bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing business culture: theory and practice in typical emerging markets
Authors: Jones Stephanie , Scott Gregory J.
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Organizational behavior, human resources, culture, international business, international entrepreneurship and emerging market studies.

Study level/applicability

MBA and MSc students (and some advanced-level undergraduates) in an MBA module being taught face-to-face in an emerging market context. MBA courses such as managing cultural diversity, cross-cultural management, organizational behavior, human resource management, international business and business in emerging markets. The exercise is also relevant to teaching the subject of assignment- and dissertation-writing, given the element of data collection and analysis.

Case overview

This exercise is designed to be an MBA class exercise in which students try to answer the question: what are the national cultural characteristics of the typical executive or manager in my country? Are these behaviors as the textbooks describe, or have they changed, especially with economic development?

The example of country chosen for the class exercise can be any emerging market country, especially one undergoing significant change. Much of the research on cross-cultural management conducted in emerging markets was carried out 20 or 30 years ago and the changes in emerging markets have been dramatic since then. It is highly likely, when reaching the results of this exercise, that the culture of the chosen country has indeed changed dramatically, becoming more like a typical developed or “emerged” country. Much of the original cross-cultural management research was also based on a similar group – employees of US-based high technology companies, arguably similar to the sample to be involved in our exercise here.

Expected learning outcomes

National cultural characteristics can be described and defined in ways which will allow for comparisons, to gain useful insights – and these behaviors are not good or bad, just real and different.

Cultures can change or stay the same, due to certain demographic, economic and social influences, which we can study and measure.

If we proactively interview colleagues and other contacts to test our understanding of these national culture constructs, we can gain more insights and awareness (rather than just listening to a lecture).

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes, student assignment.
Noor Dubai Foundation: managing blindness in developing countries
Authors: Kemp Linzi J. , Moonesar Immanuel A. , Banna Shurooq Al
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Business, management.

Study level/applicability

This case is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying topics related to human resources, decision making, managing in multinational companies and crisis management. In addition, the case is useful study for practitioners in non-governmental organizations (NGO).

Case overview

Dr Manal Taryam, the Chief Executive Officer, was discussing with Ms Shurooq Al Banna, Marketing Specialist, the achievements and challenges faced at Noor Dubai over the past three years. Noor Dubai is an international charity for the prevention and treatment of blindness. The problem facing these decision makers is the prioritization of their resources to support logistics management, operations, human resources, funding and educational issues. In addition, to meet the needs of the visually impaired, a long-term mission is to establish permanent eye centers in areas of most need.

Expected learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

Describe the problems facing Noor Dubai in relation to logistics management, operations, human resources, funding and educational issues.

Explain how the management strategies of Noor Dubai prioritize logistics management, operations, human resources, funding and education.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Alpha: en route from “Power”-less to “Power”-ful
Authors: Rathi Narendra , Modi Gaurav
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Strategy and finance.

Study level/applicability

MBA/MBA equivalent programme – finance specialisation.

Case overview

In June 2009, Mr Rakesh Vora, CEO of Alpha Power Ltd, India was facing problems while deciding the appropriate business model of the company. Without the existence of an adequate business plan, the CFO, Mr Harish Gupta, could not decide the adequate capital structure and valuation of the one million shares the company planned to issue in the market through private placement.

Alpha Power Ltd is planning to start two power plants at Jatra and Chhapra. The plants are to be funded by a prudent mix of debt and equity; but, it has major issues regarding the financing arrangements. The management is undecided about how to fund these projects. Power sector in India is booming; however, the challenges faced by the company are numerous. They include possibility of a slowdown, different buying/leasing options for land, option of using better technology, decision regarding importing of superior quality, but high-cost coal and valuation of the company using various approaches, etc.

Expected learning outcomes

The case is intended to help future finance professionals understand the working of power plants in India and experience the decision-making process faced by managers, while making a business plan and raising funds for power projects.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Abraaj Capital Limited: Celebration of Entrepreneurship (CoE)
Authors: Balakrishnan Melodena Stephens , Michael Ian
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Strategic stakeholder engagement, entrepreneurialism, ecosystem, corporate social responsibility, event management, branding, marketing strategy.

Study level/applicability

Post-graduate level, practitioners interested in MENSA Region, entrepreneurship policy makers and NGOs.

Case overview

Abraaj Capital Ltd (Abraaj), a highly reputed private equity investment and management company, strongly believed in corporate social responsibility, strategic stakeholder engagement and entrepreneurship ecosystem development. In November, 2010, Abraaj held the “Celebration of Entrepreneurship” (CoE) a two-day free entrepreneur event, in Dubai. CoE was attended by more than 2,400 participants. The purpose of CoE was to contribute to building an entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Middle East North Africa South Asia region (MENASA). Based on participant feedback, CoE Outcomes and stakeholder feedback, the event was very successful.

This case is a good example of community engagement and showcases entrepreneurship ecosystem development. This case also highlights the challenges of putting together a signature event in a very short time frame. The future management dilemmas are also raised on various issues like whether to make this successful event a regular part of their organizational activities, and issues concerning the funding of such events. This case can be used to teach event management, branding, marketing strategy, CSR and entrepreneurship (from the ecosystem point of view). It will appeal to both educationalists and practitioners interested in the MENASA region, policy makers who facilitate entrepreneurship, CSR managers, event management companies and marketing specialist. It can be used to teach both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Expected learning outcomes

Strategy students can focus on marketing and branding strategies; like stakeholder engagement, internal marketing, social media, positioning and brand architecture. Student of event management can learn about prioritizing, adaptability, funding and the complexity of layering a program.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes, videos.
Etihad Airways: reputation management – an example of the Eyjafjallajökull Iceland volcano
Authors: Balakrishnan Melodena Stephens
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Crisis management, reputation and brand management, corporate communication, logistics, organization strategy.

Study level/applicability

Post-graduate and executive education.

Case overview

The Eyjafjallajökull Iceland Volcano erupted on April 14, 2010, causing an estimated loss of US$1.7 billion for the aviation industry. At one stage in this weeklong event, 1.2 million passengers were affected with 100,000 flights being grounded across Europe. This case documents the way Etihad, a leading global airline company managed the crisis and continues to learn for future scenarios.

Expected learning outcomes

Adaptation strategies, reputation management, brand management, crisis planning and implementation, communication and stakeholder management, scenario analysis.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Jumeirah Group: STAY DIFFERENT™
Authors: Balakrishnan Melodena Stephens
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Brand strategy, marketing strategy, service marketing, hospitality management and international marketing strategy.

Study level/applicability

Post-graduate-level students; practitioners from the hospitality sector, brand management, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the arts and culture field may also benefit from the case.

Case overview

Jumeirah Group is a luxury hospitality company that is implementing a global brand strategy after developing a strong-regional reputation. Jumeirah's strong cultural alignment to its Dubai heritage in the form of its hallmarks and communication tag line “Stay Different” is being translated into events, activities, sponsorship and more importantly in terms of service to create a symbolic and experiential brand strategy. For Alice Royton, the Director of Branding for Jumeirah Group, the dilemma was how to maintain the thrust forwards as a top luxury brand and keep brand synergy especially as Jumeirah was increasing its portfolio and the competitive arena heats up in the international market place.

Expected learning outcomes

Creation of stakeholder value, brand strategy looking at various brand levels, using arts and culture as part of CSR initiative; communication strategy, emotional touch points and moment of truth as part of interactive service strategy; CRM and loyalty.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC): a destination, global champion
Authors: Balakrishnan Melodena Stephens , Moonesar Immanuel Azaad
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Emiratisation, dual bottom-line, destination policy making and strategic development, ecosystem perspective and human capital.

Study level/applicability

This case is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying policy; strategy and human resources. Practitioners from the human resource industry, government sector and destination marketing may also benefit from the case.

Case overview

ATIC is an investment company with a dual bottom line mandate. This means besides the financial objective it has for its investors (which is largely the Government of Abu Dhabi), it must contribute to socio-economic objectives outlined by the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. For this perspective, ATIC had developed a unique approach looking at the “Ecosystem” perspective. Some key areas are destination development as an advanced technology hub and human capital development or “Emiratisation”. All these are key to long-term success of the country as the Middle East North Africa region has one of the youngest populations and an increasing unemployment rate. Most government organizations are saturated and it is vital that nationals start working and performing in the private sector. This case outlines the plans and efforts of ATIC towards those goals.

Expected learning outcomes

Management of “Emiratisation” at policy and implementation; scenario planning and strategy management especially looking at advanced technology sector; organizational values – development and implementation at recruitment and marketing; destination marketing and policy looking at the case of Abu Dhabi, stakeholder management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Implications for recruitment in a multinational organization: a case study of human resource management in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Kemp Linzi
Published: December 2011

Subject area

The case study aims to investigate human resource management issues of national importance, and specific recruitment issues important to the company.

Study level/applicability

Students studying, e.g. Human Resource Management/Developing Human Resources as courses within an undergraduate business degree program. The audience is also targeted through courses that include the study of cross cultural management/diversity.

Case overview

An industrial organization in the United Arab Emirates has a multinational workforce, where many employees are recruited from overseas. The recruitment process necessitates liaison with recruitment agencies at a distance, and locally with the government labor office.

Expected learning outcomes

Students will be able to:

analyze that companies exist in an external environment that impacts on their internal policies;

describe the importance of quality assurance to the HR function in an organization; and

explain how the HR department works closely with all departments in an organization.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
HAIER: “Beat the Heat”
Authors: Michael Ian , Ketait Meerah , Al Qassimi Sarah , Al Nuaimi Azza
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Marketing, brand management, promotion management and corporate social responsibility.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and postgraduate.

Case overview

How does the “country-of-origin” issue affect brands, and what do brands need to do? The case of unique and small corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and their impact on creating brand awareness.

Aamer Khan, Managing Director Hafet Electrical LLC, the sole distributor for of Haier in United Arab Emirates (UAE) was reviewing their half yearly results. Among the more unconventional strategies they had adopted was one where they used community engagement to get an insight into the local market and develop brand awareness as a caring top quality brand. The CEO of Haier, Zhang Ruimin stressed that “quality is and will remain the essence of business sustainable, whether in the past, present or future”. Aamer was evaluating the effectiveness of the strategy and considering its impact. Should he use a similar strategy next year?

This case deals with the “country-of-origin” issue, an important aspect in branding a key strategy of marketing. The Haier brand and its country-of-origin were investigated among the Emirati (UAE nationals) consumers. This was done as part of a capstone research project by Meerah, Sara and Azza at Zayed University, Dubai. Further, the group created a unique CSR program for the Haier, whereby they invited people to join them in a Walkathon to raise money for a charitable cause. Haier donated various products like refrigerators, air coolers and air conditioners towards this charity. By creating this event, the group raised awareness of the Haier brand among the local population.

Expected learning outcomes

What is:

“Country of origin” (coo) in marketing and its effect on brands?

The role of CSR in corporate marketing communication?

The role of small events in building brands?

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Al Ain Dairy: managing demand and supply
Authors: Balakrishnan Melodena Stephens
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Marketing strategy, retail/sales management and logistics.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate and postgraduate.

Case overview

Al Ain Dairy works is in one of the most highly competitive industries in the world – the food industry. In the dairy business, choice, freshness, safety standards, inventory management, supply chain and marketing are key to sustainability. Al Ain Diary explains some key challenges in this industry for managing and planning sales. This case builds on a previous case and can be used to teach marketing strategy, retail management and logistics. The case also gives an idea on the food industry especially the dairy market and some of the challenges associated with it.

Expected learning outcomes

Students can try forecasting and planning sales based on seasonal trends. Since the process complexity increases as the number of stock keeping units increase, the case provides a rich context of a company where inventory management is a key to success. Product portfolio management is another subject area of focus in this case. For market expansion, students can look at current organizational and market constraints, organizational competencies (and their transferability), and market synergies and similarities to recommend strategy.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Quality Tailors, Textiles and Embroidery (QTTE)
Authors: Kao Diana , Higginson James
Published: December 2011

Subject area

International business, emerging markets, strategy.

Study level/applicability

Year 3 and 4 university level.

Case overview

Kevin, an Indian citizen living in Oman, is the founder and president of Quality Tailors, Textiles, and Embroidery (QTTE). He is faced with a number of questions, including whether or not to establish a new division, in what direction to take the three existing divisions, and how to work with an organization culture that is resistant to change and reluctant to make decisions without his involvement. Perhaps, most pressing is the fact that the company's sponsor is demanding increased payments, since under Omani law, a foreign-owned company must have an Omani sponsor who is entitled to a share of the profits and, in the extreme, can take over ownership and control of the business.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completing this case, students will practice:

identifying and using proper tools (5-forces, SWOT, VRINE) to analyze the external and internal environments of the company;

identifying key issues in the case, both long- and short-term;

identifying feasible alternatives and evaluating each alternatives for its feasibility, pros, and cons; and

proposing an implementation plan with a time line.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
SenseHere: a born global start-up based in the UAE
Authors: Rogmans Tim
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Management, strategy, entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

MBA, executive education.

Case overview

The case deals with the challenges of fundraising and location decision making for a high technology start up company based in the United Arab Emirates. Tan Rasab is a Chief Executive and co-founder of Sensehere, a high technology start up company involved in the design and development of semiconductors for wireless sensors. The company has developed a unique technology that allows sensors to dramatically reduce energy consumption and thereby improve battery life of sensors.The company is currently based in the UAE, where it finds the environment highly supportive overall but challenging from the point of view of fund raising. On the other hand in China the company is meeting significant investor interest and several partnerships have been concluded. Despite the advantages offered by the UAE environment, the company is considering moving some or all of its operations to China.

Expected learning outcomes

Familiarise students with the challenges of fundraising for new ventures.

Understand the implications of technological breakthroughs in different application areas.

Develop an understanding for the different considerations to be made when choosing a location for business functions.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
University of Wollongong in Dubai: creating a private university in the public interest
Authors: Whelan Rob , Kratochvil Daniel
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Higher education leadership and planning.

Study level/applicability

Postgraduate/higher education.

Case overview

Professor Rob Whelan was appointed President of the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) from the University of Wollongong in Australia (UOW). Professor Whelan brought to the job in Dubai the perspective that public-good benefits flow from a comprehensive institution engaged with the larger community and these are led by academic staff members who produce research that serves the national interest. To apply this model to UOWD meant a thorough analysis of the organization in terms of both its culture and its broader environment. This case explores the various processes through which a new leader takes stock of an existing institution, identifies the potential for development in a particular direction, draws upon a range of stakeholders to refine the vision and develop it into a strategic plan, gains support for the plan, and then implements change through close collaboration with the institution's constituents.

Expected learning outcomes

This case can be used to explore a number of issues in leadership and management including: identifying the various internal and external stakeholders in a complex organization; analysing strategies for mobilization for change, including the assessment of inclusive versus exclusive approaches; reviewing the opportunity costs of change; and assessing types of leadership.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
FieldTurf Tarkett India: challenges and opportunities in new markets
Authors: Raghavan Srividya
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Marketing, marketing communication and business strategy.

Study level/applicability

Graduate level and some core courses in undergraduate level.

Case overview

The case describes the evolution of a start-up company, Great Sports Infra Pvt Ltd, which had acquired the exclusive dealership of the largest artificial sports surface products company – FieldTurf Tarkett. Great Sports Infra was started as a small business with a capital of INR 5 million, by Mr Anil Kumar who had won the exclusive license to sell the FieldTurf brand of artificial turf in India and the SAARC region. FieldTurf was a well entrenched brand for playing surfaces in several developed countries around the world. The size, scope and consumer base of the Indian market was vastly different from the mature markets in which FieldTurf was a well established brand. Anil had to find a market for the product in India which was a classic context of “existing product entering a new market” – in this case an emerging market. Identifying new markets and targeting them with a relevant marketing mix and communication mix were the dominant challenges faced by Anil. Having developed the market in India, he now faces competition from cheaper manufacturers and limited growth in the sports infrastructure. The students must deliberate on current strategies and suggest strategies for the future growth of the product in this market.

Expected learning outcomes

Challenges of an established brand entering a new market in the emerging economies. Using Ansoff's matrix to identify the nature of challenges.

Understanding positioning strategy.

To understand how to extract IMC strategy from business strategy.

Targeting each segment differently but keeping the message consistent following the principles of principles of IMC, i.e. harmony, consistency and synergy.

Understanding the role of 6Ms in designing a communication plan.

Understanding how to identify appropriate media mix.

Understanding the holistic IMC framework.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Twiga Hosting Ltd – providing affordable information and communication technologies services to small and medium enterprises
Authors: Masele Juma James
Published: December 2011

Subject area

The case describes the launch of Twiga Hosting Ltd, a company providing information and communication technology (ICT) services to the underserved small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Tanzania and in a many countries in Africa.

Study level/applicability

This case targets a range of audience from undergraduate students taking both Bachelor of Commerce and those taking Bachelor of Business Administration; and Postgraduate students taking business-related courses. Nonetheless, the case may be used by all other learners of advanced studies in entrepreneurship and innovation management.

Case overview

The case addresses a number of issues including:

Issues to be considered when starting an ICT enterprise.

Strategic management.

Business revenue models.

Expected learning outcomes

To impart/inculcate entrepreneurial insights in ICT and related areas.

To make learners aware of the business growth opportunities in ICT ventures.

The success factors for fruitful ICT ventures.

To enable learners to identify challenges facing entrepreneurs in ICT ventures and the ways to overcome them.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Marketing of the dark: “Memento Park” in Budapest
Authors: McKenzie Brent
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Marketing strategy; services marketing; tourism.

Study level/applicability

Upper year undergraduate business/management, MBA, marketing/international business.

Case overview

Memento Park is a large open air museum on the outskirts of Budapest, that houses statues, and related ephemera related to the communist period in Hungary. The park opened in 1993, four years after Hungary had shaken off its yolk of communism as part of the Iron Curtain, in 1989. This case presents a classic example of a business enterprise that sprang from a concept and access to inexpensive materials directly resulting form a changing external environment. The case presents the issues involved in making Memento Park a sustainable part of the Budapest tourist experience.

Expected learning outcomes

This case challenges students to decide how best to determine a sustainable advantage. Arguably the value proposition that is being offered by Memento Park has a number of identifiable benefits to the target consumer. It is not replicable (at least in Hungary), has a truly unique content, and does not have large fixed or variable costs in terms of operations. The question is how to best develop a plan of attack for such a firm?

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
EnviroServe: The Green Company in the UAE
Authors: Rodrigues Gwendolyn , Mathew Vineetha
Published: December 2011

Subject area

Reverse logistics, environment, CSR.

Study level/applicability

Bachelor and Graduate students.

Case overview

This case describes the role played by the company in linking various processes and taking the lead in the development of a unique “circular” flow of recycling activity which includes recovery, reuse and recycling schemes. Traditionally businesses were not held responsible for the product after use by the consumer. But, with growing stakeholder expectations in the area of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, businesses are more conscious about managing their social and environmental impacts. Today businesses are beginning to look at reverse logistics not only in terms of economic impacts but also environmental impacts. While consumers and other stakeholders want businesses to be more responsible in the way the product is produced such as to minimize waste production, the expectations have also changed to recovery of products after use in order to reduce cost and environmental impact of recycling. Businesses are becoming more responsible about collecting, reusing, refurbishing or dismantling used products to minimize environmental damage.

Expected learning outcomes

The case is significant for teachers and students of “environment management”, corporate social responsibility, “supply chain” and “the importance of networks”. It can be used to understand how reverse logistics helps to minimize waste.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.
Separation, failure and temporary relinquishment: women’s experiences of early mothering in the context of emergency hysterectomy
Authors: Elmir Rakime , Schmied Virginia , Wilkes Lesley , Jackson Debra
Published: December 2011

Aim.  To describe the experiences of women who have had an emergency hysterectomy following a severe postpartum haemorrhage and the impact on their early mothering experiences.

Background.  Postpartum haemorrhage and subsequent hysterectomy is a traumatic birth event. Traumatic birth experiences have the potential to impact on a woman’s experience of motherhood and her initial relationship with her baby. The relative rarity of this event makes it easy to dismiss the experiences of women having a hysterectomy following childbirth. Little is known about a woman’s early mothering experience in the context of having an emergency hysterectomy.

Design.  Qualitative naturalistic inquiry approach.

Method.  Data were collected through semi‐structured qualitative interviews from 21 Australian women who had an emergency hysterectomy following a severe postpartum haemorrhage.

Results.  Findings revealed three themes in relation to early mothering experiences in the context of having a hysterectomy following a severe postpartum haemorrhage. They were ‘initial separation: lost bonding time’, ‘feelings of failure’ and ‘relinquishing care of the infant’.

Conclusions.  This paper highlights the ways undergoing emergency hysterectomy following childbirth can impact on the experience of early mothering in the postnatal period.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Greater recognition and attention to the specific needs of women who have an emergency hysterectomy following childbirth is required. Providing women with an opportunity to talk, debrief and ask questions related to their birthing experiences, will help women to reconcile their feelings. Giving women the opportunity to have their infants with them in intensive care unit, together with ongoing emotional support and anticipatory guidance, may also be useful approaches in assisting women during this difficult and traumatic time.
Exploring the perceptions and work experiences of internationally recruited neonatal nurses: a qualitative study
Authors: Alexis Obrey , Shillingford Adeline
Published: December 2011

Aim.  To explore the perceptions and work experiences of internationally recruited neonatal nurses.

Background.  Neonatal nursing and health care are global issues facing developing and developed countries. In the UK, the recruitment of international nurses to address the labour shortage is not a new phenomenon.

Methods.  A purposeful sample was drawn from internationally recruited neonatal nurses, working at two teaching hospitals in London. Husserl’s phenomenological approach underpins this study. Thirteen nurses, (all female) participated in the study and semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted to capture the unique perceptions and experiences of neonatal nurses at two hospital sites. A qualitative approach was adopted and this study used Colaizzi’s analytical framework to analyse the data.

Results.  The analysis of the data resulted in four themes namely the support mechanisms, unfamiliarity with family centred care, feelings of being treated like a child and coping strategies.

Conclusion.  It can be concluded that in recruiting internationally recruited neonatal nurses to work in the NHS, there is a need to support them, encourage them to become familiar with family centred care and they should be treated as qualified nurses. Therefore, there is a need to consider these findings in any recruitment process involving neonatal nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Internationally recruited neonatal nurses play an important role in caring for neonates in the NHS in the UK however meeting their needs have not always been addressed in the health care setting.
An exploratory study on baccalaureate‐prepared nurses’ perceptions regarding clinical decision‐making in mainland China
Authors: Wang Yue , Chien Wai‐Tong , Twinn Sheila
Published: December 2011

Aims.  To explore Chinese baccalaureate‐prepared nurses’ perceptions of the concept and practices of clinical decision‐making.

Background.  Clinical decision‐making is an integral part of nursing practice. Several studies have explored the experiences and factors which influence nurses’ clinical decisions and these have recognised the cultural impact. However, little is known about the experience of clinical decision‐making from the perspective of Chinese baccalaureate‐prepared nurses.

Design.  A qualitative, exploratory study.

Method.  Data were obtained through in‐depth, semi‐structured interview with a convenience sample of 12 baccalaureate‐prepared registered nurses. Interviews focused on registered nurses’ understanding and perceptions of clinical decision‐making in clinical practice. They were tape‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and content analysed.

Results.  Two major themes were identified, namely, functional perspectives of clinical decision‐making and perceived autonomy in clinical decision‐making. There were two sub‐themes for the first theme: emphasising a full understanding of the patient’s health status and undertaking appropriate nursing judgements and problem‐solving. Three sub‐themes emerged for perceived autonomy in clinical decision‐making: relying on a doctor’s instructions, making judgements on a doctor’s orders and making decisions independently in emergency care.

Conclusions.  The findings indicate that Chinese nurses understand the essence of clinical decision‐making, but they have low autonomy in such decisions in their daily practice. More importantly, the results also reveal the importance of social and cultural factors in nurses’ perceptions of this topic.

Relevance to clinical practice.  A better understanding of the perceptions and concepts of clinical decision‐making among nurses in mainland China and other countries as well, can help in establishing nurses’ roles and responsibilities in participating in making effective decisions for patient care. The findings can also inform us of potential strategies which may be adopted to develop the knowledge and skills of Chinese baccalaureate‐prepared nursing students and graduates in making autonomous and accurate clinical decisions.
Comparison of health‐related quality of life between subjects treated with radical prostatectomy and brachytherapy
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hua , Lin Victor Chia‐Hsiang , Yu Tsan‐Jung , Wang Hua‐Pin , Lu Kevin
Published: December 2011

Aims and objectives.  To evaluate the symptoms and self‐assessment of quality of life in men with localised prostate cancer after having had a radical prostatectomy or brachytherapy treatment.

Background.  Prostate cancer is a significant growing disease among men in Taiwan. Quality of life issues for the men who are living with this disease and the consequences of treatment.

Design.  A postal questionnaire survey.

Methods.  The study population came from one 1170‐bed hospital in Kaohsiung County, Taiwan. Data was collected from 20 August 2007–20 November 2009. Seventy‐eight men met the inclusion criteria. The researchers mailed a survey to each participant, which they completed at home and returned in a pre‐stamped, addressed envelope. Sixty‐four subjects participated and self‐reported using a structured questionnaire. The reliability of overall prostate cancer index was 0·90 and 0·85, 0·93 and 0·72 for each subscale, respectively.

Results.  The results indicate that the number of months post‐treatment was positively correlated with urinary function and age was negatively correlated with sexual, bowel function and bowel bothers. One predictor (month post‐treatment) was related to urinary function; one predictor (treatment method) was related to bowel function and four predictors (marital status, age, treatment method and month post‐treatment) were related to sexual function. Findings showed that patients who received brachytherapy have better urinary functions, as compared with prostatectomy patients.

Conclusion.  Study findings suggest that healthcare providers should have a better understanding of patients’ complications after treatment and this can ultimately raise the quality of life for prostate cancer patients.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The impact of quality of life among post prostate cancer treatment is common. Urological nurses should therefore take the responsibility regarding the consequence of urinary incontinence and sexual function and seeking appropriate nursing interventions for these complications.
Self‐efficacy: a useful construct to promote physical activity in people with stable chronic heart failure
Authors: Du HuiYun , Everett Bronwyn , Newton Phillip J , Salamonson Yenna , Davidson Patricia M
Published: December 2011

Aim.  To explore the conceptual underpinnings of self‐efficacy to address the barriers to participating in physical activity and propose a model of intervention.

Background.  The benefits of physical activity in reducing cardiovascular risk have led to evidence‐based recommendations for patients with heart disease, including those with chronic heart failure. However, adherence to best practice recommendations is often suboptimal, particularly in those individuals who experience high symptom burden and feel less confident to undertake physical activity. Self‐efficacy is the degree of confidence an individual has in his/her ability to perform behaviour under several specific circumstances. Four factors influence an individual’s level of self‐efficacy: (1) past performance, (2) vicarious experience, (3) verbal persuasion and (4) physiological arousal.

Design.  Discursive.

Methods.  Using the method of a discursive paper, this article seeks to explore the conceptual underpinnings of self‐efficacy to address the barriers to participating in physical activity and proposes a model of intervention, the Home‐Heart‐Walk, to promote physical activity and monitor functional status.

Conclusions.  Implementing effective interventions to promote physical activities require appreciation of factors impacting on behaviour change. Addressing concepts relating to self‐efficacy in physical activity interventions may promote participation and adherence in the longer term.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The increasing burden of chronic disease and the emphasis on self‐management strategies underscore the importance of promoting adherence to recommendations, such as physical activity.
Systemic FasL neutralization increases eosinophilic inflammation in a mouse model of asthma
Authors: Sharma S. K. , Almeida F. A. , Kierstein S. , Hortobagyi L. , Lin T. , Larkin A. , Peterson J. , Yagita H. , Zangrilli J. G. , Haczku A.
Published: December 2011

Background:

Eosinophils and lymphocytes are pathogenically important in allergic inflammation and sensitive to Fas‐mediated apoptosis. Fas ligand (FasL) activity therefore should play a role in regulating the allergic immune response. We aimed to characterize the role of FasL expression in airway eosinophilia in Aspergillus fumigatus (Af)‐induced sensitization and to determine whether FasL neutralization alters the inflammatory response.

Methods:

Sensitized Balb/c mice were killed before (day 0) and 1, 7 and 10 days after a single intranasal challenge with Af. Animals received either neutralizing antibody to FasL (clone MFL4) or irrelevant hamster IgG via intraperitoneal injection on days −1 and 5. FasL expression, BAL and tissue inflammatory cell and cytokine profile, and apoptosis were assessed.

Results:

Postchallenge FasL gene expression in BAL cells and TUNEL positivity in the airways coincided with the height of inflammatory cell influx on day 1, while soluble FasL protein was released on day 7, preceding resolution of the inflammatory changes. Although eosinophil numbers showed a negative correlation with soluble FasL levels in the airways, MBP+ eosinophils remained TUNEL negative in the submucosal tissue, throughout the 10‐day period after Af challenge. Systemic FasL neutralization significantly enhanced BAL and tissue eosinophil counts. This effect was associated with increased activation of T cells and release of IL‐5, IL‐9, and GM‐CSF in the BAL fluid of mice, indicating an involvement of pro‐eosinophilic survival pathways.

Conclusions:

FasL activity may play an active role in resolving eosinophilic inflammation through regulating T cells and pro‐eosinophilic cytokine release during the allergic airway response.
A Basic Approach Towards the Development of Bioelectric Bacterial Biosensors for the Detection of Plant Viruses
Authors: Gramberg Bettina , Kintzios Spiridon , Schmidt Uwe , Mewis Inga , Ulrichs Christian
Published: December 2011

There is a growing need for virus sensors with improved sensitivity and dynamic range for disease diagnosis, pharmaceutical research, agriculture and homeland security. Membrane‐engineered animal cells bearing antibodies against viral antigens have been previously used for biorecognition biosensors for the ultrarapid (3 min), sensitive (1 ng/ml) detection of plant viruses, such as the cucumber mosaic virus. We here report a new approach for the construction of cell‐based sensors for virus detection, based on membrane (antibody)‐engineered bacteria. The novel method was applied for the detection of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) using sensors containing modified Escherichia coli XL‐1Blue MRF’ bacteria. E. coli membranes have been engineered with electro‐inserted, virus‐homologous antibodies. The detection principle was based on the measurement of changes in the bacterial membrane potential as a result of virus–antibody binding. After optimization of the membrane‐engineering process, the virus detection limit for TMV and CLRV with the bacteria‐based biosensor system was 1 pg/ml, representing a 1000‐fold improvement over currently available methods. Although the novel biosensor is still in its proof‐of‐concept stage of development, its sensitivity and speed (assay time: 60–100 s) could make it a very promising tool for high throughput, field‐based virus screening.
First Report of Root Rot Caused by Ilyonectria (=Neonectria) macrodidyma on Avocado (Persea americana) in Italy
Authors: Vitale Alessandro , Aiello Dalia , Guarnaccia Vladimiro , Perrone Giancarlo , Stea Gaetano , Polizzi Giancarlo
Published: December 2011

During the 2009 and the 2010 growing seasons, a root rot disease has been detected on young potted Persea americana plants in two nurseries located in the Catania and Messina provinces (eastern Sicily, Italy). A Cylindrocarpon sp. was consistently recovered from pieces of symptomatic tissues on Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar. On the basis of morphological characteristics and molecular identification by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer and β‐tubulin gene regions, the causal agent was identified as Ilyonectria (=Neonectria) macrodidyma. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled by pathogenicity tests carried out on potted P. americana seedlings. To our knowledge, this is the first to report worldwide of the occurrence of a disease caused by I. macrodidyma on P. americana.
Facial sebum affects the development of acne, especially the distribution of inflammatory acne
Authors: Choi C.W. , Choi J.W. , Park K.C. , Youn S.W.
Published: December 2011

Background  The increased sebum secretion has been considered as one of the pathogenic factors of acne.

Objective  The goal of this study was to assess the correlation between the casual sebum level and the severity of acne using objective measuring methods in a large acne patients group. We also investigated the influence of age or gender on the correlation.

Methods  A total number of 914 acne patients were recruited. The standard digital photographs were taken, and the acne lesions were counted as comedones or inflammatory lesions. The casual sebum level was measured using the Sebumeter SM 815®. The correlation analysis was performed.

Results  The casual sebum level showed positive correlation with the number of acne lesions. The casual sebum level markedly influenced the number of inflammatory lesions and the acne lesions located in the U‐zone. In the young acne patients, the casual sebum level showed significant correlations in the U‐zone, whereas in the old acne patients, there were significant correlations in the T‐zone. The male acne patients were more influenced by the casual sebum level.

Conclusion  This was the first study to report the significant correlations between the casual sebum level and the number, proportion and location of acne lesions in a large acne patients group, using an objective, bioengineering method. Moreover, we also found that the influence of sebum was prominent on the inflammatory lesions. In addition, both age and gender influenced the correlation between the casual sebum level and the acne.
Selected urticaria patients benefit from a referral to tertiary care centres – results of an expert survey
Authors: Weller K. , Schoepke N. , Krause K. , Ardelean E. , Bräutigam M. , Maurer M.
Published: December 2011

Background  Urticaria is a frequent reason for consultations. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the management of chronic spontaneous urticaria (csU) in the practice setting does not fully comply with published guidelines. In addition, it was shown that one of four csU patients is referred to specialized centres.

Objective  To analyse the management of urticaria patients in tertiary referral centres.

Methods  During a standardized expert‐to‐expert interview, 41 specialists from German tertiary care centres were asked for different aspects of urticaria patient care with a special focus on csU.

Results  On average, the participating centres saw 25 csU patients per month. All ran programmes for the identification of underlying causes with an average success rate of 45 ± 3% which is considerably higher as has been found in the practice setting. In those patients where an identification succeeds, infections, drugs, intolerance and autoreactivity were reported to be causes in 41%, 20%, 17% and 16%. In their symptomatic treatment the majority of centres (71%) followed the guidelines by using regular dosed non‐sedating H1‐antihistamines as first line and higher doses (61%) as second line option. In contrast to the practice setting, meaningful experience also existed for alternative therapies in antihistamine‐resistant patients, such as dapsone, cyclosporin and omalizumab. The expenditure of time, laboratory costs and frequency of follow‐up visits was reported to be above average in case of csU.

Conclusion  This study indicates that some urticaria patients, especially those with unknown causes or with an H1‐antihistamine‐resistant disease, may benefit from a referral to tertiary care centres.
Severe diffuse non‐scarring hair loss in systemic lupus erythematosus – clinical and histopathological analysis of four cases
Authors: Gong Y. , Ye Y. , Zhao Y. , Caulloo S. , Chen X. , Zhang B. , Cai Z. , Zhang X.
Published: December 2011

Background  Although diffuse non‐scarring hair loss been found common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), study that conduted on the severe type has been scarce.

Objective  This study aims to explore the dermoscopic and pathological features of severe diffuse hair loss in SLE.

Method  Data including clinico‐laboratory, dermoscopic and histopathological findings of four patients with SLE with severe diffuse hair loss were analysed retrospectively.

Results  All four patients were women aged 41, 39, 14 and 48 with complaints of hair loss involving 55%, 100%, 60% and 55% of their scalp respectively. Common clinical findings observed in the patients were sparse scalp hair with clusters of newly regrown hair. Scalp dermoscopy showed scaling, perifollicular telangiectasia, increased numbers of short vellus hairs, focal atrichia and decreased hair shaft pigmentation. Scalp tissue histopathology revealed typical changes of SLE such as epidermal atrophy with focal liquefaction, degeneration of the basement membrane zone, pigment incontinence, mild focal perivascular and perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrates and deposition of immunoglobulins at the dermal–epidermal junction. Treatment and improvement in SLE disease activity indices had a favourable impact on hair regrowth.

Conclusion  The severe type of hair loss in patient with SLE presents a unique set of clinical, dermoscopic and histopathological features.