bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a methodology for literature reviews in social sciences
Authors: Saur-Amaral Irina
Published: October 2017

The emergence of the Internet, the generalized access to online databases and top journal presence in these databases generated a shift in how literature reviews are to be performed. While fifteen-twenty years ago, researchers in social sciences would focus their efforts in finding journal articles to analyze and they would read and use some dozens of articles in their research, nowadays efforts fall upon selecting the right set of articles, reading and synthesizing in such ways that helicopter and detailed views are combined. There is a generational gap between senior and junior researchers, which so far has turned difficult the development of a methodological perspetive of literature reviews in social sciences that bring together both perspetives. Our paper develops a methodology for literature reviews in social sciences, combining the systematic literature review approach, proposed and applied by several authors in management field (Kofinas & Saur-Amaral, 2008; I. Saur-Amaral & Amaral, 2010; Irina Saur-Amaral & Borges Gouveia, 2007; Thorpe, Holt, Macpherson, & Pittaway, 2005; Tranfield, Denyer, & Smart, 2003; Tranfield & Mouchel, 2002), with the traditional literature review approach (Cook & Leviton, 1980; Hart, 2006; Webster & Watson, 2002). We present compare perspetives, analyzing them from a critical perspetive and we propose a combined approach to be tested and used for research in social sciences, indicating key validity concerns to be taken into account. Results are useful for senior and junior researchers in social sciences, which undertake literature reviews for their own or for group research.
Medidas orientadas a mejorar la empleabilidad y productividad de los trabajadores de edad avanzada
Authors: Martínez Barroso Mª de los Reyes
Published: October 2017

En el ámbito de la gestión de los recursos humanos, para minimizar los efectos de la pérdida de competencias de los trabajadores de edad resulta imprescindible mantener a lo largo de la vida laboral un esfuerzo adecuado de formación profesional adaptada a las necesidades originadas por la aparición de nuevas tecnologías y cambios organizativos o de actividad. En una empresa, las ventajas del grupo de edad madura se concentran especialmente en la experiencia, la madurez emocional, la confianza y el compromiso. Nadie puede poner en duda la importancia de estas aportaciones. Por tanto, la superación de las posibles pérdidas de aptitud de los trabajadores maduros pasa por la elaboración y aplicación de un plan integrado de formación y de asignación de funciones adaptado a las características personales y profesionales y a las necesidades de organización. Sin duda, la fórmula ideal para mejorar la empleabilidad de los trabajadores de edad avanzada es aumentar las cualificaciones de dicho colectivo de edad. O, en otros términos, para la incentivación del empleo de los trabajadores de mayor edad deberían aplicarse medidas dirigidas a su oportuna adaptación a los cambios del mercado y a los requerimientos de las nuevas tecnologías, potenciando su empleabilidad mediante la garantía de acceso a la formación continua en condiciones de igualdad.En este sentido, la estrategia de aprendizaje permanente, impulsada a través de varios documentos comunitarios, se orienta hacia los sistemas de educación y formación para favorecer procesos de educación y formación a lo largo de toda la vida de una persona. Las acciones de formación a lo largo de la vida deben ser susceptibles de aportar los saberes dirigidos a favorecer el enriquecimiento personal, la cobertura de las necesidades sociales y la ciudadanía activa junto con los relativos a los aspectos ligados al empleo.Por último, también resultan de sumo interés las líneas de actuación relacionadas con las condiciones de trabajo de los mayores de 55 años, con particular atención a la seguridad y la salud en el trabajo, como pueden ser la reducción de la jornada laboral; evaluación de riesgos, vigilancia de la salud, formación e información para la seguridad y salud en el trabajo de los empleados de más edad; la movilidad funcional por razones de seguridad y salud en el trabajo y aquellas investigaciones que puedan redundar en una mayor protección social.
A gestão de uma força de trabalho envelhecida: qual o valor das práticas de gestão de recursos humanos para as diferentes faixas etárias de trabalhadores?
Authors: Pinto Ana , Ramos Sara , Nunes Sara
Published: October 2017

Num futuro próximo, o envelhecimento da população terá consequências tanto a nível da população como da composição da força de trabalho e da escassez de competências. Com este estudo pretende-se investigar quais são as Práticas de Gestão de Recursos Humanos (PGRH) que os trabalhadores reconhecem existir nas suas organizações, bem como, a importância que atribuem a cada uma dessas práticas de acordo com a sua idade.Para isso, foi aplicado um questionário a 528 trabalhadores de várias empresas. Este estudo demostrou que as dimensões Formação; Recompensas, Reconhecimento e Participação e Avaliação de Desempenho são as PGRH mais valorizadas pelos trabalhadores de todas as idades. A dimensão Práticas Flexíveis de Trabalho é a que regista menor pontuação média para os trabalhadores mais velhos. A Segurança no Trabalho é a prática que todos os trabalhadores, mas especialmente os mais velhos, percebem como sendo aquela que está menos presente na organização.Outra conclusão importante é que os trabalhadores atribuem um maior grau de importância às PGRH do que aquilo que eles percecionam existir na sua organização. Em termos práticos, podemos concluir que as PGRH disponíveis nas organizações não vão ao encontro das necessidades dos diferentes grupos etários. Para visualização deste resumo em língua inglesa, selecione o ícone correspondente ao idioma no menu lateral direito.
Efficiency of pay for performance program on the brazilian judiciary
Authors: Jesus-Silva Luis Cláudio de , Marques Antônio Luiz , Zogahib André Luiz Nunes
Published: October 2017

This article aims to examine the variable compensation program for performance implanted in the Brazilian Judiciary. For this purpose, a survey was conducted with the servers of the Court of Justice of the State of Roraima - Amazon - Brazil. The strategy consisted of field research with quantitative approach, with descriptive and explanatory research and conducting survey using a structured questionnaire, available through the INTERNET. The population surveyed, 37.79% is the sample. The results indicate the effectiveness of the program as a tool of motivation and performance improvement and also the need for some adjustments and improvements, especially on the perception of equity of the program and the distribution of rewards.
O paradigma do contrato psicológico em situação de voluntariado: o bombeiro voluntário
Authors: Miranda Paula Mota , Proença Maria Teresa
Published: October 2017

O estudo, com carácter exploratório e explicativo, analisa a aplicabilidade do Contrato Psicológico a um contexto de voluntariado, percebendo o tipo de contrato psicológico estabelecido, factores de violação e ruptura e razões que levam à intenção de permanência da prática voluntária. Com recurso a uma metodologia qualitativa, a Grounded Theory, foram entrevistados 14 bombeiros voluntários pertencentes ao mesmo Corpo de Bombeiros, tendo os dados sido recolhidos através de entrevistas semiestruturadas. O estudo permitiu compreender alguma da complexidade da gestão de recursos voluntários, tendo sido encontradas motivações extrínsecas e intrínsecas para o voluntariado, bem como contratos psicológicos híbridos, isto é, inclui características das componentes transacional e relacional. Verificou-se ainda que o bombeiro voluntário estabelece com a corporação, simultaneamente, um comprometimento calculativo e relacional, sendo este comprometimento organizacional fundamental à intenção de permanência do voluntário.
Recrutamento em ambiente de diversidade cultural
Authors: Dierendonck Dirk van , Barroca Ana , Sousa Milton , Carenzo Mathieu , Miklosz Margaret
Published: October 2017

A flexibilidade para os trabalhadores europeus se movimentarem livremente pela Europa por questões laborais tem sido um dos princípios centrais da Comunidade Europeia desde o início. À medida que essa Comunidade se expande, estará o sonho dos políticos a converter-se em realidade? Terá a maior mobilidade conduzido a maior diversidade cultural da força de trabalho? E até que ponto estão as organizações europeias a trabalhar ativamente para promover e aumentar essa diversidade? No âmbito do projeto europeu REDIVE, uma investigação extensiva em recrutamento multicultural clarificou em que medida a diversidade cultural da força de trabalho está incorporada na estratégia das empresas da União Europeia (UE) e quais as diferenças e boas práticas de estratégias de recrutamento multicultural estão a ser aplicadas por toda a Europa. Para visualização deste resumo em língua inglesa, selecione o ícone correspondente ao idioma no menu lateral direito.
Recrutamento e seleção de expatriados de longa duração
Authors: Martins Dora , Dindire Laura-Maria
Published: October 2017

O aumento das missões internacionais de longa duração requer mais atenção na preparação dessas missões internacionais, especialmente no processo de seleção e recrutamento de expatriados. Este artigo explora como o processo de recrutamento e seleção de expatriados é desenvolvido nas empresas portuguesas, analisando os principais critérios de recrutamento e seleção subjacentes à decisão de enviar expatriados para missões internacionais. Os dados foram recolhidos através de entrevistas semi-estruturadas a 42 expatriados de 9 empresas portuguesas. Os resultados mostram que os critérios mais importantes são: (1) confiança, (2) antiguidade na empresa, (3) competências técnicas e linguísticas prévias, (4) conhecimento organizacional e; (5) disponibilidade. Baseado nestes resultados, o artigo discute em detalhe as principais implicações teóricas e práticas. Sugestões de pesquisa futura são também apresentadas.
Motivações no empreendedorismo social
Authors: Braga Joana C. , Proença Maria Teresa , Ferreira Marisa R.
Published: October 2017

Este artigo tem como principal objetivo explorar as motivações que levam os indivíduos a criarem, desenvolverem e se manterem num projeto de empreendedorismo social, bem como explorar os principais obstáculos enfrentados e as expectativas dos empreendedores sociais face à criação do seu empreendimento. Esta investigação tem por base um estudo exploratório que incorporou a recolha e análise de dados qualitativos, envolvendo a realização de treze entrevistas a empreendedores sociais com projetos muito diversificados. O estudo fornece informação sobre as motivações que levam os indivíduos a iniciarem e se manterem num projeto social, destacando-se o altruísmo, a paixão, a influência de role models, as experiências de voluntariado anteriormente vividas e a vontade de criar e inovar. A mobilização de recursos financeiros e humanos, bem como alguma burocracia, são os obstáculos mais frequentes no processo de criação do empreendimento social, mas a vontade de lutar, a persistência e a paixão que os entrevistados demonstram, ou seja, a sua motivação, parece ser o mote para continuar a lutar pelos seus objetivos. Para visualização deste resumo em língua inglesa, selecione o ícone correspondente ao idioma no menu lateral direito.
A empregabilidade e perspetivas de carreira dos doutorados nas organizações portuguesas
Authors: Neto Catarina , Meireles Gonçalo , Barroca Ana
Published: October 2017

O investimento nacional na formação e educação nas últimas décadas, particularmente nos programas de formação de doutoramento, permitiram alavancar a qualificação dos portugueses e compensar o atraso relativo dos índices nacionais neste domínio face à média da União Europeia. No entanto, no que se refere à empregabilidade de doutorados, regista-se uma inexpressiva presença de doutorados nas empresas sendo a a sua empregabilidade em sectores (além da esfera pública) um importante mecanismo de transferência de conhecimentos e inovação, da academia para a sociedade, que urge fomentar.Este estudo permitirá obter um conhecimento mais aprofundado da temática do desemprego, no segmento dos desempregados altamente qualificados; o mapeamento do gap existente entre as competências dos candidatos a emprego e as necessidades das organizações; e a identificação de boas práticas de promoção da empregabilidade dos Doutorados.
Perceptions of responsible human resources management and credibility of the Public Administration: the mediating role of service quality and satisfaction
Authors: Vázquez Burguete José Luis , Lanero Carrizo Ana , García Miguélez María Purificación
Published: October 2017

This study extends previous literature on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in private firms and consumer behavior to set a model of citizen perceptions of responsible human resources management (HRM) in the public administration. Particularly, the main goal of the paper is to analyse the effect of perceived internal responsibility on credibility, by considering the mediating role of quality of service and satisfaction. A survey study was conducted with a total sample of 660 Spanish citizens. Structural equations modelling with PLS (Partial Least Squares) was used to test the overall fit of the model. In sum, results provided support for all the relations hypothesised. Findings and their implications are described.
Estudio comparativo entre las metodologías creativas: «lista de chequeo» y «enseñar por curiosidad» para la mejora de la creatividad desde las ciencias naturales
Authors: Tunjo Guerrero Leidy Carolina , López Fernández Veronica , Llamas Salguero Fátima
Published: October 2017

La creatividad en la educación es fundamental ya que nos permite encontrar nuevas soluciones a problemas individuales, descubrir algo nuevo y pensar de manera diferente a lo preestablecido. Lo anterior hace posible que nos adaptemos a sociedades cambiantes y complejas; por eso, es primordial el desarrollo de la capacidad creativa. En este sentido, este estudio pretende comprobar desde la asignatura de Ciencias Naturales en los gra­dos séptimos de la Institución Educativa Distrital Bosanova, si la aplicación de metodologías docentes creativas potencia verdaderamente la creatividad. Para tal fin se ha llevado a cabo un estudio comparativo pre-post-test entre las metodologías creativas: «Lista de chequeo» y «enseñar por curiosidad». La muestra la conformaron 86 estudiantes repartidos en dos grupos de igual número. A ambos conjuntos se les aplicó un programa de intervención creativa con diferentes estrategias bajo la finalidad de observar y comparar los resultados finales obtenidos e identificar la metodología que proporcione un incremento creativo de los estudiantes desde las Ciencias Naturales. Se utilizó EZAnalyze de Excel —Microsoft—, un programa estadístico para el análisis de datos. Los resultados obtenidos muestran un incremento en la creatividad después de aplicar la metodología creativa en ambos grupos, aunque este incremento fue mayor en uno de los grupos —grupo A—. Además, se analizó la relación entre el rendimiento académico y la creatividad en los dos grupos, sin que dicha correlación fuese significativa. Las actividades propuestas con las dos metodologías contribuyen al incremento de la creatividad en la muestra de estudio. Esto se explica desde el punto de observación en que los estudiantes se convierten en personas propositivas y curiosas.
O Conceito de Segurança Cidadã Como Parte Integrante da Segurança Humana e o Sistema Interamericano de Direitos Humano
Authors: Ávila Flávia De
Published: October 2017

O artigo objetiva estudar como o conceito de segurança cidadã tem sido trabalhado no Sistema Interamericano de Proteção dos Direitos Humanos (SIDH), enfatizando seu uso no combate do desvirtuamento do Estado Democrático de Direito. Assim, os consequentes objetivos específicos são apresentados: debate teórico sobre o conceito de segurança cidadã como parte da segurança humana, análise de documentos e casos do SIDH sobre a temática, bem como seus correspondentes questionamentos críticos. Foi utilizada, no âmbito da vertente teórico-metodológica das ciências sociais aplicadas, a linha jurídico-teórica. Adotou-se por metodologia de pesquisa a jurídico-exploratória e por técnica de pesquisa a análise de conteúdo.
O Fenômeno do Big Data e os Pressupostos para uma Nova Onda de Acesso Material á Justiça
Authors: Lara Caio Augusto Souza , Orsini Adriana Goulart de Sena
Published: October 2017

Diante do florescimento de aplicações em big data e do ganho de eficiência das políticas públicas em prol da população em várias áreas da atividade humana pela detecção de padrões de comportamentos eletrônicos, o presente trabalho consiste na análise de possibilidades de utilização destes mecanismos digitais pelo universo jurídico. Investiga-se como uma ação conjunta dos entes públicos com a participação da sociedade em novos desenhos institucionais podem levar ao jurisdicionado-cidadão uma experimentação típica da sociedade infodemocrática do século XXI com significativo ganho na efetividade de direitos em uma nova fase de acesso à justiça.
Ação Coletiva E A Necessidade De Superação Do Processo Na Tutela Ambiental
Authors: John Natacha Souza , Augustin Sérgio
Published: October 2017

O processo civil brasileiro se apresenta como instrumento capaz na preservação do meio ambiente, contudo interesses ambientais não podem ser tratados da mesma maneira que interesses patrimoniais. Assim é necessário uma mudança no modo de produção do direito, bem como dos operadores para que, consequentemente o processo consiga tutelar de forma adequada questões ambientais. Desta forma é feita uma análise histórica da coletivização das demandas e uma posterior abordagem da ação coletiva passiva, demonstrando que utilização de institutos estrangeiros, se traduz em um importante mecanismo para proteção do meio ambiente, e evidenciando a necessidade de superação do processo civil na tutela ambiental.
Ciência e Direito: Entre a Igualdade, a Segurança e o Controle
Authors: ROCHA Eduardo Goncalves , Costa Alexandre Bernardino
Published: October 2017

Este artigo utilizará o enfoque micropolítico para estudar a relação entre o Direito e a Ciência. A micropolítica empenha-se em entender como se dá o processo de institucionalização das verdades. Parte-se do seguinte problema: qual a relação micropolítica existente entre o Direito e a Ciência? Inicialmente, demonstrará como o Direito Soberano e a Ciência moderna somente puderam desenvolver-se com a transformação da concepção de realidade, agora objetiva. Em seguida, demonstrará que tanto o Direito como a Ciência compartilham uma mesma racionalidade, reafirmando segurança e controle. Busca-se, assim, visibilizar interdependências existentes entre as verdades instituintes do Direito e da Ciência.
Socialização de Riscos e Reparação Integral do Dano no Direito Civil e do Consumidor no Brasil
Authors: BERGSTEIN LAIS
Published: October 2017

Este trabalho trata da socialização dos riscos como critério de imputação da responsabilidade e da consolidação do princípio da reparação integral no direito civil e do consumidor. Apresentam-se as modalidades de risco identificadas pela doutrina e abordam-se as noções de prevenção e reparação dos danos patrimoniais e extrapatrimoniais fins de analise das diferentes aplicações do princípio da reparação integral. O estudo, pautado no método científico dedutivo, conclui pela existência de distinções relevantes na aplicabilidade do princípio da reparação integral nas relações civis e de consumo, especialmente quanto à possibilidade de redução equitativa da indenização mediante aferição da concorrência de culpa da vítima
The Effects of Economic and Financial Development on Financial Inclusion in Africa
Authors: Evans Olaniyi
Published: October 2017

This study provides empirical evidence on the effects of economic and financial development on financial inclusion in Africa, using panel FMOLS for the 2005-2014 period. The study shows that economic growth has a significant positive impact on financial inclusion, meaning that African countries with higher economic growth have more inclusive financial systems.  GDP per capita has a significant positive impact on financial inclusion. That is, income is an important factor in explaining the level of ﬁnancial inclusion in Africa. It is, as well, established in this study, that although both economic and financial development promote financial inclusion, though the effects of economic development are much stronger. Also, inflation is negatively linked to financial inclusion, and as well insignificant across all specifications. Deposit interest rate is positively linked to financial inclusion, though insignificant. The low deposit interest rates in African countries do not encourage inclusive financial systems. Population, though positive, is insignificant. Internet has positive significant impact on financial inclusion, meaning that internet access is indispensable in a fast-moving and digital African economy. Literacy is also statistically significant, meaning that adult literacy is an important factor in explaining the level of ﬁnancial inclusion in Africa. As well, Islamic banking presence and activity are associated with higher financial inclusion.
Tensile Properties of Durian Skin Fibre Reinforced Plasticized Polylactic Acid Biocomposites
Authors: Anuar Hazleen , Razali Mohd Syafiq , Saidin Hafizul Adzim , Badrul Hisham Ammelia Fazlina , Mohd Apandi Siti Nur E’zzati , Ali Fathilah
Published: October 2017

This research investigates the effects of plasticizer and durian skin fibre (DSF) loading on tensile and morphological properties of polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites. Epoxidized palm oil (EPO) was added as a plasticizer in this project. The effect of EPO content 0–10 wt% was investigated over the tensile properties of PLA. EPO at 5 wt% was found to provide the highest tensile properties on PLA biocomposite. The plasticized PLA was then investigated for the effect of DSF content by varying the DSF at 1, 3 and 5 wt%. The tensile properties improved by about 7% with 3 wt% DSF. Scanning electron micrograph revealed that a ductile failure was induced in PLA composite with 5 wt% EPO and 3 wt% DSF.
Effect of Nanoparticles on Wettability of Nanocoating on Carbon Steel
Authors: Johari Norhasnidawani , Hassan Noor Azlina , Hassan Norita , Ani Mohd Hanafi
Published: October 2017

Nanocoatings plays an important role in coating industry. The solution was being prepared through copolymerization of epoxy resin hardener and with the incorporation of metal oxide nanoparticles, Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Silica (SiO2). ZnO and SiO2 were synthesized using sol-gel. Epoxy hardener acted as host while the metal oxide nanoparticles as guest components. The formulation of nanocoatings with excellent adhesion strength and corrosion protection of carbon steel was studied. The performance of wetting ability with different medium was analysed using contact angle. Water medium showed the addition of 3wt% of hybrid between ZnO and SiO2 was the best nanocoating to form hydrophobic surface and was also the best nanocoating surface to form hydrophilic surface with vacuum oil dropping. In oil dropping, the contact angle was smaller than 90° and the water drop tends to spreads on surface.
Evaluación de Control Interno bajo el Método Risicar: Caso servicios bancarios
Authors: Ordóñez-Parra Janice
Published: October 2017

Pilar fundamental en una institución ﬁnanciera es el área de servicios bancarios punto clave de contacto que el clientetiene con la institución, durante los primeros cinco minutos, dependerá del funcionario si gana o pierde a un potencialcliente, de esta manera se considera que todos los procesos que tienden a brindar los diferentes productos y serviciossean de calidad, cumplan con las expectativas y necesidades sin dejar de lado la excelencia en la atención al cliente loscuales están establecidos por las instituciones ﬁnancieras del país. El mayor interés en el presente trabajo es que sea unaporte y guía de aplicación mediante una eﬁcaz herramienta de evaluación del control interno llamado el método Risicar,con miras a profundizar y mejorar los diferentes procesos dentro de una institución ﬁnanciera de manera puntal en elárea de servicios bancarios con el riesgo potencial de la mala atención, y otros factores amenazantes como el lavado dedinero, el riesgo notable en la banca virtual y canales electrónicos, entre otros. El proceso inicia con la identiﬁcación delos riesgos en base al contexto interno y externo esta información ayudará a generar las tablas de los macroprocesos yposteriormente cada uno de los procesos dentro del área de servicios bancarios como son: Apertura de cuentas, chequeras,modiﬁcación de datos, cuentas inmovilizadas, banca virtual y canales electrónicos, una vez generada la valoración de losriesgos se realiza la presentación de resultados y correlación del estudio propuesto, para así obtener el mayor riesgo y deigual forma el proceso que genera más riesgo en el área de servicios bancarios. Con esta información se puede mejorar losprocedimientos, recomendar las acciones a tomar para responder a las falencias detectadas y dar capacitación a todos loscolaboradores del departamento analizado.
WHO reacts to threat of bioterrorism
Authors: Reid F
Published: October 2017

Last year, Eurosurveillance Weekly reported on the potential use of diseases such as anthrax, smallpox, and plague in biological warfare (1-3). The reports were based on a series of articles published in JAMA that also discussed diseases such as tularaemia and agents such as botulinum toxin (4-8).
Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak among Norwegian tourists returning from Crete and Karpathos
Authors: Aavitsland P , Alvseike O , Guérin P J , Stavnes T  L , Vold L
Published: October 2017

Norway’s Statens institutt for folkehelse (National Institute of Public Health, NIPH) has recently noticed an unusually high number of cases infected with Salmonella Enteritidis after a stay in Crete or Karpathos.
Severe systemic sepsis in injecting drug users in Scotland in 2000: final report published
Authors:   Greater Glasgow Health Board and Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health
Published: October 2017

Last year, Eurosurveillance Weekly covered an outbreak of severe systemic sepsis in injecting drug users (IDUs) in Norway, Scotland, Ireland, and England (1-14). A report into the deaths of 23 drug users who died after injecting contaminated heroin has now been published by a multidisciplinary team in Glasgow (15,16) and is available at http://www.show.scot.nhs.uk/gghb/PubsReps/Reports/druginfect.pdf. Doctors investigating the outbreak, which also affected drug users in the north west of England and in the city of Dublin in Ireland, have drawn up 12 recommendations to prevent further deaths.
Management of possible exposure to CJD through medical procedures
Authors: Bryant G
Published: October 2017

The Department of Health in the United Kingdom is seeking views on this consultation paper produced by the CJD Incidents Panel (1). This expert advisory group was set up in August 2000 by the chief medical officer to advise on issues relating to the possible transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and variant CJD from person to person through healthcare. Such CJD ‘incidents’ can arise when a patient found to have CJD has previously had surgery, or donated blood, organs, or tissues.
Anthrax in the United States – summary of cases confirmed by CDC
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

On the basis of a rigorous case definition (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5041a1.htm), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta has reported 16 confirmed cases of anthrax: two in Florida, four in New York City, five in New Jersey, and five in Washington DC. CDC is also reporting four suspect cases: three in New York City and one in New Jersey. The table below summarises the numbers of cases reported by 30 October 2001 (6pm ET).
Flu season in Europe starts off at very low levels
Authors: Paget W J
Published: October 2017

Influenza activity in Europe is very low, according to the first weekly electronic bulletin of the 2001-02 influenza season from the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS) (1).
Eight networks reported clinical influenza activity to EISS in week 42/2001 (15-21 October 2001). Seven networks reported no influenza activity (Belgium, Denmark, England, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Switzerland), and a local outbreak of influenza was reported in Wales. The intensity of activity in all networks was low.
Severe invasive group A streptococcal disease, Norway, 2000
Authors: Hasseltvedt V , Høiby E  A
Published: October 2017

The modernised national notification system for infectious diseases in Norway (Meldingssystem for smittsomme sykdommer, MSIS) was implemented on a national level in 1975. Cases of systemic group A streptococcal (GAS) disease (diagnosed by blood culture or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) positives, or both) have been notifiable since the beginning. With the introduction of the Infectious Diseases Control Act in 1995, severe invasive GAS disease (including necrotising fasciitis) with or without a positive blood culture was included in the MSIS database.
Epidemic of hepatitis A among homosexual men in Paris, 2000
Authors: Delarocque Astagneau E
Published: October 2017

On 15 June 2000, the Institut de Veille Sanitaire (InVS) in Saint-Maurice, France, was contacted by a physician from the infectious diseases service at Bichat hospital, Paris, about the occurrence of several cases of hepatitis A in homosexual men infected with HIV (1). At the same time, a member of a network of private physicians (REZO 85) confirmed the recent diagnosis of several cases of hepatitis A among homosexual men in Paris. An investigation into these cases was carried out by the InVS, in collaboration with REZO 85 and the tropical and infectious diseases unit at Rothschild hospital, Paris.
More anthrax letters and cases in the United States
Authors: Harling R
Published: October 2017

A fourth letter containing anthrax spores was discovered on 16 November in the United States (US) by investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the US Postal Service (1). They had been sifting through unopened US government mail that was quarantined after a previous anthrax laced letter was discovered on 15 October in the office of Senator Tom Daschle. In order to preserve forensic evidence, the letter has not yet been opened, but preliminary field tests have been positive for B. anthracis, and the envelope is believed to contain billions of spores.
Influenza pandemic planning in Europe
Authors: Paget W J
Published: October 2017

The European Commission held a seminar in Brussels entitled “Pandemic planning in the Community: Influenza and other health threats” on 27 November 2001. A total of 113 participants from 29 European countries attended, representing national governments, influenza surveillance networks, the European Commission, World Health Organization (WHO), and industry. The European Commission’s press release about the meeting can be viewed at http://europa.eu.int/comm/health/index_en.html.
Ebola haemorrhagic fever in Gabon and the Republic of Congo
Authors: de Benoist A  C
Published: October 2017

As of 1 January, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 32 cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever, including 23 deaths, in Gabon and the Republic of the Congo (1). Fifteen cases have been laboratory confirmed, and 17 have been linked epidemiologically. Twenty of the cases were detected in Gabon and 12 in the neighbouring villages of the Republic of Congo. An additional seven suspected cases in Gabon and two suspected cases in the Republic of Congo are under investigation.
The International Network of Paediatric Surveillance Units (INoPSU) – increasing European contribution to the surveillance of rare paediatric disease
Authors: Lynn R  M
Published: October 2017

Rare diseases and infections are, paradoxically, a numerically important cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. Individually uncommon, together they number thousands, and many result in very poor outcome prognosis.
The difficulty in recognising rare diseases can result in delayed diagnosis, increasing the risk of preventable complications or death, and transmission. Emerging infections will initially be rare and may remain undetected, with the infection spreading extensively before action is taken.
Advice on universal vaccination of infants against both group C meningococci and pneumococci in the Netherlands
Authors: Houweling H
Published: October 2017

The Gezondheidsraad (Health Council) in the Netherlands was asked to advise the minister of health on the revision and possible expansion of the national vaccination programme, and consequently published a recommendation on universal vaccination against infections with group C meningococci and pneumococci recently.
Reporting of HIV and AIDS cases for surveillance: lessons from Italy
Authors: Payne L
Published: October 2017

After the recognition of AIDS, surveillance of HIV across Europe relied principally on the reporting of AIDS cases (1). The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), however, slowed progression to disease, and complicated the interpretation of AIDS data. Trends no longer reflected the incidence of HIV. In many European countries, reporting of HIV infections has become increasingly valued as a central component of HIV/AIDS surveillance.
Measles outbreaks in Germany
Authors: Siedler A , Hellenbrand W , Rasch Gernot
Published: October 2017

Since November 2001, as in the previous year, several outbreaks of measles have been reported to the German notification system for infectious diseases. These outbreaks have been reported from the states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and North Rhine Westphalia.
Strengthening international collaboration to improve global health security
Authors: Harling R
Published: October 2017

Health ministers met in London on 14 March to make progress with the coordinated international initiative to improve global health security (http://tap.ccta.gov.uk/doh/intpress.nsf/page/2002-0132?OpenDocument). The aim is to better prepare for and respond to acts of chemical, biological, and radionuclear terrorism. Ministers, secretaries, and senior officials from the European Union, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Japan were involved.
Outbreak of syphilis in Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: van der Meijden W , van der Snoek E , Haks K , van de Laar M  J W
Published: October 2017

In the second half of 2001, the outpatients’ clinic for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) of the Erasmus Medisch Centrum Rotterdam (Erasmus Medical Centre in Rotterdam) in the Netherlands reported 16 cases of infectious syphilis (six primary and 10 secondary cases), compared with four cases in the first half of 2001 and six cases in the whole of 2000 (figure 1).
Cases of acute respiratory infection with myocarditis and pericarditis in Greece – April 2002
Authors: Panagiotopoulos T , Tseleintis Y , Gautrais A , Nicoll A , Hoile E
Published: October 2017

Greek authorities have been investigating a seeming outbreak of acute respiratory infection followed by myocarditis and/or pericarditis. Three deaths in young and middle aged adults took place in April (the first on 5 April, two in Crete and one in Northern Greece). Following the second death, Greek authorities initiated intense surveillance nationwide with a case definition of myocarditis and/or pericarditis (diagnosed with a combination of clinical, laboratory investigations) preceded within ten days by upper respiratory tract infection.
European Commissioner commits DG SANCO to strengthening communicable disease surveillance and response
Authors: Twisselmann B
Published: October 2017

David Byrne, Europe’s Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, addressed the issue of communicable diseases in a changing environment in a speech to the European regional conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Berlin on 15 April 2002 (1). His key messages were as follows.
Cases of falciparum malaria imported into Germany from southern Thailand
Authors: Döller P  C , Schäfer J
Published: October 2017

Holiday destinations where Plasmodium falciparum infections in tourists are hitherto unknown are by no means always safe, as a recent report in Germany’s surveillance bulletin shows (1). Two almost simultaneous but unrelated cases of falciparum malaria have been reported to Germany’s Robert Koch-Institut. Both patients had visited Thailand, where tourist destinations are regarded as non-malarial, and no recommendations for chemoprophylaxis have so far been issued for tourists.
An outbreak of meningococcal disease, serogroup W135, in West Africa
Authors: Molesworth A M , Noah N
Published: October 2017

This year, a total of 11 899 cases of meningococcal disease (1368 deaths) have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) from Burkina Faso (as of 28 April 2002). The epidemic, now on the decline, began in January and has subsequently affected over half the country (1,2). An epidemic of this scale is not in itself unusual in this part of Africa; the major global burden of meningococcal disease is associated with frequent large scale and irregular dry season epidemics in the Sahelian ’meningitis belt,’ causing high morbidity and mortality often in two or three successive years.
Suspected acute haemorrhagic fever syndrome in the Republic of Congo
Authors: de Benoist A  C
Published: October 2017

On 12 June 2002, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Congo reported six suspected cases, including five deaths, of acute haemorrhagic fever syndrome in Mbomo district, near the Gabonese border (1). The first cases occurred in a group of people who had been working in a gold mining camp in a forest south of Oloba. It seems that they may have been exposed to the same source, a chimpanzee found dead in the forest.
Increase in genital chlamydia infections in Sweden
Authors: Berglund T , Blystad H
Published: October 2017

In 2001, 22 266 cases of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection were notified to Smittskyddsinstitutet (the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control), giving an overall incidence of 250 cases per 100 000 population. This figure represents an increase of 15% compared with the previous year. This report is based on the report Communicable Diseases in Sweden 2001, published by the Department of Epidemiology at Smittskyddsinstitutet, which is available on the internet in an English edition (click here).
A fatal case of pneumococcal sepsis in an asplenic patient in Germany
Authors: Krasnici A , Kiehl W
Published: October 2017

Pneumococcal infections are the most frequent vaccine preventable cause of death in Germany next to influenza. Asplenic patients in particular should be vaccinated to avoid serious illness and even death, as the following case reported in Germany’s surveillance bulletin shows (1). A 37 year old woman who had had a splenectomy after a road traffic accident in 1990, and had recently been treated with mirtazapine as a hospital inpatient for postpartum depression, developed a feverish infection with shivers, dizziness, and vomiting three weeks after being discharged. The patient herself suspected food poisoning but no food samples were available for testing. She deteriorated and developed petechiae, and the next day the emergency doctor admitted her to intensive care. She developed Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and died in the evening of the same day from septic toxic shock. No meningococci or botulinum toxin were found but Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from a blood specimen.
Launch of new European guidelines for control and prevention of travel associated legionnaires’ disease
Authors: Joseph C
Published: October 2017

On 1 July 2002 new European guidelines (1), under which the European Working Group for Legionella Infections (EWGLI) will operate, were introduced, as was a new identity for the scheme – EWGLINET. A working group from the surveillance scheme produced the guidelines after wide consultation with all collaborating countries, national and international tour operator bodies and other professional groups.
HIV/AIDS continues to spread rapidly worldwide despite increasing commitment
Authors: Chadborn T
Published: October 2017

Forty million people are now estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS, according to the report on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic prepared by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) (1). The report highlights the fact that HIV prevalence in the worst affected countries is surpassing what was previously believed to be a natural peak, and that it is now increasing rapidly in many countries that previously had a low burden of infection.
March and April issues of Eurosurveillance now available online
Authors:   Eurosurveillance editorial team
Published: October 2017

The March and April issues of the monthly bulletin Eurosurveillance, also funded by the European Commission, are now online (in English and French) at http://www.eurosurveillance.org/
Rising incidence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in Switzerland
Authors: Molesworth A M , Cousens S , Ward H
Published: October 2017

Last week, the Lancet reported on a recent rise in the incidence of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in Switzerland over a 15 month period. From 1996, the annual number of diagnoses of CJD has been between 8 and 11, corresponding to an annual incidence of about one per million. In 2001 the number of confirmed cases rose to 19, corresponding to an incidence of 2.7 per million, and in the first quarter of 2002, seven cases were identified, which extrapolates to an annual incidence of 3.9 per million this year (1 and figure).
Genital chlamydia now the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Authors:   I Simms
Published: October 2017

Consistent with other Western European states, the numbers and rates of bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have been increasing since the mid-1990s (1). Recently released figures (collected on the national KC60 statistical returns) on diagnoses made in genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinics in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland show that this increase has continued throughout 2001. In 2001, genital chlamydial infection became the most common STI seen in GUM clinics with a total of 71 055 diagnoses. This is the first time in 30 years that a bacterial STI has been the most commonly diagnosed STI and may reflect increased incidence as well as increased awareness and case-finding
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in a Canadian resident
Authors:   A Molesworth,   P Horby,   H Ward
Published: October 2017

Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) has been confirmed in a resident of Saskatchewan, Canada (1). The patient, a man under the age of 50, was first notified to the Canadian national CJD surveillance system at Health Canada in April 2002 when his clinical presentation, age, and history of residence in the United Kingdom (UK) led Canadian doctors to suspect vCJD. Post-mortem examination of brain tissues by experts in Canada and the UK has now confirmed the diagnosis of vCJD. Since 1998, when the national CJD surveillance system was launched, all suspect cases of CJD are reported to Health Canada through a national network of specialist physicians. Incidence data are also shared with European and other allied countries as part of the Collaborative Study Group of CJD (EUROCJD, http://www.eurocjd.ed.ac.uk/euroindex.htm). This patient is the first case of vCJD reported in Canada, which together with 6 cases reported in France and one each in the Republic of Ireland, Italy and USA, brings the total number of cases with onset outside the UK to 10 (personal communication National CJD Surveillance Unit, Edinburgh).
Syphilis cases increasing in Denmark, 2000-01
Authors:   N Axelsen,   E Smith,   G H Kock-Hansen
Published: October 2017

In 2000 and 2001, a total of 54 and 51 cases of syphilis were detected in Denmark, including two cases of congenital syphilis (1). This represents a noticeable increase in comparison with 1999, when 34 cases were detected (2). The figures include both early (duration <2 years) and late cases (table 1). The increase is primarily due to cases in men, among whom there was a substantial shift towards early acquired syphilis in 2001, and it reflects the increase in syphilis that has been seen in several European countries since the late 1990s (3,4). Thirty three per cent (3/9) and 76% (13/17) of notified male cases were seen in men who have sex with men (MSM) in 2000 and 2001.
European surveillance of severe group A streptococcal disease
Authors: Schalén C , Strep-EURO Collective
Published: October 2017

Strep-EURO, a new European Commission Framework Five (QLK2-CT-2002-01398) surveillance programme for severe group A streptococcal disease (GAS), will be launched on 1 September 2002. The aim of the programme is to enhance understanding of the epidemiology of GAS invasive disease in Europe. Public health institutes from Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Finland, Denmark, Romania, and Cyprus will participate.
Q fever outbreak in the Chamonix Valley, France, summer 2002
Authors: de Benoist A  C ,   A Mailles,   S Rey,   G Dennetiere
Published: October 2017

At the end of July 2002, the Direction Départementale des Affaires Sanitaires et Sociales (DDASS) was informed of several dozen patients who had consulted their general practitioners (GPs) in Chamonix with fever, myalgia, and severe headaches. Most of the patients had serum transaminases 2-3 times above normal level. Most patients recovered spontaneously after 5-10 days. Several patients were hospitalised.
Outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease among coach tour passengers, Ireland
Authors: McKeown P
Published: October 2017

Several outbreaks of infectious intestinal disease (IID) among passengers on board tour coaches have been reported in the Republic of Ireland in September 2002. Most of the affected passengers have been elderly people from the United States and the United Kingdom. Microbiological confirmation is awaited, but clinically and epidemiologically the illness is consistent with Norwalk-like virus (NLV) infection (1). Similar outbreaks were described in Scotland earlier this summer (2).
Best treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Harris H
Published: October 2017

The current European guidelines recommend that interferon alfa be given in combination with ribavirin as the treatment of choice for patients with moderate or severe hepatitis C virus (HCV) related disease (1). In the United Kingdom, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has endorsed this therapy (2). Recently, however, two types of pegylated interferon, which differ in their pharmacokinetic and chemical properties, have been produced. The addition of polyethyleneglycol to the standard interferon molecule extends its half life thus allowing a more convenient once-weekly dosing regimen with more favourable pharmacokinetic properties.
First case of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease reported in a United States resident
Authors: Molesworth A M
Published: October 2017

Last week, the first case of probable variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in a United
States (US) resident was documented in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (1). The
patient, a 22 year old woman living in Florida, first developed neuropsychiatric symptoms in
November 2001, and was initially reported in April 2002 (2).
Group C meningococcus vaccination in the southwest region of France
Authors: Bonmarin I , Lévy-Bruhl D
Published: October 2017

Between 1995 and 2000, the incidence of confirmed serogroup C invasive meningococcal infection
(IMIC) in France, adjusted for undernotification, increased from 0.14 to 0.24 cases per 100 000
inhabitants. In 2001, the rate reached 0.40/100 000, which was attributable to an increase in the
incidence of all invasive meningococcal infections (IMI), and also to the fact that the proportion of IMIC
increased from 23% to 35% of all IMI(1).