-Wide 29, no. 2 (April 23, 2008): 117–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/eww.29.2.02deu.
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This paper looks at language choice and use in South African SMS communication (texting) among bilingual (isiXhosa / English-speaking) users. Although English is the preferred language for most of the 22 participants (aged between 18 and 27), SMSes also create a forum for isiXhosa literacy (either in isiXhosa messages or in mixed English-isiXhosa messages). The English-language SMSes produced by these bilingual speakers share many of the features which have been reported for English SMS communication internationally (abbreviations, paralinguistic restitutions, non-standard spellings), and provide evidence for what one might call a global English SMS standard. At the same time, however, their SMSes also contain local linguistic features and, in particular, local, cultural content. The isiXhosa messages differ markedly from the writers’ English-language messages in that they contain no abbreviated material, non-standard spellings or paralinguistic restitutions and thus violate the sociolinguistic maxims of SMS / texting as postulated by Thurlow (2003). These bilingual writers thus communicate in the electronic medium using two different languages as well as two, non-overlapping sets of sociolinguistic norms.
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Olurotimi, Ogunwale, Akintoye Rufus, Ogbebor Ifeanyi, and Ademola Olufemi. "Impact of Electronic Banking on the Operational Efficiency of Small and Medium Scale Businesses in South-western Nigeria." WSEAS TRANSACTIONS ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS 20 (March 31, 2023): 770–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.37394/23207.2023.20.71.
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This research aimed at studying electronic banking and how it has impacted the efficiency of operations of SMSE in Nigeria. The research objective was to investigate the bearing of electronic banking on operational efficiency of SMEs in South-western Nigeria, making use of Lagos and Ogun States as a case study. The study relied on information gathered through surveys. Operational efficacy of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses served as dependent variable while POS machines (point of sale), Internet banking, ATMs, mobile banking apps, and SMS messages served as the independent variables. Primary data was sourced through the use of questionnaire while the multiple linear regression model was used to estimate the sourced data. The findings displayed that while ATM use ( = 0.20, p = 0.3114), MOP ( = 0.04, p = 0.5631), and SMS ( 0.07, p = 0.4339) had no significant effect on operational efficiency of SMSEs in South-western Nigeria, POS had an impact that is both favourable and considerable. Given the benefit of electronic banking to SMSEs, it was recommended that SMSEs should be motivated and supported to adopt the POS electronic banking platforms.
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Butler, Tom, and Ciaran Murphy. "An Exploratory Study on IS Capabilities and Assets in a Small-to-Medium Software Enterprise." Journal of Information Technology 23, no. 4 (December 2008): 330–44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/jit.2008.19.
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There is a dearth of research on the capabilities of innovative small-to-medium software enterprises (SMSEs). Understanding how SMSEs build and apply business and information systems (IS) capabilities is important, as such firms account for over 90% of software enterprises operating in Europe and the US. This paper elaborates and applies dynamic capability theory to explore and help understand the web of conditions and factors that shaped and influenced business and IS capability development and application in one European SMSE. Drawing on the overarching theory of dynamic capabilities, a theoretical model is presented that posits relationships among (1) a firm's past activities; (2) its integration, learning and reconfiguration, and transformation capabilities; (3) its financial, complementary, locational, and technological asset positions; and (4) the products and services that result, and which are of value to an SMSE's customers. The paper refines and elaborates the model by describing and enumerating the business and IS capabilities, assets, and products and services of the SMSE under study. To properly assess whether this firm's products and services were of value to its customers, research was also conducted at two customer sites in Ireland and the US, in addition to the investigation at the primary research site in Dublin. The study therefore informs both practitioners’ and researchers’ understandings of this complex and under-researched phenomenon: for practitioners, it highlights the characteristics required to build innovative software solutions; for researchers, it illustrates the patterns and regularities associated with the development and application of business and IS capabilities.
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Chiarini, Andrea, Paola Castellani, and Chiara Rossato. "Factors for improving performance in ISO 9001 certified small- and medium-sized service enterprises." TQM Journal 32, no. 1 (October 14, 2019): 21–37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/tqm-05-2019-0141.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors that are important for improving the performance of ISO 9001 certified small- and medium-sized service enterprises (SMSEs). Design/methodology/approach Preliminary research questions were set on the basis of a literature review and then submitted to a Delphi panel of experts. The results from the Delphi panel were transformed into hypotheses in the form of a survey. A sample comprising 115 Italian SMSEs answered the survey, which also included specific fields for qualitative notes. The hypothesis tests used 95% confidence intervals, and notes and suggestions from the respondents were also collected. Findings The findings relate to the role and responsibilities of the quality manager, as well the entrepreneur and partners, the quality of the enterprise culture, training, awareness concerning process key performance indicators, visual management and modern digitised documentation and communication. Furthermore, criticisms emerged regarding the ISO 9001 standard in terms of cost of quality measurement, day-to-day improvement and problem-solving. Research limitations/implications This research is limited to SMSEs. The limitations of this research open avenues for further research. In particular, many suggestions from the respondents seem generalisable to other industries and also to large manufacturing firms. Practical implications The findings of this research could be used as a guideline for implementing ISO 9001 in the SMSE sector. Moreover, some of the criticisms could be taken into account for the next revision of the ISO 9001 standard. Originality/value This is one of the first papers to discuss important factors for improving the performance of ISO 9001 in the SMSE sector.
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Jarkovská, Petra, and Martina Jarkovská. "Corporate social responsibility of small- to medium-size enterprises as a solution to out-migration: an example from the hospitality sector." GeoScape 15, no. 1 (June 1, 2021): 43–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/geosc-2021-0004.
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Abstract Local and regional authorities are often held responsible for implementing social and economic “population drain reduction” policies but at the same time are constrained with little fiscal power and inability to access resources. Being considered the “backbone” of local economies, it is on small- to medium-size enterprises (SMSEs) to come up with an “out-migration” solution which would be effective; yet at the same time sustainable, and adding social value to the local or regional development. Therefore, using a sample of 24 SMSEs from the hospitality industry environment, this paper empirically examines corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a prerequisite for employees’ affirmative work attitudes, such as job satisfaction (JS), effective organizational commitment (OC), and employees’ voluntary retention (R). Inspired by Carroll’s (2015, 2016) four-dimensional concept of CSR (economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic dimension), the findings suggest a significant causal relationship between CSR and the examined employees’ desirable behavior outcomes. However, it is mainly the ethical and legal dimension of CSR that influence all three employees’ affirmative work attitudes - JS, effective OC, and voluntary R. The contribution of this paper also lies in amounting to the body of scholarly literature on CSR in respect to employees. Most works focus on other stakeholders but employees, or are set in different cultural settings or geographical regions, mainly in Asia, and thus their findings might be difficult to implement in the Central European context. Highlights for public administration, management and planning: • CSR as a prerequisite for sustainable management of employees’ retention in small-to medium- size enterprises. • CSR may act as an approach to reduce “out-migration” faced in local and regional development. • SMSEs adding a social value to local and regional development.
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Tagg, Caroline, Alistair Baron, and Paul Rayson. "“i didn’t spel that wrong did i. Oops”." SMS Communication: A linguistic approach 35, no. 2 (December 31, 2012): 367–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/li.35.2.12tag.
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Spelling variation, although present in all varieties of English, is particularly prevalent in SMS text messaging. Researchers argue that spelling variants in SMSes are principled and meaningful, reflecting patterns of variation across historical and contemporary texts, and contributing to the performance of social identities. However, little attempt has yet been made to empirically validate SMS spelling patterns (for most languages, with the notable exception of French) and verify the extent to which they mirror those in other texts. This article reports on the use of the VARD2 tool to analyse and normalise the spelling variation in a corpus of over 11,000 SMSes collected in the UK between 2004 and 2007. A second tool, DICER, was used to examine the variant and equivalent mappings from the normalised corpus. The database of rules and frequencies enables comparison with other text types and the automatic normalisation of spelling in larger SMS corpora. As well as examining various spelling trends with the DICER analysis it was also possible to place the spelling variants found in the SMS corpus into functional categories; the ultimate aim being to create a taxonomy of SMS spelling. The article reports on the findings from this categorisation process, whilst also discussing the difficulty in choosing categories for some spelling variants.
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Langlais, Philippe, and Patrick Drouin. "Texto4Science." SMS Communication: A linguistic approach 35, no. 2 (December 31, 2012): 237–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/li.35.2.07lan.
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In October 2009 the Quebec French part of the international SMS4science project, called texto4science was launched. Over a period of 10 months, we collected slightly more than 7,000 SMSes that we carefully annotated. This database is now ready to be used by the community. The purpose of this article is to relate the efforts put into designing this database and provide some data analysis of the main linguistic phenomena that we have annotated. We also report on a sociolinguistic survey we conducted within the project.
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Estilaee, F., and A. Ghaffari Nejad. "Short-Term Messages (SMS) and Content of Delusions in a Schizophrenic Patient." European Psychiatry 26, S2 (March 2011): 1380. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0924-9338(11)73085-1.
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Since the human creation he always has tried to have easier life through invention new technologies. We use technology to reduce our weakness and limitations and become stronger, faster, happier and more intelligent. We use new technologies such as internet and mobile phones to get easier and more available connections to each other. But does the technology give us happier life? Sometimes it seems that the rate of progression in technology is faster than our adaptation to it. Using of newer technologies cause being always accessible but unfortunately it may substitute the real inter personal relations. Despite external comfort it makes newer and serious stresses. Here we introduce a 24 year old, single and 12 class educated woman without previous history of psychiatric problems. She has accustomed with a guy through SMS. They had never visited and never spoken to each other. This relation lasts several months till she begins to gets twofold conception from these SMSes. She believes the meaning of jungle in the SMSes is female genitalia and inability to go to holly shrine is equivalent by sexual intercourse in menstrual period. Patient admitted in our psychiatric ward with schizophrenia impression, she treat with antipsychotic and her symptoms reduce considerably, but in 3 month follow up she still believes have not made mistake in past. In this report, in addition to patient introduction, we discuss about technology and its role to influence on content of delusions in schizophrenia
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Bernicot, Josie, Olga Volckaert-Legrier, Antonine Goumi, and Alain Bert-Erboul. "SMS experience and textisms in young adolescents." SMS Communication: A linguistic approach 35, no. 2 (December 31, 2012): 181–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/li.35.2.04ber.
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The aim of this paper was to study the characteristics of SMSes in a population for which there is currently only limited data: young adolescents (girls and boys) between 11 and 12 years of age. The analysis focused on a corpus of 4,524 SMSes sent by 19 informants in everyday real-life situations over a one-year period. At the beginning of the study, the participants were complete novices. This study sets forth a new analysis grid which distinguishes between two categories of textisms which were defined based on the following cognitive processes: (a) textisms which are consistent with the traditional written code of grapheme–phoneme correspondence and (b) textisms which break with this traditional code. On the whole, the density of textisms was .52 and .26, respectively, for each kind of textism. The results showed an increase in the density of textisms with SMS experience (from month 1 to month 12), but also a variation depending upon the type of textism and the gender of the texter. For boys, the density of both types of textisms increased with SMS experience, while for girls, the density of textisms only increased for textisms which broke with the code. The results were interpreted in terms of the construction of an SMS register with specific linguistic markers resulting from a different use of traditional writing rules or the use of inventions as compared to traditional writing.
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Erzan, Refik, and Alpay Filiztekin. "Competitiveness of Turkish SMSEs in the Customs Union." European Economic Review 41, no. 3-5 (April 1997): 881–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0014-2921(97)00045-7.
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Siadati, Hossein, Toan Nguyen, Payas Gupta, Markus Jakobsson, and Nasir Memon. "Mind your SMSes: Mitigating social engineering in second factor authentication." Computers & Security 65 (March 2017): 14–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cose.2016.09.009.
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Youssef, Iman. "CREDIT RISK ASSESSMENT OF SMSEs IN EGYPT: RATIONAL OR INTUITIVE?" European Journal of Management 20, no. 1 (June 1, 2020): 49–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.18374/ejm-20-1.4.
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Mustapha, A. M., O. T. Arogundade, O. R. Vincent, and O. J. Adeniran. "Towards a compliance requirement management for SMSEs: a model and architecture." Information Systems and e-Business Management 16, no. 1 (June 22, 2017): 155–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10257-017-0354-y.
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Nkoro, Emeka, NenuBari Ikue-John, Winifred Okeke, Ifeanyi Lucky Amabuike, and Joseph Ade Ajaba. "Power supply and the performances of small and medium scale enterprises (SMSEs) in Rivers State." International Journal of Business Ecosystem and Strategy (2687-2293) 1, no. 1 (July 19, 2019): 54–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.36096/ijbes.v1i1.95.
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This paper examined the effect of power supply and the performances of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). In doing this, the paper used durations of public power supply, bills paid for public power and cost paid for private power supply as measures of power supply on the performances index of the SMEs in Port Harcourt. The performance indexes are employed in the models as the dependent variables while the power supply indexes are the explanatory variables. The data were sourced primarily through a well-structured questionnaire and the samples determined by the Cochran sampling techniques. The data were analyzed with the Qualitative Respond Model. It was revealed that a lower duration of public power supply significantly reduces the profitability, productivity and revenue, as well as the storage of products of the SMSEs, examined. Hence, the study recommended among others that there is a need to allocate more electric power to the industrial area of Rivers state- Port Harcourt, especially in the day light to encourage productivity, profitability and employment generation in the state.
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Rizqi Khusnul Khotimah, Dian. "Economic Growth and E-Commerce: Potensial for Digitizing SMSEs in East Java." East Java Economic Journal 5, no. 2 (September 30, 2021): 183–203. http://dx.doi.org/10.53572/ejavec.v5i2.69.
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The social and economic impacts caused by Covid-19 pandemic have changed the way people live. The existence of social activities and shopping due to spread of Covid-19, resulted in switching from an offline system to an online system, including in the case that number of e-commerce increased during the pandemic. In 2020 number of e-commerce businesses in East Java Province grew to 90.31 percent from 19.92 percent in 2019. According to Liu (2013), number of e-commerce businesses will affect economic growth. Pattern of relationship between e-commerce and economic growth needs to be known for an appropriate policy so that both can continue to develop. Furthermore, it is necessary to segment and optimize aspects that support the development of e-commerce and the digitization of MSMEs. This study aims to analyze effect of e-commerce businesses on economic growth in Java, segmenting and optimizing aspects that support development of e-commerce in the locus of Java Island, especially East Java Province, and complete it with an analysis of big data on public response to digital economy in times of pandemic. Method used are a combination of 5 techniques at once, namely regression analysis, thematic map visualization, clustering, spatial analysis, and text mining. Results show that e-commerce affects economic growth of provinces in Java. E-commerce businesses need to continue to be optimized by improving the quality of HDI and internet networks, especially in priority areas for the development of East Java Province. Programs related to digital economy need to be encouraged to harmonize changes in social order with the ability of MSMEs to adapt to digitalization era.
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Ogunrinde, Ebenezer Deji, and Joshua Taiwo Ajenifari. "Mood in Language: A Lexico-syntactic Analysis of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Covid-19 Sensitisation SMS." Theory and Practice in Language Studies 11, no. 7 (July 1, 2021): 768–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.17507/tpls.1107.02.
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Using data from widely circulated SMSes from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), this paper provides a lexical-syntactic analysis of language use by a government agency during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. The framework used for the analysis is dyadic, encompassing tenets from semantic theory (which deals extensively with lexical choices as well as the determination of the meanings attached to them) and Systemic Functional Grammar. The analysis reveals that a writer’s selection of lexical items in a particular text is a reflection of his mood. This plays a significant and important role in the writer’s arrangement of the lexical items into peculiar sentence patterns in the text. Mood which is a system at the deep structure of Systemic Functional Grammar determines, to a very large extent, the language a writer employs in a text. Repetition in NCDC COVID-19 sensitisation messages is used to emphasize the importance of such words. It is meant to further convince the general public that only self-efforts or actions can prevent the spread of COVID-19 as majority of the repeated words are action stimulated words (verbs).
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N. Onyishi, Charity, and Maximus M. Sefotho. "Differentiating instruction for learners’ mathematics self-efficacy in inclusive classrooms: Can learners with dyscalculia also benefit?" South African Journal of Education 41, no. 4 (November 30, 2021): 1–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.15700/saje.v41n4a1938.
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Poor mathematics self-efficacy (MSE) has been recorded among learners at all levels in Nigeria. The study reported on here sought to establish the efficacy of differentiated instruction (DI) in raising learners’ MSE in inclusive settings. We also explored the differential effects of DI on the MSE of learners with dyscalculia, as well as on high- and low-achieving learners. We adopted a control group quasi-experimental research design involving 1 experimental and 1 control group. A total of 4 mathematics teachers and 158 Senior Secondary II (SSII) learners in 4 regular classes participated in the study. Mathematics teachers participated in a one week DI training workshop to equip them with DI skills for whole-term mathematics instruction. The Students’ Mathematics Self-efficacy Scale (SMSES) was used for data collection at pre- and post-intervention evaluations. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The major findings reveal that using DI led to significant improvements in learners’ MSE. Prior achievement (PA) had a significant influence on MSE; however, DI was effective in reducing the negative effects of poor PA on the self-efficacy of low-achieving learners and learners with dyscalculia. It was concluded that DI offers teachers the impetus to help all learners to improve their self-efficacy in mathematics.
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Stark, Elisabeth. "Negation marking in French text messages." SMS Communication: A linguistic approach 35, no. 2 (December 31, 2012): 341–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.1075/li.35.2.11sta.
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This study investigates the drop of the first clitic element, ne, of French sentential negation. It is based on 4,628 French text messages taken from the newly established corpus sms4science.ch. It shows that regional or stylistic factors do not play a major role in triggering ne deletion or ne retention, and that the only relevant language-internal factor is subject type, more precisely clitic subjects (also in subject doubling structures) and subject drop, which seem to favour or even trigger categorically ne deletion. Our findings are in keeping with those by R. van Compernolle (2008) on European French in online chats, and thereby indicate partially specific regularities in French computer-mediated communication (CMC). The findings question traditional assumptions on ne drop as a variety marker in French, irrespective of the phonic or graphic nature of the data (cf. P. Koch and W. Oesterreicher 2011). In fact, even in graphically deviant data, ne drop seems to follow the observed robust language-internal regularities. Some data seem to indicate that the graphic nature of SMSes plays a role also in ne-drop (cf. similar conclusions by R. van Compernolle 2008 for chats); this has to be checked by examining a larger number of French text messages.
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Chin, Chia-Hui, Ling-Ming Tseng, Ta-Chung Chao, Tsae-Jyy Wang, Shu-Fang Wu, and Shu-Yuan Liang. "Self-care as a mediator between symptom-management self-efficacy and quality of life in women with breast cancer." PLOS ONE 16, no. 2 (February 4, 2021): e0246430. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246430.
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Background The important role of self-efficacy in facilitating health behavior and, in turn, promoting health outcomes has been widely presumed in the theoretical literature. However, little research has focused on the mechanism by which self-care mediates the relationship between symptom-management self-efficacy and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer patients. Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between symptom-management self-efficacy and quality of life in Taiwanese oncology outpatients with breast cancer and then proposes self-care as a mediator between these two factors. Methods This cross-sectional study enrolled 201 oncology outpatients at one teaching hospital in metropolitan Taipei City, Taiwan. The research instruments included the Symptom-Management Self-Efficacy Scale—Cancer (SMSES-Breast Ca.), the Self-Care Scale, and the European Organization for Research & Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30). Results Symptom-management self-efficacy (SMSE) was directly associated with the QOL of the participants (β = 5.94, p < .001). Moreover, SMSE was indirectly associated with QOL through self-care. Self-care was found to mediate the relationship between symptom-management self-efficacy and global QOL (indirect effect = 0.54, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.18). The level of 95% CI was significant. Conclusions The present study supports that self-efficacy beliefs and self-care both significantly and positively influence the quality of life of patients.
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Ngowi, Kennedy M., Eusibious Maro, Pythia T. Nieuwkerk, Rob E. Aarnoutse, Blandina T. Mmbaga, and I. Marion Sumari-De Boer. "PO 8476 USER EXPERIENCE OF SMS REMINDERS TO TAKE MEDICATION AMONG PREGNANT AND BREASTFEEDING WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV IN KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA." BMJ Global Health 4, Suppl 3 (April 2019): A43.2—A43. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2019-edc.113.
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BackgroundPregnant women living with HIV have difficulties in reaching adequate levels of treatment adherence. One way to intervene is sending reminder cues using short message service (SMS) texts. We conducted a pilot study on the use of SMS among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. One objective was to investigate user experiences of SMS reminders.MethodsWe enrolled adult (age 18–45) pregnant or breastfeeding women living with HIV from Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Women received a reminder SMS 30 min before usual time of intake. One hour after usual time of intake, they received an SMS asking whether medication was taken. SMSes were sent less-than-daily and randomly distributed over the week. During consultation we listened to their feedback on the system. After six-months, we interviewed women using a semi-structured exit interview.ResultsTwenty-five women were enrolled. Two women were lost to follow-up. We received feedback from 18 women. Sixteen (89%) said they were content about the SMS reminding. One said she had problems with privacy issues (6%), but 5 specifically mentioned no privacy issues (28%). Preliminary results of 18 exit interviews show that 16 women (89%) had a good experience with the SMS. Fourteen women (78%) found the content of SMS good; 2 women (11%) said it was not good at all due to risk of unwanted disclosure. Three women (17%) experienced stigma. Eleven women (61%) told they were always able to reply to the SMS and 16 (89%) believed it really improves adherence.ConclusionWe believe most women were satisfied with the SMS system. A few women had trouble with risks or fear of unwanted disclosure. One way to solve that, may be to send more neutral language messages. The results can be used for clinical trial design to investigate the effect on adherence.
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Ngowi, Kennedy M., Eusibious Maro, Pythia T. Nieuwkerk, Rob E. Aarnoutse, Blandina T. Mmbaga, and I. Marion Sumari-De Boer. "PO 8480 TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY OF SENDING SMS TO REMIND TAKING MEDICATION AMONG PREGNANT AND BREASTFEEDING WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV IN KILIMANJARO, TANZANIA." BMJ Global Health 4, Suppl 3 (April 2019): A43.3—A44. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2019-edc.114.
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BackgroundPregnant women living with HIV have difficulties in reaching adequate levels of adherence to treatment. One way to intervene is sending reminder cues using short message service (SMS) texts. We conducted a pilot study on the use of SMS among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania. One objective was to investigate technical feasibility of sending SMS reminders.MethodsWe enrolled adult (age 18–45) pregnant or breastfeeding women living with HIV from Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. Women received a reminder SMS 30 min before usual time of intake. One hour after usual time of intake, they received an SMS asking whether she took medication. The women had to reply with ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. SMSes were sent less-than-daily and randomly distributed over the week. We did descriptive analyses of sent messages, delivered messages and estimation of adherence based on messages.ResultsWe enrolled 25 women. In total, 4963 messages were sent of which 40 failed to be delivered (1%). 1664 SMS were sent with a question if medication was taken, wich received an answer 1580 times (91%). The answer was ‘Yes’ in 1137 cases (65%), ‘No’ in 10 cases (0.6%) and indefinable in 433 cases (26%). The median adherence based on ‘Yes’-answers was 74% [range 24–99]. If also counting the indefinable answers, the mean adherence was 100% [range 95–100].ConclusionDespite a few technical issues, we believe using SMS for reminder cues in Tanzania works well. The number of failed deliveries is nearly zero and women have replied to the majority of SMS. Efforts are needed to instruct women better on replying and on detecting the right answer in case of typing errors. We conclude that using SMS has potential to improve adherence and should be further investigated in clinical trials to determine the effect on adherence to treatment.
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Cant, Michael Colin. "SMME business management: The role of institutions and government." Corporate Ownership and Control 14, no. 1 (2016): 559–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.22495/cocv14i1c4art2.
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The role and importance of small, medium and micro-enterprise (SMME) all over the world cannot be disputed. It is a known fact that SMMEs are responsible for the creation of jobs in all economies, and that in Africa, specifically poverty alleviation, economic growth and job creation is in the hands of SMMEs. Many organisations – local and international – invest billions of dollars in the upliftment of SMMEs by means of various actions, interventions and activities. It is also evident that most of these initiatives result in a lot of wastage, or does not reach its potential due to a variety of reasons. Although many of the reasons for this can be laid at the door of the SMMEs themselves, much blame can be appropriated to the institutions themselves. Staff employed to implement these actions are either not committed, or not trained, or not qualified to assist these SMMEs. This has led to the study conducted amongst 946 SMMEs in South Africa, using non-probability sampling regarding their experiences dealing with organisations providing assistance to SMMEs. The focus was on aspects such as: how queries were handled by the various management levels of the institutions, types of queries submitted, type of assistance received, and how problems were overcome by SMMEs. There was a clear indication that there is a lack of commitment from staff of these support organisations, their level of knowledge and their willingness to assist. The majority of respondents indicated that small businesses were not seen as important enough to warrant sufficient and dedicated attention. The nett effect is that the assistance offered to SMMEs is ineffective or not sufficient to address the needs of SMMEs – resulting in a culture by organisations to “just tick the boxes”. Recommendations are made on how the needs of SMMEs can be better addressed by organisations that aim to support and assist SMMEs.
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Mei, Qiang, Qiaomei Zhou, Suxia Liu, and Qiwei Wang. "A Safety Signaling Game for Small and Medium-sized Manufacturing Enterprises in the Supply Chain." International Journal of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management 13, no. 1 (January 2020): 118–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/ijisscm.2020010106.
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Due to information asymmetry and a prevailing focus on production that ignores safety among small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs), it is difficult for core enterprises in the supply chain (SC) to establish partnerships with SMMEs that have a high safe production level (SPL). We found that SMMEs would conceal their real SPL when being selected as core enterprise suppliers. This is known as adverse selection. According to the principal-agent theory, we built a signaling model to analyze the conditions of the pooling equilibrium and the separate equilibrium of the signaling game between core enterprises and SMMEs. The equilibrium results showed that adjusting the signal cost parameters of the SMMEs can guide the market to separate equilibrium and stop SMMEs from concealing or exaggerating their SPL. We also discuss corresponding suggestions. This research can reduce SC risks and promote the establishment of sustainable cooperative relationships between core enterprises and SMMEs with high SPLs. This study is applicable globally.
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Ihsan, Igo Syaiful, Deya Karsari, Nora Ertanti, Aristika Dinaryanti, Alexander Patera Nugraha, Purwati Purwati, Sri Agus Sudjarwo, and Fedik Abdul Rantam. "The distribution pattern and growth factor level in platelet-rich fibrin incorporated skin-derived mesenchymal stem cells: An in vitro study." October-2020 13, no. 10 (2020): 2097–103. http://dx.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2020.2097-2103.
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Background and Aim: A skin wound in an animal must be cared for to prevent further health issues. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and skin-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) have been reported to have potential in increasing the rate of wound healing. This study aimed to analyze the distribution patterns and levels of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in PRF incorporated with SMSCs. Materials and Methods: This study employed a true experiment (in vitro) design with post-test only performed in the control group alone. PRF and SMSCs were extracted from the blood and skin of 16 rabbits. SMSCs were characterized using immunocytochemistry to examine clusters of differentiation for 45, 73, 90, and 105. PRF was incorporated into the SMSCs and then divided into four groups (N=32/n=8): Group A (PRF only), Group B (PRF+SMSCs, incubated for 1 day), Group C (PRF+SMSCs, incubated for 3 days), and Group D (PRF+SMSCs, incubated for 5 days). Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the distribution pattern of SMSCs between groups. The supernatant serum (Group A) and supernatant medium culture (Group D) were collected for the measurement of PDGF, IGF, VEGF, and TGF-β using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay sandwich kit. An unpaired t-test was conducted to analyze the differences between Groups A and D (p<0.01). Results: Group D had the most morphologically visible SMSCs attached to the PRF, with elongated and pseudopodia cells. There was a significant difference between the levels of growth factor in Groups A and D (p=0.0001; p<0.01). Conclusion: SMSCs were able to adhere to and distribute evenly on the surface of PRF after 5 days of incubation. The PRF incorporated SMSCs contained high levels of PDGF, IGF, VEGF, and TGF- β, which may prove to have potential in enhancing wound healing.
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Tabot Enow, Samuel, and Peter Kamala. "The accounts payable management practices of small, medium and micro enterprises in the Cape Metropolis, South Africa." Investment Management and Financial Innovations 13, no. 1 (March 4, 2016): 77–83. http://dx.doi.org/10.21511/imfi.13(1).2016.07.
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The purpose of this article is to investigate the accounts payable management practices of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the Cape Metropolis. The study is motivated by a lack of research on payable management practices of SMMEs in South Africa. Data are collected from a sample of 200 SMMEs by means of a closed-ended questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings of the study indicate that 70% of the sampled SMMEs purchase only on cash basis. Of the sampled SMMEs, 22% purchase on both cash and credit, while 8% purchase only on credit basis. Of those that purchase on credit, 72% pay their creditors promptly to take advantage of discount facilities. To manage their accounts payable, 52% of the SMMEs use computers. Only 43% settled accounts payable on the last day that the payment is due. The results further indicate that a lack of personnel and time are the main factors that inhibit the SMMEs from managing their accounts payable effectively. The above results suggest that SMMEs are inclined towards purchasing on cash or paying promptly when they purchase on credit, which could indicate that they had a lower bargaining power relative to that of suppliers who may have viewed these entities as risky ventures to which they were reluctant to extend credit terms. Based on the above findings, this study recommends that the SMMEs decision-makers be educated on the competitive advantages gained by buying on credit, most important of which are improving cash flow and building supplier relationship. In addition, the decision-makers may be trained, perhaps through Government intervention, on how to overcome the factors that inhibit them from managing their accounts payable effectively, by using computers. The Government may also provide guarantees to SMMEs’ suppliers to relax the credit terms extended to these entities. This study makes several original contributions to literature. It is the first study to investigate the accounts payable management practices of SMMEs in the Cape Metropolis. Entities whose management of accounts payable had up till now been neglected appeared in the prior research to their peril. Secondly, this study provides a unique insight into SMMEs management of their liquidity by focusing on their management of most immediate obligations (accounts payable), which are critical for these entities’ survival given their limited access to finance. The proposed study thus fills the gap in research on the accounts payable management practices employed by SMMEs in South Africa. Although various studies have been published on the accounts payable management practices on SMMEs in other countries, no study was found within the South African context. This study therefore contributes to the debate on the accounts payable management practices of SMMEs in a unique context of South Africa and inspires other researchers to investigate the same in other Metropolis in the country
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Koti, Kundai, and Florah Sewela Modiba. "The role of microfinance institutions in enhancing the sustainability of women-owned SMMES." Investment Management and Financial Innovations 19, no. 2 (July 1, 2022): 306–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.21511/imfi.19(2).2022.27.
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Microfinance plays a catalytic role in the sustainability of small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMMEs). Given the prevailing failure rate of SMMEs in South Africa, a holistic view of microfinance institutions (MFIs) regarding microfinance is essential. This paper explores how MFIs enhance women-owned SMMEs’ sustainability in the Gqeberha area focusing on three MFIs subsidized by the South African government in Nelson Mandela Bay municipality. Systems theory was used to explore areas that MFIs should focus on to enhance the sustainability of women-owned SMMEs. A qualitative case study using semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires was employed. The research sample was drawn from three public MFIs in Gqeberha and 21 women-owned SMMEs who are beneficiaries of the MFIs. Coding and thematic analysis were used for data analysis. MFIs encounter challenges in adequately servicing women-owned SMMEs. A mismatch was identified in the provision and demand of microfinance services due to limited funding for MFIs. The non-financial support essential to keeping SMMEs afloat does not meet the needs of women-owned businesses. The microfinance services provided by MFIs play a significant role in supporting SMMEs to achieve sustainability. However, there is a need for a complementary service that should offer sector-specific business support because current services provided by the MFIs are generic, and SMMEs need sector-specific assistance. AcknowledgmentsOur special thanks go to the Department of Development Studies and Nelson Mandela University for the support that contributed to the success of this manuscript. We also acknowledge Dr. Ruth Albertyn for her technical and editorial support.
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Makwara, Tendai, Masiwa Mutambara, and Sihle W. Magagula-Hlatjwako. "A comparative literature review survey of employee HIV and AIDS-related corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in Zimbabwe and South Africa." Problems and Perspectives in Management 17, no. 1 (April 1, 2019): 339–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.21511/ppm.17(1).2019.29.
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This article reviews employee HIV and AIDS-related corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices by small business in Zimbabwe and South Africa. The article aims to present a comparative snapshot of how SMMEs are responding to the epidemic as a basis for developing a CSR framework that could be implemented by SMMEs in both countries. The article applies an exploratory literature review methodology to extract data from secondary sources. Research findings show that HIV and AIDS-related CSR in Zimbabwe appear disengaged from the direct influence of corporate business, the opposite of what South African SMMEs experience. In South Africa, SMME CSR practices experience pressure from large firms. However, differences in economic status between the two countries show no effect on the CSR behaviors of SMMEs in both countries when compared with each other. In both countries, findings reveal that SMMEs hardly establish HIV and AIDS policies and therefore rely on informal CSR practices to assist employees to deal with the pandemic in the workplace. Thus, the article submits that while HIV and AIDS practices are not formalized in both countries, SMMEs fulfil their epidemic-related CSR obligations towards employees’ corresponding with their smallness. In conclusion, the study recommends an empirical examination of the research question to establish a grounded recommendation for the development of a SMMEs CSR framework that could be implemented by SMMEs in both countries.
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Lerato Mokoena, Snenhlanhla, and Tatenda Freedom Liambo. "The sustainability of township tourism SMMEs." International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478) 12, no. 1 (February 13, 2023): 341–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v12i1.2302.
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Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are the key players in the township tourism sector, which contributes substantially to the growth of the economy in South Africa. Township tourism SMMEs are critical to uplifting the rural and township economies. However, they remain marginalized and continue to struggle to be sustainable. The following paper explains how much township tourism SMMEs use to stay sustainable. The paper aims to identify SMMEs involved in township tourism. The paper also aims to establish factors influencing the sustainability of township tourism SMMEs. In addition, the paper also aims to determine the competitive strategy for the sustainability of township tourism SMMEs. The study adopted a positivist research paradigm through a quantitative approach and a survey research design. As a result of having no reliable available sampling frame, a non-probability sampling strategy was adopted, and relevant data was generated through questionnaires. The data was gathered from 61 owners or managers of township tourism SMMEs, in uMlazi, Durban. This paper’s findings revealed that the most influential factors affecting the sustainability of township tourism SMMEs were a lack of funding, strong business competition, and poor business location. The study's findings revealed that only a few entrepreneurs applied a competitive strategy to their businesses. From the data analyzed, relevant recommendations and conclusions were also drawn
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Lu, Jin, Bo Gao, Qiang Li, Huai Dong Zhou, and Shu Hua Yin. "Assessment of Seldom Monitored Trace Elements Contamination in Surface Sediments of Bohai Bay, North China." Advanced Materials Research 726-731 (August 2013): 1233–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.726-731.1233.
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A geochemical study of was carried out to analyze the concentrations, distribution and accumulation of the SMTEs (Seldom Monitored Trace Elements) in sediments of Bohai Bay, North China. The results showed that the average concentrations of V, Co, Mo, Sb, Tl and Mn were 98.26, 15.07, 0.75, 2.06, 0.64 and 678.80 mg/kg, respectively. SMTEs concentrations and their spatial distribution indicated that the SMTEs were due to anthropogenic inputs except for Mo. The assessment of Geoaccumulation Index showed that Sb was at the level of unpolluted to moderately polluted, and the other SMTEs were at the unpolluted level. The order of the pollution level of the SMTEs was: Sb > Tl > V Co > Mn > Mo.
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Mago, Stephen, and Olayide F Olajuyin. "Effects Of Load-Shedding On The Performance Of Small, Medium And Micro Enterprises In Gqeberha, South Africa." Management and Economics Research Journal 8, no. 4 (November 21, 2022): 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.18639/merj.2022.1716925.
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Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are recognized for promoting the livelihoods of the poor and for economic growth. The purpose of this study is to investigate how load-shedding affects the performance of SMMEs in the food industry in South Africa. The study was conducted in the Central Business District and Summerstrand areas in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). The study is explorative and adopts a qualitative research design. The study population was made up of SMMEs owners in the food industry, with paid employees ranging from 5 to 200 people in the Central Business District and Summerstrand areas within Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). The purposive sampling method was utilized to select the study participants. The study revealed that load-shedding affected the capacity of SMMEs to provide quality products and services to their customers. To mitigate the effect of power outages, SMMEs adopted alternative power sources like backup generators and adjusted their operations to keep their businesses running. Also, the study confirmed that planned load-shedding enables SMMEs to plan and alleviate the effects of load-shedding. The study concluded that load-shedding disrupts the activities of SMMEs, which impedes customer satisfaction, leading to poor business performance.
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Zhou, Dan, Mika Kautonen, Hecheng Wang, and Lin Wang. "How to interact with knowledge-intensive business services: A multiple case study of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in China." Journal of Management & Organization 23, no. 2 (August 1, 2016): 297–318. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/jmo.2016.23.
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AbstractEmpirical support for the process and mechanism of interactions with knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) is scarce, particularly with regard to small and medium manufacturing enterprises (SMMEs). Our study investigated how four SMMEs in China’s electrical appliance industry cluster attained high performance through interactions with KIBS. For our research, knowledge integration can be understood as knowledge identification, knowledge accession, and knowledge utilization. We investigated the mechanism involved in interactions between SMMEs and KIBS by tentative multiple case studies, and found that interactions with technology-based KIBS improved the performance of SMMEs by influencing their knowledge accession and knowledge utilization. Interactions with traditional professional KIBS, however, mainly influence SMMEs’ knowledge identification and knowledge accession. technology-based KIBS generally acts as a knowledge source and professional KIBS as a knowledge bridge for SMMEs. Interaction with technology-based KIBS is a kind of complementary interaction, while interaction with professional KIBS is a kind of supplementary interaction.
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Daher, Wassim, Katia Cailliau, Kojiro Takeda, Christine Pierrot, Naji Khayath, Colette Dissous, Monique Capron, Mitsuhiro Yanagida, Edith Browaeys, and Jamal Khalife. "Characterization of Schistosoma mansoni Sds homologue, a leucine-rich repeat protein that interacts with protein phosphatase type 1 and interrupts a G2/M cell-cycle checkpoint." Biochemical Journal 395, no. 2 (March 28, 2006): 433–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1042/bj20051597.
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The suppressor of the dis2 mutant (sds22+) has been shown to be an essential regulator in cell division of fission and budding yeast where its deletion causes mitotic arrest. Its role seems to take place through the activation of PP1 (protein phosphatase type 1) in Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In the trematode Schistosoma mansoni, we have identified the Sds22 homologue (SmSds), and the PP1 (SmPP1). We showed by using a GST (glutathione S-transferase) pull-down assay that the SmSds gene product interacts with SmPP1 and that the SmSds–SmPP1 complex is present in parasite extracts. Furthermore, we observed that SmSds inhibited PP1 activity. Functional studies showed that the microinjection of SmSds into Xenopus oocytes interacted with the Xenopus PP1 and disrupted the G2/M cell-cycle checkpoint by promoting progression to GVBD (germinal vesicle breakdown). Similar results showing the appearance of GVBD were observed when oocytes were treated with anti-PP1 antibodies. Taken together, these observations suggest that SmSds can regulate the cell cycle by binding to PP1.
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Graves, Chris, and Yuan George Shan. "An Empirical Analysis of the Effect of Internationalization on the Performance of Unlisted Family and Nonfamily Firms in Australia." Family Business Review 27, no. 2 (June 17, 2013): 142–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0894486513491588.
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The purpose of this study is to compare the performance of unlisted family and nonfamily small and medium-sized enterprises (SMFEs and non-SMFEs) and the effect of internationalization on their relative performance. Results of the regression analysis of 4,217 firms with 11,821 observations over a 3-year period found that SMFEs achieved a higher return on assets as a result of having a superior return on sales. Also, although the results indicate that internationalization had a significant negative effect on the return on assets of SMEs overall, this was not the case for SMFEs, and the results suggest that SMFEs perform better in the international marketplace. These results were consistent across different definitions of family business employed. Implications for future research are explored.
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Gerlitz, Laima, and Christopher Meyer. "Small and Medium-Sized Ports in the TEN-T Network and Nexus of Europe’s Twin Transition: The Way towards Sustainable and Digital Port Service Ecosystems." Sustainability 13, no. 8 (April 14, 2021): 4386. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13084386.
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Despite high competition among big EU ports, such as Rotterdam, Hamburg, or Valencia, acting as Core Ports in the Trans-European Transport Core and Comprehensive Network (TEN-T), this paper addresses the marginalized decision-making capability for environmental and digital transition immanent in the Small and Medium-Sized Ports (SMSPs) ecosystems in the EU. Irrespective of topical research, little is said about SMSPs ecosystem sustainability robustness and how SMSPs can pursue the transformative way. Here, management and strategic port decision levels are rather patchy and disconnected from the operational port performance. SMSPs are bound to limited resources and low cognitive, organizational, or institutional proximity, compared to their bigger counterparts. This situation provides a lot of room for critical demarche, since in the TEN-T Network, there are 225 Comprehensive and only 104 Core Ports, the majority qualifying, thus, as SMSPs. This research aims at reducing this research-to-practice lacuna by improving limited managerial capacity of SMSPs on environmental responsibility and digital efficiency. Using an ecosystem concept and aggregated empirical data in three EU macro-regions—the Baltic Sea Region, the Adriatic-Ionian Sea Region, and the Mediterranean Sea Region, three specific decision-making tools are suggested for managerial applications to facilitate and reinforce transition in SMSPs for environmental responsibility, social equity, and economic efficiency.
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Enwereji, Prince Chukwuneme. "Impact of Covid-19 on SMMEs and the future sustainability measures: a systematic review." HOLISTICA – Journal of Business and Public Administration 13, no. 2 (December 1, 2022): 111–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/hjbpa-2022-0019.
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Abstract Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have made remarkable contributions to enhancing the economic growth of South Africa. The emergence of COVID-19 retarded the growth of SMMEs due to the lockdown imposed by the government on the 23rd of March, 2020. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on SMMEs and the future sustainability measures. To achieve the objectives of this study, a systematic review was adopted and 150 articles were downloaded from various databases for the study. Findings obtained from the study revealed that several authors from different continents have made wide contributions to revive SMMEs amidst COVID-19 disruption. The recommendations made to SMMEs include amplifying their communication networks and adopting e-commerce options, as well as Social Network Sites to reach out to their customers. Other recommendations include the adoption of transactional leadership, strategic management, employee management, financial management, and effective collaboration. The study further recommended that the government should endeavour to provide funding opportunities to SMMEs, improve the provision of infrastructure and enhance the effectiveness of the business environment. The study concludes that the SMMEs that were affected by the interruption of COVID-19 would be revived if the recommendations of this study are applied.
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Zada, Muhammad, Syed Jamal Shah, Cao Yukun, Tariq Rauf, Naveed Khan, and Syed Asad Ali Shah. "Impact of Small-to-Medium Size Forest Enterprises on Rural Livelihood: Evidence from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan." Sustainability 11, no. 10 (May 26, 2019): 2989. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11102989.
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Small-to-medium-sized forest enterprises (SMFEs) offer numerous benefits to rural communities and society as a whole. Less attention has been paid to the sustainability of SMFEs in terms of improving the livelihood of rural communities. This study aims to assess the impact of SMFEs in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, and evaluate their potential role in reducing poverty and promoting rural livelihoods. Primary data were collected from 350 household heads and analyzed using econometric methodologies: The ordinary least squares (OLS) and ordered logit model. Household income, a wealth index, and five capitals of sustainable livelihood have been considered to gauge the impact of SMFEs. The results of the study reveal that there is a strong positive association between SMFEs and improvement in a rural community’s livelihood. The results further showed that households engaged in SMFE-related activities earn 3% more income and possess about 24% more assets. These findings are robust for various dimensions of sustainable livelihood and show positive effects of SMFEs on livelihood assets. This study continues the discussion on several practical implications along with recommendations for future research.
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Tan, Firwan, Dewi Sartika, and Maidalena Maidalena. "Small Medium Technological Enterprises and Local Economic Resources Development to Promote Activities of Industry and Trade, in Solok City West Sumatra, Indonesia." Proceeding of Community Development 1 (January 30, 2018): 297. http://dx.doi.org/10.30874/comdev.2017.36.
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The objective of this research is to analyze the macro and microeconomicenvironments of Small Medium Technological Enterprises (SMTEs) in Solok City. “SMTE” in Indonesian language is identical with the term of Small and Medium Industrial Enterprise which is abbreviated by IKM, are considered to be important as an engine to stimulate the growth of local economic resources development. There are two main aspects which are necessary to analyze. The first is to analyze the macroeconomic environments of SMTEs in Solok City. The findings showed that the contribution of industrial sector to GRDP was relatively smaller from year to year during the period of 2010 to 2016. It indicated that Solok City was relatively not yet functioning as the City in accordance to the Indonesian National Urban Development Policy. The result of LQ calculation showed that trade and service sector dominate the economic activities of Solok City, however it still weak in the field of industrial activities particularly in term of processing industry. The area around it such as Solok Regency, South Solok Regency, Sijunjung Regency were dominated by economic activity in primary sector. Padang City in another side has the surplus in secondary as well as tertiary product and services. The findings indicated that macroeconomic environments of SMTEs in Solok City were not yet so conducive to stimulate SMTEs creation and development. However the opportunity of SMTEs creation and development was open and quite prospective. SMTEs in Solok City besides using its owned local resources as the input of production, also it can take the surplus of agricultural commodities and mining from its surrounding regions. Padang City can support the growth of SMTEs by technology transfer. In relation with OTDA, the result of studies indicated that this policy is a profitable policy for SMTEs creation and development. The second is to analyze the microeconomic environments of SMTEs in Solok City. In this case, the primary data taken from questioners and field survey were analyzed. The findingsof study showed that SMTEs have not been so developed in Solok City, therefore it still requires several "program supports” to speed up its creation and development.
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Agha, Muhanad Hasan, and Elena Gafforova. "Improving the Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) in Primorsky Region: The Role of Strategic Entrepreneurship." ИЗВЕСТИЯ ДАЛЬНЕВОСТОЧНОГО ФЕДЕРАЛЬНОГО УНИВЕРСИТЕТА. ЭКОНОМИКА И УПРАВЛЕНИЕ, no. 4 (2019): 91–102. http://dx.doi.org/10.24866/2311-2271/2019-4/91-102.
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With the increasing role played by tourism worldwide, Russia is turning to use tourism as an effective tool for overall development. Primorsky region is one of the leading tourist destinations in the Russian Far East where several Small and Medium-sized Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) are operating to offer a variety of products, all of which constitute a tourism experience. Thus, there is a growing interest in the performance and management methods of such companies. Through the analysis of literature, this paper discusses tourism trends in Primorsky region and studies SMTEs working in there through exploring their characteristics and the challenges they are facing. The paper also investigates Strategic Entrepreneurship (SE) as an appropriate management method for managing SMTEs in Primorsky region. The study finds that both components of SE positively affect the performance of SMTEs. Consequently, the application of SE in SMTEs in Primorsky region might enable managers and owners of SMTEs to overcome the various challenges and shortcomings experienced by these companies and to exploit their resources in a way that helps them achieve the best possible performance without waiting for large investments in the region.
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An, Jiping, Xinhong Li, Zhibin Zhang, Guohui Zhang, Wanxin Man, Gangxuan Hu, and Junwei He. "Path Planning for Self-Collision Avoidance of Space Modular Self-Reconfigurable Satellites." Aerospace 9, no. 3 (March 5, 2022): 141. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/aerospace9030141.
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Space modular self-reconfigurable satellite (SMSRS) is a new type of satellite. The research on self-collision avoidance of SMSRS is important for its on-orbit safety but is not completely solved. This paper offers a new method for joint path planning for self-collision avoidance of SMSRS. Firstly, we establish the collision detection model for SMSRS based on forward kinematics and the spherical nonholonomic envelope to detect the collision occurring in SMSRS. Then, to achieve offline path planning in joint space, we proposed the self-collision avoidance strategy, which splices multiple C-spaces based on the pre-defined joint path into a binary map, and then transforms the binary map into a map with the dangerous potential field, and planning algorithms based on a map with the dangerous potential field is proposed to find the optimal collision-free path. The new method is applied to two cases and both find collision-free joint paths for SMSRS successfully, which demonstrates the feasibility of the method. In addition, this study bridges the gap in the study of self-collision avoidance of super-redundant self-reconfigurable satellites.
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Fatoki, Olawale. "Access to Finance and Performance of Small Firms in South Africa: the Moderating Effect of Financial Literacy." WSEAS TRANSACTIONS ON BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS 18 (January 5, 2021): 78–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.37394/23207.2021.18.9.
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The failure rate of small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) is very high in SouthAfrica. One of the challenges faced by SMMEs is inaccessibility to external finance. There is ageneral low level of financial literacy amongst small business owners in South Africa leading to illinformed financial decisions. Financial literacy is an important knowledge resource for financialdecision-making but little research has focused on how financial literacy affects the performance ofSMMEs. The aim of the study was to examine if financial literacy moderates the relationship betweenaccess to finance and performance of SMMEs in South Africa. The cross-sectional survey methodwas used for data collection in a quantitative study. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation andhierarchical regression were used for data analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha was used as a measure ofreliability. The findings indicated that the relationship between access to finance and financial literacyis significant. The findings also showed that financial literacy moderates the relationship betweenaccess to finance and performance of SMMEs. Empirically, the study added to the body of literatureon financial literacy, access to finance and performance of SMMEs. Practically, recommendations toimprove the financial literacy of SMMEs are suggested.
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Yang, Jingquan, Haosen Yang, Linjie Wang, and Ping Zhou. "Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β) Regulates Myogenic Differentiation in Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells of Sheep." Animals 12, no. 20 (October 15, 2022): 2789. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ani12202789.
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Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) has a vital role in the regulation of many cellular processes. However, the role of GSK3β in muscle cell differentiation in sheep remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the function of GSK3β in skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) of sheep. An overexpression of GSK3β significantly inhibited myotube formation as well as the mRNA levels of myogenic genes (MyoD, MyoG, MyHC1, and MyHC2a) in sheep SMSCs. SB216763 treatment had a time-course effect on the phosphorylation levels of sheep GSK3β. In addition, reducing the activity of GSK3β lead to the promotion of sheep SMSCs differentiation as well as the mRNA levels of myogenic genes (MyoD, MyoG, MyHC1, and MyHC2a). This study illustrated the function of GSK3β to inhibit myogenesis in sheep SMSCs, which provided evidence for studying the mechanisms involved in the regulation of sheep SMSCs differentiation by GSK3β.
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Kumarawadu, Priyantha. "Achieving Competitive Advantage through Knowledge Management Initiatives in Small and Medium Software Industry." Journal of Information & Knowledge Management 07, no. 04 (December 2008): 255–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/s0219649208002135.
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Increasing number of small- and medium-scale software companies (SMSCs) has remarkably pressurised them to deliver good quality software products on time at minimum cost. This study attempted to prove that knowledge management initiatives can bestow business opportunities of small- and medium-scale software companies to improve productivity, product quality, flexibility, inter-employee relationships, effective knowledge creation and knowledge utilisation while achieving their cost, quality and time targets. Thus SMSC can gain competitive advantage to sustain their business. We first identified some significant facets which benefit knowledge management initiatives in SMSCs and based on the results of a survey of SMSCs, we proved that knowledge management initiatives have a significant influence on gaining competitive advantage of SMSCs. Therefore, we confirmed that organisation preparedness towards knowledge management initiatives, knowledge management tools and processes, knowledge management education and training and knowledge creation and transformation contribute SMSCs to gain competitive advantage.
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Abd Elalal, Nahed S., Samah A. Elsemelawy, and Yousif A. Elhassaneen. "Potential Effects of Wild Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum L.) Seed Extract Intervention on Oxidative Stress Induced by Busulfan Drug in Different Organs of Rats." International Journal of Healthcare and Medical Sciences, no. 83 (August 25, 2022): 19–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.32861/ijhms.83.19.34.
Full textAbstract:
Chemotherapeutic agent, busulfan, induce oxidative stress as a mechanism to kill cancer cells, however, it may also cause oxidative stress in non-target tissues and thereby lead to normal tissue injury. Milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) has been used for centuries as a herbal drug. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential effects of wild Silybum marianum seed ethanol extract (SMSEE) intervention on oxidative stress induced by busulfan drug in different organs of Rats. For the study 42 rats were prepared and fed with special ration, then they were divided to 7 groups with 6 rats in each group: group 1, Normal control: healthy rats without intervention; group 2.control SMSEE, 400 mg/kg/day SMSEE; group 3, positive control group received 20 mg/kg/day busulfan, group 4, treated group received 20 mg/kg/day busulfan + 200 mg/kg/day SMSEE; group 5, treated group received 20 mg/kg/day busulfan+ 400 mg/kg/day SMSEE; group 6, treated group received 20 mg/kg/day busulfan + 600 mg/kg/day SMSEE; group 7, treated group received 20 mg/kg/day busulfan + 800 mg/kg/day SMSEE. The amount of oxidative stress parameters (ROS and MDA), glutathione fractions (GSH and GSSG), and antioxidant enzymes (GSH-Px, GSH-Rd, SOD and CAT) in the different tissue extracts (liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, pancreas and testes) were measured. The results of this study showed that after busulfan treatment the levels of ROS and MDA were significantly (p≤0.05) increased and GSH, GSSG, GSH-Px, GSH-Rd, SOD and CAT were decreased in all studied organs. Treatment of busulfan administration rats with SMSEE leads to the opposite direction by different rates. In conclusion, the use of busulfan in rats administration induce oxidative stress in different organs and SMSEE had an preventive role through decreasing the ROS and the lipid peroxidation, and improvement the oxidative defense system. These results provide a basis for the use of Silybum marianum extracts as promising tools in the future for many important nutritional and therapeutic applications.
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Bvuma, Stella, and Carl Marnewick. "Sustainable Livelihoods of Township Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises towards Growth and Development." Sustainability 12, no. 8 (April 14, 2020): 3149. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12083149.
Full textAbstract:
In South Africa, small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have been recognized as the critical driving force to alleviate some economic challenges that the country faces. The challenges, such as the alleviation of poverty and the unemployment rate, can be addressed by policies that encourage SMME developments and sustainability. The historical background of SMMEs in South Africa has left them operating in various locations, such as cities and townships. There is a growing concern of the lack of information and communications technology (ICT) adoption by SMMEs, in particular those operating in townships. The aim of this study was to develop an ICT adoption framework using the sustainability livelihood framework (SLF) to encourage ICT adoption and improve the livelihood of township SMMEs. This study used the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) to explore the broader socio-economic contents of the township SMMEs on human, social, financial, and physical and natural resource-based assets that enable the poor to enhance their capabilities and reduce their vulnerabilities. This study deployed a qualitative exploratory research. A sample of 21 SMME owners/managers operating in Soweto was used, and data were collected using in-depth interviews and observations. The study revealed township SMMEs are complex and dynamic and need various interventions in order for them to be sustainable. The SLF for township SMMEs can be used as a guideline for SMME owners/managers and policy makers when formulating ICT adoption policy.
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Cant, M. C., and J. A. Wiid. "The Role and Importance of Marketing in South African Township SMMEs." Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 9, no. 5 (September 21, 2020): 90. http://dx.doi.org/10.36941/ajis-2020-0088.
Full textAbstract:
Small, Micro and Medium Entreprises (SMMEs) in South African townships, as in many countries worldwide, has a high failure rate. Effective use of marketing and other initiatives made available by the South African government, can help to decrease the number of failures. In order to assist SMMEs effectively, it is necessary to know how they approach marketing, what their training needs are and if they are aware of the initiatives available to assist them with various business functions. A survey was conducted in this regard with small business owners across South African townships. It can be concluded from the research that marketing plays a vital role in the growth and sustainability of a SMME. SMMEs that experienced a decline in growth in the previous year required more marketing training. The growth decline ratio is 1:1.08. It is furthermore clear from the marketing approach in relation to turnover ratios, that SMMEs that grew in turnover over the past three years are almost twice as active in performing marketing functions as the SMMEs that experienced a decline in turnover in the past three years. The need for marketing training was also pointed out as the most poignant training required by SMMEs. It can thus be deduced that the role and importance thereof cannot be overstated since the need expressed warrants the importance. The majority of respondents also indicated that they are not aware of any governmental programmes to assist SMMEs with their marketing.
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Shen, Jiyuan, Jiqing Wang, Huimin Zhen, Yan Liu, Lu Li, Yuzhu Luo, Jiang Hu, et al. "MicroRNA-381 Regulates Proliferation and Differentiation of Caprine Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells by Targeting PTEN and JAG2." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23, no. 21 (November 5, 2022): 13587. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms232113587.
Full textAbstract:
In our previous study, microRNA (miR)-381 was found to be the most down-regulated miRNA in skeletal muscle of Liaoning cashmere goats with higher skeletal muscle mass, but the molecular mechanism involved remains unclear. In this study, primary caprine skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) were isolated and identified. We investigated the effect of miR-381 on the viability, proliferation and differentiation of caprine SMSCs, and the target relationships of miR-381 with jagged canonical Notch ligand 2 (JAG2) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Cells isolated were positive for SMSC-specific marker protein Pax7. This suggests that purified SMSCs were obtained. The expression level of miR-381 achieved a peak value on day 4 after SMSC differentiation, and miR-381 also significantly increased the expression levels of myogenic differentiation marker genes: myosin heavy chain (MyHC), myogenin (MyoG) and myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) in differentiated SMSCs, the area of MyHC-positive myotubes and the myogenic index. These findings suggest that miR-381 promoted myogenic differentiation of caprine SMSCs. The CCK8 assay and EDU staining analysis showed that miR-381 mimic both inhibited the viability of SMSCs and decreased the percentage of EDU-labeled positive SMSCs. In contrast, miR-381 inhibitor had the opposite effect with miR-381 mimic. A dual luciferase reporter assay verified that miR-381 can target JAG2 and PTEN by binding to the 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR) of the genes. The transfection of miR-381 mimic into caprine SMSCs resulted in decreases in expression levels of JAG2 and PTEN, while miR-381 inhibitor increased the two target genes in expression. This is the first study to reveal the biological mechanisms by which miR-381 regulates caprine SMSC activities.
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Zhou, Helper, and Victor Gumbo. "Rural-Urban Comparison of Manufacturing SMMEs Performance in KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa." African Journal of Development Studies (formerly AFFRIKA Journal of Politics, Economics and Society) 11, no. 1 (March 1, 2021): 7–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.31920/2634-3649/2021/v11n1a1.
Full textAbstract:
The paper investigated the role of location on the performance attributes of manufacturing Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa’s second-largest province of KwaZulu Natal (KZN). Panel data from 191 SMMEs covering three years between 2015 and 2017 were analysed using R software. The results utilising the Random Effects Within-Between (REWB) technique show that SMMEs in KZN have related characteristics but the extent to which they influence performance is moderated by location. The findings also indicate that the use of digital media and liability registration negatively affects the performance of urban-based, with no effect on rural-based enterprises. Based on the findings, it was recommended that SMMEs in KZN should focus on productivity, permanent employees, temporary employees and total assets to drive performance despite their locations. Based on this study, the government has an informed basis for the development of effective interventions for SMMEs in the province.