Determination of capsaicinoids in peppers by microwave-assisted extraction-high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

En este trabajo se ha desarrollado una técnica de extracción de capsaicinoides en pimientos mediante la extracción asistida por microondas

Application of nano zinc oxide (nZnO) for the removal of triphenyltin chloride (TPT) from dockyard wastewater

The use of triphenyltin chloride (TPT), a persistent organic pollutant, as a biocide has led to serious contamination of the marine environment. The potential of nano zinc oxide (nZnO) for the removal of TPT from contaminated dockyard wastewater was investigated. The adsorption of TPT onto nZnO has been found to depend on the adsorbent dose, contact time, pH, stirring speed, and temperature. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Freundlich model and the experiments showed that 97.0% TPT removal was achieved by treating 0.643 mg·l-1 TPT contaminated dockyard wastewater with 0.5 g nZnO at optimal conditions. The kinetic data for the adsorption process obeyed a pseudo second-order kinetic model, suggesting that the adsorption process is chemisorption. The nZnO investigated in this study showed good potential for the removal of TPT from contaminated dockyard wastewater systems

Entrepreneurial Marketing and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa

The study investigated the effect of entrepreneurial marketing (EM) on the performance of SMEs. Performance was measured using both organisational and personal criteria. The study utilised the quantitative research approach. The cross-sectional survey method was used for data collection. Data was collected from small business owners through the survey method. The self-administered questionnaire method was used to collect data from the participants. Convenience and snowball methods were used for sampling. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression were used for data analysis. The Cronbach's alpha was used as the measure of reliability. The results of this study showed significant positive relationships between some dimensions of EM and organisational and personal performance. Theoretically, the study linked EM to the personal performance of the owners of SMEs. Empirically, the study adds to the literature on the relationship between EM and the financial performance of SMEs. Practically, the study suggested recommendations that can improve EM by SMEs

Alternative Dispute Resolution in Criminal Cases: A Reality or Myth? A Case Study Of The Nigerian Criminal Justice System

The challenges of the criminal justice system in Nigeria cannot be overlooked nor over-emphasized. There are many pending criminal cases and many more being filed each day as thereis no society devoid of crime. Absence of witnesses, political interference, inadequate courtfacilities are some of the causes of delay in criminal trials. The criminal justice system cantherefore be said to be in pressing need of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) which is a methodof settling disputes without the rigorous process of litigation thereby saving time and cost.The use of comparative and doctrinal methodology was applied in this paper as it discusses therole of ADR and the statutory provisions for ADR. It also focuses on the types of ADR and theirsuitability to certain criminal offences. The paper also discusses the rights and duties available tovictims of crime and the defendant as well. It will also discuss and consider the role of restorativejustice in criminal justice system. It will consider plea bargain as it applies in criminal matters. Inconclusion, the paper will consider the effectiveness and way forward for the application andenforceability of ADR mechanisms in the criminal justice system of Nigeria mainly through pleabargaining

Work-Life Conflict of Native and Immigrant Entrepreneurs in South Africa

Work life conflict negatively impacts entrepreneurs and the economic performance of their businesses. The study explored the work-life conflict (WLC) of native and immigrant entrepreneurs in South Africa. Also, the study examined the effect of gender and work-related factors (long working hours and work overload) on the WLC of native and immigrant entrepreneurs. The study adopted the survey method (selfadministered questionnaires) for data collection. The participants in the study were identified through convenience and snowballing sampling methods. The methods of data analysis included descriptive statistics, T-test, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. The results showed high levels of WLC for both native and immigrant entrepreneurs. Native entrepreneurs have a higher level of WLC compared to immigrant entrepreneurs, however the difference is not statistically significant. Male entrepreneurs have a lower level of WLC compared to female entrepreneurs. Long working hours and work overload significantly impact on the WLC of native and immigrant entrepreneurs. Recommendations to reduce WLC include goal setting, scheduling and delegation of work by entrepreneurs.&nbsp

Personality Traits and Performance of Immigrant-Owned Small Businesses

Motivation: Immigrant entrepreneurs contribute to employment and the sustainable growth of host countries and both native and immigrant-owned enterprises should be included in the growth and employment strategy of a country. However, immigrant-owned small businesses face many challenges which impact on their performance and survival. The personality traits of immigrant entrepreneurs can influence the strategy adopted and implemented to improve business performance. Novelty: The aim of the study is to examine the effect of owners’ personality traits on the performance of immigrant-owned small businesses using the Five-Factor model. Empirical studies that specifically focus on the effect of personality traits on the performance of immigrant-owned small businesses are scarce. Methodology and Methods: The cross sectional survey method was used for data collection in a quantitative study. Data was collected from one hundred and ninety-six immigrant entrepreneurs and the participants in the survey were conveniently sampled. The participants of this study were in the retail and service businesses and were immigrants with legal residency in South Africa. Data and Empirical Analysis: The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM) was used for analysis. The results indicated significant positive relationships between three personality traits (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion) and the performance of immigrant-owned small businesses. The influence of agreeableness is insignificant while the effect of neuroticism is significantly negative. Policy Considerations: The findings this study can help individuals, businesses and government agencies that support small businesses to understand the personality traits that can help to improve the performance of immigrant-owned businesses. The design of training programme to improve the performance of immigrant-owned businesses should include how to enhance the personality traits of immigrant entrepreneurs especially openness to experience, conscientiousness and extraversion. The employment strategy of immigrant-owned small businesses should focus on individuals with these performance-enhancing personality traits