bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of bis(bis{(E)-[(6-{(E)-[(4-fluorobenzyl)imino]methyl}pyridin-2-yl)methylidene](4-fluorophenyl)amine}nickel(II)) tetrabromide nonahydrate
Authors: Basaran Ismet , Rhaman Md Mhahabubur , Powell Douglas R. , Hossain Md. Alamgir
Published: November 2015

In the title complex, [Ni(C21H17F2N3)2]2Br4·9H2O, there are two independent metal complexes per asymmetric unit and two ligands per metal complex. The structural features (bond lengths and angles) of the two complexes are almost identical. In each complex, the nickel(II) ion is coordinated in an octahedral environment by six N atoms from two chelating (9E)-N-({6-[(E)-(4-fluorobenzylimino)methyl]pyridin-2-yl}methylene)(4-fluorophenyl)methanammine ligands. The Ni—N bond lengths range from 1.973 (2) to 2.169 (2) Å, while the chelate N—Ni—N angles range from 77.01 (10) to 105.89 (9)°. Additionally, there are four bromide anions and nine solvent water molecules within the asymmetric unit. The water molecules form a hydrogen-bonded network, displaying C—H...O, C—H...Br, O—H...Br, O—H...O and O—H...F interactions into layers parallel to (111). In each unit, the fluorophenyl rings of one ligand are stacked with the central ring of the other ligandviaπ–π interactions, with the closest centroid-to-plane distances being 3.445 (5), 3.636 (5), 3.397 (5) and 3.396 (5) Å.
Crystal structure of phenylN-(4-nitrophenyl)carbamate
Authors: AaminaNaaz Y. , Sathiyaraj Subramaniyan , Kalaimani Sundararaj , Nasar A. Sultan , SubbiahPandi A.
Published: November 2015

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C13H10N2O4, contains two independent molecules (AandB). The dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 48.18 (14)° in moleculeAand 45.81 (14)° in moleculeB. The mean plane of the carbamate N—C(=O)—O group is twisted slightly from the attached benzene and phenyl rings, making respective dihedral angles of 12.97 (13) and 60.93 (14)° inA, and 23.11 (14) and 59.10 (14)° inB. In the crystal,AandBmolecules are arranged alternately through N—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions, forming chains along theaaxis. The chains are further linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds into a double-chain structure.
Crystal structure of 2-[9-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,8-dioxo-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10-decahydroacridin-10-yl]acetic acid
Authors: Akkurt Mehmet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Allah Omyma A. Abd , Tamam Asmaa H. A. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: November 2015

The title compound, C21H21NO5, crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. In each molecule, the central 1,4-dihydropyridine ring adopts a shallow sofa conformations (with the C atom bearing the phenol ring as the flap), whereas the pendant cyclohexene rings both have twisted-boat conformations. Each molecule features an intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bond, which closes anS(8) ring. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by O—H...O, C—H...O and C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of [1-(3-ethoxy-2-oxidobenzylidene-κO2)-4-phenylthiosemicarbazidato-κ2N1,S](triphenylphosphane-κP)nickel(II)
Authors: Karpagam B. , Chakkaravarthi G. , Rajagopal G.
Published: November 2015

In the title complex, [Ni(C16H15N3O2S)(C18H15P)], the NiIIatom has a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry, comprised of N, S, O and P atoms of the tridentate thiosemicarbazide ligand and the P atom of the triphenylphosphane ligand. The benzene ring makes a dihedral angle of 53.08 (11)° with the phenyl ring of the phenylthiosemicarbazide moiety and dihedral angles of 73.69 (11), 20.38 (11) and 71.30 (11)° with the phenyl rings of triphenylphosphane ligand. A pair of N—H...N hydrogen bonds generates anR22(8) ring graph-set motif. The ethoxy group is disordered over two positions, with site occupancies of 0.631 (9) and 0.369 (9). The molecular structure is stabilized by a weak intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, weak N—H...N and C—H...π interactions connect the molecules, forming a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of (5Z)-5-(2-hydroxybenzylidene)-1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione
Authors: Mague Joel T. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Younes Sabry H. H. , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: November 2015

The title compound, C10H7NO3S, crystallizes with four independent molecules in the asymmetric unit with slightly different conformations; the dihedral angles between the six- and five-membered rings are 2.6 (1), 1.09 (9), 8.6 (1) and 6.2 (1)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets lying parallel to (101).
Crystal structure of 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-nitroimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-carbaldehyde
Authors: Koudad Mohamed , Elaatiaoui Abdelmalik , Benchat Noureddine , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: November 2015

In the title compound, C15H11N3O4, the imidazo[1,2-a] pyridine ring system is almost planar [r.m.s. deviation = 0.028 (2) Å]. Its mean plane makes dihedral angles of 33.92 (7) and 34.56 (6)° with the methoxyphenyl ring and the nitro group, respectively. The cohesion of the crystal structure is ensured by C—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers almost parallel to theacplane.
Crystal structure of 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4′,4′-dimethyl-3-p-tolyl-3′,4′-dihydro-1′H,3H-spiro[isoxazole-5,2′-naphthalen]-1′-one
Authors: Akhazzane Mohamed , Al Houari Ghali , El Yazidi Mohamed , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: November 2015

In the title compound, C28H27NO3, the cyclohexanone and isoxazole rings have envelope conformations, with the methylene and spiro C atoms as the flaps, respectively. The mean plane of the isoxazole ring is inclined slightly to thep-tolyl ring, making a dihedral angle of 14.20 (9)°, and is nearly perpendicular to the mean plane through the tetralone moiety and to the methoxyphenyl ring [dihedral angles = 83.41 (8) and 72.12 (9)°, respectively]. The crystal packing is stabilized mainly by van der Waals forces.
Understanding the causes of retail product returns
Authors: Powers Thomas L. , Jack Eric P.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The distribution literature provides support for examining product returns from a customer-based perspective. Based on this need, the purpose of this paper is to identify the underlying causes of product returns based on a survey of 308 Wal-Mart and Target customers who engaged in product returns.

Design/methodology/approach

– Structural equation modelling was used to verify and test the relationships examined.

Findings

– It was found that dissatisfaction with a product results in an emotional dissonance that is positively related to product returns. Two primary reasons for return were examined, the expectation of the customer not being met and the customer finding a better product or price. Both reasons for return were found to influence the frequency of returns. It is also reported that gender, but not store brand moderated these relationships. Males had higher levels of product dissatisfaction and subsequent emotional dissonance than females. Males however did not have higher rates of return than females.

Originality/value

– The research provides new knowledge in the management of retail returns by identifying their underlying causes as well as specific reasons for returns. This knowledge can assist managers in identifying the behavioural influences on product returns and in developing methods to minimize those returns.
The influence of retailers’ family firm image on new product acceptance
Authors: Beck Susanne , Kenning Peter
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The long-term survival of companies depends strongly on successful new product introductions. However, insufficient customer new product acceptance (NPA) often leads to high failure rates for manufacturers. Retailers, as intermediaries between the company and the customer, often obtain a crucial role as primary touchpoint. Previous research shows that customers’ perception of a company is transferable to its products and thus influences NPA. Family firms, as successful company type, are supposed to positively influence NPA. The purpose of this paper is to analyse whether manufacturers achieve a strategic advantage regarding NPA when choosing retailer that are perceived as family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Conducting an online survey, the authors tested whether the family firm image (FFI) of a retailer’s brand influences customers’ belief in the trustworthiness of a new product brand and their purchase intention, which reflect two components of NPA.

Findings

– The results indicate that a strongly perceived FFI has a direct positive effect and, through perceived trustworthiness, an indirect effect on NPA. Those effects are moderated by the customers’ perceived uncertainty about the product. The authors show that aside from increasing trustworthiness, a retailer’s FFI creates a substantial strategic advantage that increases NPA and hence decreases manufacturers’ failure rates.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first to investigate retailer brand influence on NPA. By providing a new definition and measurement of customers’ family firm perception, this study represents the first quantitative intent to assess the consequences of such perception.
Assessing the Borrow Direct engineering e-book pilot
Authors: McGee Douglas
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment of a one-year pilot exploring the joint purchase of e-books via demand-driven acquisition (DDA) conducted by engineering librarians from seven members of the Borrow Direct interlibrary loan partnership. Also provided are observations that may inform future initiatives of a similar nature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author presents a case study approach and examination of the results.

Findings

– The pilot was discontinued as a result of dissatisfaction with its configuration, but it did offer significant financials savings as well as provide accessible copies of mutually acquired titles to each member. The pilot also offered several lessons that can inform future joint e-book endeavors.

Originality/value

– Multi-institutional joint e-book DDA acquisition has been attempted elsewhere; however, what is unique about this pilot is that it was managed by seven independent institutions without a central legal entity to oversee it. This paper is a follow-up to the author’s presentation at the 80th IFLA World Library and Information Congress, August 16-22, 2014, in Lyon, France.
“Winning and losing”: vulnerability to mass marketing fraud
Authors: Olivier Sean , Burls Trish , Fenge Lee-Ann , Brown Keith
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report the findings from a small qualitative study of victims of mass marketing fraud (MMF), exploring how they become involved in such activity and then sustain their involvement. The paper concludes with recommendations for practitioners involved in supporting vulnerable older people.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper considers a small qualitative case study into the vulnerability of older people (n=3) to MMF from the perspectives of the “victims” of such fraud.

Findings

– This paper highlights a range of predisposing risk factors to MMF which emerged as key themes including the psycho-social background of the victim, emotional vulnerability, the need for meaningful activity and opportunities engagement in meaningful social activity.

Research limitations/implications

– The small scale of this research is a limitation, but as there is currently a dearth of research in this area it makes a valuable contribution to the developing knowledge base.

Practical implications

– Professionals need to develop increased understanding of the complexities of sustained involvement in MMF, and the ways in which fraudsters manipulate potential victims by “grooming” and luring through plausible schemes which appear genuine to the victim.

Social implications

– MMF is a growing threat in the financial abuse of older people, and is increasingly recognized as a concern for professionals involved in supporting and safeguarding vulnerable older people.

Originality/value

– Despite the growing awareness of MMF in the financial abuse of vulnerable older people, this paper is one of the first to consider the perspectives of victims of MMF.
Understanding repeated visits to adult protective services
Authors: Susman Allison , Lees Kristin E , Fulmer Terry
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore Protective Service (PS) caseworker opinions related to why some older adults require repeated services.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, focus groups were conducted with a major Adult Protective Services (APS) office, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

– Results from the qualitative analytic method of thematic analysis produced four overarching themes: poor communication between referral sources and APS; PS caseworkers as gatekeepers; self-determination; and changes in health conditions and family dynamics.

Practical implications

– The documented themes appear amenable to education interventions for both professionals and families.

Originality/value

– These new data add depth to the understanding of the PS caseworker experience and help guide research related to areas that need educational interventions with older adults who access APS and the professionals and families involved in such cases.
Preventing abuse through pre-employment checks: an international review
Authors: Manthorpe Jill , Lipman Valerie
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to summarise the findings of a desk-based international review investigating the checking of staff and volunteers working with adults who are vulnerable or at risk (or similarly defined) receiving social care in their own homes, or in day centres or residential care.

Design/methodology/approach

– In England, as part of the government’s attempts to prevent harm to vulnerable people, employers must check if their staff or volunteers are barred from working with vulnerable adults in the health and care sectors or if they have a relevant criminal record. This review sought to explore practices elsewhere, with a view to informing policy and practice debates. The review was undertaken in winter 2014-2015. It mainly involved a search of internet-based material and databases. This was further informed by communications with experts and practitioners from different countries.

Findings

– The review found a variety of practices, ranging from no checks to substantial checks involving fingerprinting. Reasons for checks identified in different national contexts extend from efforts to stop fraudulent use of government subsidies to minimising the risk of harm to vulnerable adults, and more positively to enhance user and public trust in care providers. A small number of countries place particular emphasis on the rights of individuals to privacy and rehabilitation and this moral imperative overrides other policy goals. This review highlighted a lack of clarity in publicly available documents about the potentially multiple policy goals of different schemes and suggests that there may be advantages to clarifying the options available from other countries.

Research limitations/implications

– This review was confined to English language material and to material located through internet searching. Some material may not have been updated on internet sites.

Originality/value

– The details of the processes have not previously been collated to the best of the authors’ knowledge.
Preparation for safeguarding in UK pre-registration graduate nurse education
Authors: McGarry Julie , Baker Charley , Wilson Claire , Felton Anne , Banerjee Anirban
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– It is now widely acknowledged that health care professionals on the front line of care delivery will often be among the first to whom patients or clients who have experienced abuse will present or disclose abuse in a clinical context. It is therefore of pivotal importance that all health care professionals, including nurses, are adequately prepared at the earliest opportunity to effectively respond to a disclosure of abuse or identify where abuse may be suspected. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to address this contemporary challenge within health care the authors present a model, developed in the UK, for the embedding of safeguarding knowledge, skills and attitudes within undergraduate pre-registration nursing curricula. This model is integrative and focuses on the acquisition of knowledge and skills in the field of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.

Findings

– Student evaluation to date has been extremely positive with the majority of student responses indicating that individuals felt that they had received the requisite level of educational support and knowledge to enable them to recognise concerns. However, it was also clear that students felt that the knowledge gained within the classroom setting needed to be effectively supported and translated in the practice setting.

Practical implications

– Safeguarding clearly forms a central part of professional accountability and responsibility. It is therefore pivotal that professionals receive the requisite education, skills and knowledge at the earliest opportunity.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge this initiative is novel in approach and as such has the potential to inform similar education programmes.
Older workers’ workplace learning in manufacturing industries: subjectivity
Authors: Migliore Maria-Cristina Giovanna
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to older workers (OWs)’ subjective engagement in working and learning in the manufacturing industry. Workplace learning (WPL) literature rarely considers the subjective side of learning from a cultural historical activity theory (CHAT) account.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper adopts a CHAT-influenced perspective: learning is a cultural and collective process and a dimension of activity. Subjectivity is conceptualized through the ideas developed by A.N. Leontiev. The design takes the form of multiple embedded case studies, within two companies which approximate two types of production strategies, mass production and flexible specialization. OWs were interviewed about their professional lives.

Findings

– The subjective side of WPL is differentiated by the two types of production strategies. These strategies, together with other life experiences, create different opportunities for the OWs’ subjective engagement. Motives for WPL are linked to the needs for learning in the workplace, and to the ideal image that OWs have of their workplace.

Research limitations/implications

– The theoretical framework requires an interdisciplinary study and leads to conclusive remarks which overcome the boundary of the educational field. More investigation is needed about the gender issue.

Originality/value

– This paper enlarges the view on WPL for OWs by using the concept of the “object of activity” to connect industrial practices and OWs’ subjectivities. This concept has been used to explore the motivational aspects of learning in an original way. The findings of this paper will assist policy-makers to better understand WPL and the production strategies implications supported through industrial policies.
“Why am I to blame when the law is on my side?” A study of crises, public opinion and frames
Authors: Holmgreen Lise-Lotte
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss why social media frames may exert substantial influence on the image of organisations and even trigger organisational crises.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study applies the theoretical approaches of crisis, framing and stakeholder theory to examine social media constructions of organisational behaviour. A recent case from the Danish restaurant industry exemplifies the structuring of social media frames and their impact on organisational image.

Findings

– The results of the study confirm the findings of previous studies but with the crucial addition that the power of social media frames is closely connected to their drawing on basic cultural and social beliefs that unite stakeholders across potentially different interests and identities.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is qualitative and applies a small dataset. To confirm the findings, further studies need to be conducted.

Social implications

– This paper sheds light on an issue which continues to be highly relevant for organisations. By gaining insight into the conceptual nature of frames and stakeholder motivations, which guide social-media entries, they may be better equipped for meeting the demands of the public and thus for preventing crises.

Originality/value

– This is a field of research that continues to develop concurrently with the development and spread of social media. By analysing in detail how frames are constructed, the study contributes to research in the field.
Walmart and its employee relations: organizational stance-taking and legitimacy
Authors: Koca-Helvaci Zeynep Cihan
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse how appraisal resources and legitimation strategies, concerning “associates” and “suppliers” in Walmart’s Corporate Social Responsibility reports from 2011 to 2013, contribute to the representation of a positive corporate image.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper draws upon Appraisal Theory (Martin and White, 2005) and Legitimation Theory (van Leeuwen, 2007) to explore the link between evaluative language and legitimacy concerning abovementioned search terms.

Findings

– Walmart’s representations of its stance towards “associates” and “suppliers” differ greatly, although the corporation communicates a positive self-image through both of them. Walmart portrays its relationship with its “associates” as cooperative and mutually beneficial. On the other hand, the corporation presents the image of a philanthropist organisation that has been trying to improve the poor working conditions of its “suppliers” through strict regulations.

Research limitations/implications

– Only a small amount of data could be analysed manually due to the special nature of evaluative language and legitimation.

Originality/value

– This paper fulfils an identified need in studying social reporting in terms of linguistic resources.
Non-linguistic, semiotic and glocal communication: 35 beer labeling cases
Authors: Nichele Elena
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the country-of-origin effect, specifically its potential impact on beer labeling, from a linguistic perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper opted for an exploratory study using Sebba’s framework for multilingual texts (2012). Briefly, analysis developed through the observation, the use of notes taken during the phase of data collection and their comparison.

Findings

– The paper provides empirical insights on how beer labels appear to signal some interesting occurring trends. First, this investigation seems to suggest a link between languages used and their potential to recall country images that producers may be willing to stimulate and enhance. Second, data appeal to products’ countries of origin, using official languages, texts and visual elements strictly interrelated with local cultures.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of the chosen approach, results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to apply this framework or explore the same phenomena in other product categories and geographical markets too. Finally, deeper insights on the topic could be reached taking into consideration other financial data, for example market performance.

Practical implications

– The paper includes implications for the development of further research regarding brand image and reputation, in general, and the country-of-origin effect, specifically.

Originality/value

– This project is innovative for two main reasons: first, its methodological approach and, second, its combination of linguistics and marketing-related aspects. Hence, exploring possible links across the two disciplines, ultimately trying to examine potential reasons underlying their use, was the final objective of this paper. Finally, no existing publications appear to use Sebba’s framework to analyze beer labels from a linguistic perspective. Consequently, no researchers seem to have explored potential interrelations among this analysis and marketing concepts and strategies.
Managing forensic DNA records in a divided world: the Belgian case
Authors: Jeuniaux Patrick P.J.M.H. , Renard Bertrand , Duboccage Leen , Steuve Séverine , Stappers Caroline , Gallala Inès , De Moor Sabine , Jonckheere Alexia , Mine Benjamin , Vanhooydonck Beatrijs , Kempenaers Morgane , De Greef Christine , Van Renterghem Pierre , Vanvooren Vanessa
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to describe the activity of managing records related to forensic DNA identification. First, it illustrates the fundamentals behind the technique of forensic DNA identification. Second, it explains the legal and institutional contexts in which it is used as well as the notion of DNA-based judicial records. Third, it provides details of records management issues that are met in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– An interdisciplinary team reflects upon the practices surrounding the management of DNA-based records in the Belgian National DNA database during more than 10 years.

Findings

– The main problems with managing DNA-based judicial records stem from the existence of natural boundaries between the various stakeholders operating with or within the Belgian judicial system. Six types of issues have been found: non-automaticity and omission, error-prone and inefficient manual operations, electronic issues, results quality, useful reporting and incoherence and duplication. These problems are discussed in terms of four records characteristics: completeness, correctness, traceability and usability.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is limited to the Belgian case with no comparison with other countries.

Practical implications

– This paper attempts to formulate general principles that aim to stimulate good practices in managing records in the field of criminal justice.

Social implications

– The ethical issues surrounding the domain of criminal policy (e.g. the proper use of financial resources, the fair and balance use of records to carry out justice) are of general interest to the public.

Originality/value

– The paper benefits from a large temporal angle (more than 10 years) and applies a multidisciplinary viewpoint on its subject.
Subsidiarity in the Australian Public Sector: Finding Pragmatism in the Principle
Authors: Deem Jacob , Hollander Robyn , Brown A J
Published: November 2015

The principle of subsidiarity, commonly understood as the view that authority should be exercised by the lowest level of government competent to do so, is a key concept in understanding and reforming Australian federalism. In this article, we explore the way in which citizens with experience working in government react to the principle, and highlight that those with experience at different levels of government approach and value subsidiarity differently. Based on mixed‐methods evidence, we propose that a pragmatic, problem‐oriented approach to federalism and subsidiarity may cut through these differences, and allow policymakers to come together under a unified understanding of subsidiarity.
Listeria monocytogenes: Strain Heterogeneity, Methods, and Challenges of Subtyping
Authors: Nyarko Esmond B. , Donnelly Catherine W.
Published: November 2015

Listeria monocytogenes is a food‐borne bacterial pathogen that is associated with 20% to 30% case fatality rate. L. monocytogenes is a genetically heterogeneous species, with a small fraction of strains (serotypes 1/2a, 1/2b, 4b) implicated in human listeriosis. Monitoring and source tracking of L. monocytogenes involve the use of subtyping methods, with the performance of genetic‐based methods found to be superior to phenotypic‐based ones. Various methods have been used to subtype L. monocytogenes isolates, with the pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) being the gold standard. Although PFGE has had a massive impact on food safety through the establishment of the PulseNet, there is no doubt that whole genome sequence (WGS) typing is accurate, has a discriminatory power superior to any known method, and allows genome‐wide differences between strains to be quantified through the comparison of nucleotide sequences. This review focuses on the different techniques that have been used to type L. monocytogenes strains, their performance challenges, and the tremendous impact WGS typing could have on the food safety landscape.
The Use of Multiplex PCR to Determine the Prevalence of Enterotoxigenic Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Raw Milk, Feta Cheese, and Hand Swabs
Authors: Zeinhom Mohamed M.A. , Abdel‐Latef Gihan K. , Jordan Kieran
Published: November 2015

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) can cause mastitis in cattle and, therefore, can be present in milk. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of coagulase positive S. aureus and its enterotoxin genes sea, seb, and sec in isolates recovered from raw milk, feta cheese, and human hand swabs of milk and cheese handlers in Beni‐Suef province, Egypt. A total of 100 samples of raw milk and 50 samples of pasteurized‐milk feta cheese were collected. In addition, 50 hand swabs from milk handlers and 25 hand swabs from cheese handlers were examined for the presence of coagulase positive S. aureus. The isolates were characterized by multiplex PCR for detection of sea, seb, and sec genes, and for resistance to 5 classes of commonly used antibiotics. Twelve (12/100), 12 (6/50), and 17% (13/75) of milk, cheese, and hand swab samples, respectively, were positive for coagulase positive S. aureus. One isolate was obtained from each positive sample (31 isolates), and none contained genes for SEA or SEC production. Twenty‐five percent, 33%, and 31%, respectively, of the isolates contained the genes for SEB, resulting in 3%, 4%, and 5% of samples being positive for toxin producing coagulase positive S. aureus, respectively. At least one isolate was resistant to each of the antibiotics tested. Despite the low potential for SEB production shown, preventative measures, such as maintenance of the cold‐chain and good hygienic practices should be implemented to further reduce the potential risk to public health from SEB, and to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Understanding Pre‐Eclampsia Using Alzheimer's Etiology: An Intriguing Viewpoint
Authors: Cheng Shi‐Bin , Nakashima Akitoshi , Sharma Surendra
Published: November 2015

Characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation, pre‐eclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite being recognized for centuries, PE still lacks a reliable, early means of diagnosis or prediction, and a safe and effective therapy. We have recently reported that the event of toxic protein misfolding and aggregation is a critical etiological manifestation in PE. Using comparative proteomic analysis of gestational age‐matched sera from PE and normal pregnancy, we identified several proteins that appeared to be dysregulated in PE. Our efforts so far have focused on transthyretin (TTR), a transporter of thyroxine and retinol, and amyloid precursor protein whose aggregates were detected in the PE placenta. Based on these results and detection of TTR aggregates in sera from PE patients, we proposed that PE could be a disease of protein misfolding and aggregation. Protein misfolding and aggregation have long been linked with many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. However, linkage of protein misfolding and aggregation with the PE pathogenesis is a new and novel concept. This review aims to understand the roles of aggregated proteins in PE using the cues from the Alzheimer's etiology.
Effects of aromatase inhibition vs. testosterone in older men with low testosterone: randomized‐controlled trial
Authors: Dias J. P. , Melvin D. , Simonsick E.M. , Carlson O. , Shardell M.D. , Ferrucci L. , Chia C. W. , Basaria S. , Egan J. M.
Published: November 2015

Aging in men is associated with loss of bone mass, impaired physical function and altered body composition. The objective of this proof‐of‐concept randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, single‐center trial was to determine the relative effects of testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2) on bone mineral density, body composition, and physical performance in older men. The primary outcome was lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), and secondary outcomes were body composition, muscle strength, gait speed, and sex hormone concentrations. Forty three men (age range, 65–82 years; mean age 71 years) with low total T levels <350 ng/dL were randomized to one of three groups: 5 g transdermal testosterone gel (TT) (N = 16), anastrozole (AI) 1 mg (N = 14) or placebo daily (N = 13) for 12 months. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Both TT and AI increased serum TT levels (>500 ng/dL, p < 0.05) compared to baseline; T values remained stable throughout the duration of the trial. At 12 months, TT improved the primary outcome of lumbar spine BMD (p < 0.01).Both interventions improved knee strength at 12 months compared to baseline (p < 0.05) while lean body mass significantly increased only in the AI group at 6 and 12 months (1.49 ± 0.38 kg, p < 0.01; 1.24 ± 0.39 kg, p < 0.05, respectively) compared to baseline. Interestingly, TT improved fast gait speed at 3 and 12 months (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). In summary, this proof‐of‐concept study confirms that aromatization of T is required for maintaining BMD in older men with low‐T levels. The trial also uncovered the novel finding that aromatization of T is required for improvement in fast gait speed, an observation that needs to be verified in future studies.
Enhancing Social Support for Migrant Families: A Case Study of Community Services in a Shanghai Urban Village and Implications for Intervention
Authors: Wen Ya , Hanley Jill
Published: November 2015

Recent years have witnessed the growing emphasis of the Chinese central government to develop community services as a method of building communities and strengthening social solidarity. With the increased involvement of multi‐generation households in China's internal rural‐to‐urban migration, however, little is known about what community services are available for migrant families. Nor do we know much about how such services can enhance social support for migrants, which is crucial for their psychological well‐being in managing the ongoing challenges that arise from migration and further integration into cities. This article presents a case study conducted in Shanghai where social services are emerging in a few urban villages. We begin with a brief background on China's rural‐to‐urban migration and the emergence of urban villages, followed by a discussion of community services and social support for Chinese migrant families. We then document existing services in an urban village to explore how they can influence migrant families' social support. Drawing on the perspective of service providers, we highlight the effects social work interventions can have on improving social support for migrant families. Finally, we propose an intervention framework based on multi‐dimensions of social support, emphasizing an integration of formal and informal social support through community services for migrant populations.
Mais Médicos: Cuba's Medical Internationalism Programme in Brazil
Authors: KIRK JOHN M. , KIRK EMILY J. , WALKER CHRIS
Published: November 2015

In 2014, at the request of the Brazilian government and under the sponsorship ofPAHO, the Cuban government sent 11,400 doctors to work in underserved areas. This article examines the origins and development of this programme,Mais Médicos. The significance of this programme is explored, as well as what it illustrates about south‐south cooperation as a whole.
How do people with learning disabilities experience and make sense of the ageing process?
Authors: Newberry Gayle , Martin Carol , Robbins Lorna
Published: November 2015

Accessible summary

We wanted to find out what getting older feels like for people with learning disabilities. We asked seven people with learning disabilities about getting older.

Most of the people had noticed changes as they got older. Some felt sad or angry about it. Some worried about getting older.

People said that it was important to have good friends and to do useful jobs.

Some people did not know much about getting older. Some people wanted to look back over their lives to feel more settled. They might need help with this.

Background: Not enough is currently known about how people with learning disabilities experience and understand the ageing process. This is particularly important as the population of older people with learning disabilities is growing due to increased life expectancy. This article draws on the first author's doctoral research study, which aimed to fill this gap in the literature by exploring how people with learning disabilities experience and make sense of the ageing process and old age.

Materials and Methods: Seven people with learning disabilities aged 60 or more were interviewed, and their accounts were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. This approach allows the participant's lived experience to be explored in detail. Participants' accounts were analysed individually, followed by a group analysis. This article presents the results of the group analysis, illustrated by quotes from individuals.

Results: The master themes arising from the group analysis were as follows: quality of relationships is central to enjoyment of life, including subthemes on the importance of affection and companionship, distress at lack of closeness and anxiety about ability to satisfy others; powerlessness; needing a sense of purpose; and making sense of getting older, including subthemes on reactions to changes with age, life review and looking to the future.

Conclusions: Clinical implications of the findings include the need for services to support older people with learning disabilities in maintaining friendships and meaningful activities. This study demonstrates that some older people with learning disabilities can engage in a process of life review and raises the possibility that learning disability services could play a useful role in facilitating this process. Understanding of the ageing process varied between participants and tended towards a negative, stereotypical view of ageing. The findings suggest that people with learning disabilities could benefit from psychoeducation on the ageing process to aid them in making sense of the changes they experience as they get older.
STABILITY OF THAI BAHT: TALES FROM THE TAILS
Authors: Cumperayot Phornchanok
Published: November 2015

We demonstrate how the EVT‐based signalling approach for currency crises can be applied to an individual country with a small sample size. Using Thai historical data, first, we study the tail characteristics of the distributions of two Thai baht instability measures and 21 economic fundamentals. Then, we test asymptotic dependence between the currency instability measures and lagged economic fundamentals. Empirically, we find that the distributions of both currency instability measures and economic variables are heavy tailed. Assuming a normal distribution for the variables tends to underestimate the probability of extreme events. Furthermore, most of the economic variables which are usually used as signalling indicators for currency crises are asymptotically independent of the currency instability measures. Signals issued by these variables are thus not reliable. Nevertheless, the non‐parametric EVT approach facilitates the selection of economic indicators with credible signals and high crisis prediction success.
Peanut‐allergic patients in the MIRABEL survey: characteristics, allergists’ dietary advice and lessons from real life
Authors: Deschildre A. , Elegbédé C. F. , Just J. , Bruyère O. , Van der Brempt X. , Papadopoulos A. , Beaudouin E. , Renaudin J. ‐M. , Crepet A. , Moneret‐Vautrin D.‐A.
Published: November 2015

Background

The MIRABEL survey is an observational study on peanut allergy in France, Belgium and Luxemburg. The objectives are to provide data on a large population, to analyse the consumer behaviour, to study the presence of peanut traces in pre‐packed foods with/without precautionary allergen labelling (PAL), and to combine these data to quantify allergic risk and produce a cost/benefit analysis. This paper reports a real‐life observatory of 785 patients (< 16y: 86%): medical characteristics, eliciting doses (ED) in real life and in oral food challenges (OFC), factors associated with severe reactions, allergist dietary advice and patients’ anxiety regarding their allergy.

Methods

Age and symptoms at diagnosis, route of exposure, comorbidities, allergy tests, ED (OFC/real life; mg peanut protein), dietary advice about PAL, and anxiety score were recorded.

Results

Median age was 3 years; 85% were declared allergic. Severe/potentially severe reactions were reported in 30% of the allergic patients: serious systemic reaction (15%), laryngeal angioedema (8%), shock (4%) and acute asthma (3%); 66% had atopic dermatitis, 58% asthma. Median ara h 2 sIgE level was 11.5 kUA/L. Of the 278 OFCs, 225 were positive (median ED: 67.3 mg). Real‐life ED was < 100 mg in 44.3%. Severe reactions were significantly more frequent in teenagers and adults (P = 0.004), asthmatic patients (P = 0.033), and patients who reacted to inhalation (P < 0.001). No significant association was found for OFC ED or ara h 2 sIgE. Factors associated with strict avoidance advice including PAL were OFC ED < 100 mg (P < 0.001), but not severe reaction history (P = 0.051) or asthma (P = 0.34). Anxiety was significantly associated with strict avoidance (P < 0.001).

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Severe/potentially severe reactions, allergic comorbidities, and low EDs in real life are frequent in peanut‐allergic patients. Asthma, teenage/adulthood and reaction to inhalation are associated with severe symptoms. PAL and criteria guiding dietary advice need to be improved.
Value of MRI olfactory bulb evaluation in the assessment of olfactory dysfunction in Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Braun J.J. , Noblet V. , Kremer S. , Molière S. , Dollfus H. , Marion V. , Goetz N. , Muller J. , Riehm S.
Published: November 2015

Olfactory bulb (OB) volume evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been demonstrated to be related to olfactory dysfunction in many different diseases. Olfactory dysfunction is often overlooked in Bardet−Biedl syndrome (BBS) patients and is rarely objectively evaluated by MRI. We present a series of 20 BBS patients with olfactory dysfunction. The OB was evaluated separately and blindly by two radiologists (SR and SM) with 3 Tesla MRI imaging comparatively to 12 normal control subjects by global visual evaluation and by quantitative measurement of OB volume. In the 12 control cases OB visual evaluation was considered as normal in all cases for radiologist (SR) and in 10 cases for radiologist (SM). In the 20 BBS patients, OB visual evaluation was considered as abnormal in 18 cases for SR and in all cases for SM. OB volumetric evaluation for SR and SM in BBS patients was able to provide significant correlation between BBS and olfactory dysfunction. This study indicates that OB volume evaluation by MRI imaging like structural MRI scan for gray matter modifications demonstrates that olfactory dysfunction in BBS patients is a constant and cardinal symptom integrated in a genetical syndrome with peripheral and central olfactory structure alterations.
Cohort study of neurocognitive functioning and adaptive behaviour in children and adolescents with Niemann‐Pick Disease type C1
Authors: Thurm Audrey , Farmer Cristan , Farhat Nicole Yanjanin , Wiggs Edythe , Black David , Porter Forbes D
Published: November 2015

Aim

To describe the neurocognitive and adaptive behavior profile of children and adolescents with Niemann–Pick Disease type C1 (NPC1), a rare genetic disease that frequently presents in childhood, with variable onset and symptom complex involving neurodegeneration.

Method

Thirty‐eight participants (20 males, 18 females; mean age 8y 10mo, SD 4y 8mo, range 1–18y) with NPC1 were evaluated through a natural history protocol.

Results

NPC1 severity was in the mild to moderate range for most participants. Cognitive scores (n=32) ranged from very low to above average; about half of the participants exhibited a clinically significant advantage of Verbal IQ over Non‐verbal IQ. Adaptive behavior scores (n=21) were generally in the borderline to impaired range. Longitudinal cognitive data (n=19) suggested a pattern of decreasing scores over time. However, most participants remained at the same general level of functioning throughout the study.

Interpretation

This study begins to systematically describe the neurocognitive phenotype of children and adolescents with NPC1, identifying heterogeneity and decline, aiding in understanding the natural history of the disease to plan treatment studies.
Testing the hypothesis of greater eurythermality in invasive than in native ladybird species: from physiological performance to life‐history strategies
Authors: BARAHONA‐SEGOVIA RODRIGO M. , GREZ AUDREY A. , BOZINOVIC FRANCISCO
Published: November 2015

1. Global warming and biological invasions are important threats to biodiversity. Nonetheless, there is little information on how these factors influence performance or life‐history traits of invasive and native species.

2. The effects of temperature on physiological and fitness traits of two invasive alien species (Harmonia axyridis and Hippodamia variegata) and one native species (Eriopis chilensis) of coccinellid were evaluated, testing a model of eurythermality. Eggs of all species were exposed to four temperature treatments (20, 24, 30 and 33 °C). In adult F2 we measured fecundity, locomotor performance, development time (total and per life stage), survival, and preferred body temperature in a thermal gradient.

3. It was found that H. axyridis had comparatively better performance at low temperatures (i.e. 20 °C), while the performance of H. variegata and E. chilensis did not change with temperature or was better at higher temperatures (30 °C). The standardised Levins index showed that all species are eurythermic. E. chilensis had a high niche overlap with the invasive alien ladybird species, rejecting the hypothesis of greater eurythermality of invasive species than native species.

4. Although there were differences in the temperature preferences and in the response of some physiological and life‐history traits of ladybirds to temperature, both the native and invasive alien species are eurythermic, contrary to the prediction. The better performance of H. axyridis at lower temperatures may result in displacement of its current distribution, and thus not all invasive species will respond favourably to global warming.