2,246 research outputs found
Recent graduates and the labour market : a study of graduate expectations and experiences in New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies in Human Resource Management, Massey University
This research examined graduate transitions from study to work in New Zealand by investigating the expectations, experiences, and satisfaction with early career for three consecutive graduate cohorts. It was timely, in light of increasing participation in tertiary education; a national emphasis on the development of a learning society and lifelong learning; and the unpredictable and highly competitive labour market in New Zealand. Several key findings emerged from this study, notably: graduates encountered significant turbulence in the first eighteen months of their career; and whilst most graduates had entered stable employment, in many instances they were underemployed. The findings challenge the limited nature of current data collection processes for the annual New Zealand Vice Chancellors Committee graduate destinations report. Given the importance, both politically and socially, of the need for accurate reporting, it is essential for the current data collection techniques to be revisited
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USDA and FDA Regulations: "The Attack of the Killer Tomato"
This paper will address the U.S. response to the present and future use of the genetic alteration of food through the analysis of the pioneer food product-- the Flavr-Savr tomato-- which was the first genetically altered food to be approved for the United States market. As the first bioengineered produce to clear regulatory hurdles, the Flavr-Savr required governmental agencies to adapt their current standards to a new realm of food and agriculture and to consider how genetically altered foods fit into the United States regulatory scheme. By tracing the regulatory history of the Flavr-Savr and examining both agency and public response to genetically altered food products, one can also project the likely regulatory future of genetically altered foods
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Pharmacologic labour analgesia and its relationship to postpartum psychiatric disorders: a scoping review.
PurposeThis scoping review aimed to summarize the current literature on postpartum psychiatric disorders (e.g., postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder) and the possible relationship of these disorders to the use of pharmacologic labour analgesia (e.g., epidural analgesia, nitrous oxide, parenteral opioids) to identify knowledge gaps that may aid in the planning of future research.SourcesPubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and EMBASE were searched from inception to November 9, 2018 for studies that included both labour analgesia and the postpartum psychiatric disorders specified above.Principal findingsTwo reviewers assessed the studies and extracted the data. Of the 990 identified citations, 17 studies were included for analysis. Existing studies have small sample sizes and are observational cohorts in design. Patient psychiatric risk factors, method of delivery, and type of labour analgesia received were inconsistent among studies. Most studies relied on screening tests for diagnosing postpartum psychiatric illness and did not assess the impact of labour analgesia on postpartum psychiatric illness as the primary study objective.ConclusionsFuture studies should correlate screen-positive findings with clinical diagnosis; consider adjusting the timing of screening to include the antepartum period, early postpartum, and late postpartum periods; and consider the degree of labour pain relief and the specific pharmacologic labour analgesia used when evaluating postpartum psychiatric disorders
Well leg compartment syndrome: The debit side of hemilithotomy position
We describe a case of well leg compartment syndrome following unilateral lithotomy position in a patient undergoing contralateral antegrade intramedullary femoral nailing. Following two-incision four compartment fasciotomy, the patient recovered with no residual defects. We dissuade use of the hemilithotomy position for antegrade femoral nailing procedures in favour of another previously described position, because this predisposes patients to position-associated complications without offering any substantial advantage
Emergence and Migration of a Nearshore Bar: Sediment Flux and Morphological Change on a Multi-Barred Beach in the Great Lakes
Burley Beach (southeastern Lake Huron) exhibits a multi-barred shoreface, the long-term equilibrium morphology characteristic of many low angle, sandy beaches in the Canadian Great Lakes. During a single major storm, a new bar emerged 50-60 m offshore as an irregular trough-crest form, through differential erosion of an existing shore terrace. Emergence, bar growth and offshore migration were associated with: (a) an overall negative sediment balance in the inner surf zone initially (‑2.30 m3>/m beach width), but with a large positive sediment balance (+5.10 m3/m) subsequent to the storm peak and during the storm decay; (b) progradation of the beach step to produce a new shore terrace; and (c) offshore migration of the two outer bars to provide the accommodation space necessary for the new bar. The primary transport mechanisms accounting for emergence of the new bar, its growth and migration were: (a) the mean cross-shore currents (undertow), which always transported suspended sediment offshore; and (b) the onshore transport of suspended sediment by incident gravity wave frequencies early in the storm and subsequently by infragravity waves (at the storm peak and the decay period). The longshore transport of sediment was significant in terms of the gross transport, although the net result was only a small transport to the south-west (historic littoral transport direction). It did not cause bar initiation, but it may have supplied some of the sediment for bar growth. The primary mechanism for bar initiation and growth was the cross-shore displacement of sediment by wave-driven (oscillatory) transport and cross-shore mean currents (undertow).Émersion et migration d’une barre côtière : bilan sédimentaire et changements morphologiques d’une plage à barres multiples des Grands Lacs. La plage de Burley (sud-est du lac Huron) présente une avant-côte à barres multiples, état morphologique caractéristique de l’équilibre à long terme des plages sableuses à pente faible. Au cours d’un seul orage majeur, une nouvelle barre s’est développée à 50-60 m au large de la côte en forme de creux et crête irrégulière, suite à l’érosion d’une terrasse côtière. L’émersion, la croissance et la migration de la barre est attribuable à (a) un bilan sédimentaire négatif dans la zone interne du ressac (‑2,30 m3/m), mais à un bilan sédimentaire positif (+5,10 m3/m) durant l’apogée et la dissipation de l’orage, (b) l’exondation du gradin de plage pour générer une nouvelle terrasse côtière et (c) la migration de deux barres distales au large de la côte, laissant assez d’espace pour la mise en place d’une nouvelle barre. Les mécanismes de l’émersion, de la croissance et de la migration sont : (a) les contre-courants qui transportent les sédiments en suspension au large de la côte et (b) le transport vers la côte via la fréquence des vagues de gravité générées au début de l’orage et par les vagues d’infragravité subséquentes (au maximum de l’orage et durant sa dissipation). Le transport brut des sédiments est important, mais le résultat net correspond seulement à un léger transport vers le sud-ouest (direction historique du transit littoral). Ceci ne cause pas la création de la barre, mais peut contribuer aux apports sédimentaires nécessaires à sa croissance. Le mécanisme responsable de l’évolution des barres est le transport des sédiments par les vagues oscillatoires et les contre-courants
What parents think and feel about Deep Brain Stimulation in paediatric secondary dystonia including cerebral palsy: A qualitative study of parental decision-making
Sweetpotato consumer research: insights to increasing consumption
This report provides an evaluation of the behaviours and purchasing drivers of key sweetpotato consumers defined by Nielsen consumer research as Established Couples (two or more adults with no children 17 and under, and head of house 35-59), Senior Couples (two or more adults with no children 17 or under, and head of house 60 or over), and Independent Singles (one person household 35 or over, no children 17 or under). Research was qualitative in nature. Methods used included focus groups, depth interviews and shop-a-longs.
The report found that preferences for sweetpotato amongst these groups were varied. In general a smaller torpedo shaped vegetable was valued for ease of preparation and the convenience of being of sufficient size for a meal for two. Satisfaction with sweetpotato was high with negative comments on quality exceedingly rare within discussions. However, shop-a-longs revealed that some quality issues were apparent at retail such as withered product, pitting and occasionally damage. A display with stock resting in any amount of water was a barrier to purchase for consumers and this was apparent on two out 15 occasions. A high quality sweetpotato was of a deep orange/red colour, had a smooth skin and was extremely dense and hard. An inferior sweetpotato was wrinkly, spongy, pitted and damaged.
Awareness of sweetpotato was a relatively recent phenomenon amongst the respondents of this study with most recalling eating the vegetable in the last five to 10 years. Life-time eating patterns emerged as a consequence of childhood food experiences such as growing up with a ‘meat and three’ veg philosophy and traditional Australian meals. However, this was dependent on cultural background and those with ties to diverse cultures were more likely to have always known of the vegetable. Sweetpotato trial and consumption coincided with a breaking away from these traditional patterns, or was integrated into conventional meals such as a baked vegetable to accompany roasts. Increased health consciousness also led to awareness of the vegetable.
A primary catalyst for consumption within the Established and Senior Couples groups was the health benefits associated with sweetpotato. Consumers had very little knowledge of the specific health properties of the vegetable and were surprised at the number of benefits consumption provided. Sweetpotato was important for diabetics for its low Glycemic Index status. Top-of-the-mind awareness of the vegetable resulted from the onset of the disease. Increasing fibre was a key motive for this demographic and this provided a significant link between consumption and preventing bowel cancer. For those on a weight loss regime, sweetpotato was perceived as a tasty, satisfying food that was low in carbohydrates. Swapping behaviours where white potato was replaced by sweetpotato was often a response to these health concerns. Other health properties mentioned by participants through the course of the research included the precursor β-carotene and Vitamins A & C.
The sweetpotato was appreciated for its hedonic and timesaving qualities. For consumers with a high involvement in food, the vegetable was valued for its versatility in meals. These consumers took pride in cooking and the flavour and texture of sweetpotato lent itself to a variety of meals such as soups, salads, roasts, curries, tagines and so on. Participants who had little time or desire to prepare and cook meals valued sweetpotato because it was an easy way to add colour and variety to the plate and because including an orange vegetable to meals is a shortcut to ensuring vitamin intake.
Several recommendations are made to the sweetpotato industry.
• Vigorously promote the distinct nutritional and health properties of sweetpotatoes, particularly if they can be favourably compared to other vegetables or foods
• Promote the salient properties to specific targets such as diabetics, those that are at risk to bowel cancer, and those embarking on a weight-loss regime. Utilise specialist channels of communication such as diabetic magazines and websites
• Promote styles of cooking of sweetpotato that would appeal to traditionalists such as roasts and BBQs
• Promote the vegetable as a low maintenance vegetable, easy to store, easy to cook and particularly focusing on it as a simple way to boost the appearance and nutritional value of meals.
• Promote the vegetable to high food involvement consumers through exotic recipes and linking it to feelings of accomplishment with cooking
• Promote the versatility of the vegetable
• Devise promotions that link images and tone of communications with enjoying life to the fullest, having time to enjoy family and grandchildren, and of partaking in social activities
• Educate retailers on consumer perceptions of quality and ensuring moisture and mould is not present at displays
Qualitative information while providing a wealth of detail cannot be extrapolated to the overall target population and this may be considered a limitation to the research. However, within research theory, effective quantitative design is believed to stem from the insights developed from qualitative studies.
• Develop and implement a quantitative study on sweetpotato attitudes and behaviours based on the results of this study
Flow cytometric and demographic analysis of t cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Pakistani population.
Background: This study was carried out to analyze the proportion of T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (TALL) among all acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Pakistani population and its correlation with the demographic features. Accuracy of cell surface markers used in flow cytometric analysis of the leukemic cells was also determined.
Methods: Data of 209 consecutive cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) presenting between July 1995 and July 2003 was analyzed. Flow cytometry was performed on all ALL cases using the standard protocols. TALL markers included CD3, CD5 and CD7.
Results: Proportion of TALL among known ALL Pakistani patients was 17.22%. Mean age of the TALL patients was 17.2 years. Proportion of TALL was higher in adults than in children (21.95% vs. 14.17%). Overall in this study there were more male patients affected by TALL (25/36 or 69.40%) than females (11/36 or 30.60%). The female to male ratio among TALL patients was 1:2.27. However, the proportion (%) of TALL in females was higher than males (18.96% vs. 15.82 %) i, e, 1.2:1. CD7 was found to be the most sensitive among both adults & children. It was positive in 94.4% of the TALL cases.
Conclusion: Proportion of TALL among ALL in Pakistan is similar to that reported in this region, indicating a candidate association with geographical location and socioeconomic status. The reactivity of markers with TALL cells was similar to what we expected based upon literature. However, due to some aberrant and cross reactivity displayed by each marker, we strongly recommend a panel approach including B and myeloid markers to ensure a correct diagnosis of TALL
Obtention of plant peroxidase and its potential for the decolorization of the reactive dye Remazol Turquoise G 133%
Peroxidases can be used in the decolorization process. There is a growing interest for new sources of this enzyme and for obtaining economically viable processes. In this work, a low-cost vegetable peroxidase extraction process is proposed; the resulting enzyme is characterized to determine its optimum pH, temperature, and stability conditions, and it is then applied in the decolorization of reactive dye Remazol Turquoise G 133%. The turnip peroxidase (TP) was utilized as an enzymatic source. This enzyme exhibited maximum activity at pH 7.0, and it was active in the temperature range of 30 to 50 °C, which favors its use in industrial processes. Acetone was the most efficient solvent to induce precipitation. The removal of Remazol Turquoise G 133% was 56.0% complete after 50 min, while 41.0% of the same dye was removed with the commercial horseradish peroxidase enzyme in 50 min. TP presents potential as a viable alternative in the decolorization of textile wastewaters
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