bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A mixed-methods evaluation of a community physical activity program for breast cancer survivors
Authors: Sabiston Catherine M. , Fong Angela J. , O’Loughlin Erin K. , Meterissian Sarkis
Published: June 2019

Background

Given the benefits of physical activity for health and survival, clinicians are seeking opportunities for cancer patients to become more active independent of rehabilitation programs that are small, time-limited, and location specific. This proof-of-concept study evaluated a community-based physical activity program (Curves™) for increasing physical activity among women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.

Methods

Women were recruited from a breast cancer clinic through physician chart review. In study 1, women (n = 14) received the community physical activity memberships (Curves™), guidelines, and a pedometer. This group was compared to women (n = 16) who received physical activity guidelines and a pedometer on changes in physical activity. In study 2, women (n = 66) completed self-report questionnaires after Curves™ memberships expired to evaluate the program. Study 3 was a qualitative study exploring the benefits and barriers of the physical activity program among women (n = 6) who attended Curves™ regularly.

Results

Provision of memberships to a community-based physical activity program did not improve physical activity levels beyond educational and information resources. However, there are a number of advantages to community-based physical activity programs, and the women offer a number of suggestions for improvements for community physical activity opportunities aimed at breast cancer survivors.

Conclusions

Women-only community-based physical activity programs may be a viable option to help introduce women to get active after treatment.

Trial registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN14747810. Registered on 18 October 2017—Retrospectively registered, 10.1186/ISRCTN14747810
Final Overall Survival of a Randomized Trial of Bevacizumab for Primary Treatment of Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Tewari Krishnansu S. , Burger Robert A. , Enserro Danielle , Norquist Barbara M. , Swisher Elizabeth M. , Brady Mark F. , Bookman Michael A. , Fleming Gini F. , Huang Helen , Homesley Howard D. , Fowler Jeffrey M. , Greer Benjamin E. , Boente Matthew , Liang Sharon X. , Ye Chenglin , Bais Carlos , Randall Leslie M. , Chan John K. , Ferriss J. Stuart , Coleman Robert L. , Aghajanian Carol , Herzog Thomas J. , DiSaia Philip J. , Copeland Larry J. , Mannel Robert S. , Birrer Michael J. , Monk Bradley J.
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE

We report the final, protocol-specified analysis of overall survival (OS) in GOG-0218, a phase III, randomized trial of bevacizumab in women with newly diagnosed ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal carcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 1,873 women with incompletely resected stage III to IV disease were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to six 21-day cycles of intravenous carboplatin (area under the concentration v time curve 6) and paclitaxel (175 mg/m2) versus chemotherapy plus concurrent bevacizumab (15 mg/kg, cycles 2 to 6) versus chemotherapy plus concurrent and maintenance bevacizumab (cycles 2 to 22). Inclusion criteria included a Gynecologic Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 2 and no history of clinically significant vascular events or evidence of intestinal obstruction. OS was analyzed in the intention-to-treat population. A total of 1,195 serum and/or tumor specimens were sequenced for BRCA1/2 and damaging mutations in homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes. Intratumoral microvessel density was studied using CD31 immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 102.9 months. Relative to control (n = 625), for patients receiving bevacizumab-concurrent (n = 625), the hazard ratio (HR) of death was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.94 to 1.20); for bevacizumab-concurrent plus maintenance (n = 623), the HR was 0.96 (95% CI, 0.85 to 1.09). Disease-specific survival was not improved in any arm. No survival advantage was observed after censoring patients who received bevacizumab at crossover or as second line. Median OS for stage IV bevacizumab-concurrent plus maintenance was 42.8 v 32.6 months for stage IV control (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.59 to 0.95). Relative to wild type, the HR for death for BRCA1/2 mutated carcinomas was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.73), and for non- BRCA1/2 HRR, the HR was 0.65 (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.85). BRCA1/2, HRR, and CD31 were not predictive of bevacizumab activity.

CONCLUSION

No survival differences were observed for patients who received bevacizumab compared with chemotherapy alone. Testing for BRCA1/2 mutations and homologous recombination deficiency is essential.
Differences in quality of life and emotional health by diagnosis among women with early-stage gynecological cancers.
Authors: Vogel Rachel Isaksson , Jewett Patricia , Messelt Audrey , Lee Heewon , Everson-Rose Susan , Hatsukami Dorothy , Geller Melissa Ann , Teoh Deanna Gek Koon , Blaes Anne Hudson
Published: June 2019

e23180

Background: Psychosocial outcomes have been described in women with gynecological cancers, but potential differences by diagnosis have received less attention. We sought to compare quality of life (QOL) and emotional health among early stage gynecological cancer survivors by disease location. Methods: We present baseline data from an ongoing cohort study of gynecological cancer patients treated at an academic cancer center. Measures include cancer-related QOL, emotional health and negative (post-traumatic stress disorder-PTSD) and positive (post-traumatic growth-PTG) reactions to cancer. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models (restricted to stage I or II; excluding vaginal/vulvar) explored differences in QOL and emotional health by diagnosis. Potential confounders considered for inclusion in the final models were age, stage, education, income, partner status, treatment status, and race. Results: 222 patients with early stage disease completed the survey: 56 (25.2%) ovarian, 122 (55.5) endometrial, 33 cervical (14.9%), and 11 (5%) vaginal/vulvar cancer. Cervical and vaginal/vulvar cancer patients reported greater cancer-related distress, anxiety and PTSD scores (Table). Endometrial cancer patients reported lowest PTG scores. Conclusions: Our analyses suggest early stage gynecological cancer patients face different psychosocial sequelae based on diagnosis, with worse outcomes generally being associated with younger age. Further research is needed to assess low PTG among endometrial cancer patients, since PTG is considered a potentially beneficial psychosocial outcome of cancer. [Table: see text]
Therapeutic Effects of Endogenous Incretin Hormones and Exogenous Incretin-Based Medications in Sepsis
Authors: Shah Faraaz Ali , Mahmud Hussain , Gallego-Martin Teresa , Jurczak Michael J , O’Donnell Christopher P , McVerry Bryan J
Published: June 2019

Background

Sepsis, a complex disorder characterized by a dysregulated immune response to an inciting infection, affects over one million Americans annually. Dysglycemia during sepsis hospitalization confers increased risk of organ dysfunction and death, and novel targets for the treatment of sepsis and maintenance of glucose homeostasis are needed. Incretin hormones are secreted by enteroendocrine cells in response to enteral nutrients and potentiate insulin release from pancreatic β cells in a glucose-dependent manner, thereby reducing the risk of insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Incretin hormones also reduce systemic inflammation in preclinical studies, but studies of incretins in the setting of sepsis are limited.

Methods

In this bench-to-bedside mini-review, we detail the evidence to support incretin hormones as a therapeutic target in patients with sepsis. We performed a PubMed search using the medical subject headings “incretins,” “glucagon-like peptide-1,” “gastric inhibitory peptide,” “inflammation,” and “sepsis.”

Results

Incretin-based therapies decrease immune cell activation, inhibit proinflammatory cytokine release, and reduce organ dysfunction and mortality in preclinical models of sepsis. Several small clinical trials in critically ill patients have suggested potential benefit in glycemic control using exogenous incretin infusions, but these studies had limited power and were performed in mixed populations. Further clinical studies examining incretins specifically in septic populations are needed.

Conclusions

Targeting the incretin hormone axis in sepsis may provide a means of not only promoting euglycemia in sepsis but also attenuating the proinflammatory response and improving clinical outcomes.
TGF-β family ligands exhibit distinct signalling dynamics that are driven by receptor localisation
Authors: Miller Daniel S. J. , Schmierer Bernhard , Hill Caroline S.
Published: June 2019

Growth factor-induced signal transduction pathways are tightly regulated at multiple points intracellularly, but how cells monitor levels of extracellular ligand and translate this information into appropriate downstream responses remains unclear. Understanding signalling dynamics is thus a key challenge in determining how cells respond to external cues. Here, we demonstrate that different TGF-β family ligands, namely activin A and BMP4, signal with distinct dynamics, which differ profoundly from those of TGF-β itself. The signalling dynamics are driven by differences in the localisation and internalisation of receptors for each ligand, which in turn determine the capability of cells to monitor levels of extracellular ligand. By using mathematical modelling, we demonstrate that the distinct receptor behaviours and signalling dynamics observed may be primarily driven by differences in ligand–receptor affinity. Furthermore, our results provide a clear rationale for the different mechanisms of pathway regulation found in vivo for each of these growth factors.
Editorial
Authors: Mani Alice
Published: June 2019

The world has registered a remarkable economic progress during the past century and a half. But, the economic growth has not been a steady upward swing or a smooth and progressive. movement. Every business house - be it a manufacturing unit or a software service firm -has experienced upward and downward swings. Periods of prosperity have alternated periods of adversity. The dawn of the new millennium has ushered in several structural changes in the Indian and World economy, thus minimising the impact of certain environmental factors on business and bringing to focus some hitherto less significant forces. Global environment has suddenly become all too important and technological boom, too, is assuming greater relevance. The current journal has been brought out issues related to the challenges and opportunities in the new millennium as an effort at incorporating and understanding the shifts and changes in the business atmosphere covering finance, marketing, management, stress on managers and executives, the social impact of business actions, eco-friendliness, women executives and the more recently developed world wide web, which has shrunk the world by its sheer speed and effectiveness. The journal aims at reflecting the popular mood of businessmen who are busy scouting the globe for joint ventures, while other venture-seekers are doing their rounds in search of newer avenues to set up their business points. The time is rife now for all organisations and educational institutions to seek newer outlets to preserve their resources and to share their achievements while trying to aid in the transformation of society's needs into more purposeful existence, rather than to ignore the surrounding environment and encourage self-destruction.
Significance of Eq in Stress Reduction & Coping
Authors: Warrier Uma , M Sheriff Aisha
Published: June 2019

Emotional Intelligence, as the name suggest, is the ability of individuals to use emotions intelligently. It helps a person to be aware of one's own feelings and others feelings, to be able to differentiate among them and to use the information to guide one's thinking and behaviour. Most people associate stress with emotions of anger; fear, anxiety sadness and frustration. So it would seem logical to define stress in terms of an emotional experience. Stress is a consequence of interaction between an environmental Stimulus, called a stressor and individuals response, which is the emotional part. In this study we are dealing with the harmful effect of stress, which is generally known as distress. This study is an attempt to relate stress coping ability with EQ of employees. The positive effects of stress, the Eustress is also studied. The findings of the study can be used as a pointer to formulate HR strategy where EQ tests could be used for screening during the hiring process to identify prospective employees with higher EQ levels. This concept can have wider application in tackling attrition. This study draws input from primary research, cited in reference, and other secondary research findings.
The Role of Marketing Research for Entrepreneurship
Authors: Ghosh Jyotirmoy , Anjaneyaswamy G
Published: June 2019

Marketing research is defined as "the systematic and objective process of gathering, recording, and analyzing data for aid in making marketing decision." The essence of marketing research is to provide information used in decision making, and for the entrepreneur; there are fundamental differences between market information needed prior to start up and after a firm is established. Prior to opening for business, the entrepreneur wants to know whether a market exist for a new product or service, who is likely to be a primary customer, how to position the enterprise in a market, and how the product or service will be priced, promoted and distributed. Addressing these issues become part of the pre start up planning process. Once a firm has become established, much of this information is authenticated through actual experience, and market research expands to include a continuous competitive analysis.An effort has been made to demonstrate the above mentioned characteristics of marketing research undertaken by the entrepreneurs. The first half of the article portrays an effective framework of the methodology for marketing research. Entrepreneurial marketing research differs from its normal counterpart. These exclusive features are expressed and discussed in details. In the second part of the article, an effort has been made to narrate the nature of marketing research that can be ideally applied to all the different stages of successful venture life cycle. The functioning of all the different stage of the life cycle are discussed with the corresponding marketing research techniques that can be ideally applied, being expressed.
Corporate Social Responsibility Practices in India
Authors: James Leena , Santra Adrinil
Published: June 2019

In recent times there have been evidences of an increasing awareness of corporate social responsibility in Indian business scenario. India is a fast growing economy and is booming with national and multinational firms. Therefore it is all the more imperative for the Indian companies to be sensitized to CSR in the right perspective.
Contratrian strategies in Indian stock market
Authors: Ghatak Anirban
Published: June 2019

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NEED OF REVIVAL OF LACQUERED BANGLE INDUSTRY IN HYDERABAD
Authors: Babu T.D.
Published: June 2019

Hyderabad has 400 years history and is well known for its heritage and culture. The city is the birth place of the lacquered bangles studded with beautiful and colourful stones made of glass pieces. The industry, unfOrtunately, still is managed by conventional families in an unprofessional way though it has lot of potential in the export market. This article discusses various causes for the lagging behind position of the industry and explores the strategic ways for its revival and development.
Women Entrepreneurship Development in Small Scale Sector in the Context of Globalisation
Authors: D Himachalam , M. Shankara
Published: June 2019

With the impetus on entrepreneurial development in semi-urban and rural areas to solve the threatening unemployment crisis, women entrepreneurs have a major role to play. Women are found equally capable and given the right encouragement and support, they are bound to contribute in abundance towards the upliftment of the small scale and tiny sector.
Organizational Change and Its Effect on Employee Efficiency in Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited
Authors: Das V Tulasi
Published: June 2019

Organizations today are operating in a fast changing environment where business practices are dynamic and economies are vulnerable to market fluctuations. A potential threat from external environment requiresorganizations to be much more dynamic in nature.
Impact of Bank Programmes on Socio Economic Development of Beneficiaries: A Study of Hunsur Taluk in Mysore District
Authors: . Ramakrishna , Aiahanna K V
Published: June 2019

The main aim of the study is to identify the bank programmes based on the socio-economic conditions of the beneficiaries in the study area. The scope of the study is confined to the role of credit institutions in uplift of the weaker sections, with special reference to IOB [Indian Overseas Bank] in Hunsur Taluk.
Measuring ‘Brand Love’ : Understanding the Attitude of Millennials towards Select Brands
Authors: Malik Garima , Guptha Abhinav
Published: June 2019

The dynamic environment of markets has forced the market researchers to study customer orientation towards a product and his associations with the brand.  Millennial are opinion leaders across all business domains in the society; this emphasizes the importance of this particular segment and their impact on brand equity.  Indian business is very dynamic and is continuously being affected by the various changes due to the entry of new foreign players, high technological up gradations and changing consumer needs. Hence it has become very important for the marketers of the brands to make their brands more attractive to gain more loyalists. This study intends to propose the importance of the various factors that are responsible for creating ―brand love‖ in the mind of the consumer and thus make the business of the brand profitable for a long time. The validation of the scales for measurement has been proven through this study and top loved brands have been got from the respondents. Brand Love scales on the various brands in the Indian context have proven that love towards the brand generate a high amount of loyalty and have significant effects through  a positive ‗word of mouth‘ comment.
flipkart.com’s Strategy on Amazon.com’s Entry into India :A Case Study
Authors: B Padmanabh
Published: June 2019

The online retail industry in India is expected to grow to Rs. 7000 crores by 2015. Its size in 2013 is Rs. 2500 crores. By 2014 India is expected to become the 3rd largest nation of Internet users and this would provide huge potential to the online retail Industry1.Among the major cities in India, consumers in Mumbai topped the chart in doing online shopping followed by Ahmedabad and Delhi2. As per Google study conducted in 2012, 51 percent of the traffic for its Great online shopping festival (GOSF) was due to customers from cities other than the four metros. Referring to the growth in online sales, Nitin Bawankule, industry director, e-commerce, online classifieds and media/entertainment at Google India said, “Top motivators for shopping online include cash back guarantee, cash on delivery, fast delivery, substantial discounts compared to retail, and access to branded products”3.  The E –commerce space in India has seen a lot of action and there are many online players like flipkart.com, Myntra.com, Fabmart, Indiaplaza and Indiatimesshopping. Amazon.com made an indirect entry through Junglee.com. The reason for this indirect entry is the result of government policy towards foreign direct investment.  The Government of India announced in September 2012 the revised foreign direct investment policy in retail. As per this announcement foreign investments are blocked in e-commerce sector while allowing 51 percent FDI in multi-brand retail stores and 100 percent FDI in single brand retail. Amazon has been eyeing the Indian E commerce market which is estimated around $2 billion4.
Determinants of Organization Citizenship Behaviour: A Study on Professional College Teachers in Delhi/ NCR
Authors: Midha Aditi , Mathur Sanjeela , MR Jain
Published: June 2019

Organization Citizenship Behaviour (OCB), essentially is about actions in which employees transgress their prescribed role requirements. It is a major factor which effects organizational effectiveness and employee performance. The present paper will explore the determinants of organizational citizenship behaviour for professional college teachers in Delhi-NCR and suggest a concrete system to develop continual OCB. The paper will analyze, whether social expectations, desire for personal growth, values system, professional attitude and teaching methodology and skills have an effect on OCB of professional college/ institutes teachers? The total sample size of the study will be 125 professional college/ institute teachers of Delhi and NCR. This research is important for any professional college as this will have long term implication on college branding and most important will provide their students with a brilliant future as OCB is cost effective tool with brilliant r
Editorial
Authors: K Srinivasan
Published: June 2019

Editorial
Leadership Styles in India- An empirical Study of Indian Entrepreneurs/Leaders
Authors: Naik Shruti D
Published: June 2019

The word Leader simply means a person who leads. A leader should necessarily possess the characteristics of organizing, staffing, training, motivating, recognizing the special capabilities and talents, setting standards, correcting deviations, achieving objectives etc. or by guiding his subordinates and showing the way to be followed in order to reach the organizational goal. Each and every person has to either lead or follow. This is decided on the basis of aptitude, potential and determination.Very few are daring and courageous enough to risk unpopularity by depending from the herd. The ability to make a spot decision is what differentiates the executive or leader from the clerk. A leader always exerts a positive influence on the life of others, as a member of team or the head of a small department. The role of an effective leader is value addition. Leadership is a multi-dimensional, multi-faceted, multi-situational and multi-role concept."Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." There are nine key qualities that research shows people seek in a successful leader:Passion; Decisiveness; Conviction; Integrity; Adaptability; Emotional Toughness; Emotional Resonance; Self Knowledge; Humility This study intends to study various approaches to leadership adopted by entrepreneurs and leaders in India, specifically those in cities selected for the study. Effectively, the data were analysed and conclusions were drawn.
Impact of Management Education on Skill Development: A Study of Alumni of Management Institutes in Kerala State
Authors: Nair Dr.  V. Raman , Mathew Mr. George K.
Published: June 2019

Management education in India gained demand with the opening of the economy in 1991. Many institutes and colleges have come up since then to offer Post Graduate courses like Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) to the students. There is a widely prevalent perception among all stake holders that the quality of management education has been suffering, with only about 10% of the B-School graduates employable, which in turn has been attributed to the lack of employability skills among the B- school graduates. The study identified the key dimensions of employability skills perceived to be beneficial through a survey of alumni from the Kerala based management institutes. The set of higher education skills expected of management graduates, as per the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ) in UK was combined with employability skills propounded by other researchers and assessed with 28 qualification descriptors under six dimensions for employability skills.
Private Label Motivators and Product Category Association: An Empirical Study
Authors: Srivastava Dr. Ritu
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Private labels are important contributors in a retail strategy, especially when the industry starts maturing and competition starts intensifying. While modern trade penetration in India is still low, the proportionate private label growth is much higher owing to a new generation of shoppers that is open to trying out new products and brands.It is thus important to understand the private label motivators in India and also to understand the role of product category in the private label decision. This particular study aims at these two objectives in the Indian context. The findings of the study indicate that product category does have an intervening role in the customer’s private label purchase decision. The implications need to be assessed and incorporated in the private label strategy of the retailers.
Grameenphone Faces Problem in Rural Economy – A Case Study
Authors: Masoom Muhammad Rehan
Published: June 2019

Telecommunication industry is one of the most dynamic and vibrant sectors, especially for the developing nations that have a huge population. However, unlike the developed nations, the infrastructure and the political scenario of the developing countries, indeed, posits various challenges.The expansion of multinational businesses requires becoming aware of not only the cultural differences, but the governances with proper emphasize. The case study deals with the recent SIM Tax issues and underlines the prospect of Mobile Operators‟ in the rural economy of Bangladesh
Growth of Indian Life Insurance Density and Penetration
Authors: Prasad R Sivarama , NSharma R S
Published: June 2019

The Government of India nationalized insurance industry in 1956 on 19th Januaryleading to the amalgamation of154 Indian, 16 non-Indian Insurers and 75 provident societies, in total 245 Indian and foreign insurers, to form the Life Insurance Corporation of India. The Life Insurance Corporation of India, a public sector corporation, enjoyeda monopoly in the business for four decades until the entry of private life insurers with foreign joint ventures having 26% Foreign Direct Investment(FDI).As per one of the major recommendations of Sri R N Malhotra committee, on 19th April 2000, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority was set up by the Government of India through the passing of an act of the Parliament. The IRDA aimed to promote insurance and protect the insured. Since its formation, the IRDA has been proving itself successful in promoting orderly growth and development in Indian Insurance sector. This study is an attempt to study life insurance density and penetration in Indian life Insurance industry toassess the growth in theexpansion of life insurance business in India. An analysisis made, and some conclusions are drawn with the help of growth percentages and trend calculations
Changing Profile of Rural Marketing Emerging Dimensions of Rural Consumers Behaviour
Authors: Kumar C Rajendra , S  Kaptan Sanjay
Published: June 2019

Corporate strategies especially Development IT & Satellite communications have opened up new avenues into the rural market. The rural consumer has woken up to existence of multiple brands. What are the implication of this? What are the hurdles in building brand loyalty among the rural consumers? Is rural market the next big thing?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A Case Study of Axis Bank Foundation
Authors: S Kavitha
Published: June 2019

The article aims to study the importance of CSR and the contribution of our industries towards the betterment and well being of the society. Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 has been referred to align industrial CSR activities with considered CSR activities from The Government of India. In the recent years, the banking industry has contributed a lot towards CSR. In this article, the author has taken Axis Bank foundation as a sample to study how exactly CSR activities are undertaken in the corporate, the accountability and reporting of CSR, and the utilisation of funds towards the progress of society. To study CSR activities of Axis Bank, CSR reports have been collected for a period of 3 years (2014-2015 to 2016-2017). The complete study is based on secondary data. The analysis shows that Axis Bank is succeeding in allocating the fund, identifying CSR activities and reporting the same through CSR audited report which is handled by the CSR committee.
Are General Insurance Companies Efficient in their Performance? – A Comparison
Authors: Muthulakshmi P
Published: June 2019

The insurance sector has witnessed significant changes in the last few years, specifically due to the effects of liberalisation, globalisation, and privatisation. It is imperative to compare and study the earnings and profitability of public sector non-life general insurance companies in India. The public sector non-life general insurance companies are competing with each other, and also with the private players in the same industry and thereby reducing the processing costs and facilitating the innovation of different types of policies across the geographic boundaries. In this paper, secondary data is used to analyse the earnings and profitability of non-life general insurance companies in India by using certain ratios which are available exclusively to evaluate the performance of insurance companies such as Claim Ratio, Expenses Ratio, Combined Ratio, Investment Income Ratio and Return on Equity Ratio.

 

, , , Ratio Analysis
Changing Contexts of Customer Service in the Social Media Era: Challenges and Opportunities for Indian e-tail Industry
Authors: Kulkarni Prasad , Inamdar Ajay
Published: June 2019

The research aims to analyse the impact of social media on customer service provided by the E-tailing companies in India. The analysis depicted that antecedent variables of customer service such as personal greetings, idea generation, loyalty benefits, and feedback mechanisms have a positive impact but they fail to create an impression on the consequence variables such as loyalty development, time efficiency, and knowledge creation. Researchers conclude that the lack of clarity in media vehicles communication, proliferation of e-tailing, and their rivalry create issues among the consumers of E-tail companies.
Impact of Advertising on Branding in Small Towns and Villages of India
Authors: Maheshkar Chandan , Sharma Vinod , Kapse Manohar , Tiwari Akhilesh
Published: June 2019

The consumer base for the Indian rural and semi-urban markets has been largely ignored by advertising practices. Specifically, the personal care products and their advertising practises are influenced by personality and individual perceptions. This paper reports the observations of the study conducted to identify the impact of advertising practices on branding of personal care products. It was found that advertising, suitability of content and advertisement media have no significant impact on the branding of personal care products in small towns and villages of India.
Operational and Financial Decisions Within Proportional Investment Cooperatives
Authors: Qian Xiaoyan , Olsen Tava Lennon
Published: June 2019

Problem definition: We explore the coordination of operational and financial decisions of proportional investment agricultural marketing cooperatives, where members’ (farmers’) equity is required to be in proportion to their patronage (i.e., produce supplied). Academic/practical relevance: In a cooperative (co-op), operational and financial decisions are inseparable because the co-op’s investment capital is linked to its economic transactions with members. We include unique features of co-ops into an analytical model and derive some key results that are different from those for investor-owned corporations. Methodology: In the presence of yield and market uncertainty, we model this situation using a Markov decision process wherein the decisions of processing quantity interact with the financial decisions of retained earnings and short-term loans. The objective is to maximize the expected present value of the aggregated farmers’ payments over a finite horizon. Results: (1) Characterization of the properties of the value function and the optimal policy; (2) explicit expressions for the deterministic yield dynamic program, wherein a myopic policy is optimal; and (3) identification of financial risks associated with uncertain market and yield. Managerial implications: The results provide insight into a co-op’s decision making, cash position, and risk management.
Dynamic Stable Supplier Coalitions and Invariance in Assembly Systems with Commodity Components
Authors: Nagarajan Mahesh , Sošić Greys , Tong Chunyang
Published: June 2019

Assembly systems are composed of suppliers selling components to an assembler, who configures a final product for sale to the market. This is commonplace in many supply chains, such as healthcare and automobiles for example. Suppliers in such systems often form coalitions to enhance their bargaining power as well as for economies of scale. In the paper titled “Dynamic Stable Supplier Coalitions and Invariance in Assembly Systems with Commodity Components,” the authors show some interesting findings—how payoff allocation among coalition members can affect outcomes and when such outcomes are robust to allocation rules.
Technical Note—Stochastic Optimization with Decisions Truncated by Positively Dependent Random Variables
Authors: Chen Xin , Gao Xiangyu
Published: June 2019

In many operations management problems, the decisions are truncated by random variables. Take a dual sourcing inventory management problem as an example: the suppliers may have random capacities, and the actual received quantity from ordering is truncated by this random capacity. Often the random capacities of different suppliers may be dependent. An interesting challenge is that due to the truncation, the optimization problem may not be convex. In “Stochastic Optimization with Decisions Truncated by Positively Dependent Random Variables”, X. Chen and X. Gao propose a transformation technique to convert the original nonconvex minimization problem to an equivalent convex one. They demonstrate the application of their method using an inventory substitution problem with dependent random supply capacities and a two-part fee cost structure. In addition, their method can also incorporate the decision maker’s risk attitude.
Community nursing care for chronic wounds: a case study of optimal home treatment of a venous leg ulcer
Authors: Batas Renata
Published: June 2019

Europe's aging population presents an increasing number of chronic diseases, including vascular diseases that can lead to chronic wounds. These chronic wounds carry a significant health burden for individuals and economic burden for healthcare systems. Of chronic ulcers in the lower limbs, 80–85% are venous leg ulcers (VLUs). VLUs can be treated using a combination of compression therapy, modern wound dressings and wound-bed preparation based on tissue management, inflammation and infection control, moisture balance and epithelial advancement. This approach should improve the patient's quality of life in a way that is fast, cost-effective and minimises pain. Optimal treatment should involve holistic, comprehensive care for the individual patient, supported by multidisciplinary teamwork and patient education for self-care. An aging population also increases the need for community nursing care in patients' homes. Access to home wound care differs between European countries, particularly whether it is provided by registered nurses, as part of the healthcare system, or by homecare assistants, as part of the social care system. In countries like Slovenia, community nurses play an important role in the multidisciplinary treatment of VLUs, as they care for patients in the home environment and can best assess their condition. The GP first makes the initial wound assessment and diagnosis before authorising the community nurse to provide wound care in the patient's home. A case study is presented of a 91-year-old male patient with a VLU, alongside reduced mobility and multiple comorbidities. The treatment method provided optimal healing and is described and illustrated in detail.
PLUVIOMETRIA, BALANÇO HÍDRICO E PRODUTIVIDADE AGRÍCOLA PARA REGIÕES DA BAHIA E TOCANTINS
Authors: Lopes Iug , Carvalho Ailton Alves de , Morais José Edson Florentino de , Silva Douglas Alberto , Leal Brauliro Gonçalves
Published: June 2019

Dentre as alterações que os índices pluviométricos proporcionam nas atividades, a mais vulnerável a essas mudanças é a agricultura. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a qualidade dos dados pluviométricos anuais máximos no ajuste do modelo distribuição de Gumbel, realizar a estimativa de períodos de retorno para as precipitações máximas anuais, caracterizar os perfis da precipitação e, por meio da técnica de Quantis, demostrar a variabilidade temporal dos balanços hídricos climatológicos para microrregiões do estado da Bahia e de Tocantins, assim como verificar a dependência da produção agrícola com as precipitações. Com os dados de 1961 a 2016 para Barreiras e Taguatinga, foi possível construir o perfil histórico da precipitação, observando a ocorrência de eventos extremos máximos para a microrregião da Bahia e mínimos para a de Tocantins. A distribuição de probabilidade por Gumbel foi adequada na estimativa da intensidade de precipitação anual e suas frequências e permitiu observar que, a cada dois anos, pode ocorrer uma precipitação máxima anual igual ou superior a 1050 mm para Barreiras e 1400 mm para Taguatinga. O perfil histórico foi classificado através da técnica quantílica. Compararam-se os anos quantílicos com os dados de produção para as culturas de milho, soja e arroz. Houve uma tendência de aderência da precipitação anual máxima ao modelo probabilístico de Gumbel. Através do tempo de retorno foi possível observar que, a cada dois anos, existe a possibilidade de uma precipitação anual igual ou superior a 1050 e 1400 mm para Barreiras e Taguatinga, respectivamente. Ajustaram-se, por meio de modelo linear, as precipitações máximas anuais em relação ao aumento do período de retorno. É observada uma associação entre precipitação e produção agrícola, no período de análise para as localidades estudadas.
Liquefaction Assessment Using the CPT and Accounting for Soil Ageing
Authors: Setiawan Bambang , Jaksa Mark
Published: June 2019

Due to its continuous data recording capability, excellent repeatability and accuracy, relatively low cost and simplicity of operation, the cone penetration test (CPT) offers enhanced liquefaction assessment over its predecessor the standard penetration test (SPT). However, soil ageing, which influences the cyclic resistance ratio (CRR), is difficult, if not impossible, to be detected by the CPT due to disturbance during the test. This situation may lead to excessively conservative estimation of CRR values which result in conservative assessment of liquefaction potential. This paper presents and discusses liquefaction assessment using the CPT and methods for accounting for soil ageing. A field study, conducted at Gillman, South Australia, is presented and the study site is assessed for liquefaction potential. This paper also explores the influence of soil ageing on the subsequent liquefaction assessment.
Development Chitosan-based forward Osmosis Membranes for Emergency Drinking Water Supply
Authors: Saiful Saiful , Riana Ulfa , Marlina Marlina , Ramli Muliadi , Mahmud Nizar
Published: June 2019

Development of forward osmosis (FO) membranes became one of the alternative methods for drinking water supply in an emergency. In this research, drinking water bags based on FO membrane  have been developed using chitosan as the basic material of membrane. The chitosan membrane used for the manufacture of drinking water bags has a thickness of 0.043 mm, 30.3% porosity, tensile strength 28.83 kgf / mm2, swelling degree 43.5% and elongation of 7.16%. Drinking water bags are made with a combination of Polypropylene Plastic (PP) and aluminum foil with FO membrane inside. This drinking water bag can be applied for brackish water purification to be energy drinking water as one of the solutions for the drinking water supply in emergencies. FO process testing is done by using variation of sugar solution as the draw solution, that are glucose, fructose, sucrose and mixture. The concentration of applied draw solution is 1, 2 and 3M within 1 hour treatment. The highest water flux was obtained in 3M sucrose solution with a flux value of 5.25 L/m2hour. The results of drinking water quality parameters  analysis  in the form of pH, Total Dissolve Solid (TDS), salinity, conductivity, heavy metals and Escherichia coli (E. coli) contents showed that the FO water produc meets drinking water quality standards based on  Indonesian government regulation of drinking water quality. FO-membrane-based drinking water bags are potentially used as an alternative solution for the energy drinking water supply in an emergency.
A study of urban heat island of Banda Aceh City, Indonesia based on land use/cover changes and land surface temperature
Authors: Achmad Ashfa , Sari Laina Hilma , Ramli Ichwana
Published: June 2019

This article described the spatial and temporal of land surface temperature (LST) patterns in Banda Aceh City, Indonesia, in the context of urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon. Landsat imaginary in 1998 and 2018 was used in this study, which represents the conditions before and after the tsunami. Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technique were used for data analysis. The 1998 and 2018 LUC maps were derived from remote sensing satellite images using a supervised classification method (maximum likelihood). Both LUC maps contained five categories, namely built-up area, vegetation, water body, vacant land, and wet land. The 1998 LUC map had a kappa coefficient 0.91, while the 2018 LUC map had 0.84. It was found that the built-up area increased by 100%, while the vegetation category fell 50%. The overall mean LST in the study area increased 5.90C between 1998 and 2018, with the highest mean increase in the built-up area category. The study recommends that LST should be taken into consideration in urban planning process to realize sustainable urban development. It also emphasizes the importance of optimizing the availability of green open space to reduce UHI effects and helps in improving the quality of the urban environment.
Nurturing infants with music
Authors: Trehub Sandra E.
Published: June 2019

Primary caregivers throughout the world provide infants with life-sustaining care such as nutrition and protection from harm as well as life-enhancing care such as affection, contingent responsiveness and mentoring of various kinds. They nurture infants musically by means of one-on-one (i.e. infant-directed) singing accompanied by movement in some cultures and by visual gestures in others. Such singing, which is acoustically and visually distinct from solitary (i.e. self-directed) singing, is effective in engaging infants and regulating their mood and arousal. The repetition and stereotypy of caregivers’ performances contribute to their memorability and dyadic significance. Caregivers’ singing also influences infants’ social engagement more generally. Once infants become singers, their songs play an important role in social interaction and emotional self-regulation. Although caregivers sing to infants with playful or soothing intentions, their performances highlight the temporal and melodic structure of the music. In sum, caregivers lay the foundation for a lifelong musical journey.
Mike Leigh, un cineasta disidente
Authors: Urraza Intxausti Jon
Published: June 2019

Mike Leigh (Salford, Inglaterra 1943), como muchos otros cineastas de su generación se revelaba contra el alejamiento de la realidad del cine generalista, deseaba ver en la pantalla “gente viviendo como la gente real no como la gente en las películas”, y este en definitiva, ha sido su compromiso artístico desde sus inicios hasta hoy, que los personajes de sus películas “parezcan gente viva auténtica” (Clements 1983, 25). Para conseguirlo, Leigh desarrolló su propio método de creación cinematográfica fundamentado en el trabajo creativo con los actores y esta manera de hacer cine, es la que le separa del sistema de la industria cinematográfica y le convierte en un auténtico disidente.
La crisis del alumbrado de gas en las ciudades españolas durante la I Guerra Mundial
Authors: Fernandez-Paradas Mercedes
Published: June 2019

Este artículo analiza las consecuencias de la I Guerra Mundial sobre la actividad gasista, en especial el alumbrado de gas, periodo en el que experimentó una aguda crisis, cuya dimensión examinamos. Para ello, examinamos la evolución de la producción de gas, las empresas, el número de fábricas, el número de municipios con iluminación por gas y los ingresos por venta de gas, en especial de los ayuntamientos. Asimismo, estudiamos los problemas a los que se enfrentó la industria del gas, principalmente la falta de carbón y la subida de costes. También las estrategias implementadas por las empresas de gas para hacer frente al incremento de los costes, la protesta obrera, la competencia de la electricidad y la decisión del Gobierno central de reducir a la mitad el alumbrado público generado con carbón. Así como, las medidas que éste tomó para evitar el desabastecimiento de carbón, y de las corporaciones municipales, que pretendían que sus calles continuasen iluminadas.
Los servicios de cercanías en Madrid y Barcelona. Una visión histórica
Authors: Barquín Gil Rafael , Muñoz Rubio Miguel
Published: June 2019

Este trabajo traza una breve historia comparada del transporte ferroviario de cercanías de Madrid y Barcelona, desde sus comienzos durante la dictadura de Franco hasta 2015. La justificación del estudio radica en que las dos ciudades absorben la inmensa mayor parte de esos servicios; pero también en que las diferencias en las inversiones realizadas han sido y son un argumento político relevante que cuestiona el papel de la Administración Central como gestor de las infraestructuras de transporte. Lo cierto es que Madrid y Barcelona son, desde la perspectiva del transporte periurbano, ciudades con problemas muy diferentes, que además partían de situaciones historicas no comparables. De ahí la necesidad de realizar una análisis histórico y geográfico que sobrepase las limitaciones impuestas por el empleo de herramientas económicas. La principal conclusión es que entre Madrid y Barcelona ha habido un proceso de convergencia en la dotación de servicios de transporte.
De la exhumación de cuerpos al conocimiento histórico. Estudio de la represión franquista a partir del caso extremeño
Authors: Muñoz-Encinar Laura
Published: June 2019

Según las cifras publicadas el número global de víctimas durante Guerra Civil y los primeros años de la dictadura asciende a cerca de 200.000 personas, muertas lejos de los campos de batalla. Los cadáveres fueron enterrados en fosas comunes mayoritariamente, pero también arrojados a cauces de ríos o sepultados en minas. En este artículo presentamos una propuesta de investigación y análisis de la represión basado en el estudio arqueológico y antropológico de las fosas comunes, junto con las fuentes documentales y orales. Los métodos utilizados provienen de tres disciplinas: historia, arqueología y antropología forense y han permitido la reconstrucción de los hechos, el esclarecimiento de la verdad y la producción de conocimiento histórico del pasado traumático de la sociedad española.