bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Colletotrichum acutatum sensu lato Causing Anthracnose on Gooseberry Fruits in the Czech Republic
Authors: Víchová J. , Jílková B. , Pokorný R. 
Published: August 2013

Gooseberry (Ribes uva-crispa L.) is a commonly grown fruit tree or bush in the Czech Republic. Colletotrichum acutatum J. H. Simmonds is a polyphagous fungal plant pathogen. This pathogen has been reported causing anthracnose on strawberry in the Czech Republic (2), and recently it has become an important pathogen on the fruits of apple and tomato (4). In 2012, anthracnose symptoms were noticed on fruits of gooseberry (locality Pribyslavice, near Brno). The symptoms on fruit surfaces were round, brown, shriveled, sunken spots of 1.2 to 2.0 cm, with orange conidial masses on the spots. The pathogen was isolated from symptomatic fruits on PDA and cultured at 25 ± 2°C. The color of colonies varied with age from white to gray with occurrence of orange conidial masses. Conidia were colorless and fusiform, size 13 to 17 × 4 to 5 μm (n = 100). The morphological characteristics classified the pathogen as a Colletotrichum sp. To fulfill Koch's postulates, 25 disinfested healthy gooseberry fruits were pinpricked by sterile needle and 10 μl of spore suspension (1 × 105 conidia ml–1) was inoculated by pipetting into the wound. Control fruits were treated with sterile distilled water. The fruits were transferred to a growth cabinet and maintained at a temperature of 25 ± 2°C, relative humidity 70 ± 5%. Similar anthracnose symptoms were observed on all of gooseberry fruits a week after inoculation, whereas no symptoms appeared on control fruits. The pathogen was reisolated from infected fruits. Species determination of the isolates was confirmed by PCR. Specific primers designed in region ITS1, the 5.8S RNA gene, and region ITS2 of the pathogen DNA were selected. Specific primers CaInt2 and ITS4 were used to identify C. acutatum (3), and primers CgInt and ITS4 were used to determine C. gloeosporioides isolate CCM 177 (1), which was used as a control. Our isolates yielded PCR products (size 490 bp) only with primers designed for C. acutatum. The C. gloeosporioides isolate yielded PCR product (size 450 bp) only with CgInt and ITS4 primers. PCR products were sequenced and identified with the BLAST program. The sequence of the gooseberry fruit isolates (Accession No. JX843763 and JX843764) matched with 100% similarity to the C. acutatum sequences in GenBank. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. acutatum sensu lato on gooseberry fruits in the Czech Republic. This pathogen can endanger the production of gooseberry fruits in this region. References: (1) P. R. Mills et al. FEMS Microbiol. Lett., 98:137, 1992. (2) D. Novotný et al. Plant Dis. 91:1516, 2007. (3) S. Sreenivasaprasad et al. Plant Pathol. 45:650, 1996. (4) J. Víchová et al. Plant Dis. 96:769, 2012.
A model for measuring the performance of the meat supply chain
Authors: Fattahi Faranak , Nookabadi Ali S. , Kadivar Mahdi 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the characteristics and performance of the meat supply chain by focusing on developing a model for measuring the meat supply chain's performance in the province of Isfahan, Iran.Design/methodology/approachUsing a combination of literature review, Delphi approach and case study research, the paper examines part of the meat supply chain that consists of three industrial slaughterhouses, two cold rooms, three factories and more than 20 supermarkets and it then presents a framework to assess the performance of the industry in the region.FindingsThe methodology suggests indices for strategic and tactical levels in a meat industry as a case study. The proposed framework for the performance measurement of the chain was applied in strategic and tactical levels in which the ranking of indices are also among the achievements of this study. Results show that there are six main criteria required to measure the meat industry's performance.Originality/valueLiterature shows no record of an integrated measurement system for the entire food supply chain where indicators are combined into a performance function to assess the overall performance of the industry.
Study on variation of tribo‐performance of commercial engine oils
Authors: Thakre G.D. , Tyagi M.R. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the performance variability of the commercially available engine oils based on physico‐chemical and tribological performance parameters.Design/methodology/approachThe study does this by evaluation of physico‐chemical parameters of flash point, pour point, TAN, sulphated ash, viscosities @ 40 and 100°C and VI; and the tribological performance in terms of friction, wear, weld load and the load bearing capacity of the lubricant film under the point and line contact geometries.FindingsCorrelation between some of the physico‐chemical properties and tribological performance parameters could be made and the variation in performance of the lubricants assessed.Originality/valueThe findings will be important to the engine oil producers and the users.
The relationship between supplier development and firm performance: the mediating role of marketing process improvement
Authors: Asare Anthony K. , Brashear Thomas G. , Yang Jing , Kang Jun 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to test the market‐based asset framework by examining the role of marketing process improvements in the relationship between a buyer firm's supplier‐related activities and its performance.Design/methodology/approachInterviews with executives who were involved in supplier development were conducted to learn more about supplier development and to help in the development of the survey constructs. A self‐report survey was then developed online to collect data for the study. In total, 338 executives responded and partial least squares (PLS) structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses developed in the study.FindingsMarketing process improvements were found to mediate the relationship between a firm's supplier development efforts and firm performance, thus providing empirical support for the market‐based asset framework. The study also found that a firm's supplier development activities can lead to improvements in its marketing processes.Originality/valueFor too long, a firm's supply chain has been seen as the primary domain of the supply chain and operations department, even though supply chain decisions and errors have a considerable impact on the ability of marketing professionals to perform. The findings in this study demonstrate the value of the relationship between a firm's supply chain and its marketing activities and as such makes the case for marketing executives to be more involved in supply chain activities.
Cultural determinants of Arab entrepreneurship: an ethnographic perspective
Authors: Lalonde Jean‐François 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to fill gaps in the literature in entrepreneurship by studying the impact of the Arab culture on the process of starting a new venture. The unique perspective of an entrepreneurial team composed of four Arab immigrants and one non‐Arab business partner is used to study this phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachA very participative observation methodology was used to analyse the impact of Arab culture on the creation of a new venture by a multiethnic entrepreneurial team. Because the author is also part of the team, the degree of participation is considered as very high. Although, this kind of methodology has been used before in anthropology and sociology, to the author's knowledge it has never been employed in entrepreneurship. Since long‐term involvement in the field is required by this ethnographic method, it should be noted that the author participated in this entrepreneurial team for two years.FindingsIn this article, culturally‐driven behaviors related to new venture creation were observed and analyzed. The main result lies in the demonstration that the influence of the Arab culture on enterprise creation processes is significant. In general, this impact is similar to the one on management. However, there are some differences which are presented and explained.Originality/valueKnowledge about Arab entrepreneurs is sparse and even more so regarding the influence of Arab culture on entrepreneurship. This article describes the impact of Arab culture on entrepreneurship processes and contributes to furthering knowledge about the experience of Arab entrepreneurs. It could also help improve public support provided to Arab entrepreneurs.
Immigrant entrepreneurs' selectivity: host market distance and opportunity
Authors: Crockett Dilene R. 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the motivations of immigrant entrepreneurs in choosing a host country before immigrating, through a comparison of country distances and economic opportunities.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses borrow from selectivity theory and institutional theory to propose that there will be a negative relationship between distance and the selection of a host county, as well as a positive relationship between host country opportunity and immigrant selectivity. OLS regression was used on secondary data to determine the flow of labor immigrants from source‐destination country dyads.FindingsCultural and geographic distances are stronger indicators of where a business person immigrates than the promise of opportunity.Research limitations/implicationsExclusive use of secondary data precludes potentially important variables from being included in this cross‐sectional study. Future primary, longitudinal research may determine if this is the immigrant's first choice of markets, if the immigrant has family already in the host market and what the motivation was for the first family member to immigrate.Practical implicationsImmigrants may need to seek objective third party information on the opportunities in potential host countries rather than relying on personal networks with asymmetrical information.Social implicationsPolicy makers may consider utilizing local immigrant enclaves to communicate host market opportunities to highly desired immigrant talent still residing in the source country.Originality/valueEntrepreneurial intentions before migrating to a new market have been understudied in the literature and this paper offers a rigorous theoretical and empirical framework for addressing this question.
Factors affecting the adoption of quality assurance technologies in healthcare
Authors: Storey John 
Published: August 2013

PurposeIn the light of public concern and of strong policy emphasis on quality and safety in the nursing care of patients in hospital settings, this paper aims to focus on the factors affecting the adoption of innovative quality assurance technologies.Design/methodology/approachTwo sets of complementary literature were mined for key themes. Next, new empirical insights were sought. Data gathering was conducted in three phases. The first involved contact with NHS Technology Hubs and other institutions which had insights into leading centres in quality assurance technologies. The second phase was a series of telephone interviews with lead nurses in those hospitals which were identified in the first phase as comprising the leading centres. The third phase comprised a series of face to face interviews with innovators and adopters of healthcare quality assurance technologies in five hospital trusts.FindingsThere were three main sets of findings. First, despite the strong policy push and the templates established at national level, there were significant variations in the nature and robustness of the quality assurance toolkits that were developed, adapted and adopted. Second, in most of the adopting cases there were important obstacles to the full adoption of the toolkits that were designed. Third, the extent and nature of the ambition of the developers varied dramatically – some wished to see their work impacting widely across the health service; others had a number of different reasons for wanting to restrict the impact of their work.Originality/valueThe general concerns about front‐line care and the various inquiries into care quality failures emphasise the need for improved and consistent care quality assurance methodologies and practice. The technology adoption literature gives only partial insight into the nature of the challenges; this paper offers specific insights into the factors inhibiting the full adoption of quality assurance technologies in ward‐based care.
CSR manager competencies: a case study from Thailand
Authors: Shinnaranantana Nadhakan , Dimmitt Nicholas J. , Siengthai Sununta 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the skills and competencies required of corporate social responsibility (CSR) managers through best case practice in Thailand. It attempts to define and identify how large companies use such attributes with regard to knowledge, attitudes, and practical skills. It also examines the organizational competency framework of strategy for integrating CSR and its associated skills into mainstream business.Design/methodology/approachAs a qualitative study, the methodology used for collecting data consisted of both open‐ended and focused interviews with managers, and consultations with staff who implement CSR in these large companies. Secondary data from annual reports, sustainability reports and CSR reports were also analyzed.FindingsThe interviews indicated that specific skills and competencies were needed for managing CSR, but these varied, and a competency framework for Thai corporations was developed.Research limitations/implicationsThe interviews were limited to only the CSR managers. Thus, the generalization of the findings to other industries should be done with caution.Practical implicationsA CSR competency framework for managers is provided, which can supply CSR skills and competencies model for other managers and practitioners.Originality/valueThe paper has value in that it provides an analysis of the CSR skills and competencies of the leading corporations in Thailand.
Corporate social responsibility practices in India: a comparative study of MNCs and Indian companies
Authors: Narwal Mahabir , Singh Rajinder 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to explore different areas of CSR covered by the companies in India and to have a comparative analysis of such practices of Indian companies and MNCs working in India.Design/methodology/approachThe sample for the present study consisted of 38 companies including 18 Indian companies and 20 MNCs of different countries working in India across various industries. The data thus generated was analyzed with the help of ANOVA and factor analysis.FindingsThe study finds that there is a little difference in CSR practices of Indian companies and MNCs and that is in terms of importance/focused areas of CSR. Companies are adopting CSR practices of environmental marketing, sustainable development, local community support, and transparency and accountability.Originality/valueMNCs are adopting almost the same CSR practices as adopted by their counterpart Indian companies. Thus, MNCs are adhering to the prevailing business practices in host countries.
Ultra‐short vertically aligned carbon nanofibers transfer and application as bonding material
Authors: Chen Si 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe transferred carbon nanofibers (CNFs) can be applied in flip chip package as interconnect material, as an alternative to the conventional solder and conductive adhesive (CA) materials.Design/methodology/approachThe structure of CNFs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrical performance of the vertically aligned carbon nanofibers (VACNFs) joint was measured by four points probe method and compared to conventional lead‐free solder Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu, pure indium and silver CA. A shear test was carried out in order to evaluate the mechanical performance of VACNFs joint. After the shear test, the fracture surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS).FindingsThe results showed a high success rate in the transfer of VACNFs from growth chip to target chip. The Au‐coated CNF can be wetted well with melted indium during the transfer and bonding process. In‐Au intermetallic compound (IMC) formed on the surface of CNF. The electrical and mechanical performance of VACNFs is comparable to that of the traditional interconnect materials. The fracture surface is located at the interface between VACNFs and chips. The stacked‐cone structure of CNF can be confirmed from a cross‐section of the break CNF by TEM.Originality/valueUltra‐short VACNFs were grown and first successfully transferred to the target chip using a process which required little pressure, low temperature and short time.
Juveniles and migrants as drivers for seasonal epizootics of avian influenza virus
Authors: van Dijk Jacintha G. B. , Hoye Bethany J. , Verhagen Josanne H. , Nolet Bart A. , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Klaassen Marcel 
Published: August 2013

SummarySimilar to other infectious diseases, the prevalence of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIV) has been seen to exhibit marked seasonal variation. However, mechanisms driving this variation in wild birds have yet to be tested. We investigated the validity of three previously suggested drivers for the seasonal dynamics inLPAIVinfections in wild birds: (i) host density, (ii) immunologically naïve young and (iii) increased susceptibility in migrants.To address these questions, we sampled a keyLPAIVhost species, the mallardAnas platyrhynchos, on a small spatial scale, comprehensively throughout a complete annual cycle, measuring both current and past infection (i.e. viral and seroprevalence, respectively).We demonstrate a minor peak inLPAIVprevalence in summer, a dominant peak in autumn, during which half of the sampled population was infected, and no infections in spring. Seroprevalence of antibodies to a conserved gene segment of avian influenza virus (AIV) peaked in winter and again in spring.The summer peak ofLPAIVprevalence coincided with the entrance of unfledged naïve young in the population. Moreover, juveniles were more likely to be infected, shed higher quantities of virus and were less likely to have detectable antibodies toAIVthan adult birds. The arrival of migratory birds, as identified by stable hydrogen isotope analysis, appeared to drive the autumn peak inLPAIVinfection, with both temporal coincidence and higher infection prevalence in migrants. Remarkably, seroprevalence in migrants was substantially lower than viral prevalence throughout autumn migration, further indicating that each wave of migrants amplified localAIVcirculation. Finally, while host abundance increased throughout autumn, it peaked in winter, showing no direct correspondence with either of theLPAIVinfection peaks.At an epidemiologically relevant spatial scale, we provide strong evidence for the role of migratory birds as key drivers for seasonal epizootics ofLPAIV, regardless of their role as vectors of these viruses. This study exemplifies the importance of understanding host demography and migratory behaviour when examining seasonal drivers of infection in wildlife populations.
The effect of magnesium sulphate infusion on the incidence and severity of emergence agitation in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy using sevoflurane anaesthesia
Authors: Abdulatif M. , Ahmed A. , Mukhtar A. , Badawy S. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThis randomised, controlled, double‐blind study investigated the effects of intra‐operative magnesium sulphate administration on the incidence of emergence agitation in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy using sevoflurane anaesthesia. Seventy children were randomly allocated to receive a 30 mg.kg−1 bolus of intravenous magnesium sulphate after induction of anaesthesia followed by a continuous infusion of 10 mg.kg−1.h−1 or an equal volume of saline 0.9%. All children received titrated sevoflurane anaesthesia adjusted to maintain haemodynamic stability. The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale and the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Score were used for the assessment of postoperative emergence agitation and pain, respectively. Emergence agitation was more common in the control group than in the magnesium group (23 (72%) and 12 (36%), respectively (p = 0.004)), with a relative risk of 0.51 (95% CI 0.31–0.84), an absolute risk reduction of 0.35 (95% CI 0.10–0.54), and number needed to treat of 3 (95% CI 2–9). Postoperative pain scores were comparable in the two groups. Magnesium sulphate reduces the incidence and severity of emergence agitation in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy using sevoflurane anaesthesia and is not associated with increased postoperative side‐effects or delayed recovery.
Australia's female military surgeons of World War I
Authors: Neuhaus Susan J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe war service of Lilian Violet Cooper, the first female surgeon of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, is well recognized. Not so well known however, are the other pioneering female doctors who also undertook work as military surgeons during World War I. At least four of the 14 Australian female doctors that undertook overseas war service during World War I were engaged as surgeons and treated Australian, British and Allied casualties. These women operated in London, in Egypt and on the frontlines of the Macedonian campaign. While none of these other women became Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, their war efforts deserve recognition.
Diabetic vitrectomy in a large type 1 diabetes patient population: long‐term incidence and risk factors
Authors: Ostri Christoffer , la Cour Morten , Lund‐Andersen Henrik 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPurposeDiabetic vitrectomy represents an end‐point of diabetic retinopathy progression. This study was designed to estimate long‐term incidence of diabetic vitrectomy and associated risk factors.MethodsRetrospective review of prospectively collected data from a large diabetes centre between 1996 and 2010. Surgical history was obtained from The Danish National Patient Register.ResultsThe population consisted of 3980 patients with type 1 diabetes. Median follow‐up was 10.0 years. In total, 106 patients underwent diabetic vitrectomy in the observation period. Surgery indications were nonclearing vitreous haemorrhage (43%) or tractional retinal detachment (57%). The cumulative incidence rates of diabetic vitrectomy were 1.6% after 5 years and 2.9% after 10 years. When excluding patients with no or mild diabetic retinopathy, the corresponding rates were higher; 3.7% and 6.4%, respectively (p < 0.001, log‐rank test). The risk of reaching diabetic vitrectomy increased in patients experiencing glycosylated haemoglobin A1c > 75 mmol/mol in the observation period (p < 0.001, hazard ratio: 3.9, Cox regression analysis). Systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, diabetes duration, age, gender and nephropathy were not associated with an increased risk of reaching diabetic vitrectomy (p > 0.05 for all variables).ConclusionsDiabetic vitrectomy is rarely required in a type 1 diabetes population with varying degrees of retinopathy, but the risk increases markedly with poor metabolic control.