bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transforming a vocational centre to a management institute: a case study on Carreograph
Authors: Sanyal Shamindra Nath , Chatterjee Tamal
Published: October 2014

Subject area

Entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

The case can be used to teach behavioural perspective of the entrepreneurship theory for the students of Master of Business Administration (MBA) level. The case may be equally important to teach the marketing and operational context to discuss the perspectives of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Case overview

A young Indian professional had left his lucrative job in the pharma industry to start his own business of a small training centre that trained and placed young graduates with various pharmaceutical companies as medical sales representatives (MSRs). Without borrowing anything from the financial institutions, he plunged into the business in a rented room of a school in Kolkata, India. With every sincerity and path-breaking strategy, his vocational centre, named Carreograph Institute of Management Studies (CIMS) became number one in eastern India in training and placing MSRs and managers. With a number of hand-picked professionals from the industry, this young entrepreneur changed the concept of training by introducing short-term courses like Diploma in Pharmaceutical Management to technically prepare pharmacy undergraduates with professional skills and industry overview, Post Graduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Management to cater to the contemporary management needs of the pharma industry. For the first time in India, Carreograph launched MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in the distance learning mode, and this strategy revolutionised the concept of management teaching in India. With a huge success in MBA, Carreograph was on the verge of launching another path-breaking course, i.e. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in pharma in the distance learning mode.

Expected learning outcomes

To analyse Tamal Chatterjee's entrepreneurial characteristics, motivations and expertise in the field and how these parameters support his proposed new venture, to consider the effectiveness of his entrepreneurial methods for finding out more about the proposed business area in which he is interested and to evaluate his idea of newly developed MBA and BBA programmes in terms of its expected acceptance among the student communities and consider if and when he should go ahead with expanding his current venture.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
e-Pay Malaysia: the next 10 years
Authors: Adham Khairul Akmaliah , Ramlee Shamshubaridah
Published: October 2014

Subject area

Topics covered by the case include: strategic management processes; and strategies, especially of a platform business.

Study level/applicability

The case is suitable for use in final-year undergraduate business/management degree programs and MBA or MSc in Management programs. The case can be utilized in courses such as strategic management and management of innovation. For MBA and MSc in management programs, the case can also be utilized in organization theory and design and organizational management, or any courses that cover topics of strategic management and management of innovation.

Case overview

By December 2010, the e-Pay terminal system was one of the most successful payment platforms in Malaysia. This business, which was launched in 1999, was an electronic prepaid mobile phone reload value distribution system known as e-Pay; it contributed about 80 per cent of the company's annual revenue. Over the past 10 years, e-Pay's terminal system had evolved into a comprehensive payment platform serving many providers on one side and end customers on the other side. However, since the past two years, the company has been facing pressures from their biggest customers on the provider side of its platform, the three giant telecommunication companies (telcos), which had moved to directly deliver reload values to their prepaid subscribers, bypassing e-Pay as the payment intermediary. On the customer side, the number of prepaid subscribers switching to postpaid services was increasing, and this threatened e-Pay's main source of revenue in the prepaid market. In response to this, the company added new service providers to its platform and launched multi-functional cashier machines with reload credits facility. By December 2010, as the market sunk into subscription saturation, the two founders of the company became deeply concerned about the company's future. They wondered if the problems would hinder their company from becoming a dominant payment player in Asia. This case presents an opportunity to discuss strategic posturing of a payment platform company operating in a mobile phone market which was mainly controlled by the telecommunication companies.

Expected learning outcomes

Understanding of strategic management process and related analysis enable case analysts to apply these concepts in many business situations involving strategy formulation and implementation.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email: support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Setting-up schools of excellence: the role of public private partnerships in emerging economies
Authors: Sundaram Satyam Shivam , Mishra Pavitra
Published: October 2014

Subject area

Project structuring.

Study level/applicability

The case can be used for MBA, Executive MBA, Faculty Development Program (FDP) and Management Development Program (MDP) to introduce them to the selection of procurement method, concept of value for money and project structuring in the context of the education sector.

Case overview

Saryu Secondary Schools of Excellence Samiti (SSSES) functioned under the chairmanship of the Minister of Human Resource Development and was running 584 Saryu Secondary School of Excellence (SSSE) as of March 15, 2013. SSSE were focused on providing quality education to poor children, primarily from rural areas. In January 2013, SSSES was given a mandate to open 75 additional schools within one year and 500 schools within five years in rural and semirural areas to meet the demands of secondary education in India.

The Managing Director of SSSES, was preparing for the meeting to be held on March 31, 2013 to discuss various options for development of the mandated schools including involvement of private player under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) model.

Expected learning outcomes

The case introduces the participants to the challenges in the education sector including public delivery system, poor economic status of students, selection of appropriate procurement method (public delivery versus buying of service from private sector) and project structuring issues. Specific objectives are: introduce participants to the challenges of delivering education services; establish the benefit of PFI in social infrastructure domain and introduce the participants to the concept of value for money; identify risks and returns under various structures; and impress on importance of non-commercial issues which may shape a project.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Vivekananda and Bertrand Russell on conception and development of human being
Authors: L. Shaw Jay
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare Swami Vivekananda’s conception and development of human being with those of Bertrand Russell. The author also discusses Vivekananda’s conception of the human being in more detail and his methods for the development of human nature so that one can attain the ultimate goal of life.

Design/methodology/approach

– Vivekananda’s view of human development is not to be equated with richness of material possession or with knowledge about the empirical world, which are sometimes necessary for the successful performance of virtuous actions. Vivekananda has instead emphasized the apprehension of truths, not only for our intellects but also for our hearts.

Findings

– The oneness of Advaita Vedanta can, according to Vivekananda, be realized in our life in this world.

Originality/value

– Vivekananda has shown not only how to apply the Advaita Vedanta in our life for our development but also how to achieve the ultimate goal of life, which is freedom from all types of suffering, and harmony in life.
Nutritional evaluation of complementary food formulated from fermented maize, pigeon pea and soybeans
Authors: Ishola Ibironke Samson , Aderonke Adeniyi Mojisola , Bandele Fashakin Joseph
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to nutritionally evaluate complementary food formulated from fermented maize, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) and soybean.

Design/methodology/approach

– Maize, pigeon pea and soybean were the sole energy and protein sources, respectively. Experimental diets consist of dietary Basal (A), fermented maize–soybean–pigeon pea 70:15:15 (B), fermented maize–soybean 70:30 (C), fermented maize–pigeon pea 70:30 (D) and Nutrend (E) a commercial dietary. A commercial product (Nutrend) manufactured by Nestle Plc was obtained at Orisunmibare central market, Oshogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, and was used as standard diet. The formulated complementary foods were fed to 30 albino rats for 28 days.

Findings

– The results showed that the average weight gained increased for dietary B, C, D and E (73.8-142.60, 73.8-98.26, 73.8-93.62 and 73.8-91.86, respectively), but diet A caused a decrease from 73.8 to 62.72 g. Protein qualities of dietary samples including biological value (BV; 94.26-98.67), true digestibility (TD; 72.55-80.46), net protein utilization (NPU; 71.72-76.53), protein efficiency ratio (1.63-3.49), feed efficiency (0.16-0.35), net protein ratio (2.49-4) and protein retention efficiency (46.38-61.24).

Originality/value

– Protein qualities of dietatry samples determined including biological value (BV), true digestibility (TD), net protein utilization (NPU) among others. The complementary food formulated from maize, pigeon pea and soybean supported animal growth and favourably compared with the standard. Meaning that, the application of multiple plant protein (pigeon pea and soybean) in the formulation of complementary food may be suitable for feeding of infants or children in developing countries to alleviate protein energy malnutrition.
From homogeneity to heterogeneity: the multicultural future of higher education
Authors: Bygrave Constance , Asik-Dizdar Ozen , Kaur Saini Guneet
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide insights for educators when adapting their pedagogy to suit the increasingly diverse international student body.

Design/methodology/approach

– Archival analysis was conducted at three levels: students’ teaching style preference; epistemology of the students’ home culture; and national sociocultural dimensions.

Findings

– The study elucidates the importance of recognizing heterogeneity rather than homogeneity of the increasingly international student body. It extends understanding of sociocultural underpinnings of different student learning styles and encourages educators to increase their cultural empathy to adapt their pedagogy.

Originality/value

– This paper helps forge the way to a truly global learning environment. Understanding, adapting to and celebrating the differences among international students helps to create more inclusive learning about our global community.
The fate of academic publishing and academia in a semantic environment
Authors: P. Abeles Tom
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to present a viewpoint on the future of academic publishing. It is important for a traditional peer-reviewed academic journal that is focused on the future, particularly of post-secondary education, to be sensitive to the waters in which it swims and to sense how the climate is changing within the journal area and education as a whole.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a viewpoint on the future of academic publishing.

Findings

– The rapid development of the Internet and the semantic Web is showing that: The traditional double-blind peer review process is changing to a variety of processes from both pre- and post-review to open reviews; open access is firmly established and growing; there is a shift in promotion/tenure towards more emphasis on teaching; the semantic Web is introducing changes in the impact value of journals in research and education, including the function of the institutions themselves.

Social implications

– Islands of concentrated knowledge locked in Ivory Towers are now readily accessible, broadly changing how individuals gain and improve competencies and use of increasing, evolving knowledge bases.

Originality/value

– This article discusses the following: There is a growing alternative to the hegemony of the traditional publishers of journals even with the moderate response to open access. Basic knowledge as offered in institutions is becoming a commodity, the cost of which is asymptotically approaching zero; “Big Data” and the semantic engines on the Internet are amplifying the human capabilities of accessing, parsing and rapidly evaluating an increasing knowledge base, impacting research and education.
“Financialization” of public discourse: the case of AIG
Authors: B. Avsar Rojhat
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a particular shift in the language used in economic policy debates since the late 1970s. We call this phenomenon the “financialization of public discourse”, which refers to the use of particular metaphors and linguistic styles that are friendly to the economic interest of the financial industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– We used a rhetorical analysis to discover and analyze the specific cases which exemplify what we call the financialization of public discourse. A case study, the USA Treasury’s justification for its AIG policy, is used to strengthen the thesis of the paper.

Findings

– As the AIG case helps demonstrate, the language of finance limits the policy conversation and disguises the fact that the government’s role in this case is not different than its overall collective risk management function.

Research limitations/implications

– We assume that framing of economic events helps shape public perceptions of the desirability of various policies. This prediction, although reasonable, should be supported with more direct evidence.

Practical implications

– This paper intends to articulate a vital risk management role that the government plays in the economy. Specifically, the government is strongly suited to spreading the consequences of aggregate risk over time and thereby insulating the individuals from drastic fluctuations in their welfare. Our approach could potentially inform an array of public policies.

Originality/value

– The rhetorical strategies that policy makers use to justify their policy positions and their consequences have been certainly under-researched, particularly in economics. This paper intends to fill this gap in the literature.
Crisis in the habitat of the economic growth monster
Authors: Urhammer Emil
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to offer a new view on economic growth and use this view to add to the explanation of economic growth as a powerful agent that determines policies regarding urgent issues such as climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on analysis of scholarship and media, interviews and observations in a multi-sited ethnography of economic growth.

Findings

– The article argues that the circulation of economic growth has contributed to a shaping of institutions and language to an extent where environmental policy proposals framed as harmful to economic growth can easily be rejected. Furthermore, the article offers an operationalisation of the termecologisationby promoting a new inclusive language in decision-making.

Originality/value

– The paper fills a gap in literature by offering an empirical philosophical take on economic growth and by offering a suggestion for the operationalisation of the termecologisation.
Effect of human saliva on the consistency of thickened drinks for individuals with dysphagia
Authors: Vallons Katleen J. R. , Helmens Harold J. , Oudhuis A. A. C. M.
Published: October 2014

Background

Thickening of foods and fluids is commonly used in the management of dysphagia to reduce the risk of aspiration. The use of starch‐based thickeners is established. However, the use of gums in thickeners is gaining interest as they are resistant to salivary amylase, which may promote safer swallowing.

Aims

To compare the effect of human saliva on the consistency of drinks thickened with a gum‐containing (GC) thickener with that of drinks thickened with four starch‐based (SB) thickeners.

Methods & Procedures

Three drinks (artificial tap water, hot coffee and full‐fat milk) were thickened to custard consistency with the different thickeners. Compression force and amount of thin liquid formed were determined after 10 and 50 min of contact with human saliva with standardized amylase activity and compared with a control inoculated with water.

Outcomes & Results

Drinks thickened with GC thickener were significantly less sensitive to thinning by human saliva compared with drinks thickened with all four SB thickeners (p < 0.05). Moreover, incubation of SB‐thickened drinks with human saliva resulted in the formation of at least 10 g of decantable liquid, while for GC‐thickened drinks, almost no liquid was formed.

Conclusions & Implications

These results show that GC thickeners contain their consistency better in contact with human saliva than SD thickeners. This may enhance the swallowing safety of people with dysphagia.
The psychologisation of workplace relations: why social context matters
Authors: Kasyanenko Tatiana , Nevado Pedro , Rimmer Malcolm , Soares Maria Eduarda
Published: October 2014

The papers in this special issue were presented at a conference in Lisbon in 2013 in a track titled ‘Managing HR in a Globalised Workforce’. The criteria we adopted in selecting papers was to look for the best work that focused on Asia, had practical implications for managing HR, and showed awareness of the social, political and economic context in which HRM and workplace relations are managed. Consideration of these criteria drew us towards considering the impact which the growing dominance of industrial and organisational psychology is having upon research into people management at the workplace level. In this introductory paper we examine some explanations for the ‘psychologisation’ of workplace relations, why it should cause concern, and the importance of maintaining a better balance with contributions from other social sciences. We conclude that research into Asia Pacific HRM requires a deep understanding of the social context in each country.
Production of Volatiles in Fresh‐Cut Apple: Effect of Applying Alginate Coatings Containing Linoleic Acid or Isoleucine
Authors: Maya‐Meraz Irma O. , Espino‐Díaz Miguel , Molina‐Corral Francisco J. , González‐Aguilar Gustavo A. , Jacobo‐Cuellar Juan L. , Sepulveda David R. , Olivas Guadalupe I.
Published: October 2014

One of the main quality parameters in apples is aroma, its main precursors are fatty acids (FA) and amino acids (AA). In this study, alginate edible coatings were used as carriers of linoleic acid or isoleucine to serve as precursors for the production of aroma in cut apples. Apple wedges were immersed in a CaCl2solution and coated with one of the following formulations: alginate solution (Alg‐Ca), Alg‐Ca‐low‐level linoleic acid (0.61 g/Lt), (LFA), Alg‐Ca‐high‐level linoleic acid (2.44 g/L; HFA), Alg‐Ca‐low‐level isoleucine (0.61 g/L; LAA), and Alg‐Ca‐high‐level isoleucine (2.44 g/L; HAA). Apple wedges were stored at 3 °C and 85% relative humidity for 21 d and key volatiles were studied during storage. Addition of precursors, mainly isoleucine, showed to increase the production of some key volatiles on coated fresh‐cut apples during storage. The concentration of 2‐methyl‐1‐butanol was 4 times higher from day 12 to day 21 in HAA, while 2‐methyl butyl acetate increased from day 12 to day 21 in HAA. After 21 d, HAA‐apples presented a 40‐fold value of 2‐methyl‐butyl acetate, compared to Alg‐Ca cut apples. Values of hexanal increased during cut apple storage when the coating carried linoleic acid, mainly on HFA, from 3 to 12 d. The ability of apples to metabolize AA and FA depends on the concentration of precursors, but also depends on key enzymes, previous apple storage, among others. Further studies should be done to better clarify the behavior of fresh‐cut apples as living tissue to metabolize precursors contained in edible coatings for the production of volatiles.
Racial Counternarratives and Latina Epistemologies in Relational Organizing
Authors: Bonilla Christopher Milk
Published: October 2014

This paper describes the perceptions and actions of working‐class Latina family leaders as they promote their epistemological values during the community organizing of a huerta (vegetable garden) in an urban bilingual school. I focus on how their racial counternarratives are embedded in the intersected oppression of their local context and narrate value for their epistemological perspectives, visions, and actions.
Cryotolerance of stallion spermatozoa is related toROSproduction and mitochondrial membrane potential rather than to the integrity of sperm nucleus
Authors: Yeste M. , Estrada E. , Rocha L. G. , Marín H. , Rodríguez‐Gil J. E. , Miró J.
Published: October 2014

Although cryopreservation of stallion spermatozoa allows long‐term preservation of spermatozoa from particular stallions and facilitates international trade, it is understood to inflict damages on sperm cells that may finally reduce their fertilizing ability. In addition, individual differences are known to exist in the sperm ability to withstand freeze‐thawing protocols. To date, these differences have mainly been reported on the basis of sperm motility and membrane integrity. For this reason, the present work sought to determine differences between good (good freezability ejaculates:GFE) and poor (poor freezability ejaculates:PFE) freezability stallion ejaculates in other sperm parameters, including peroxide and superoxide levels, potential of mitochondrial membrane and nuclear integrity. With this purpose, a total of 24 stallion ejaculates were cryopreserved and classified into two groups (GFEvs.PFE), depending on their sperm membrane integrity and motility after freeze‐thawing. From the total of 24 ejaculates, 13 were classified asGFEand the other 11 were classified asPFE. Apart from differences in sperm membrane permeability and lipid disorder after freeze‐thawing,GFEpresented significantly (p < 0.05) higher percentages of viable spermatozoa with high content of peroxides and of superoxides thanPFE. In contrast, and despite cryopreservation of stallion spermatozoa increasingDNAfragmentation and disrupting disulphide bonds in sperm head proteins, no significant differences betweenGFEandPFEwere seen. We can thus conclude that good and poor freezability stallion ejaculates differ in their reactive oxygen species levels after cryopreservation, but not in the damage extent on sperm nucleus.
Pieces of a puzzle: time and history in Walahfrid's Vademecum
Authors: Corradini Richard
Published: October 2014

The epoch of Emperor Louis the Pious was a time of crisis, correction and self‐reflection. Intellectuals like the Reichenau scholar Walahfrid Strabo were requested to present models of identity. By using the resources of the Roman antique and late antique past they created compilations that helped to develop perspectives of political and social balance. Walahfrid found the idea of the equivalence of the ecclesia and imperium – which seems to have been important in the time of Louis the Pious and Charles the Bald – in sources like the Codex‐calendar of 354 or the Chronica de VI aetatibus mundi, which he copied in his famous Vademecum.
Managerialism and Profession‐Based Logic: The Use of Accounting Information in Changing Hospitals
Authors: Pettersen Inger Johanne , Solstad Elsa
Published: October 2014

The hospital sector has undergone significant management reforms over the last decades. These reforms include more use of accounting information. This paper focuses on the kinds of logic that guide clinical managers’ perception of their management control practices when including accounting information in decisions. A survey study was undertaken among clinical managers, and it was completed by interviews to go deeper into the management control processes in three large hospitals in the middle and northern parts of Norway. We found that there is a triangle of logic which may change and form different patterns, according to different contexts and variations in professional background.
Do Not‐For‐Profits Need Their Own Conceptual Framework?
Authors: Ryan Christine , Mack Janet , Tooley Stuart , Irvine Helen
Published: October 2014

This paper raises the issue of whether not‐for‐profit (NFP) oganisations require a conceptual framework that acknowledges their mission imperative and enables them to discharge their broader accountability. Relying on publicly available documentation and literature, it suggests the current Conceptual Frameworks for the for‐profit and public sectors are inadequate in meeting the accountability needs of NFPs. A NFP‐specific conceptual framework would allow the demonstration of broader NFP‐specific accountability and the formulation of NFP‐appropriate reporting practice, including the provision of financial and non‐financial reporting. The paper thus theoretically challenges existing financial reporting arrangements and invites debate on their future direction.
Shared Parenting and Never‐Married Families
Authors: Maldonado Solangel
Published: October 2014

This commentary on the AFCC Think Tank Report identifies the social, legal, and economic barriers to shared parenting that disproportionately impact never‐married, low‐income, African American, and Latino parents, including difficulties establishing parental rights, maternal gatekeeping, lack of access to legal services, and the norm of economic fatherhood. This commentary argues that, by focusing on divorcing parents to the exclusion of nonmarital families, the Report missed an opportunity to address the needs of children who are most likely to experience poor outcomes associated with single‐parent families.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Parents who were never married to each other are significantly less likely than divorced parents to share parenting.

Never married parents are disproportionately racial and ethnic minorities.

Never married and low‐income parents face many obstacles to shared parenting.

The law does little to facilitate shared parenting of nonmarital children.

Policy makers should explore how low‐income, never married African American parents attempt to share parenting without formal parenting plans.
Don't Forget The Children: Court Protection from Parental Conflict is in the Best Interests of Children
Authors: Dale Milfred D.
Published: October 2014

This commentary notes that the White Paper of the Honoring Families Initiative failed to address how including the child's voice in best interests of the child determinations fits or does not fit into their proposal. To the extent appropriate and possible, the child's preferences and voice should be heard. In addition, the White Paper's emphasis on avoiding the adversarial nature of litigation distracts it from a necessary emphasis that conflict is the enemy of children and that conflict can emanate from one or more of numerous sources, some connected to the court processes and some independent of court. This commentary ends by noting that courts are needed for enforcement of orders and protection, yet they also have much more to do despite the inconvenient truth of dwindling resources. As the figurative and literal head of each community's interdisciplinary team, courts must continue to serve as conflict managers protecting children in high‐conflict families.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

To the extent appropriate and possible, the child's preferences and voice should be included in best interests determinations.

Effective system reform must reduce conflict or protect children from the harmful effects of conflict.

Courts must play an indispensable role in coordinating and facilitating efforts to help children and families in conflict.
The Challenges of Family Court Service Reform
Authors: Salem Peter
Published: October 2014

Reforming family courts and court services remains a continuing and pervasive challenge, as described in the White Paper developed by the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System's Honoring Families Initiative. This commentary explores challenges to reforming court services and concludes that significant funding is needed to achieve long‐term, effective, and overarching change. The commentary also examines the proposition of community–court partnerships and suggests that (1) each community must tailor its program based on its needs and resources and (2) specific operational elements of a court services program, rather than its location, lead to effective service delivery.

Key Points for the Family Court Community

Sufficient funding of family court services is critical to effective service delivery.

Although insufficient funding may not eliminate services, it may change the fundamental nature of the dispute resolution process.

Services should be tailored based on the needs and resources of the community.
Renal Sympathetic Denervation in Patients With Hypertension and Chronic Kidney Disease: Does Improvement in Renal Function Follow Blood Pressure Control?
Authors: Kiuchi Márcio Galindo , Chen Shaojie , Andrea Bruno Rustum , Kiuchi Tetsuaki , Carreira Maria Angela Magalhães de Queiroz , Graciano Miguel Luis , Lugon Jocemir Ronaldo
Published: October 2014

Twenty‐seven patients with resistant hypertension and chronic kidney disease were treated by renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) and followed for 12 months. Patients were retrospectively divided into controlled and uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) groups. Increases in mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were found at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 in the controlled group (P<.0001, for every time point). The mean change ineGFRafter 12 months was 18.54±8.15 mL/min/1.73m2higher in the controlled group (P=.0318). In patients in the controlled group with baselineeGFR<45 mL/min/1.73 m2, responders (with an increase ineGFR>6.2%) corresponded to 50% at 6 months and 83% at 12 months. In the patients with baselineeGFR≥45 mL/min/1.73 m2, all patients were labeled as responders at months 6 and 12. Median albumin:creatinine ratio after 12 months was lower than baseline only in the controlled group (P=.0003). Our results suggest that patients with this profile who reached BP control by RSD also experienced a significant improvement in renal function.
Selection on female behaviour fluctuates with offspring environment
Authors: Taylor R. W. , Boutin S. , Humphries M. M. , McAdam A. G.
Published: October 2014

Temporal variation in selection has long been proposed as a mechanism by which genetic variation could be maintained despite short‐term strong directional selection and has been invoked to explain the maintenance of consistent individual differences in behaviour. We tested the hypothesis that ecological changes through time lead to fluctuating selection, which could promote the maintenance of variation in female behavioural traits in a wild population of North American red squirrels. As predicted, linear selection gradients on female aggression and activity significantly fluctuated across years depending on the level of competition among juveniles for vacant territories. This selection acted primarily through juvenile overwinter survival rather than maternal fecundity. Incorporating uncertainty in individual measures of behaviour reduced the magnitude of annual selection gradients and increased uncertainty in these estimates, but did not affect the overall pattern of temporal fluctuations in natural selection that coincided with the intensity of competition for vacant territories. These temporal fluctuations in selection might, therefore, promote the maintenance of heritable individual differences in behaviour in this wild red squirrel population.
Regulation of Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Javitt Gail H. , Carner Katherine Strong
Published: October 2014

Since the first draft of the human genome was published in 2001, DNA sequencing technology has advanced at a remarkable pace. Launched in 1990, the Human Genome Project sought to sequence all three billion base pairs of the haploid human genome, an endeavor that took more than a decade and cost nearly three billion dollars. The subsequent development of so-called “next generation” sequencing (NGS) methods has raised the possibility that real-time, affordable genome sequencing will soon be widely available. Currently, NGS methods can be used to sequence up to 60 billion base pairs per day. Whole-genome sequencing costs an estimated $5,000-10,000, with that number predicted to fall to $1000 in the near future.

In the past few years, the availability of high-throughput NGS methods has led to a proliferation of potential and actual clinical applications for NGS. NGS therefore has the potential to usher in the long-awaited era of personalized medicine.
Patents and Genome-Wide DNA Sequence Analysis: Is it Safe to Go into the Human Genome?
Authors: Cook-Deegan Robert , Chandrasekharan Subhashini
Published: October 2014

Whether, and to what degree, do patents granted on human genes cast a shadow of uncertainty over genomics and its applications? Will owners of patents on individual genes or clusters of genes sue those performing whole-genome analyses on human samples for patent infringement? These are related questions that have haunted molecular diagnostics companies and services, coloring scientific, clinical, and business decisions. Can the profusion of whole-genome analysis methods proceed without fear of patent infringement liability?

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is proceeding apace. Academic centers have been performing whole-genome and -exome sequencing (WES) in research for at least five years, and academic clinical laboratories with national reach have been doing sequencing for clinical applications for almost as long. Companies have also been offering WGS and WES as a clinical service for a few years now. So far as we know, no one has been sued for infringement of “gene patents” for performing WGS.
Abortion Care in Ghana: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Rominski Sarah D.
Published: October 2014

Purpose/Aim

To critically review the published literature around abortion care in Ghana, a country in sub‐Saharan Africa with a relatively liberal abortion law.

Research Questions

What are the methodological and substantive gaps in the abortion literature in Ghana, where there is a robust community of researchers from multiple disciplines and a liberal law?

Background

The government of Ghana has taken important steps to mitigate the impact of unsafe abortion. However, the expected decline in maternal deaths has yet to be realized. This integrated literature review aims to present findings from empirical research directly related to abortion provision in Ghana and identify gaps for future research.

Methods

Four databases were searched with the keywords “Ghana & abortion,” and a hand review of reference lists was conducted. All abstracts were reviewed.

Results

Thirty‐nine articles were included in the final sample. Abortion‐related complications represent a large component of admissions to gynecologic wards in hospitals in Ghana as well as a large contributor to maternal mortality. Between 10% and 47% of those sampled reported ever having an induced abortion, although induced abortions are notoriously underreported. Demographic characteristics associated with seeking an abortion included being younger, unmarried, better educated, urban‐dwelling, and of higher income. Almost half (n = 19) of the included studies were hospital‐based, with the majority of those being chart reviews.

Discussion

Ghana has one on of the most liberal abortion laws on the African continent, and the government has taken explicit steps to reduce the impact of unsafe abortion on maternal health. However, unsafe abortion continues to contribute significantly to the stubbornly high level of maternal mortality in the country. This review of the literature has identified gaps in the literature including interviewing women who have sought unsafe abortions and health care providers who may act as gatekeepers to women wishing to access safe abortion services.
Evaluation of the Implementation of the 75‐gram, 2‐hour Glucose Tolerance Test in a Nurse‐midwifery Practice
Authors: Hersh Sally
Published: October 2014

Purpose/Aim

Despite recent attempts at achieving international consensus concerning screening criteria for gestational diabetes, conflicting opinions and strategies persist. A clinical inquiry project described the implementation of the one‐step, 75‐gram, 2‐hour glucose tolerance test (GTT) in a nurse‐midwifery practice at an academic health center.

Research Questions and/or Hypotheses

The 4 aims of the inquiry project were to describe characteristics and outcomes of nurse‐midwifery patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes using the newly implemented screening criteria, including: 1) demographic characteristics, 2) select antepartum measures, 3) select maternal and newborn outcomes, and 4) select indicators of utilization of resources.

Significance/Background

This inquiry project is the first known description of the implementation of the one‐step, 75‐gram, 2‐hour GTT in a national nurse‐midwifery population.

Methods

All nurse‐midwifery patients who had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes using the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups Consensus Panel's criteria between June 1, 2012 and February 28, 2013 were included. Local IRB approval was obtained. Descriptive statistics were used to report the data.

Findings

Thirty‐three women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes. The gestational diabetes prevalence rate increased from approximately 4.6% to 15.6%. Forty‐six percent of the women diagnosed with gestational diabetes had risk factors and were screened at less than 17 weeks’ gestation. Forty‐seven percent of these women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes that required medication (A2GDM) and transferred to the perinatal diabetes clinic. Twenty‐eight women had given birth by the time of the analysis. Twenty‐nine percent (n = 8) were induced for gestational diabetes‐related indications. One woman required insulin in labor. One preterm birth at 36 weeks’ gestation was not attributed to gestational diabetes. Thirty‐two percent (n = 9) had previous cesarean births. There were 4 repeat cesarean births, 2 of which were for arrest of labor and 2 for fetal intolerance of labor. The unscheduled cesarean birth rate, including those who labored with a past history of cesarean, was 21.4% (n = 6). The mean (SD) infant birth weight was 3553 (477) g. There were no cases of shoulder dystocia, birth injuries, neonatal hypoglycemia, or infant‐mother separation.

Discussion

A descriptive summary revealed a substantial increase in the prevalence rate in this nurse‐midwifery population. Maternal diagnosis and outcomes varied by risk factor status. Neonatal outcomes were overwhelmingly normal. Utilization of resources was highest among women with A2GDM. The analysis is limited by a small sample size and provides a basis for future studies of screening criteria for gestational diabetes in the nurse‐midwifery population.
Factors Associated with Adolescent Pregnancy, Psychological Distress, and Suicidal Behavior in Jamaica: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Wilson‐Mitchell Karline
Published: October 2014

Purpose of the Study

To describe the sociodemographic profile and explore the personal experiences of pregnant Jamaican adolescents and the impact of pregnancy on their psychological health.

Background

The Jamaican Global School‐based Health Survey (2010) found that 23% of adolescents aged 13 to 15 years reported seriously considering suicide, and 22% had actually attempted suicide one or more times during the last 12 months. The 2008 Jamaica Reproductive Health Survey has shown a teen pregnancy rate of 72 per 1000. The survey shows concerns about the high rate of maternal mortality, premature newborns, labor complications, low birth weight, and low and poor utilization of antenatal health care. Research that links adolescent pregnancy and suicidal behavior is lacking in Jamaica. Adolescent pregnancy and psychosocial health have been priorities for both the International Confederation of Midwives and the World Health Organization. Research within the Caribbean and Latin America has noted psychological distress and suicidal behaviors reaching prevalence of between 13% and 67% among pregnant adolescents. This study, which explores the self‐reported perceptions of pregnant adolescents, seeks to inform policy and practice as it pertains to adolescent maternity health care.

Methods

Methods used include guided individual and focus group interviews of adolescents attending the multidisciplinary Teen Pregnancy Clinic at the Victoria Jubilee hospital and the traditional adult antenatal clinic at Spanish Town Hospital to elicit themes regarding perceptions, values, resilience, knowledge of community resources, perceptions of social support, and psychological distress. University and Ministry of Health ethics approval was obtained. Grounded theory analysis with NVIVO software was utilized.

Findings

Findings of our pilot of 30 participants is presented utilizing thematic analysis. Comparisons will be made between the outcomes of teens who participate in a specialized adolescent prenatal care program compared to the traditional antenatal care model. The following preliminary themes have been identified: perceptions of self, values, resilience, knowledge of community resources, perceptions of social support, psychological distress, powerlessness, motherhood. Although motherhood is valued, most of these pregnancies are unplanned by the mother and sexual activity is forced in 1 out of 5 of teens aged 15 to 19 years.

Discussion

Many Jamaican adolescent mothers face barriers to education, self‐determination, and family planning. Adolescent‐centered health care could mitigate stressors.
Perpetuation of Cherry Leaf Spot Disease in Ornamental Cherry
Authors: Joshua Jacqueline , Mmbaga Margaret T.
Published: October 2014

Cherry leaf spot disease, caused by Blumeriella jaapii (Rehm) Arx., is an increasing concern to nursery producers of ornamental cherry in the south‐eastern United States. Spores were trapped starting in late March before symptoms were observed in the field, which indicates that leaf debris from diseased trees are an important source of primary inoculum. Previously infected trees of six cultivars (‘Kwanzan’, ‘Yoshino’, ‘Okami’, ‘Snowgoose’, ‘Autumnalis’ and ‘Akebono’), which were overwintered in a controlled environment protected from airborne spores, developed disease symptoms in late spring, indicating that dormant buds may also be a source of primary inoculum. Because ornamental cherry trees are propagated by budding and cuttings, disease management should incorporate cultural practices that focus on propagation from disease‐free trees and fungicide applications beginning at petal drop to protect emerging leaves.
Occurrence of a New Orange Variant of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens, Causing Common Bean Wilt in Iran
Authors: Osdaghi Ebrahim , Lak Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2014

A new orange variant of Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens was isolated from seeds of common bean cv. Daneshkadeh and Dehghan stored in the seed banks in Khomein Bean Research Station, and field plants (cv. Local Khomein) in Arak, Iran. The pathogenicity of the isolates was confirmed on 5‐ to 7‐day‐old seedlings of cv. Daneshkadeh. Marginal necrosis and interveinal chlorosis on first trifoliate leaves were observed 10–15 days after inoculation. Amplification of 306 bp fragment of orange‐pigmented strains using CffFOR2‐ and CffREV4‐specific prime pair characterized them as C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens. Although the yellow‐pigmented variant of the causal agent was previously reported on cowpea, this is the first report of orange variant of C. flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens causing bacterial wilt on common bean in Iran.
Enhancing Consumers' Affection for a Brand Using Product Design
Authors: Kumar Minu , Townsend Janell D. , Vorhies Douglas W.
Published: October 2014

Product design is an integral component of a brand and an important driver of brand equity. For the brand, product design is an important tool for driving differentiation, creating value for both the consumer and the firm, driving consumer preferences, and creating a sustainable competitive advantage. At the firm level, the importance of investing in design has been substantiated by studies that suggest firms capable of creating innovative design and providing superior consumer value perform better in the marketplace. Thus, product design clearly presents an important area of research for those studying and managing brands. In this context, the goal of this research is to explain the brand‐level affective outcomes that product‐level design features can create.

This paper develops a conceptual framework and hypotheses that theoretically connect design‐based values, at the product level, to affective brand‐level relational outcomes with the brand. The drivers of product affection include social value, altruistic value, functional value, emotional value, and economic value. Analogous to “firm affection,” the paper postulates a brand affection construct that is defined as the passion and pride that a consumer feels about owning a brand.

Using syndicated product‐level data from the automotive industry collected from a national sample of consumers, 712 useable consumer/product observations of 30 small vehicles are employed in the analysis. A confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model are developed to test the conceptual model.

This research finds that the social value and emotional value that a design provides to consumers have a greater effect on brand affection than purely transactional values, such as functional value or economic value. This research contributes to the literature by providing evidence that product design‐related values are multifaceted and can contribute to relational outcomes, such as brand affection. It contributes to practice by highlighting the means by which design can be used as a strategic tool to create a sustainable long‐lasting relationship with the consumer, and provides managers with a framework to assess the impact of design‐based values on long‐term relationship‐based outcomes. The results provide new insights about how consumers' perceptions of the value of product design at the product level can help create enduring relationships with brands.