New Zealand Agribusiness Success: An Approach to exploring the role of strategy, structure and conduct on firm performance

This paper presents a framework to explore agribusiness success in New Zealand. The framework provides the basis for historical analysis. It draws on existing theory based on the structure-conduct-performance paradigm but expanded to take account of firm strategy and the analysis of value chains.Agribusiness, structure, conduct, performance, history, Agribusiness,

The mechanisms of hypoglycaemia-induced cell damage in the striatum

Glucose deprivation involved in hypoglycaemia has been associated with neurotoxicity and cell death. It is hypothesised that this neurotoxic process is initiated by a fall in cellular ATP concentration and a dysfunction of the Na+/K+ ATPase pump. Consequently the plasma membrane depolarises, opening the VGCC and allowing an excessive influx of calcium, which initiates glutamate release, ROS generation and the opening of the MTP. This intracellular activity subsequently triggers the apoptotic machinery necessary to promote irreversible cell death. In this study, primary cultures of embryonic rat striatal neurones were exposed to hypoglycaemia for periods between 1 hour and three days. Mitochondrial respiratory function and cytoskeletal integrity were affected. However several observations were found that conflicted with the general consensus of the mechanisms involved in hypoglycaemia-induced cell death. Evidence was obtained that there was :- 1. No calcium influx upon hypoglycaemia, indicating that the cell membrane does not depolarise 2. No glutamate toxicity 3. No ROS toxicity 4. No MTP involvement 5. DNA fragmentation independent of caspase activity 6. Reversal of cell damage upon the replacement of glucose 7. A decrease in intracellular calcium concentration upon glucose replacement. These data suggest that the removal of glucose from striatal cultures does not cause cell death but triggers the cell to enter a quiescent state with sufficient energy to maintain resting membrane potential but also with morphological, mitochondrial and DNA modifications. In conclusion striatal cells possess a neuroprotective mechanism against prolonged glucose deprivation and remarkably can recover metabolically with repaired DNA

The Nexus of Climate Change, COVID-19, and Environmental Justice on Children\u27s Health

Climate change poses a threat to children, who are increasingly vulnerable, depending on adults to protect them from the impacts of these changes including extreme weather events, poor air and water quality and risk to mental health. Children living in poverty carry additional burdens and risks, living in environments that consistently experience poor air and water quality from polluting industries, compounded by the effects of climate change. COVID-19 has placed additional challenges to children’s health and increases the complexity of addressing climate change and environmental justice. The intersection between climate change and COVID-19 exacerbates these existing disparities by impacting children\u27s physical and mental health that are a direct product of poverty and structural racism. This article examines the nexus of climate change, COVID-19, and environmental justice that impacts the mental and physical health of children including anxiety, stress, adverse childhood experiences, and depression; increases in violence and aggression; and the effects of air pollution. Public health professionals and health care providers must be aware of national strategies that protect children from environmental health risks and emerging infectious diseases, such as climate change and COVID-19, respectively

Identifying and preventing disordered eating among athletes : perceptions of track and field coaches

Objective: This study aimed to identify the strategies employed by coaches when identifying disordered eating (DE) among track and field athletes. Design: This was a qualitative study and an inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Method: Semi structured interviews were conducted with eleven track and field coaches, with experience of coaching at national and international level. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysis was conducted. Results: Track and field coaches reported using physical, social and performance indicators to identify disordered eating in their athletes. Coaches also monitored their athletes' eating attitudes and behaviors. Weight loss (both observed and objectively monitored) was considered to be a key indicator of disordered eating. Coaches placed a high level of importance on weight for performance, and an “ideal” female athlete body. Previous experiences of detecting disordered eating and a close relationship with the athlete facilitated the identification of disordered eating. Athlete secrecy and masking behaviors, difficulties in communication and coaches' stereotypical beliefs were found to complicate the identification process. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for additional information, advice and guidance for track and field coaches to improve their knowledge and confidence in identifying disordered eating among their athletes

Responses of track and field coaches to athletes with eating problems

This study aimed to explore how track and field coaches respond to athletes with eating problems. Eleven experienced coaches participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their responses to, and challenges faced when, working with athletes with eating problems. The analysis revealed three themes relating to the strategies employed by coaches. The first theme indicated a supportive approach, where coaches were proactive in seeking support and in reducing training at the early stages of an eating problem. The second theme outlined an avoidant approach, characterized by coach reluctance to be involved in managing eating problems, and a lack of confidence in their knowledge of eating disorders. The third theme involved a confrontational approach, where coaches employed strict rules and engaged in coercion to persuade athletes to seek treatment. All of the coaches reported facing challenges in persuading athletes to seek treatment and were frustrated by the lack of available support. The study highlights the importance of providing resources and support services where coaches can seek advice. Coach-education packages can utilize the findings to highlight the strengths and limitations of different coach strategies, and to reinforce the importance of their role in identification and intervention when eating problems in athletes are suspected

Understanding the delayed prescribing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infection in primary care: a qualitative analysis

OBJECTIVE: To identify general practitioner (GP) views and understanding on the use of delayed prescribing in primary care.DESIGN: Qualitative semistructured telephone interview study.SETTING: Primary care general practices in England.PARTICIPANTS: 32 GPs from identified high-prescribing and low-prescribing general practices in England.METHOD: Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with GPs identified from practices within clinical commissioning groups with the highest and lowest prescribing rates in England. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted to generate themes.RESULTS: All GPs had a good understanding of respiratory tract infection (RTI) management and how the delayed prescribing approach could be used in primary care. However, GPs highlighted factors that were influential as to whether delayed prescribing was successfully carried out during the consultation. These included the increase in evidence of antimicrobial resistance, and GPs' prior experiences of using delayed prescribing during the consultation. The patient-practitioner relationship could also influence treatment outcomes for RTI, and a lack of an agreed prescribing strategy within and between practices was considered to be of significance to GPs. Participants expressed that a lack of feedback on prescribing data at an individual and practice level made it difficult to know if delayed prescribing strategies were successful in reducing unnecessary consumption. GPs agreed that coherent and uniform training and guidelines would be of some benefit to ensure consistent prescribing throughout the UK.CONCLUSIONS: Delayed prescribing is encouraged in primary care, but is not always implemented successfully. Greater uniformity within and between practices in the UK is needed to operationalise delayed prescribing, as well as providing feedback on the uptake of antibiotics. Finally, GPs may need further guidance on how to answer the concerns of patients without interpreting these questions as a demand for antibiotics, as well as educating the patient about antimicrobial resistance and supporting a good patient-practitioner relationship

Identifying and preventing disordered eating among athletes: perceptions of track and field coaches

Objective: This study aimed to identify the strategies employed by coaches when identifying disordered eating (DE) among track and field athletes. Design: This was a qualitative study and an inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Method: Semi structured interviews were conducted with eleven track and field coaches, with experience of coaching at national and international level. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysis was conducted. Results: Track and field coaches reported using physical, social and performance indicators to identify disordered eating in their athletes. Coaches also monitored their athletes' eating attitudes and behaviors. Weight loss (both observed and objectively monitored) was considered to be a key indicator of disordered eating. Coaches placed a high level of importance on weight for performance, and an "ideal" female athlete body. Previous experiences of detecting disordered eating and a close relationship with the athlete facilitated the identification of disordered eating. Athlete secrecy and masking behaviors, difficulties in communication and coaches' stereotypical beliefs were found to complicate the identification process. Conclusions: This study highlights the need for additional information, advice and guidance for track and field coaches to improve their knowledge and confidence in identifying disordered eating among their athletes. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Responses of track and field coaches to athletes with eating problems

This study aimed to explore how track and field coaches respond to athletes with eating problems. Eleven experienced coaches participated in semi-structured interviews exploring their responses to, and challenges faced when, working with athletes with eating problems. The analysis revealed three themes relating to the strategies employed by coaches. The first theme indicated a supportive approach, where coaches were proactive in seeking support and in reducing training at the early stages of an eating problem. The second theme outlined an avoidant approach, characterised by coach reluctance to be involved in managing eating problems, and a lack of confidence in their knowledge of eating disorders. The third theme involved a confrontational approach, where coaches employed strict rules and engaged in coercion to persuade athletes to seek treatment. All of the coaches reported facing challenges in persuading athletes to seek treatment and were frustrated by a lack of available support. The study highlights the importance of providing resources and support services where coaches can seek advice. Coach education packages can utilise the findings to highlight the strengths and limitations of different coach strategies, and to reinforce the importance of their role in identification and intervention when eating problems in athletes are suspected

The Diabetes Care Project: an Australian multicentre, cluster randomised controlled trial [study protocol]

Background: Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly prevalent metabolic disorder that is associated with substantial disease burden. Australia has an opportunity to improve ways of caring for the growing number of people with diabetes, but this may require changes to the way care is funded, organised and delivered. To inform how best to care for people with diabetes, and to identify the extent of change that is required to achieve this, the Diabetes Care Project (DCP) will evaluate the impact of two different, evidence-based models of care (compared to usual care) on clinical quality, patient and provider experience, and cost. Methods/Design: The DCP uses a pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial design. Accredited general practices that are situated within any of the seven Australian Medicare Locals/Divisions of General Practice that have agreed to take part in the study were invited to participate. Consenting practices will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups for approximately 18 to 22 months: (a) control group (usual care); (b) Intervention 1 (which tests improvements that could be made within the current funding model, facilitated through the use of an online chronic disease management network); or (c) Intervention 2 (which includes the same components as Intervention 1, as well as altered funding to support voluntary patient registration with their practice, incentive payments and a care facilitator). Adult patients who attend the enrolled practices and have established (≥12 month's duration) type 1 diabetes mellitus or newly diagnosed or established type 2 diabetes mellitus are invited to participate. Multiple outcomes will be studied, including changes in glycosylated haemoglobin (primary outcome), changes in other biochemical and clinical metrics, incidence of diabetes-related complications, quality of life, clinical depression, success of tailored care, patient and practitioner satisfaction, and budget sustainability. Discussion: This project responds to a need for robust evidence of the clinical and economic effectiveness of coordinated care for the management of diabetes in the Australian primary care setting. The outcomes of the study will have implications not only for diabetes management, but also for the management of other chronic diseases, both in Australia and overseas

Feasibility study for a community based intervention for adults with severe chronic fatigue syndrome/ME

Background: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME (CFS/ME) is characterised by debilitating fatigue with many bedbound patients. The study aims were: to determine whether a new intervention could be successfully delivered; to collect quantitative outcome data to guide the design of future studies; to explore qualitatively the experience of patients, carers and clinicians. Methods: Mixed-methods feasibility study with qualitative and quantitative evaluation. Participants: 12 UK patients who were housebound with severe CFS/ME. Intervention: Based on recovery skills identified through a 2.5 year Patient and Public Involvement development process involving individuals with first-hand experience of recovery from CFS/ME, as well as current patients and clinicians. The resulting one year intervention, delivered by a multi-disciplinary team, included domiciliary therapy visits and optional peer support group. Quantitative outcome measures: Patient-reported and therapist-reported outcome measures (including fatigue, physical function, anxiety, depression and other variables) and electronic activity measurement. Results: The study recruited and engaged twelve participants with no serious adverse events or dropouts. At end of intervention, 5/12 participants had improved in fatigue, physical function. Group mean scores improved overall for fatigue (Chalder fatigue scale), physical function (activity and physical function scale) and anxiety. Qualitative interviews suggested that the intervention was acceptable to patients, whilst also highlighting suggestions for improvement. Participants will be followed up for a further year to find out if improvements are sustained. Conclusion: This is the largest study ever conducted in severe CFS/ME and shows significant recovery suggesting further studies are indicated. Treatment is uniquely based on a patient inspired intervention