bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Council for Administration: higher apprenticeships
Authors: Hollist Anthea 
Published: September 2012

PurposeIn 2011, Skills CFA was successful in gaining funding to develop two Higher Apprenticeships in Human Resource Management (HRM) and Project management. The purpose of this paper is to present case studies of how these apprenticeship frameworks have been developed and future benefits.Design/methodology/approachInformation presented in the paper is drawn from the organisation's own work in developing two Higher Apprenticeship programmes. It builds on information incorporated in the original bid and project plan, as well as on‐going evaluation of how the programme is progressing.FindingsRecent studies undertaken by CIPD and CFA show that employers are becoming more accepted in the HR and professional sector, with a number of respondents feeling that the development of such frameworks will help attract good quality candidates to the profession. Within the sector there are very few graduate training schemes and limited funds to support the development of individuals. The paper highlights how the two schemes have been created in response to these issues and also how it can support development of the sector.Originality/valueThe paper is based on the author's own experience and employer consultation. It presents a case study of an apprenticeship programme specific to the author's organisation.
Peter Jones Foundation: higher apprenticeship in innovation and growth
Authors: Corke David 
Published: September 2012

PurposeFollowing a successful bid to the National Apprenticeship Service, the Peter Jones Foundation was awarded funding to develop a level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Innovation and Growth. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of how the apprenticeship was developed and the impact it will have on future managers and leaders in the business sector.Design/methodology/approachInformation presented in the paper is drawn from the organisation's own work in developing a higher apprenticeship (HA). It builds on information incorporated in the original bid and project plan, as well as on‐going evaluation of how the programme is progressing.FindingsThe development of a level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Innovation and Growth provides a progression for those people who have already undertaken a level 3 Enterprise Apprenticeship and also offers young people a new and speedier route to a career in business. Responding to gaps in intrapreneurial skills in SMEs and larger companies, the HA builds and develops these and aims to identify and nurture entrepreneurial talent. The evolution of this apprenticeship and potential benefits are brought to light in this case study.Originality/valueThe paper is based on the author's own experience and employer consultation. It presents a case study of an apprenticeship programme specific to the author's organisation.
Financial Skills Partnership: higher apprenticeships in the finance sector
Authors: Bryson Lynn 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the development and uptake of apprenticeships, in particular higher apprenticeships (HAs) in the finance sector.Design/methodology/approachInformation presented in the paper is drawn from the organisation's own work in developing an HA. It builds on information incorporated in the original bid and project plan, as well as ongoing evaluation of how the programme is progressing.FindingsThe paper presents the major challenges that employers within the sector are facing and the impact that having structured, valued and recognised training provision, such as those offered by apprenticeships, will have in terms of up‐skilling the existing workforce and attracting and retaining new talent in the sector. It also introduces matters of the perceived professionalism of the sector and the widely‐held perceptions about the career opportunities available within the sector concluding that, given the benefits apprenticeships can offer to both businesses and their workforce, it can be anticipated that they will remain a feature of training provision for the future.Originality/valueThe paper is based on the author's own experience and presents a case study of an apprenticeship programme specific to the author's organisation.
Hull College: design and development of a higher level apprenticeship in express logistics
Authors: Billaney Julia 
Published: September 2012

PurposeHull College is currently in the process of developing a Higher Apprenticeship in Express Logistics. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of how the programme is being developed and challenges that have arisen.Design/methodology/approachThe information provided in this case study is drawn from the organisation's own experience in developing a new higher apprenticeship framework. It expands on developments to date and challenges faced.FindingsThe development of a higher apprenticeship in express logistics is based on previously successful delivery of a Foundation Degree in Express Logistics. The creation of a higher apprenticeship as a progression route has significant benefits but also raises a number of challenges, including design of the framework, incorporating professional accreditation, and design and management of assessment.Originality/valueThe paper is based on the author's own experience and research and employer consultation. It presents a case study of an apprenticeship programme specific to the author's organisation.
Fire alarm or false alarm?!
Authors: Catherwood Di , Edgar Graham K. , Sallis Geoff , Medley Andrew , Brookes David 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess whether firefighters display different decision‐making biases: either a liberal bias to accepting information as true or a conservative bias to rejecting information, with the former carrying risk of “false alarm” errors and the latter of “misses”.Design/methodology/approachSituation awareness (SA) and decision‐making biases were examined in Fire and Rescue (FRS) “table‐top” and Breathing Apparatus (BA) training exercises. The former involved showing 50 operational FRS personnel a powerpoint presentation representing the drive‐to, views and information related to the incident. The BA study involved 16 operational FRS personnel entering a smoke‐filled training building in a search‐and‐rescue exercise. True/False answers to statements about the incidents were analysed by a signal‐detection‐type tool (QASA) to give measures of SA and bias.FindingsIn both studies, there were two groups showing different bias patterns (either conservative with risk of “miss” errors, or liberal with risk of “false alarms”) (p≤0.001), but not different SA (p>0.05).Research limitations/implicationsFuture work will involve more realistic training exercises and explore the consistency of individual bias tendencies over different contexts.Practical implicationsRisk in fireground decision making may be minimised by increasing awareness of individual tendencies to either conservative or liberal bias patterns and the associated risk of respectively making “miss” or “false alarm” errors.Social implicationsThe results may help to minimise fireground risk.Originality/valueThis is the first evidence to show firefighter decision bias in two different exercises.
Decision‐making training in local government emergency management
Authors: Sinclair Helen , Doyle Emma E.H. , Johnston David M. , Paton Douglas 
Published: September 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute information and recommendations that could better equip emergency managers to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters, with a focus on improving their decision‐making capabilities during response.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire‐based survey approach was used in this research and 48 different local government organisations participated. These results were examined in conjunction with contemporary emergency management decision‐making literature. A combination of closed and open ended questions was used, enabling qualitative and quantitative analysis.FindingsResults suggest that while there is information available about decision making, not all emergency managers are aware of the existence of this information or understand its relevance to emergency management. It is likely that those who did have a comprehensive understanding of decision making had gained this knowledge through non‐emergency management‐related courses. In total, 71 percent of participants said they would be interested in receiving more support regarding training and practice for decision making in Emergency Operations Centres.Originality/valueA wide body of research has investigated decision‐making styles. However, this paper shows that in the local government emergency management sector there is little awareness of the understanding of the different decision‐making approaches. In addition, for those organisations surveyed, there is a great desire for further training and practice in decision making. It is thus vital that this need is addressed, to further improve the future response of these organisations to emergencies.
Chronic treatment with tempol does not significantly ameliorate renal tissue hypoxia or disease progression in a rodent model of polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Ding Alice , Kalaignanasundaram Priyadharshani , Ricardo Sharon D , Abdelkader Amany , Witting Paul K , Broughton Brad RS , Kim Hyun B , Wyse Benjamin F , Phillips Jacqueline K , Evans Roger G 
Published: September 2012

Summary

In the present study, we tested whether polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is associated with renal tissue hypoxia and oxidative stress, which, in turn, contribute to the progression of cystic disease and hypertension.

Lewis polycystic kidney (LPK) rats and Lewis control (Lewis) rats were treated with tempol (1 mmol/L in drinking water) from 3 to 13 weeks of age or remained untreated.

The LPK rats developed polyuria, uraemia and proteinuria. At 13 weeks of age, LPK rats had greater mean arterial pressure (1.5‐fold), kidney weight (sixfold) and plasma creatinine (3.5‐fold) than Lewis rats. Kidneys from LPK rats were cystic and fibrotic.

Renal hypoxia was evidenced by staining for pimonidazole adducts and hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α in cells lining renal cysts and upregulation of HIF‐1α and its downstream targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glucose transporter‐1 (Glut‐1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1). However, total HO activity did not differ greatly between kidney tissue from LPK compared with Lewis rats.

Renal oxidative and/or nitrosative stress was evidenced by ninefold greater immunofluorescence for 3‐nitrotyrosine in kidney tissue from LPK compared with Lewis rats and a > 10‐fold upregulation of mRNA for p47phox and gp91phox. Total renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was sevenfold less and expression of SOD1 mRNA was 70% less in kidney tissue from LPK compared with Lewis rats. In LPK rats, tempol treatment reduced immunofluorescence for 3‐nitrotyrosine and HIF1A mRNA while upregulating VEGF and p47phox mRNA expression, but otherwise had little impact on disease progression, renal tissue hypoxia or hypertension.

Our findings do not support the hypothesis that oxidative stress drives hypoxia and disease progression in PKD.
Single‐nucleotide polymorphism discovery and diversity in the model legume Medicago truncatula
Authors: Loridon Karine , Burgarella Concetta , Chantret Nathalie , Martins Frédéric , Gouzy Jérôme , Prospéri Jean‐Marie , Ronfort Joëlle 
Published: September 2012

AbstractExtensive genomic resources are available in the model legume Medicago truncatula. Here, we present the discovery and design of the first array of single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in M. truncatula through large‐scale Sanger resequencing of genomic fragments spanning the genome, in a diverse panel of 16 M. truncatula accessions. Both anonymous fragments and fragments targeting candidate genes for flowering phenology and symbiosis were surveyed for nucleotide variation in almost 230 kb of unique genomic regions. A set of 384 SNP markers was designed for an Illumina's GoldenGate assay, genotyped on a collection of 192 inbred lines (CC192) representing the geographical range of the species and used to survey the diversity of two natural populations. Finally, 86% of the tested SNPs were of high quality and exhibited polymorphism in the CC192 collection. Even at the population level, we detected polymorphism for more than 50% of the selected SNPs. Analysis of the allele frequency spectrum in the CC192 showed a reduced ascertainment bias, mostly limited to very rare alleles (frequency <0.01). The substantial polymorphism detected at the species and population levels, the high marker quality and the potential to survey large samples of individuals make this set of SNP markers a valuable tool to improve our understanding of the effect of demographic and selective factors that shape the natural genetic diversity within the selfing species Medicago truncatula.
The transcription factor Sp1 is responsible for aging‐dependent altered nucleocytoplasmic trafficking
Authors: Kim Sung Y. , Kang Hyun T. , Han Jeong A. , Park Sang C. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryHyporesponsiveness to external signals, such as growth factors and apoptotic stimuli, is a cardinal feature of cellular senescence. We previously reported that an aging‐dependent marked reduction in nucleocytoplasmic trafficking (NCT)‐related genes could be responsible for this phenomenon. In searching for the mechanism, we identified the transcription factor, Sp1, as a common regulator of NCT genes, including various nucleoporins, importins, exportins, and Ran GTPase cycle‐related genes. Sp1 knockdown led to a reduction of those genes in young human diploid fibroblast cells (HDF); Sp1 overexpression induced those genes in senescent cells. In addition, epidermal growth factor stimulation–induced p‐ERK1/2 nuclear translocation and Elk‐1 phosphorylation were severely impaired by Sp1 depletion in young HDFs; Sp1 overexpression restored the nuclear translocation of p‐ERK1/2 in senescent HDFs. Furthermore, we observed that Sp1 protein levels were decreased in senescent cells, and H2O2 treatment decreased Sp1 levels in a proteasome‐dependent manner. In addition, O‐GlcNAcylation of Sp1 was decreased in senescent cells as well as in H2O2‐treated cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Sp1 could be a key regulator in the control of NCT genes and that reactive oxygen species‐mediated alteration in Sp1 stability may be responsible for the generalized repression of those genes, leading to formation of the senescence‐dependent functional nuclear barrier, resulting in subsequent hyporesponsiveness to external signals.
Population viability analysis of Walia ibex (Capra walie) at Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP), Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Kefyalew 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPopulation viability analysis (PVA) has been applied to the management of many threatened populations. The objective of this study was, therefore, to estimate the PVA of Walia ibex at the Simen Mountains National Park, in the north‐central highlands of Ethiopia, with respect to population growth parameters, the probability of the population reaching a lower extinction threshold and the mean time to extinction. Direct census of the population was carried out in 2009. Secondary census data were also collected from park authorities and the literature reviews. The result revealed that the estimates of the infinitesimal mean, μ (0.04117) was greater than the infinitesimal variance, σ2 (0.0219). The probability that the population reaches the extinction threshold was very low (0.15%). The mean time required for the counts to decline from the existing population size to one individual animal was 160 years. But threatened species are adversely affected by changes in landscape. These changes can be brought by short‐ and long‐term human and climate change impacts, respectively. Therefore, with the absence of environmental and demographic stochasticity and, with the application of appropriate reproductions and habitat management, the population of Walia ibex will be viable and reaches its mean time of extinctions after 160 years.
Prevention of preterm birth: a randomized trial of vaginal compared with intramuscular progesterone
Authors: MAHER MOHAMMAD AHMED , ABDELAZIZ AHMED , ELLAITHY MOHAMED , BAZEED MOHAMED FAYEZ 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjective. To assess efficacy and tolerability of vaginal compared with intramuscular progesterone in reducing the rate of recurrent preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. Design. Prospective randomized study. Setting. Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sample. Five‐hundred and eighteen women with a prior history of preterm birth. Methods. Women were randomized to receive either 90 mg of vaginal progesterone gel once daily or 250 mg of intramuscular progesterone weekly. Treatment began between 14 and 18 weeks of gestation and continued until 36 complete weeks of gestation, delivery or the occurrence of premature rupture of membranes. Main outcome measures. The primary outcome measure was delivery before 34 weeks of gestation. The secondary outcome measures were PTB between 34 and 37 weeks of gestation and neonatal outcomes including birthweight, neonatal death, and the need for admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Results. The baseline characteristics of the study participants were similar. Two‐hundred and thirty‐eight (94.1%) patients in the vaginal group and 226 (90.8%) patients in the intramuscular group were compliant with their medications. Vaginal progesterone was associated with a lower percentage of deliveries before 34 weeks of gestation than the intramuscular preparation (p= 0.02). This association was also observed at 28 and 32 weeks of gestation (p= 0.04). Adverse effects were reported in 14.1% of patients in the intramuscular group, but in only 7.5% of patients in the vaginal group (p= 0.017). Conclusions. Vaginal progesterone was more effective than intramuscular progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth and had fewer adverse effects.
Conclusive meta‐analyses on antenatal magnesium may be inconclusive! Are we underestimating the risk of random error?
Authors: BROK JESPER , HUUSOM LENE D. , THORLUND KRISTIAN 
Published: September 2012

AbstractResults from meta‐analyses significantly influence clinical practice. Both simulation and empirical studies have demonstrated that the risk of random error (i.e. spurious chance findings) in meta‐analyses is much higher than previously anticipated. Hence, authors and users of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses have a responsibility to carefully consider the risk of random errors to avoid misleading conclusions. Trial sequential analysis is a useful meta‐analytic method for gauging the risk of random error in meta‐analysis and the amount of additional evidence required to reach firm conclusions about the investigated intervention effect(s). We outline the rationale for conducting trial sequential analysis including some examples of the meta‐analysis on antenatal magnesium for women at risk of preterm birth.
Reference values of serum cystatin C in very low‐birthweight premature infants
Authors: Demirel Gamze , Celik Istemi H , Canpolat Fuat E , Erdeve Omer , Biyikli Zeynep , Dilmen Ugur 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo determine reference values for cystatin C (CysC) and its correlation with creatinine (Cr), gestational age, birthweight and maternal Cr status in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) preterm infants.MethodThe study included 113 VLBW premature infants (<1500 g) of ≤32 gestational week. Serum Cr and CysC of the infant and serum Cr of the mother were analysed.ResultsThe mean level of CysC was 1.77 ± 0.38 mg/L on day 1 and 1.61 ± 0.37 mg/L on day 3, and the decrease was statistically significant. There was a significant correlation only between maternal Cr and first‐day Cr values and negative correlations between Cr and gestational age and birthweight on third day. Creatinine was not correlated with CysC both on day 1 (r = −0.077, p = 0.417) and day 3 (r = 0.132, p = 0.164).ConclusionHere, we report the reference ranges for CysC and Cr on first and third day in VLBW infants. CysC concentrations significantly decrease by day 3 compared with day 1 and are independent of gestational week, birthweight and maternal renal function status in VLBW preterm infants.
Social change inSouthAfrica: A historical approach to relative deprivation
Authors: de la Sablonnière Roxane , Auger Emilie , Taylor Donald M. , Crush Jonathan , McDonald David 
Published: September 2012

Dramatic social change involves profound transformations that impact an entire group moving forward. Such is the reality for race relations inSouthAfrica. Research has found that most people report a trajectory of group‐based relative deprivation that appears to parallel actual historical events. However, a significant subset of respondents reported a trajectory in which the perceived status of their group remained stable despite dramatic social change. The first goal of our research was to assess whether both the historically ‘assumed’ and ‘stable’ group trajectories arise consistently among South Africans (N = 2,989). The second and more important goal was to identify the factors that might account for this dichotomy in perceived trajectory building on both traditional and recent advances in relative deprivation theory as well as on social identity theory. We hypothesized that higher levels of in‐group identification would be associated with the historically assumed group trajectory. Results supported this hypothesis. The third goal was to link the different group trajectories with important psychological outcomes such as personal well‐being, group self‐esteem, and interracial attitudes.
The moderating role of dental expectancies on the relationship between cognitive vulnerability and dental fear in children and adolescents
Authors: Carrillo‐Díaz María , Crego Antonio , Armfield Jason , Romero Martín 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveRecently, cognitive approaches have been successfully applied to the understanding of child dental anxiety. Our study aimed to analyze the interplay between cognitive variables and their associations with dental fear. In particular, we proposed that the observed relationship between dental treatment‐related cognitive vulnerability (i.e., uncontrollability, unpredictability, dangerousness, and disgustingness appraisals) and dental fear is moderated by the expectancies of the probability and aversiveness of negative events during dental treatments.MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted with data obtained from 179 participants (8–18 years, 55.9% female) who attended 12 randomly selected educational establishments in Madrid (Spain).ResultsDental fear was associated with an irregular pattern of dental visits. As expected, cognitive vulnerability was strongly linked to dental anxiety. For those children who expected a lower likelihood of negative dental events or appraised them in a less aversive way, the relationship between cognitive vulnerability and fear was attenuated.ConclusionsAs dental fear and oral health are connected, the prevention and reduction of dental fear among children and adolescents might be a worthwhile target for public health interventions. Our study sheds some light on how this could be achieved, that is, by modifying the children's vulnerability appraisals as well as their fearful dental expectancies.