bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Halovenus salina sp. nov., an extremely halophilic archaeon isolated from a saltern
Authors: Infante-Domínguez Carmen , Corral Paulina , Sánchez-Porro Cristina , Ventosa Antonio
Published: June 2015

An extremely halophilic archaeon was isolated from a water sample of Isla Bacuta saltern in Huelva, Spain. Strain ASP54T is a novel red-pigmented, motile, rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative and strictly aerobic haloarchaeon. Strain ASP54T grew in media containing 15–30  % (w/v) salts and optimally with 25  % (w/v) salts. It grew between pH 5.0 and 9.0 (optimally at pH 7.5) and at 20–40 °C (optimally at 37 °C). Phylogenetic analysis based on multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) and the comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain ASP54T is most closely related to the genus Halovenus. The closest relatives were Halovenus aranensis EB27T (92.1  % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Halorientalis regularis TNN28T (92.1  %), and Halorientalis persicus D108T (92.0  %). The polar lipid pattern of strain ASP54T consisted of biphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester, phosphatidylglycerol sulfate, sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether and a minor-phospholipid. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-8 (MK-8) (83  %), and a minor amount of MK-8(VIII-H2) (17  %) was also detected. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of this strain was 63.1 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data presented in this study, strain ASP54T represents a novel species of the genus Halovenus, for which the name Halovenus salina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ASP54T ( = CECT 8749T = IBRC-M 10946T = JCM 30072T).
BEEtag : a low-cost, image-based tracking system for the study of animal behavior and locomotion
Authors: Crall James , Gravish Nick , Mountcastle Andrew M , Combes Stacey A
Published: June 2015

A fundamental challenge common to studies of animal movement, behavior, and ecology is the collection of high-quality datasets on spatial positions of animals as they change through space and time. Recent innovations in tracking technology have allowed researchers to collect large and highly accurate datasets on animal spatiotemporal position while vastly decreasing the time and cost of collecting such data. One technique that is of particular relevance to the study of behavioral ecology involves tracking visual tags that can be uniquely identified in separate images or movie frames. These tags can be located within images that are visually complex, making them particularly well suited for longitudinal studies of animal behavior and movement in naturalistic environments. While several software packages have been developed that use computer vision to identify visual tags, these software packages are either (a) not optimized for identification of single tags, which is generally of the most interest for biologist, or (b) suffer from licensing issues, and therefore their use in the study of animal behavior has been limited. Here, we present BEEtag, an open-source, image-based tracking system in Matlab that allows for unique identification of individual animals or anatomical markers. The primary advantages of this system are that it (a) independently identifies animals or marked points in each frame of a video, limiting error propagation, (b) performs well in images with complex background, and (c) is low-cost. To validate the use of this tracking system in animal behavior, we mark and track individual bumblebees (Bombus impatiens) and recover individual patterns of space use and activity within the hive. Finally, we discuss the advantages and limitations of this software package and its application to the study of animal movement, behavior, and ecology.
Segmenting Microarrays with Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Jones Andrew
Published: June 2015

Microarray images consist of thousands of spots, e ach of which corresponds to a different biological material. The microarray segmentation problem is to work out which pixels belong to which spots, even in presence of noise and corruption. We propose a solution based on deep neural networks, which achieves excellent results both on simulated and experimental data. We have made the source code for our solution available on Github under a permissive license.
Social media models, technologies, and applications
Authors: Ngai Eric W.T. , Moon Ka-leung Karen , Lam S.S. , Chin Eric S. K. , Tao Spencer S.C.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– In recent years, social media have attracted considerable attention. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to conduct a critical literature review of social media research with the aim of developing a conceptual framework to explain how social media applications are supported by various social media tools and technologies and underpinned by a set of personal and social behavior theories or models.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study adopted a two-stage approach. The first stage involves a critical literature review of academic journals in social media research, followed by the proposal of a conceptual framework that highlights the tools and technologies as well as theories and models that serve as the foundation of social media applications. The second stage involves the use of an actual case to demonstrate how the proposed framework facilitates the development of a social media application for a regional division of an international non-government organization.

Findings

– The literature review indicated that social media have been applied in diverse business areas with the support of various social media tools and technologies and underpinned by a range of personal and social behavior theories and models. Based upon such findings, a conceptual social media application framework was devised and its usability illustrated via a real-life case study. Managerial implications are also discussed.

Research limitations/implications

– Social media covers a wide range of research topics and thus, the literature review presented in this study may not be exhaustive. Nevertheless, the proposed framework and case study can both serve as reference for future research and provide recommendations for practitioners in the design and development of their own social media applications.

Practical implications

– This study not only explains the importance of applying social media in various business sectors, but also enhances the understanding of the infrastructure of social media applications. The study also provides insights for improving the efficiency of application solutions. Organizations are advised to adopt social media in their business based on the proposed conceptual framework.

Originality/value

– With a literature review of social media research and a real-life case study, this study presents a conceptual framework using extant theories and models to form a foundation for social media applications. The framework extends existing knowledge on the design and development of information systems.
Solving two-dimensional Markov chain model for call centers
Authors: Liang Chih-Chin , Luh Hsing
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel model of a call center that must treat calls with distinctly different service depending on whether they orginate from VIP or regular customers. VIP calls must be responded to immediately but regular calls can be routed to a retrial queue if the operators are busy.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study’s proposed model can easily reveal the optimal arrangement of operators while minimizing computational time and without losing any precision of the performance measure when dealing with a call center with more operators.

Findings

– Based on the results of the comparison between the exact method and the proposed approximation method, the approach shows that the larger the number of operators or inbound calls, the smaller the error between the two methods.

Originality/value

– This investigation presents a computational method and management cost function intended to identify the optimal number of operators for a call center. Because of computational limitations, many operators could not be easily analyzed using the exact method. For the manager of a call center, the sooner the optimal solution is found, the faster business strategies are deployed. This study develops an approximation method and compares it with the exact method.
Monitoring processes through inventory and manufacturing lead time
Authors: Cuatrecasas-Arbós Lluís , Fortuny-Santos Jordi , Ruiz-de-Arbulo-López Patxi , Vintró-Sanchez Carla
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Since lean manufacturing considers that “Inventory is evil”, the purpose of this paper is to find and quantify the relations between work-in-process inventory (WIP), manufacturing lead time (LT) and the operational variables they depend upon. Such relations provide guidelines and performance indicators in process management.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors develop equations to analyse how, in discrete deterministic serial batch processes, WIP and LT depend on parameters like performance time (of each workstation) and batch size. The authors extend those relations to processes with different lots and the authors create a multiple-lot box score.

Findings

– In this paper, the relations among WIP, LT and the parameters they depend on are derived. Such relations show that when WIP increases, LT increases too, and vice versa, and the parameters they depend on. Finally, these relations provide a framework for WIP reduction and manufacturing LT reduction and agree with the empirical principles of lean manufacturing.

Research limitations/implications

– Quantitative results are only exact for discrete deterministic batch processes without any delays. Expected results might not be achieved in real manufacturing environments. However, qualitative results show the underlying relations amongst variables. Different expressions might be derived for other situations.

Practical implications

– Understanding the relations between manufacturing variables allows operations managers better design, implement and control manufacturing processes. The box score, implemented on a spreadsheet, allows testing the effect of changes in different operational parameters on the manufacturing LT, total machine wait time and total lot queue time.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a discussion about process performance based on the mutual influence between WIP and LT and other variables. The relation is quantified for the discrete deterministic case, complementing the models that exist in the literature. The box score allows mapping more complex processes.
Attitudes towards prisoners who self harm scale: a psychometric evaluation
Authors: Garbutt Kerri , Casey Helen
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on the internal consistency, convergent validity and test-retest reliability of the Attitudes to Prisoners who Self-Harm scale (APSH). The latter have yet to be examined.

Design/methodology/approach

– Participants were prison staff with prisoner contact (N=97). Internal consistency of the APSH was examined using Cronbach’s α. Convergent validity of the APSH was examined by comparing it to the Self-Harm Antipathy Scale, a reliable and valid measure of healthcare staff attitudes to self-harm. Test-retest reliability was examined by re-administering the APSH one week after initial assessment (n=75).

Findings

– The measure demonstrated adequate levels of internal consistency, convergent validity and test-retest reliability.

Originality/value

– The findings support use of the APSH within custodial settings. It could be used to guide recruitment and training of prison officers that care for prisoners who self-harm and to evaluate the efficacy of their training. This would influence good practice.
To give or not to give professional services to non-paying clients
Authors: McColl-Kennedy Janet R. , Patterson Paul , Brady Michael K. , Cheung Lilliemay , Nguyen Doan
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explicate professionals’ giving backstory, identifying what motivates and hinders professionals’ undertaking of pro bono service activities. Examples are provided of different pro bono giving styles, as professionals struggle to resolve inter-institutional tensions, thus addressing this little understood yet vital form of giving, and meeting an important research priority.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a discovery-oriented grounded theory approach, this paper draws on narratives from interviews with 31 professionals to explicate, from the professional’s point of view, the backstory of pro bono service.

Findings

– The authors provide an integrative institutional logics-based framework for understanding the backstory to professionals’ giving. Three distinct pro bono giving styles are revealed: first, an individual logic (self-centric), an “I” logic; second, an organizational logic (organization-centric), “We” logic; and third, a societal “All” logic (where the greater good to society in general is the dominant logic). The paper concludes with recommendations for how professionals and professional service firms (PSFs) can better align their pro bono giving styles with non-paying not-for-profit clients for multi-party benefit.

Originality/value

– The originality of this research lies in addressing an important yet little understood form of giving through delving into the backstory to pro bono service. First, the paper theorizes the characteristics of a formerly unarticulated form of giving, distinguishing it from individual-to-individual close consumer gifting, individual to organizational charitable giving, sponsorship, and volunteering. Second, the different inter-institutional logics of pro bono giving are identified, with three main pro bono giving styles uncovered. Third, the authors link professional services theory, theoretical perspectives from giving, and institutional logics theory to develop an integrated framework to explain service professionals’ pro bono activities. Furthermore, a compelling agenda for future research is provided to guide future work.
Healthcare experience quality: an empirical exploration using content analysis techniques
Authors: Ponsignon Frederic , Smart Andi , Williams Mike , Hall Juliet
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to set out to explore how cancer patients and their carers perceive and evaluate the healthcare experience in order to develop and validate a classification framework for experience quality in healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical work is centred on the systematic analysis of 200 cancer patient stories published on an independent healthcare feedback web site. Using the critical incident method, the authors captured 1,351 experience quality data items. Three judges independently sorted and classified these data items.

Findings

– The authors identify and describe 22 main categories and 51 sub-categories that underlie the experience quality concept in healthcare and present them in a classification framework. The framework is informed through the categorisation of direct, indirect, and independent interactions. It also suggests a relationship between experience quality and satisfaction and loyalty behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

– This study provides researchers with a foundation for the further development and validation of a measurement scale for experience quality in healthcare.

Practical implications

– The framework assists managers and healthcare professionals with the definition, evaluation, and improvement of the quality of the experience of patients and their carers.

Originality/value

– The main contributions of this study lie in: first, a comprehensive classification framework for experience quality in healthcare; second, dimensions that extend existing health service quality models; third, dimensions that contextualise the generic concept of customer experience quality to healthcare.
Service innovation and usage intention: a cross-market analysis
Authors: Chiu Yen-Ting Helena , Hofer Katharina Maria
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate market-contextual variations in consumers’ self-service technology (SST) usage intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Applications of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology support the exploration of antecedents of usage intention for SSTs in two market contexts, through a survey among Taiwanese and Austrian college students. The cross-cultural nature of the study suggested the need for factor analyses to evaluate measurement equivalence. A Chow-Test confirmed structural stability, followed by regression analysis and independent samples t-tests to confirm the hypotheses.

Findings

– Substantial differences arise across market contexts that shape usage intentions. In a collectivistic, emerging market context (Taiwan), performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, and personal innovativeness significantly influence usage intention. In an individualistic, advanced market context (Austria), only performance expectancy and social influence have significant impacts on usage intention. Personal innovativeness moderates only the relationship between performance expectancy and usage intention.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that usage intention is subject to the market environment in which the technology is introduced. Consumers are influenced by the local and institutional-cultural environment.

Originality/value

– Globalization has accelerated the launch of retail services innovations. It is imperative to understand consumers’ usage intentions from a global perspective. This study advances SST research by analyzing and comparing adoption behavior in an advanced vs emerging market setting.
Seeking competitive advantage with service infusion: a systematic literature review
Authors: Eloranta Ville , Turunen Taija
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze how the service infusion literature explains competitive advantage through services. The four strategic management theories – competitive forces, the resource-based view, dynamic capabilities, and relational view – are applied in the analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic literature review analyzes the links between the service infusion and strategy literature.

Findings

– The review reveals that although discussion of service infusion applies strategic management concepts, the stream lacks rigor with respect to construct definition and justification. Additionally, contextual variables are often missing. The result is an over-emphasis of contextually bound measures, such as technology, and focal actors.

Research limitations/implications

– The growing trends toward social networks, co-specialization, actor dependency and shared resources encourage service infusion scholars to focus on network-related and relational capabilities, co-opetition, open business models, and relational rent extraction. Furthermore, service infusion research would benefit from considering strategy-based theoretical discussions, constructs, and constraints that would improve the scientific rigor, impact and contribution.

Originality/value

– This paper represents a systematic attempt to link the service infusion literature with strategic management theories and thoroughly analyzes the knowledge gaps and possible misconceptions.
Influence of z/w relation in Chill Block Melt Spinning (CBMS) process and analysis of thickness in ribbons
Authors: Pagnola Marcelo R. , Barone Marcelo , Malmoria Mariano , Sirkin Hugo
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis over own and other authors data related to the process of Chill Block Melt Spinning (CBMS) and propose a model of analysis for interpreting.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology used in this work is to present the data analyzed by other authors, organize own data similarly to establish comparison, and established models and propose a possible physical processes interpretation.

Findings

– Similarity between own experimental data. with others data reported by other authors, both z/w ratio and the thicknesses of the films produced has been found. This allows us to establish an exponential decay of the parameters studied and possibly link it the Newtonian cooling to which the samples are subjected in its production.

Research limitations/implications

– This work is the first model set up to predict dimensions in design process by CBMS as a function of parameters of the ribbon production process.

Practical implications

– The prediction of the product dimensions, with adjusting the initial parameters, allows to improve the process of ribbon production, this saves tuning time of the machine and provides certainty in the molten material ejection.

Social implications

– The efficient production of magnetic materials lets save efforts in the raw material process preparing in magnetic cores for the energy sector. This, improves production besides benefit society by the final product and the energy savings.

Originality/value

– The value of this paper is to propose a model of analysis that allows standardize production parameters, and could even allow the use of these models in computer programs, process simulators in a more effective manner.
Analysis of gravity and non-homogeneity on Rayleigh wave in anisotropic elastic-viscoelastic half space of higher order
Authors: Kakar Rajneesh
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the propagation of Rayleigh waves in an anisotropic inhomogeneous layer placed over an isotropic gravitational viscoelastic half space of third order.

Design/methodology/approach

– It is considered that the mass density and the elastic coefficients of the layer are space dependent. Dispersion properties of waves are derived with the simple mathematical techniques. Graphs are plotted between phase velocity ‘k’ and wave number ‘c’ for different values of inhomogeneity parameters for a particular model and the effects of inhomogeneity and gravity are studied.

Findings

– The wave analysis indicates that the phase velocity of Rayleigh waves is affected quite remarkably by the presence of inhomogeneity, gravity and strain rates of strain parameters in the half space. The effects of inhomogeneity and depth on the phase velocity are also shown in corresponding figures.

Originality/value

– The results presented in this study may be attractive and useful for mathematicians, seismologists and geologists.
A novel modal calculation method of 1-D phononic crystal band gap
Authors: Li Lei , Liu Qing
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a modal method to calculate the band gaps of one-dimensional (1D) phononic crystals.

Design/methodology/approach

– The phononic crystals have modes with exponential form envelope in the band gaps, however, outside the band gaps the modes are of amplitude modulation periodic form. Thus the start and end frequencies of band gaps can be determined from the existence conditions of periodic modes. So, the band gaps calculation of 1D phononic crystal is transformed into the existence discussion of periodic solution of mode shapes equation. The results are verified by finite element harmonic response analysis.

Findings

– At the start and end frequencies of the band gap, the mode equation have solution with period of lattice constant.

Originality/value

– Compared with the traditional theoretical methods, the proposed modal method has a clearer principle and easier calculation.
The concepts of quality, quality assurance and quality enhancement
Authors: Elassy Noha
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to critically review and discuss different definitions of the concepts of quality, quality assurance (QA) and quality enhancement (QE) in higher education (HE) with presenting critical perspectives of the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper looks at literature concerns with the meaning of quality, QA and QE, regarding HE context. It analysis and critically reviews the different definitions of these key concepts.

Findings

– This paper suggests that the concepts of QA and QE should be dealt as part of a continuum and showed the need for both as an ongoing process in HE institutions.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a unique analysis of the widely cited pieces of research regarding the concept of quality, QA and QE. It contributes to increase the understanding of those key concepts in HE sector, its origin and mean stream view. It outlines the importance of having a clear understanding of these terms and highlights the difficulties of having a unified definition.
Learning from degree-seeking older adult students in a university library
Authors: Aagard Mary C. , Antunez Marilia Y. , Sand Jaime N.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of library resources and services by degree-seeking older adult students (aged 50 years and over) and it is driven by the role of libraries in serving this often overlooked student population. Older adult students bring many benefits to the life of college campuses; nevertheless, many of these students also face challenges in meeting their information needs in academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors surveyed degree-seeking older adult students at a comprehensive metropolitan university in the western USA. Surveys were distributed to 579 students enrolled in the spring semester 2013, 134 students completed the 15-question online survey about the use of the library, information-seeking behaviors and use of other university services.

Findings

– The self-reported findings confirmed that the library meets most of the information needs of this student population. Students commented on satisfaction with the library services, barriers to using the library, areas in need of improvement and use of other university services.

Research limitations/implications

– Survey participants were gathered from one university and a corresponding sample size of 18-24-year-old students were not surveyed. More research is needed to demonstrate how this particular group varies from their traditional aged counterparts.

Practical implications

– This paper can be used as a starting point for future research into the information-seeking behaviors and needs of degree-seeking older adult students to develop greater understanding of this diverse population and their unique strengths and challenges. There is an absence in the literature on this demographic group in academic libraries.

Originality/value

– The article includes recommendations for further study and suggests outreach opportunities directed to older adult students that can also benefit the growing diversity of college students.
Authentic leadership: development of a new three pillar model
Authors: Beddoes-Jones Fiona , Swailes Stephen
Published: June 2015

Purpose

This paper aims to summarise a new model of authentic leadership derived from research with senior leaders in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was developed and tested using three independent samples: 140 business leaders, 54 senior military officers with 390 independent raters and 303 business leaders.

Findings

A 15-item, self-report, three-component measure of authentic leadership was obtained from testing across samples. The three components measure an individual’s capacity for self-awareness, self-regulation and ethical behaviour.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the authentic leadership literature through the creation of a short authentic leadership scale that could be used in leadership research and which simplifies and unifies previous conceptualisations of authentic leadership. The three-pillar model offers guidance to HR practitioners looking to design leadership development interventions.
Effect of atovastatin treatment on porcine circovirus 2 infection in BALB/c mice
Authors: Yang Xin , Ma Teng , Ouyang Hongsheng , Chen Fuwang , Peng Zhiyuan , Li Chun , Ma Yunzhi , Chen Xinrong , Li Boyu , Pang Daxing , Ren Linzhu
Published: June 2015

The HMG‐CoA reductase (HMGCR) pathway is an important metabolic route, which is not only present in almost every organism, but also involves virus infection. It has recently been shown that expression levels of IFN‐responsive genes were significantly increased in HMGCR‐downregulated cells and HMGCR inhibitor‐treated cells. The aim of this study was to determine whether inhibition of HMGCR by atovastatin would significantly affect Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection and immunological reaction in BALB/c mice. The results showed atovastatin significantly stimulated PCV2 replication in vivo. Immunological reaction in atovastatin‐treated mice was also significantly enhanced during PCV2 infection. Atovastatin also enhanced PCV2‐induced illness in mice. The results of this study will provide new insight into the role of atovastatin in PCV2 infection.
Participatory Workplace Wellness Programs: Reward, Penalty, and Regulatory Conflict
Authors: POMERANZ JENNIFER L.
Published: June 2015

Policy Points:

Workplace wellness programs that provide incentives for completing a health risk assessment are a form of participatory programs.

There are legal and ethical concerns when employers assess penalties for not completing a health risk assessment, raising questions about the voluntariness of such a program.

The Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services’ 2013 regulations for participatory programs and employers’ current practices conflict with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's prevailing interpretation of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Context

In keeping with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Congress revised the law related to workplace wellness programs. In June 2013, the Departments of Treasury, Labor, and Health and Human Services passed the final regulations, updating their 2006 regulatory framework. Participatory programs that reward the completion of a health risk assessment are now the most common type of wellness program in the United States. However, legal and ethical concerns emerge when employers utilize incentives that raise questions about the voluntariness of such programs. At issue is that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, employers cannot require health‐related inquiries and exams.

Methods

To analyze the current interpretation of the ADA, I conducted research on both LexisNexis and federal agency websites. The resulting article evaluates the differences in the language of Congress's enabling legislation and the federal departments’ regulations and how they may conflict with the ADA. It also reviews the federal government's authority to address both the legal conflict and ethical concerns related to nonvoluntary participatory programs.

Findings

Employers’ practices and the federal departments’ regulations conflict with the current interpretation of the ADA by permitting employers to penalize employees who do not complete a health risk assessment. The departments’ regulations may be interpreted as conflicting with Congress's legislation, which mentions penalties only for health‐contingent wellness programs. Furthermore, the regulatory protections for employees applicable to health‐contingent wellness programs do not apply to participatory programs.

Conclusions

Either Congress or the federal agencies should address the conflict among employers’ practices, the wellness regulations, and the ADA and also consider additional protections for employees. Employers can avoid ethical and legal complications by offering voluntary programs with positive incentives.
Long‐Term Care Financing: Lessons From France
Authors: DOTY PAMELA , NADASH PAMELA , RACCO NATHALIE
Published: June 2015

Policy Points:

France's model of third‐party coverage for long‐term services and supports (LTSS) combines a steeply income‐adjusted universal public program for people 60 or older with voluntary supplemental private insurance.

French and US policies differ: the former pay cash; premiums are lower; and take‐up rates are higher, in part because employer sponsorship, with and without subsidization, is more common—but also because coverage targets higher levels of need and pays a smaller proportion of costs.

Such inexpensive, bare‐bones private coverage, especially if marketed as a supplement to a limited public benefit, would be more affordable to those Americans currently most at risk of “spending down” to Medicaid.

Context

An aging population leads to a growing demand for long‐term services and supports (LTSS). In 2002, France introduced universal, income‐adjusted, public long‐term care coverage for adults 60 and older, whereas the United States funds means‐tested benefits only. Both countries have private long‐term care insurance (LTCI) markets: American policies create alternatives to out‐of‐pocket spending and protect purchasers from relying on Medicaid. Sales, however, have stagnated, and the market's viability is uncertain. In France, private LTCI supplements public coverage, and sales are growing, although its potential to alleviate the long‐term care financing problem is unclear. We explore whether France's very different approach to structuring public and private financing for long‐term care could inform the United States’ long‐term care financing reform efforts.

Methods

We consulted insurance experts and conducted a detailed review of public reports, academic studies, and other documents to understand the public and private LTCI systems in France, their advantages and disadvantages, and the factors affecting their development.

Findings

France provides universal public coverage for paid assistance with functional dependency for people 60 and older. Benefits are steeply income adjusted and amounts are low. Nevertheless, expenditures have exceeded projections, burdening local governments. Private supplemental insurance covers 11% of French, mostly middle‐income adults (versus 3% of Americans 18 and older). Whether policyholders will maintain employer‐sponsored coverage after retirement is not known. The government's interest in pursuing an explicit public/private partnership has waned under President François Hollande, a centrist socialist, in contrast to the previous center‐right leader, President Nicolas Sarkozy, thereby reducing the prospects of a coordinated public/private strategy.

Conclusions

American private insurers are showing increasing interest in long‐term care financing approaches that combine public and private elements. The French example shows how a simple, cheap, cash‐based product can gain traction among middle‐income individuals when offered by employers and combined with a steeply income‐adjusted universal public program. The adequacy of such coverage, however, is a concern.
Magnesium sulfate, chorioamnionitis, and neurodevelopment after preterm birth
Authors: Kamyar M , Manuck TA , Stoddard GJ , Varner MW , Clark EAS
Published: June 2015

Objective

To assess the neuroprotective effect of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) in preterm children exposed to chorioamnionitis.

Design

A secondary analysis of a multicentre randomised controlled trial of antenatal MgSO4 administered to women at risk of preterm birth for the prevention of cerebral palsy (CP). Singleton, non‐anomalous pregnancies with clinical chorioamnionitis, delivering at ≥24 weeks of gestation, were selected. Cases were exposed to antepartum MgSO4; controls received placebo.

Setting

Multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Population

Singleton, non‐anomalous pregnancies with clinical chorioamnionitis, delivering at ≥24 weeks of gestation.

Methods

All data were analysed by intention to treat. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcome was a composite of stillbirth, death by the age of 1 year, or moderate or severe CP by the age of 2 years. Secondary outcomes included a composite neonatal outcome as well as neurodevelopmental delay, defined as Bayley II mental and psychomotor developmental indices <70 at the age of 2 years. Subgroup analysis assessed these outcomes in children born at <28 weeks of gestation.

Results

A total of 396 children were included, with 192 (48.5%) randomised to MgSO4. Maternal and delivery characteristics were similar between the groups. The primary outcome occurred in 14.1% of children exposed to MgSO4 and 12.7% of children exposed to placebo (relative risk, RR 1.29; 95% CI 0.70–2.38). Rates of stillbirth, death, moderate–severe CP, and neurodevelopmental delay did not differ between groups. In the subgroup analysis of children born at <28 weeks of gestation, there was no difference in the rates of the primary outcome, nor in the secondary outcomes assessed. [Correction added on 02 March 2016 after online publication: There were errors in statistical data analysis and these have been corrected throughout the article.]

Conclusions

Among children at risk for early preterm delivery exposed to chorioamnionitis, antenatal administration of MgSO4 was not associated with improved neurodevelopmental outcome. We do not recommend any change in the guidelines on the administration of MgSO4 for neuroprotection based on this study.

Tweetable abstract

MgSO4 was not associated with improved neurodevelopmental outcome in setting of chorioamnionitis.
Current and Recent Advanced Strategies for Combating Biofilms
Authors: Sadekuzzaman M. , Yang S. , Mizan M.F.R. , Ha S.D.
Published: June 2015

Biofilms are matrix‐enclosed microbial aggregates that adhere to a biological or nonbiological surface. Biofilm formation is a significant problem in the medical, food, and marine industries and can lead to substantial economic and health problems. The complex microbial community of a biofilm is highly resistant to antibiotics and sanitizers and confers persistent survival that is a challenge to overcome. There are several conventional approaches to combating biofilms, physical and/or mechanical removal, chemical removal, and the use of antimicrobials, sanitizers, or disinfectants to kill biofilm organisms. However, biofilms are highly resistant to these approaches as opposed to planktonic cells. Thus, novel approaches other than the conventional methods are urgently needed. In this review, we discuss current and new advanced antibiofilm strategies that are superior to the conventional method in terms of addressing the biofilm problem for the improvement of healthcare, food safety, and in industrial processes.
CLOSE‐UPS AND THE SCALE OF ECOLOGY: LAND USES AND THE GEOGRAPHY OF SOCIAL CONTEXT AND CRIME
Authors: BOESSEN ADAM , HIPP JOHN R.
Published: June 2015

Whereas one line of recent neighborhood research has placed an emphasis on zooming into smaller units of analysis such as street blocks, another line of research has suggested that even the meso‐area of neighborhoods is too narrow and that the area surrounding the neighborhood is also important. Thus, there is a need to examine the scale at which the social ecology impacts crime. We use data from seven cities from around the year 2000 to test our research questions using multilevel negative binomial regression models (N = 73,010 blocks and 8,231 block groups). Our results suggest that although many neighborhood factors seem to operate on the microscale of blocks, others seem to have a much broader impact. In addition, we find that racially and ethnically homogenous blocks within heterogeneous block groups have the most crime. Our findings also show the strongest results for a multitude of land‐use measures and that these measures sharpen some of the associations from social characteristics. Thus, we find that accounting for multiple scales simultaneously is important in ecological studies of crime.
Independence and Corporations in Pre‐Reform Freeman Boroughs: A Case Study – Newcastle‐under‐Lyme in the 1810s
Authors: Lamont Stephen
Published: June 2015

This article draws on a wide range of evidence – corporation records, pollbooks, newspapers, squibs and broadsides, and private correspondence and accounts – to put forward some significant revisions to the electoral history of the borough of Newcastle‐under‐Lyme in the early 19th century. In the process, the article contributes to our understanding of the conflict between ‘oligarchy’ and ‘independence’ which characterised politics in this and other freeman boroughs. The independent party in the town emerges as a powerful force in its own right, one which came to monopolise access to the ‘rhetoric of independence’, rather than being a mere vehicle for ambitious candidates. The ability of the corporation to influence events by manipulation of the voting roll is also reassessed, and is seen to have been less significant than has been supposed.
Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes using Water Bath Heat Treatment in Vacuum Packed Ricotta Salata Cheese Wedges
Authors: Spanu Carlo , Scarano Christian , Spanu Vincenzo , Pala Carlo , Salvo Riccardo Di , Piga Carlo , Ullu Antonio , Casti Daniele , Lamon Sonia , Cossu Francesca , Ibba Michela , De Santis Enrico Pietro Luigi
Published: June 2015

Ricotta salata cheese is frequently contaminated on the surface with Listeria monocytogenes. Water bath heat treatment in vacuum packed whole ricotta salata cheese wheels demonstrated to be effective in inactivating L. monocytogenes. However, the risk of cross‐contamination in ricotta salata wedges is increased during cheese cutting. Therefore, the effectiveness of heat treatment in ricotta salata wedges has to be demonstrated conducting a new validation study. In this study, 9 different time temperature combinations, 75, 85, and 90 °C applied for 10, 20, and 30 min each, were tested on artificially contaminated ricotta salata cheese wedges. The extent of the lethal effect on L. monocytogenes was assessed 1 and 30 d after the application of the hot water bath treatment. Five of 9 combinations, 75 °C for 30 min, 85 °C for 20, and 30 min, and 90°C for 20 and 30 min, demonstrated to meet the process criteria of at least 5 log reduction. Sensory analyses were also conducted in order to account for the potential impact on sensory features of ricotta salata wedges, which showed no significant differences between treatments.
Parental determinants of metabolic syndrome among adolescent Asian Indians: A cross‐sectional analysis of parent–offspring trios
Authors: Baxi Rahul , Vasan Senthil K. , Hansdak Samuel , Samuel Prasanna , Jeyaseelan Visali , Geethanjali Finney S. , Murray Ruth R. , Venkatesan Padmanaban , Thomas Nihal
Published: June 2015

Background

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between parental metabolic syndrome (MS) and the risk of MS and associated abnormalities in adolescent offspring.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was performed on 304 adolescents (12–16 years; 236 children with at least one parent and 124 father–mother–child trios) recruited from four schools representing different socioeconomic strata from Vellore, India. Anthropometric data was collected and blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipids were measured.

Results

The prevalence of MS in adolescent offspring, fathers, and mothers was 3.3%, 52.5%, and 48.7% respectively. The most commonly observed metabolic abnormality among adolescents was lower high‐density lipoprotein. Maternal waist circumference (WC) was strongly correlated with adolescent body mass index (P = 0.007), WC (P < 0.001), serum triglycerides (P = 0.02), and systolic (P = 0.005) and diastolic (P = 0.01) blood pressure. Maternal MS status was significantly associated with a greater risk of central obesity (WC odds ratio [OR] 2.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–3.17) in offspring. Both parents having MS conferred a significant effect on the child's WC (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.72–2.07) and increased risk of MS (OR 6.19; 95% CI 1.64–23.26).

Conclusions

This study highlights the possible heritable parental components that may contribute to the MS phenotype in offspring: MS in adolescent offspring is related to parental MS status, and maternal traits reflect offspring adiposity and metabolic traits more strongly than paternal factors. Therefore, adolescent children of parents with MS should be targets for primordial prevention of cardiometabolic disease.
Breath‐holding times in various phases of respiration and effect of respiratory training in lung cancer patients
Authors: Tibdewal Anil , Munshi Anusheel , Pathak Rima , Misra Shagun , Daptardar Anuradha , Singh Vincent , Agarwal Jai Prakash
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Breath‐holding (BH) technique is used for reducing the intrafraction‐tumour motion in mobile lung tumours treated with radiotherapy (RT). There is paucity of literature evaluating differences in BH times in various phases of respiration in patients with lung cancer.

Methods

One hundred consecutive patients with lung cancer planned for radical RT/chemoradiation were accrued in the study. Eighty‐seven patients were eligible for analysis at RT conclusion. Baseline pulmonary function test (PFT) were performed in all patients, and respiratory training was given from the day of RT planning. Deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH), deep expiration breath hold (DEBH) and mid‐ventilation breath hold (MVBH) were recorded manually with a stopwatch for each patient at four time points (RT planning/baseline, RT starting, during RT and RT conclusion).

Results

Median DIBH times at RT planning, RT starting, during RT and RT conclusion were 21.2, 20.6, 20.1 and 21.1 s, respectively. The corresponding median DEBH and MVBH times were 16.3, 18.2, 18.3, 18.5 s and 19.9, 20.5, 21.3, 22.1 s, respectively. Respiratory training increased MVBH time at RT conclusion compared to baseline, which was statistically significant (19.9–22.1 s, P = 0.002). DIBH or DEBH times were stable at various time points with neither a significant improvement nor decline. Among various patient and tumour factors Forced Vital Capacity pre‐bronchodilation (FVCpre) was the only factor that consistently predicted DIBH, DEBH and MVBH at all four time points with P value <0.05.

Conclusions

BH was well tolerated by most lung cancer patients with minimum median BH time of at least 16 s in any of the three phases of respiration. Respiratory training improved MVBH time while consistently maintaining DIBH and DEBH times throughout the course of radiotherapy.
Acute alcohol intoxication and bispectral index monitoring
Authors: Gerstman M. D. , Merry A. F. , McIlroy D. R. , Hannam J. A. , Mitchell S. J. , Myles P. S.
Published: June 2015

Background

Bispectral index (BIS) monitoring is commonly used to decrease the risk of awareness during anaesthesia. We aimed to determine the relationship between blood alcohol concentration and brain function (as measured by BIS) in healthy adults.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, 21 anaesthetic registrars self‐regulated alcohol consumption over a 3‐h period. Expired alcohol concentration (breathalyser) and BIS measurements were performed hourly for 4 h. A venous blood alcohol sample was taken at the conclusion of the study period.

Results

The main outcome measures were the correlation between blood alcohol and brain function as measured by BIS and the change in BIS from baseline (∆BIS) at 4 h. The median number of standard drinks consumed was 9.1 (IQR 7.7–12.3), range 5.4–17. At 4 h, there was a moderate inverse correlation between BIS and blood alcohol (r = −0.49, P = 0.029) and between ∆BIS and blood alcohol (r = −0.46, P =0.043).

Conclusion

In healthy young adults, we found a moderate correlation between venous blood alcohol concentration and BIS. This suggests that acute alcohol consumption can decrease BIS. This information may be relevant when providing anaesthesia to intoxicated patients who require urgent or time‐critical surgery, although certain limitations of this study should be kept in mind.