Impacts of Policy Reforms on Labor Migration From Rural Mexico to the United States

Using new survey data from Mexico, a dynamic econometric model is estimated to test the effect of policy changes on the flow of migrant labor from rural Mexico to the United States and test for differential effects of policy changes on male and female migration. We find that both IRCA and NAFTA reduced the share of rural Mexicans working in the United States. Increased U.S. border enforcement had the opposite effect. The impacts of these policy variables are small compared with those of macroeconomic variables. The influence of policy and macroeconomic variables is small compared with that of migration networks, as reflected in past migration by villagers to the United States. The effects of all of these variables on migration propensities differ, quantitatively and in some cases qualitatively, by gender.

Consumer Buying Behavior at Shopping Malls: Does Gender Matter?

 The development of shopping malls is a major social and global phenomenon that has unearthed a novel facet for customer satisfaction and their consequent or relative buying behavior. The aim of his paper was to explore the gender differences in consumer buying behavior at selected Durban shopping malls. It is an observational cross-sectional study carried out on 700 randomly selected respondents to study buying capacity, buying behavior and shopping experience of male and female consumers at shopping malls in the city of Durban, South Africa. Data was collected through pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire with closed ended questions. The study revealed that there are notable gender differences, which shape shopping behavior among men and women. Time and money spent at the mall was significantly high among female as compared to male consumers. Consequently, the results attributed that personal attributes and shopping mall attractiveness factors played a crucial role in influencing customer shopping behavior amongst the mall shoppers. The study concludes that gender differences are prevalent in the buying behavior of customers at the select shopping malls in Durban, South Africa. Average time spent by female is high as compared to male which also affect their average money spent at shopping mall. Psychological, Social and Cultural factors are highly influencing customers’ buying behavior at shopping malls.&nbsp

Investigation into the Aroma of Rosemary using Multi-Channel Silicone Rubber Traps, Off-line Olfactometry and Comprehensive Two-dimensional Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Multi-channel polydimethylsiloxane rubber traps were used to sample the headspace of rosemary samples (two essential oils from different sources, one oleoresin and one dried herb) followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography – time of flight mass spectrometry(GCxGC-TOFMS)orGC-MSanalyses. The aromaof different headspace samples was characterized using a custom-built olfactory apparatus. The differences between the aroma profiles were evident from bubble plots of the perceived aroma at different temperatures. The samples were heat-treated to simulate cooking of food products, and were then reassessed to determine any changes in the aroma profile. It was found that the intense menthol and cooling aromas subsided in all the samples with heating. GCxGC-TOFMS allowed for separation of the numerous components in the headspace samples. Manyterpenes and aliphatics were thus tentatively identified and the relative peak areas were compared to better understand the mixture that contributes to the rosemary aroma.KEYWORDS Rosemary, multi-channel silicone rubber traps, GCxGC-TOFMS, essential oil, off-line olfactometry

Virus Infections in Children in a Respiratory Intensive Care Unit during an Influenza Epidemic

The incidence and severity of virus infections in a children's respiratory intensive care unit during an influenza A epidemic were studied. Infections caused by the Port Chalmers strain of influenza A or by an adenovirus were associated with severe, often fatal, pneumonia, whereas infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus or cytomegalovirus carried a good prognosis

Pheochromocytomas/Paragangliomas and two cases

Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-producing neuroendocrine tumours that arise from the adrenal medulla or extramedullary pheochromoblasts with highly variable clinical presentation, including episodes of headache, sweating, palpitations and hypertension. Due to the non-specificity of the symptoms there is usually a delay between the onset of symptoms and the final diagnosis. To make a firm diagnosis, biochemical testing of the blood (catecholamines) or urine (metanephrines and VMA) are mandatory. Many stimuli increase circulating catecholamines and metabolites and must receive due attention to prevent false-positive results. Therapeutically, surgery is the gold standard. To minimise complications during and post surgery the lesion(s) should be carefully localised via imaging studies. Adequate pre- and postoperative medical treatment is important. The history, diagnosis and therapy of two patients - the one with a paraganglioma of the organ of Zuckerkandl, the other with a intra thoracic paraganglioma are presented. South African Family Practice Vol. 49 (5) 2007: pp. 42-4

Entrepreneurial networking in supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry

Purpose: The point of departure in this article is that the principles that underpin entrepreneurial networking also apply to the establishment of supply chain relationships. The theoretical base for the need for entrepreneurial networking can be found in Kirzner's theory of entrepreneurship that argued that entrepreneurs identify and act upon profit opportunities that exist in disequilibrium in order to equilibrate the economy. Problem investigated: This article explores the possibility of implementing entrepreneurial networking in supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry. Methodology: Kirzner's theory is used as a theoretical base to support the case for the development of supply chain relationships. The literature with regard to supply chain management and its relevance to entrepreneurial networking is first dealt with. The case for implementing entrepreneurial networking to strengthen supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry in South Africa is then presented. Findings: The findings of this article indicate that the principles underlying entrepreneurial networking could be applied to supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry in South Africa. The argument is mainly based on the sustainability and profitability potential of entrepreneurial networking and the similarities that exist between entrepreneurial networking and supply chain management relationships. Originality: This research is original as it explores the possibility that the principles that underpin entrepreneurial networking also apply to the establishment of supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry. Furthermore, there is a need for published research in South Africa on supply chain management, particularly relationships within the supply chain. Conclusion: Based on the sustainability and profitability potential of entrepreneurial networking and the similarities that exist between entrepreneurial networking and supply chain relationships, the principles underlying entrepreneurial networking can be applied to supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry in South Africa. The unique challenges facing this industry in the current global market further strengthen the case for the implementation of entrepreneurial networking

The financing of a nonpure public good : the case of roads

This dissertation is concerned with the financing of roads in terms of public finance economic theory. The theory of public goods is applied to the case of roads and it is concluded that roads possess significant elements of privateness and are therefore nonpure public goods. Given that roads are nonpure public goods, and that the market for roads has natural monopoly characteristics, it is proposed that user charges have a role to play in the financing of roads. Road user charging techniques such as licence fees, fuel levies, tolls, area licensing, parking charges and weight-distance charges are evaluated. The advantages of user charging versus tax earmarking and general fund financing are examined. A road financing system for South Africa is proposed, whereby National roads are financed by user charges, and Provincial and Local roads are financed partly by user charges and partly by general taxes.Economics and Management SciencesThesis (M.Com.)--University of South Africa, 1996

The bullwhip effect phenomenon in automotive supply chains in South Africa

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to report on research that was completed to explore the concept of the bullwhip effect in supply chains and to illustrate empirically the presence of the bullwhip effect in automotive supply chains in South Africa. Problem Investigated: This article investigates the presence of the bullwhip effect - which was identified through an empirical study - and its causes and implications for supply chain management in the South African automotive component industry. Methodology: A literature study was conducted on the causes and implications of the bullwhip effect phenomenon. This was followed by an empirical study in the form of a survey among South African automotive component manufacturers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to determine the significant supply chain problems relating to the bullwhip effect in automotive supply chains. Findings and Implications: The results indicate that automotive component manufacturers are dependent on demand-forecasting information from their customers. They experience long lead times, fluctuating orders, cancellation of orders, excess and slow moving inventory and a lack of integration with suppliers and customers. There are also signs of relationship problems and a possible silo mentality. The mentioned results indicate the presence of the bullwhip effect in South African automotive supply chains. Since the bullwhip effect can have a major impact on organisations' costs, knowing where to invest effort and resources should be a high priority for supply chain managers. Value of the Research: Since the field of supply chain management is extremely dynamic, this article contributes to the body of knowledge and provides new insight into the bullwhip effect phenomenon. The results included in this article could assist parties in automotive supply chains to focus their attention on problems that might be within their control and if solved could lead to improved competitiveness. Furthermore, there is little empirical research on this topic in the South African automotive component industry. Conclusion: It is possible that the bullwhip effect is responsible for inefficiencies in automotive supply chains. Knowledge of the indicators of the bullwhip effect can enable supply chain managers to identify it at an early stage and thus be proactive in preventing its costly influence on the efficiency of the supply chain. The bullwhip effect can be experienced by any industry. This is possibly the case in the automotive component industry in South Africa