Detection of the Japanese encephalitis virus in wild boars and comparison of blood profiles between wild boars and domestic pigs in Selangor, Malaysia

The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) RNA was detected in mosquito vectors in Selangor, Malaysia almost two decades ago. However, the JEV status in wild boars, a potential reservoir, has yet to be investigated. Blood profiles can be used for health monitoring however data on the wild boar blood profile is limited. This study was performed to detect the presence of JEV RNA in wild boars in Selangor, Malaysia and to determine the haematological and serum biochemical values of the wild boars. The blood profiles of domestic pigs were also determined for comparison. Thirty-five wild boar tonsils were collected for RNA extraction while 21 wild boar and 40 domestic pig blood were collected for analyses. The RNA extraction was performed using the QIAamp RNA Blood Mini Kit (Qiagen, USA) while reverse transcription and PCR amplification were performed using the i-JEV Detection Kit (iNtron Biotechnology, Korea). The blood analyses were performed using standard protocols in the Haematology and Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia. The JEV RNA (genotype I and/or III) was detected in one of 21 (4.8%) tonsils; gene sequencing can be done to plot a phylogenetic tree to identify the origin of virus. The positivity may be higher if a vigourously optimized multiplex RT-PCR was used in the detection JEV genotypes. The leucocyte, segmented neutrophil counts and serum globulin concentration of the wild boars were significantly (p<0.05) lower than in domestic pigs and the existing reference data. Serum AST and CK concentration of the wild boars were significantly higher than that of domestic pigs, which might be attributed the physically more active wild boars

The experiences of computer technicians engaging in Lifelong Learning (LLL) :study in a public university

Lifelong learning (LLL) in the workplace is still a new concept and its practices in the workplace have not been fully understood. This research aims to explore the experiences of computer technicians engaging in LLL in an IT centre of public university. The contextual data of LLL, the perspectives of computer technicians on the importance of LLL and the source of constraints face by them were studied. This was a qualitative stuidy and it was conducted using phenomenological approach. In-depth interview was used as the research method of this study. Four computer technicians were interviewed and thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. The main theme for the overall experiences for their engagement in LLL was workplace learning while the themes for contextual data were continuous learning, workplace daily activities, learning for work and life, learning from work, people and environment and formal, informal and non-formal learning. The themes for the importance of LLL were self's benefit and other's benefit while the themes for the source of constraints were organization and person. This study could be used as a reference or guidance for future researchers. Through this study, organizations would support their employees aggressively to engage in LLL and the employees would be able to engage in LLL effectively

The reconciliation of fraternal twins: Integrating the psychological and sociological approaches to ‘micro’ corporate social responsibility

Aguinis and Glavas’ (2012) call for a deeper understanding of the microfoundations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has spurred a growing number of empirical micro-CSR studies. Micro-CSR scholars share the common goal of developing a clear picture of the microfoundations of CSR—a holistic theoretical and empirical understanding of how individual actions and interactions drive CSR-related activity—but pursue this objective from a variety of angles. Our research suggests that although many scholars work under the same ‘micro-CSR’ banner, they approach their goal from a wide range of disciplines, use different methodologies, and study different phenomena. In this critical essay, we show that most micro-CSR research can be classified in one of two distinct sub-fields: ‘psychological micro-CSR’ and ‘sociological micro-CSR’. We compare the differences between these orientations (including their distinct empirical approaches, and contributions of both fields of micro-CSR) and explore possible opportunities for cross-fertilization between the psychological and sociological approaches. Finally, we suggest ways in which micro-CSR scholars could exploit the complementarities and eliminate the blind spots common to the two dominant micro-CSR approaches

Smaller and better: The university of Michigan experience

This paper discusses several hierarchical and sequential reduction options, including Balderston's budgetary strategies and this author's curricular change options. The latter are based on data gathered in a 1979-80 survey of 46 states on patterns of program reduction. Having introduced various reduction categories, the paper then focuses on the institutional shrinkage process currently being implemented at the University of Michigan. Four specific strategies are being discussed: (1) across-the-board cuts, (2) reduction of nonacademic programs; (3) long-range faculty reduction procedures, and (4) program discontinuance. A host of potential problems regarding the elimination of academic programs is described. The paper concludes by providing several general recommendations for institutional shrinkage procedures.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/43589/1/11162_2004_Article_BF00992049.pd

Trademarks, Certification Marks and Technical Standards

The names of many technical standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and DVD have become household terms known throughout the developed world. This chapter describes different approaches that have been taken with respect to the naming and legal protection of technical standards, ranging from those that are wholly unregulated to those that are administered under strict certification and compliance regimes. It concludes by questioning the need for aggressive protection of marks that exist largely to inform consumers about technical product features rather than the source of standards themselves