Strategiska allianser: den hemliga ingrediensen för lönsam e-grocery? En fallstudie av livsmedelsföretaget ICA AB

Fenomenet med e-handel växer men i Sverige är det fortfarande relativt få som väljer att handla livsmedel på nätet. Däremot ökar intresset och konkurrensen hårdnar. De stora svenska livsmedelsföretagen måste därför agera. Ett stort problem har varit att hitta lönsamma affärsmodeller för att flytta den traditionella handeln och hela butikens sortiment ut på nätet i ett så kallat e-grocery koncept. I Storbritannien har aktörer, genom strategiska allianser med mindre e-handelsföretag från vilka de har erhållit kompetenser, lyckats lösa detta problem. Syftet med denna uppsats är därför att, utifrån ett resursbaserat perspektiv, resonera kring potentialen i strategiska allianser mellan väletablerade, fysiska livsmedelsföretag och mindre, internetbaserade företag i uppbyggandet av ett e-grocery koncept. Det som undersöks är alltså; är strategiska allianser den hemliga ingrediensen för e-grocery även i Sverige? Detta gestaltas genom en fallstudie av ICA AB. I uppsatsen används kvalitativa metoder i form av semi-strukturerade intervjuer. Som litterärt underlag används forskning som berör områdena det resursbaserade perspektivet, strategiska allianser och e-grocery. Analysen undersöker förutsättningarna för en strategisk allians mellan fallföretaget och ett mindre e-handelsföretag. Detta görs genom att, inom ramen för ett e-grocery koncept, undersöka vilka ICA:s viktigaste resurser är samt vilka resurser de saknar. Det undersöks också på vilket sätt ett ehandelsföretag hade kunnat gynnas av en potentiell allians. Utifrån dessa slutsatser analyseras slutligen hur en potentiell allians kan se ut och vilka effekter en sådan kan tänkas få. Slutsatserna från studien visar bland annat att en allians kan gynna både ett mindre internetbaserat företag och ett stort livsmedelsföretag. Horisontella marknadsföringsallianser visade sig vara den lämpligaste typen av allians i detta sammanhang. Slutsatserna visade också att det finns potential till en strategisk allians som skulle gynna uppstart av ett e-grocery koncept

Endocrine profiles after triggering of final oocyte maturation with GnRH agonist after cotreatment with the GnRH antagonist ganirelix during ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization

In a randomized multicenter study, the efficacies of two different GnRH agonists were compared with that of hCG for triggering final stages of oocyte maturation after ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization. Ovarian stimulation was conducted by recombinant FSH (Puregon), and the GnRH antagonist ganirelix (Orgalutran) was coadministered for the prevention of a premature LH rise. Luteal support was provided by daily progestin administration. Frequent blood sampling was performed at midcycle in the first 47 eligible subjects included in the current study, who were randomized for a single dose of 0.2 mg triptorelin (n = 17), 0.5 mg leuprorelin (n = 15), or 10,000 IU hCG (n = 15). Serum concentrations of LH, FSH, E2, and progesterone (P) were assessed at variable intervals. LH peaked at 4 h after both triptorelin and leuprorelin administration, with median LH levels of 130 and 107 IU/liter (P < 0.001), respectively. LH levels returned to baseline after 24 h. Subjects receiving hCG showed peak levels of 240 IU/liter hCG 24 h after administration. A rise in FSH to 19 IU/liter (P < 0.001) was noted in both GnRH agonist groups 8 h after injection. Within 24 h the areas under the curve for LH and FSH were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in both GnRH agonist groups compared with that for hCG. E2 and P levels were similar for all groups up to the day of oocyte retrieval. Luteal phase areas under the curve for P and E2 were significantly elevated (P < 0.001) in the hCG group. The mean (+/-SD) numbers of oocytes retrieved were 9.8 +/- 5.4, 8.7 +/- 4.5, and 8.3 +/- 3.3; the percentages of metaphase II oocytes were 72%, 85%, and 86%; and fertilization rates were 61%, 62%, and 56% in the triptorelin, leuprorelin, and hCG group, respectively (P = NS for all three comparisons). These findings support the effective induction of final oocyte maturation in both GnRH agonist groups. In summary, after treatment with the GnRH antagonist ganirelix for the prevention of premature LH surges, triggering of final stages of oocyte maturation can be induced effectively by a single bolus injection of GnRH agonist, as demonstrated by the induced endogenous LH and FSH surge and the quality and fertilization rate of recovered oocytes. Moreover, corpus luteum formation is induced by GnRH agonists with luteal phase steroid levels closer to the physiological range compared with hCG. This more physiological approach for inducing oocyte maturation may represent a successful and safer alternative for in vitro fertilization patients undergoing ovarian hyperstimulation

DNA methylation differences at birth after conception through ART

STUDY QUESTION: Is there a relation between ART and DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns in cord blood, including any differences between IVF and ICSI? SUMMARY ANSWER: DNAm at 19 CpGs was associated with conception via ART, with no difference found between IVF and ICSI. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Prior studies on either IVF or ICSI show conflicting outcomes, as both widespread effects on DNAm and highly localized associations have been reported. No study on both IVF and ICSI and genome-wide neonatal DNAm has been performed. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This was a cross-sectional study comprising 87 infants conceived with IVF or ICSI and 70 conceived following medically unassisted conception. The requirement for inclusion in the study was an understanding of the Swedish language and exclusion was the use of donor gametes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Participants were from the UppstART study, which was recruited from fertility and reproductive health clinics, and the Born into Life cohort, which is recruited from the larger LifeGene study. We measured DNAm from DNA extracted from cord blood collected at birth using a micro-array (450k array). Group differences in DNAm at individual CpG dinucleotides (CpGs) were determined using robust linear models and post-hoc Tukey's tests. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: We found no association of ART conception with global methylation levels, imprinted loci and meta-stable epialleles. In contrast, we identify 19 CpGs at which DNAm was associated with being conceived via ART (effect estimates: 0.5-4.9%, PFDR < 0.05), but no difference was found between IVF and ICSI. The associated CpGs map to genes related to brain function/development or genes connected to the plethora of conditions linked to subfertility, but funct

Seeing Double : Rhythm, Domesticity, and the Uncanny in Shirley Jackson’s "The Renegade"

By using the concept of forms in this analysis of “The Renegade,” postwar domestic life is analyzed for the uncanny. By locating repetitions in domestic life, between characters, and in speech, situations are identified where the uncanny moves into the domestic. As a result, the perception of reality of the protagonist, Mrs. Walpole, is damaged, reiterating the impossibility of sanity in a postwar housewife’s domestic life

A Case Study of Save The Children’s Cross-sector Value Creation

The expanding view of how to deal with societal issues have grown more complex than ever before which have forced, what previously was viewed as unlikely collaborators, to innovate what it means to partner in value creation in support of social progress. The private sectors partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have previously largely been limited to philanthropy and simple trade-offs. There are great opportunities and benefits to be reaped when expanding beyond traditional views upon cross-sector partnerships which ultimately is paralleled by an urgency within the rapidly growing magnitude and complexity of societal issues. Co-creating values which holds shared benefits have made these actors realize the opportunities within integrating their operations. Co-creative partnerships are needed to pursue enhanced and greater value creation as well as lasting social impact upon societies’ many issues. This thesis uses a case-study design to investigate the cross-sector partnership strategies used by Save the Children Sweden (SC) and how their work can be understood through identifying their partnerships’ collaborative value creation (Austin & Seitanidi, 2012a; 2012b). Shared value is one of the more widely spread concept of how to approach opportunities within these collaborations (Porter & Kramer 2006; 2011). This is later discussed in relation to SC and how to better operationalize shared understanding of value co-creation in partnering. This includes a process of identifying how partners frames value enabling an increased understanding through a value frame fusion. This is suggested as a powerful conceptual tool to overcome challenges within integrated co-creation (Austin & Seitanidi, 2012b). The gathered data is sourced from five semi-structured interviewees with managers at Save the Children Sweden (SC) who have insight on their business partnership. The interview data shows that SC’s business partnerships are broadly divided into either financial or collaborative partnerships. Some of the interviewees show great conceptual knowledge of transcending partnerships strategies referring to theory of shared value creation. In whole the data results indicate that Save the Children Sweden have come far in their development of cross-sector partnerships as they actively have moved beyond philanthropic and transactional partnerships, into partnerships which are based upon integrated value creation. SC are mainly pursuing integrated partnerships through a fairly new program which they call the PLV-program. It aims to develop enhanced integrated partnerships through a shifting mind-set of partnering. The novelty of this pose as the main challenge to SC as they have come far but yet need to coherently formulate what the value proposition of their different partnerships constitutes. The challenges within this tangent this thesis’ research questions of how SC manage their cross-sector collaborations and how they specifically manage the value creation. In the discussion most emphasize is put upon how to conceptualize SC’s partnerships types using the Collaborative Value Creation (CVC) framework of Austin & Seitanidi (2012a), assessing the value types and value sources involved in their partnering. This thesis’ analysis concludes that SC would benefit out of developing an explicit understanding of the constitution and sources of their partnerships’ collaborative values. This includes their more advanced partnership types built around shared value logic and how to address strategical CSR. Consequently, their partnerships strategies share the same vulnerability as the theory of Porter & Kramer (2006; 2011), which lacks an addressing of the fundamental building blocks of collaborating in cross-sector collaboration. SC would have much to earn by better grasping how to frame social value and clarify their value proposition through the conceptual knowledge of the CVC framework. A value frame fusion process can function as an addition to SC current approach of a shifting mind-set logic when they are approach shared understanding with partners. This process adds better balance to the fundamental departure of the partners economic respectively social value frame when initiating cross-sector collaborations

Seeing Double : Rhythm, Domesticity, and the Uncanny in Shirley Jackson’s "The Renegade"

By using the concept of forms in this analysis of “The Renegade,” postwar domestic life is analyzed for the uncanny. By locating repetitions in domestic life, between characters, and in speech, situations are identified where the uncanny moves into the domestic. As a result, the perception of reality of the protagonist, Mrs. Walpole, is damaged, reiterating the impossibility of sanity in a postwar housewife’s domestic life

Reproductive aspects of the protein C system in women

Of great importance to the reproductive system in women are the activating and inhibiting factors which maintain haemostatic balance. These play a prominent role in the prevention of abnormal bleeding, at ovulation as well as during menstruation, pregnancy and delivery. The coagulation cascade is primarily down regulated by the protein C system. Objective: The aim was to study the possible impact of estradiol and progesterone on the protein C system in women during menstrual cycle, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), pregnancy as well as to determine a possible association between hypercoagulation and recurrent abortions. Methods: Blood samples were drawn during; menstrual cycle days 1-3, 6-8, 13-14 and 20-24; during COH, when down regulated, at time for the peak value of estradiol, and at time for ovum pick up (OPU); during pregnancy weeks 12, 20, 28, 32, 36 and postpartum. In women with recurrent abortions and in controls, samples were collected at cycle day 5-8. In all women estradiol and progesterone, factor V Leiden and activated protein C (APC) ratio were analyzed. In the pregnant women analysis of protein C inhibitor (PCI) was added. In the women with recurrent abortions several haemostatic factors were analyzed: cardiolipin antibodies, lupus anticoagulant, protein C, protein S, antithrombin and coagulation factors VIII and XIII as well as von Willebrand factor. Results: Normal pregnancy; The response to APC as well as PCI concentrations exhibited a continuously decreased activity throughout pregnancy, and correlated significantly. Postpartum both APC ratio and the concentration of PC1 rose, to levels similar to those observed in non-pregnant women. Menstrual cycle, The women exhibiting the highest levels of estradiol at the time for ovulation had the lowest response to APC in the luteal phase, suggesting that the level of estradiol at the time of ovulation is of importance for the response to APC during the luteal phase. Still, no direct correlation was found between the estradiol or progesterone levels, and the APC ratios. When women during normal menstrual cycle were compared to women undergoing COH, no significant difference in their response to APC was observed. Recurrent abortion A marked difference was observed between women with primary and secondary abortions. In the parous women the only significant difference from the control group was overweight. Enhanced coagulation, due to the factor V Leiden mutation was revealed in 27.8% of women with primary recurrent abortions. In addition, 54.2% women with primary recurrent abortions had at least one factor that might contribute to hypercoagulation. Conclusions: The levels of estradiol and progesterone per se did not seem to affect the response to A-PC, although the level of estradiol at time of ovulation may have an impact on the response to APC during luteal phase, in normal menstrual cycle. The time for blood sampling within the menstrual cycle was not of clinical importance for the analyze of APC ratio. With advance of normal pregnancy, decrease of PC1 function, correspond to decreases of APC ratios, due to activated coagulation. In women with primary recurrent abortions, hypercoagulation was a common phenomenon mainly caused by the Leiden mutation. This might indicate a reduced placental perfusion, and an increased risk for micro thrombosis in the placenta

Konstituerandet av en maskulin respektive feminin identitet : En socialpsykologisk studie av sociala relationers betydelse för konstituerandet av en maskulin respektive feminin identitet för ungdomarna i Rädda Barnens projekt Ellen &amp; allan

Denna uppsats tar sin början i ett intresse av att studera ungdomars konstituerande av identitet. Vi valde att utföra vår studie i Rädda Barnens projekt Ellen &amp; allan som arrangerar samtalsgrupper med en normkritisk agenda för ungdomar i 14-års ålder. Syftet är att genom en kvalitativ studie skapa förståelse för hur ungdomarna som deltar i Ellen &amp; allan konstituerar en maskulin respektive feminin identitet, samt betydelsen av ungdomarnas sociala relationer för detta konstituerande.  Studiens omfattning utgörs av tre intervjuer med projektledare och samtalsledare för projektet och av sex timmars observation vid fyra separata tillfällen i en Ellengrupp och i en allangrupp. Intervjuerna bidrog till kunskap om projektet som förberedde oss och skapade ett tydligt fokus inför vårt möte med fältet. Intervjuerna var utformade på ett sådant sätt att de kom att generera material som korrelerade med våra observationsdata.  Från vår analys av intervjuer och observationer drar vi slutsatsen att ungdomarnas behov av att skapa och upprätthålla sociala relationer leder till en konformitet inom samtalsgrupperna som bidrar till att ungdomarnas konstituerande av maskulin respektive feminin identitet görs med ursprung i en maskulin heterosexuell hegemoni. I denna hegemoni förknippas den maskulina identiteten med överordning och makt medan den feminina identiteten är passiv och underordnad och anses vara den maskulina identitetens motsats. The notion of this study initially started taking shape through our interest in studying the constitution of identity in young adolescent people. The study was carried out in the Save the Children project Ellen &amp; allan which organizes discussion groups with a norm-critical agenda for young people in the age of 14. The purpose of this study was to analyze how young people participating in Ellen &amp; allan constitutes a masculine and feminine identity, and the importance of young people's social relationships for this constituent.  The study consists of three interviews with project managers and discussion leaders of the project, and of six hours of observation on four separate occasions in an Ellen-group and in an allan-group. The interviews contributed to an understanding of the project which prepared us and created a clear focus for our meeting with the field. The interviews were also designed in such a way that they came to produce data that could be correlated with our observation data.  From our analysis of the interviews and observations, we conclude that young people’s need to create and maintain social relationships lead to conformity within the discussion groups, contributing to adolescents constituting a masculine and feminine identity that originates from a masculine heterosexual hegemony. In such hegemony the masculine identity consists of attributes of agency and power, whereas the feminine identity is passive and subordinate and is considered being the opposite of a masculine identity.