bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic analysis reveals major determinants ofcis-regulatory variation inCapsella grandiflora
Authors: Steige Kim A. , Laenen Benjamin , Reimegård Johan , Scofield Douglas , Slotte Tanja
Published: December 2015

Understanding the causes ofcis-regulatory variation is a long-standing aim in evolutionary biology. Althoughcis-regulatory variation has long been considered important for adaptation, we still have a limited understanding of the selective importance and genomic determinants of standingcis-regulatory variation. To address these questions, we studied the prevalence, genomic determinants and selective forces shapingcis-regulatory variation in the outcrossing plantCapsella grandiflora. We first identified a set of 1,010 genes with commoncis-regulatory variation using analyses of allele-specific expression (ASE). Population genomic analyses of whole-genome sequences from 32 individuals showed that genes with commoncis-regulatory variation are 1) under weaker purifying selection and 2) undergo less frequent positive selection than other genes. We further identified genomic determinants ofcis-regulatory variation. Gene-body methylation (gbM) was a major factor constrainingcis-regulatory variation, whereas presence of nearby TEs and tissue specificity of expression increased the odds of ASE. Our results suggest that most commoncis-regulatory variation inC. grandiflorais under weak purifying selection, and that gene-specific functional constraints are more important for the maintenance ofcis-regulatory variation than genome-scale variation in the intensity of selection. Our results agree with previous findings that suggest TE silencing affects nearby gene expression, and provide novel evidence for a link between gbM andcis-regulatory constraint, possibly reflecting greater dosage-sensitivity of body-methylated genes. Given the extensive conservation of gene-body methylation in flowering plants, this suggests that gene-body methylation could be an important predictor ofcis-regulatory variation in a wide range of plant species.
chromPlot: visualization of genomic data in chromosomal context
Authors: Oróstica Karen Y. , Verdugo Ricardo A.
Published: December 2015

Summary:Visualizing genomic data in chromosomal context can help detecting errors in data generation or analysis and can suggest new hypotheses to be tested. Here we report a new tool for displaying large and diverse genomic data in idiograms of one or multiple chromosomes. The package is implemented in R so that visualization can be easily integrated with its numerous packages for processing genomic data. It supports simultaneous visualization of multiples tracks of data, each of potentially different nature. Large genomic regions such as QTLs or synteny tracts may be shown along histograms of number of genes, genetic variants, or any other type of genomic element. Tracks can also contain values for continuous or categorical variables and the user can choose among points, points connected by lines, line segments, barplots or histograms for representing data. chromPlot reads data from tables in BED format which are imported in R using its builtin functions. The information necessary to draw chromosomes for mouse and human is included with the package. Chromosomes for other organisms are downloaded automatically from the Ensembl website or can be provided by the user. We present common use cases here, and a full tutorial is included as the packages's vignette.

Availability:chromPlot is distributed under a GLP2 licence at Genomed Lab:http://genomed.med.uchile.cl.

Contact:raverdugo@u.uchile.cl
Evolutionary dynamics of cytoplasmic segregation and fusion: mitochondrial mixing facilitated the evolution of sex at the origin of eukaryotes
Authors: Radzvilavicius Arunas L.
Published: December 2015

Sexual reproduction is a trait shared by all complex life, but explaining its origin and evolution remains a major theoretical challenge. Virtually all theoretical work on the evolution of sex has focused on the benefits of reciprocal recombination among nuclear genes, paying little attention to the dynamics of mitochondrial genes. Here I develop a mathematical model to study the evolution of alleles inducing cell fusion in an ancestral population of clonal proto-eukaryotes. Mitochondrial mixing masks the detrimental effects of faulty organelles and drives the evolution of sexual cell fusion despite the declining long-term population fitness. Cell-fusion alleles fix under negative epistatic interactions between mitochondrial mutations and strong purifying selection, low mutation load and weak mitochondrial-nuclear associations. I argue that similar conditions could have been maintained throughout the eukaryogenesis, favoring the evolution of sexual cell fusion and meiotic recombination without compromising the stability of the emerging complex cell.
Lorenz System in Thermodynamical Modelling of Leukemia Malignancy
Authors: Alexeev Igor
Published: December 2015

Entropy rising within normal hematopoiesis is the core idea of the proposed thermodynamical model of malignancy in leukemia. Mathematically its description is supposed to be similar to the Lorenz system of ordinary differential equations for simplified processes of heat flow in fluids. The model provides description of remission and relapse in leukemia as two hierarchical and qualitatively different states of normal hematopoiesis with their own phase spaces. Phase space transition is possible through pitchfork bifurcation, which is considered as the common symmetrical scenario for relapse, induced remission and spontaneous remission of leukemia. Cytopenia is regarded as an adaptive reaction of hematopoiesis to entropy increase caused by leukemia clone. The following hypotheses are formulated: a) Percentage of leukemia cells in marrow as criterion of remission or relapse is not necessarily constant but a variable value; b) Probability of getting remission depends upon normal hematopoiesis reaching bifurcation; c) Duration of remission depends upon eradication of leukemia cells in induction or consolidation therapies; d) Excessively high doses of chemotherapy in consolidation might induce relapse.
Current challenges for citizenship education in England
Authors: Davies Ian , Chong Eric K. M.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe and discuss current challenges for citizenship education in England.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides a relatively brief overview of the reasons for the introduction of citizenship education into the National Curriculum. Then, it describes the different versions (in 2002, 2008 and 2014) of the National Curriculum for citizenship. Finally, this paper draws attention to the issues that explain the reasons for the radical change in status and nature of citizenship education evidenced by the 2014 version of the subject.

Findings

– Following the period 1998-2010 in which citizenship education became research informed and professionally developed, policy makers now since 2014 seem to be involved in the development of citizenship education in the National Curriculum in the form of promoting knowledge about civics, willingness to volunteer and a commitment to manage responsibly personal finances. In 2014 policy makers have confirmed the place of citizenship education in the National Curriculum but its nature, the relative lack of attention devoted to it and the growing official commitment to character education which emphasises personal morality rather than citizenship education suggests that it has lost a lot of ground. This paper argues that there are parallels between what we felt had happened at earlier points, principally, the early 1990s, when political education had been rejected in favour of a particular form of citizenship education (i.e. volunteering); and the situation in 2014 when volunteering and character education are now officially preferred.

Originality/value

– This paper argues for a need to address key current challenges in citizenship education in the context of earlier development.
Democratic and participatory citizenship: youth action for sustainability in Australia
Authors: Henderson Deborah J. , Tudball Elizabeth J.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of recent examples of action competence among young people engaged in democratic participatory action in sustainability programs in Australia. It explores examples of priorities identified for citizen action, the forms this action takes and the ways that democratic participation can achieve positive outcomes for future sustainability. It suggests multiple ways for developing action competence that provides further opportunities for authentic and engaging citizen action for youth connected to school- and community-based learning, in new and powerful ways.

Design/methodology/approach

– This conceptual paper examines international literature on the theory of “action competence,” its significance for education for sustainability (EfS) and the ways it can inform education for young people’s democratic participatory citizenship and civic engagement. It analyses examples of the development of action competency among young people in Australia, including the problems and priorities identified for citizen action, the forms this action takes and how it can achieve positive outcomes for sustainability. Following this analysis, the paper suggests multiple ways for developing action competence in EfS in schools and communities in new and powerful ways.

Findings

– Developing EfS to increase democratic and participatory action among young citizens is now widely regarded as an urgent education priority. There are growing exemplars of school and community organizations’ involvement in developing EfS learning and teaching to increase participatory citizenship. Young people are being empowered to develop a greater sense of agency through involvement in programs that develop action competence with a focus on sustainability in and out of school. New forms of participation include student action teams and peer collaboration among youth who are marshaling social media and direction action to achieve change.

Originality/value

– It contributes to the literature on multiple ways for developing action competence in EfS.
Building a democratic society: exploring Singapore students ' understandings of democracy
Authors: Sim Jasmine B.-Y. , Krishnasamy Malathy
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– One would not commonly associate democracy with Singapore, instead scholars have often described Singapore as an illiberal democracy and an authoritarian state. At the same time, all Singaporean school students recite the national pledge of allegiance in school every morning, in which they pledge “to build a democratic society based on justice and equality”. What do students know about democracy? Are they able to distinguish the characteristics of democratic systems from non-democratic ones? The purpose of this paper is to report on Singapore students’ understandings of democracy.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a qualitative instrumental case study design, 64 students from three secondary schools were interviewed and the social studies curriculum was analysed.

Findings

– Overall, students had poor knowledge of democracy. Consistent with a lack of knowledge of democracy, most students also showed a relatively uncritical acceptance of hierarchy and deference to authority, and held a superficial understanding of citizenship. Civics lessons through social studies, and the school environment did little to promote students’ engagement with democracy.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors argue that it is important that students be given the opportunities to develop a basic conceptual knowledge of democracy, as they are not capable of discriminating democratic characteristics from non-democratic ones without it. At the very least, students should know the relevance of what they pledge relative to their nation’s model of democracy, or in the absence of a clear model, be encouraged to struggle with the various existing models of democracies so that, as the future of Singapore, they might determine and adapt the ideals that they deem best for the nation.

Originality/value

– This paper is an original study of Singapore students’ understandings of democracy.
Investor relations via Web 2.0 social media channels
Authors: von Alberti-Alhtaybat Larissa , Al-Htaybat Khaldoon
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of Web 2.0-based social media for investor relations (IR), in the Middle Eastern (ME) context. IR is one of the under-researched topics of the corporate reporting subject area. This study seeks to contribute by investigating social media for IR in a ME context. It researches the perceptions of corporations, and individual and institutional investors regarding the phenomenon of social media for IR, given the particular cultural context. A conceptual model guiding future research is developed out of the analyzed data.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research approach is qualitative and exploratory in nature, as the aim is to analyze perceptions and opinions of participants, in order to develop a theoretical argument based on these. To this end, the study employs a qualitative methodology and interview data collection. Data are analyzed using qualitative research coding styles.

Findings

– Primary findings are encompassed in the theoretical framework, which theorises the adoption of social media for investor relation in particular but addresses voluntary corporate reporting in general. The study determines that there are various factors that support and hinder adoption, such as willingness to adopt social media for IR and potential risks and benefit, and that there are anticipated outcomes, such as improved communications between investors and corporations and a related power adjustment. The new element regarding IR that transpired out of the current study is the notion of investor empowerment and the directly related fear of lack, or essentially loss, of control.

Originality/value

– The ME societies are very interested in social media applications, and utilize these in a broad range of their daily work and private activities. IR, as part of voluntary reporting, have been subject of recent debate, as little guidance is available and corporations’ practices vary. The current study highlights these factors in a largely under-researched market, the ME, and focuses a broader knowledge contribution based on the current findings. Finally, the concept of power is investigated in both its conventional and postmodern sense.
Nutritional supplement-usage associated characteristics of high-performing athletes
Authors: Sousa Mónica , Fernandes Maria João , Soares José , Moreira Pedro , Teixeira Vítor Hugo
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse differences in sociodemographic and sporting characteristics, health-behaviours, and food intake of athletes using and not using nutritional supplements (NS).

Design/methodology/approach

– High-performance Portuguese athletes from 13 sports completed a NS usage questionnaire, assessing information on sociodemographic (sex, age, height, weight, athlete’s, and parental education level), health-related (smoking, daily time of sleeping, walking, and sitting), and sporting (type, number of international performances, weekly hours of training and weekly hours of gym) characteristics; and a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (86 items), regarding the previous 12 months.

Findings

– From the 241 athletes (66 per cent males, 13-37 years), 64 per cent reported NS use. Supplement usage was associated with age 18 years (odds ratio (OR) 2.57, 95 per cent; confidence interval (CI) 1.17-5.65), performing individual sports (OR 5.45, 95 per cent; CI 2.49-11.93) and
>
2 h gym/week (OR 2.42, 95 per cent; CI 1.15-5.11), a higher consumption of meat (OR 2.83, 95 per cent; CI 1.36-5.90), eggs (OR 2.53, 95 per cent; CI 1.07-5.96), and yogurt (OR 2.24, 95 per cent; CI 1.08-4.62), and a lower intake of processed meat (OR 0.32, 95 per cent; CI 0.15-0.72), vegetable oils (OR 0.35, 95 per cent; CI 0.17-0.74), margarine (OR 0.37, 95 per cent; CI 0.18-0.76), chips (OR 0.22, 95 per cent; CI 0.10-0.48), and fast food (OR 0.42, 95 per cent; CI 0.19-0.91).

Originality/value

– Athletes using NS had different characteristics from non-users, and seemed to have healthier and more sports-oriented food choices. Our findings may help sport and health professionals to identify an alleged or future NS user, enabling the development of a timely and self-directed supplement scheme.
The level of food safety knowledge among meat handlers
Authors: Smigic Nada , Antic Dragan , Blagojevic Bojan , Tomasevic Igor , Djekic Ilija
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to evaluate food safety knowledge of among meat handlers in Serbian meat establishments along the meat chain, i.e. in slaughterhouses, meat processing plants and retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

– A structured, self-administrative questionnaire was designed and used to assess the level of food safety knowledge among handlers in different meat establishments. In total, of 352 meat handlers were involved in this study, with 110 handlers from slaughterhouses (31 per cent), 125 handlers from meat processing plants (36 per cent) and 116 handlers from retail stores (33 per cent). For each participant, the knowledge score was calculated by dividing the sum of correct answers by the total number of correct responses. Additionally, knowledge gaps among meat handlers were identified for each question across the three types of establishments (slaughterhouses, meat processing plants and retail stores).

Findings

– The average knowledge score for all participants was 64 per cent, whereas handlers from slaughterhouses and meat processing plants obtained significantly better scores (65 per cent and 66 per cent, respectively) than handlers from retail (60 per cent, p
<
0.05). The knowledge score among all meat handlers was significantly associated with the age, education and previous food safety trainings. Results indicated that 57.9 per cent meat handlers could identify that bacteria will readily multiply at 25 °C, but they do not understand the manifestation of bacterial growth and incidence in food, as only 5.5 per cent of all meat handlers knew that food contaminated with food poisoning bacteria cannot be recognized by visual, olfactory or taste checks.

Originality/value

– This is the first research aimed to investigate the food safety knowledge among meat handlers in Serbia and also the first research performed to determine food safety knowledge among workers operating in different phases of the meat chain, namely meat handlers from slaughterhouses, meat processing plants and retail stores.
Organic food consumer profile in the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Grubor Aleksandar , Djokic Nenad
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– Having the discrepancies between different descriptions of an organic food consumer profile in various researches worldwide as well as the causes of their emergence as a starting point, the purpose of this paper is to apply the method of preference-based market segmentation (by means of conjoint and cluster analysis) to Serbian organic food market, searching for advantages of using that methodological approach and deepening knowledge about specific organic food market.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research was conducted from May to July 2014 with 400 respondents participating (aged 18-30). Primary data were gathered by means of focus groups and a survey – structured personal interviews by using a questionnaire.

Findings

– When applying conjoint and cluster analysis to data about Serbian consumers’ preferences towards researched product, it is possible to identify a segment that prefers organic food the most. Compared to other segments, these consumers are predominantly female, somewhat more mature, with the highest proportion of employed and near the top by the percentage of respondents who are married and have children. They strongly value the importance of diet for health, a number of them have experience with a disease of a close person, which is believed that could be prevented by proper diet, but they do the least sports.

Practical implications

– The authors give managerial recommendations to actors operating at domestic organic food market.

Originality/value

– According to the authors’ knowledge, the first application of preference-based market segmentation by conjoint and cluster analysis to organic food market, performed in Serbia, generally characterised by scarce food consumer research.
PrimarWebQuest in foreign language education
Authors: Csida Stefanie , Mewald Claudia
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the teacher and pupil learning progress through the first implementation of a computer-based method called PrimarWebQuest in a primary school classroom. The study aimed at identifying cognitive and metacognitive skills that are needed to work successfully with the platform. To do so, this lesson study (LS) investigated the pupils’ strategy acquisition and analysed their autonomy and knowledge growth making use of observation, collaborative reflection, questionnaires, content analysis and triangulation. Additionally, the teacher’s development of methodological skills in the use of the strategy was investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

– A LS was carried out in an urban primary school in Lower Austria over a period of four weeks. Based on an experiment carried out during two project days, the learning and the pupils’ strategy use as regards their autonomy and self-direction were observed and their knowledge growth was analysed making use of pre-and post-tests. Moreover, questionnaires and post-lesson interviews were implemented to verify insights gained from observation and post-lesson discussions in the teacher research group, which consisted of the main investigating teacher, the two class teachers and an external expert.

Findings

– The study suggests that the pupils’ learning outcomes and self-direction improved through teaching with PrimarWebQuests and also after implementing the refined lesson plan. The results demonstrate the value of learning through new media and emphasise the importance of giving precise instructions as well as the need for careful guidance through the teacher in autonomous learning scenarios including new media.

Originality/value

– The findings of the study provide a deeper understanding of and guidelines for planning and implementing computer-based lessons with PrimarWebQuests, which may be useful for teachers and curriculum designers.
Could “Lean Lite” be the cost effective solution to applying lean manufacturing in developing economies?
Authors: Chaplin Lara , Heap John , O'Rourke Simon T.J.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to suggest a solution to the problem of implementing a full “Lean” methodology for small-/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a reflective paper that looks at an illustrative case study against the wider perspectives of the financial and resource costs of implementing a full lean programme in a developing country and suggests that using a “Lean Lite” approach may help the consultant/manager introduce lean concepts into a manufacturing organisation in a developing country.

Findings

– The paper concludes that “Lean Lite” as an approach that can be used to introduce lean initiatives in an SME in a developing economy by allowing a company with very limited resources to engage not only in business improvement but also in improving working conditions and education for employees.

Research limitations/implications

– The observations are limited to a single case study, although tempered by the authors’ wider experience. Further empirical research and critique of the original research is required to validate the observations and conclusions.

Practical implications

– The proposed “Lean Lite” initiative can help to introduce lean concepts to an organisation with limited financial and other resources. This helps organisations to increase productivity and assists the adoption of the lean philosophy and principles in a developing economy. The approach may also be used to engage in a wider corporate social responsibility strategy at ground level.

Social implications

– The social benefits as a result of implementing a Lean Lite approach include improving working conditions and educating employees.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes an approach that can be used to widen organisational involvement in lean initiatives in a developing economy by allowing a company with limited resources to engage not only in business improvement but also in improving working conditions and education for employees. As such the approach has both economic and social benefits.
Indonesian public healthcare service institution’s patient satisfaction barometer (IPHSI-PSB)
Authors: Sumaedi Sik , Yuda Bakti I Gede Mahatma , Rakhmawati Tri , Astrini Nidya J. , Widianti Tri , Yarmen Medi
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a new public healthcare patient satisfaction index (PSI) in Indonesia. More clearly, the index measures overall patient satisfaction and its determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

– Literature review was performed to identify the determinants of patient satisfaction. Data collection was carried out by using survey with questionnaire. The survey involves 161 patients of one public healthcare service institution in Tangerang, Indonesia. The authors conducted some statistical analyses, namely exploratory factor analysis, Cronbachαanalysis, and multiple regression analysis.

Findings

– A new public healthcare PSI was developed and tested. The index consists of overall patient satisfaction and its determinants. The determinants include the quality of healthcare delivery, the quality of healthcare personnel, the adequacy of healthcare resources, the quality of administration process, perceived value, perceived sacrifice, and image. Furthermore, the new index was called as IPHSI-PSB.

Research limitations/implications

– This research was carried out only in Tangerang, Indonesia and only involved one public healthcare service. Hence, the index needs to be tested in different cities in Indonesia. Furthermore, it is also needed to involve more public healthcare service institutions in future researches.

Practical implications

– Public healthcare service managers can use IPHSI-PSB to monitor, measure, and improve the patient satisfaction of the public healthcare service institution they manage.

Originality/value

– This paper has developed and tested a new public healthcare patient satisfaction index.
Exploring the effects of physical punishment on aggressive behavior and peer victimization: a conditional process analysis
Authors: Söderberg Patrik , Bjorkqvist Kaj , Österman Karin
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– Recent studies indicate that exposure to physical punishment is associated with both aggressive behavior and peer victimization at school. The purpose of this paper is to explore the bidirectional relationship between aggressive behavior and peer victimization as outcomes of physical punishment, as well as the role of depressive symptoms.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 2,424 Finnish upper primary school pupils (1,282 girls, 1,148 boys, mean age=14.2, SD=1.0) completed an online survey during class. Two conditional process models were applied using a macro for SPSS developed by Hayes (2012).

Findings

– Exposure to physical punishment was found to be associated with both aggressive behavior and peer victimization at school. The effect on victimization was partially mediated by aggressive behavior and depressive symptoms, whereas the effect on aggressive behavior was partially mediated by peer victimization experiences but not by depressive symptoms. The relationship between physical punishment and peer victimization was somewhat stronger for girls than for boys, but this effect was not accounted for by gender differences in depressive symptoms or aggressive behavior.

Originality/value

– Few studies to date have addressed the connection between aggressive behavior and peer victimization as outcomes of physical punishment. In addition, the study expands on the concept of “victim personality” by examining the mediating role of depressive symptoms. Methodologically, the study is an example of how the statistical software SPSS can be used for multiple mediation and conditional process analysis as an alternative to SEM analyses.
Police and crime commissioners: emerging “drug policy actors”?
Authors: Austen Liz
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– In 2013, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Durham, Ron Hogg, initiated a debate around the future of British drug policy. In June 2015, the Derbyshire PCC, Alan Charles, opened a similar debate with representatives from policing, third party support agencies, national advocates and academics to discuss the possibilities for change. This short paper presents the views and actions of senior figures in the police service and discusses motivations for pursuing change. The purpose of this paper is to introduce police and crime commissioners as “drug policy actors” (Seddon, 2011) and to highlight key areas for further academic enquiry.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on press releases and media accounts of the recent activity of the PCCs in relation to national drug policy. This paper provides an academic viewpoint on recent events, supported by theoretical literature critiquing drug policy and contemporary policing.

Findings

– This viewpoint articulates that motivations for pursuing a change in drug policy are based on both economic and ideological agendas of some PCCs. Irrespective of the motivation, pressure from PCCs and renowned Chief Constables may be more effective in initiating change than high-profile national campaigns and political debates.

Originality/value

– This paper is the first of its kind to discuss the relationship between PCCs/local constabularies and drug policy reform. It provides a foundation for future research which could investigate views on alternatives to prohibition, specifically within the wider police force.
Youth in the UK: 99 problems but the gang ain
'
t one?
Authors: Smithson Hannah , Ralphs Rob
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– At a time when youth gangs and gang policy feature significantly in the discourse on UK youth, it is judicious to critique the framework and evidence upon which these policy developments have originated. The political focus on gangs was heightened, in part, by the English riots in 2011. The reaction to the riots was a “concerted all-out war on gangs” and led to the development of the national Ending Gangs and Youth Violence (EGYV) strategy. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use Manchester as a case study to illustrate what the they argue to be the misplaced focus of the current EGYV strategy and provide a detailed critique of the strategy to date.

Findings

– The paper suggests that government funded gang interventions are currently bereft of a “what works” approach and should only be implemented when the authors have significantly developed the knowledge and understanding of gangs in a local context.

Originality/value

– The paper calls for a stronger evidence based policy approach to tackling gangs.
Realising the vision of communication inclusion
Authors: Hartley Kean Kim
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on Clare Mander’s paper entitled “An investigation of the delivery of health-related accessible information for adults with learning disabilities”. The commentary discusses issues identified by the author in the field of accessible information and, more generally, inclusive communication practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– This commentary reviews factors which influence the communication accessibility of services and the policy, legislative and economic case for mainstreaming inclusive communication approaches. It highlights diversity in the definition of inclusive communication and the scope of its necessary implementation before proposing an approach to establishing consensus on the way forward. The commentary suggests how the task of mainstreaming inclusive communication throughout public services could be addressed, reflects on progress to date and proposes next steps for the growing numbers of those with an interest.

Findings

– Many factors influence communication accessibility. The communication attitude, knowledge, skills and resources individual providers and recipients bring to each interaction are as important as the whole organisation’s approach towards and investment in inclusive communication approaches. Legislation, policy, demographics and reducing budgets increase the requirement to mainstream inclusive communication approaches. Achieving this objective is an enormous task.

Originality/value

– Reflecting on all the drivers and influences on the objective of achieving mainstreamed quality inclusive communication practice throughout public services, the author offers potential suggestions for starting to address this enormous but worthwhile task with a view to generating discussion and collaboration among those with an interest.
Assessment of the contribution of chemoreceptor‐based signalling to biofilm formation
Authors: Corral‐Lugo Andrés , De la Torre Jesús , Matilla Miguel A. , Fernández Matilde , Morel Bertrand , Espinosa‐Urgel Manuel , Krell Tino
Published: December 2015

Although it is well established that one‐ and two‐component regulatory systems participate in regulating biofilm formation, there also exists evidence suggesting that chemosensory pathways are also involved. However, little information exists about which chemoreceptors and signals modulate this process. Here we report the generation of the complete set of chemoreceptor mutants of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 and the identification of four mutants with significantly altered biofilm phenotypes. These receptors are a WspA homologue of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, previously identified to control biofilm formation by regulating c‐di‐GMP levels, and three uncharacterized chemoreceptors. One of these receptors, named McpU, was found to mediate chemotaxis towards different polyamines. The functional annotation of McpU was initiated by high‐throughput thermal shift assays of the receptor ligand binding domain (LBD). Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that McpU‐LBD specifically binds putrescine, cadaverine and spermidine, indicating that McpU represents a novel chemoreceptor type. Another uncharacterized receptor, named McpA, specifically binds 12 different proteinogenic amino acids and mediates chemotaxis towards these compounds. We also show that mutants in McpU and WspA‐Pp have a significantly reduced ability to colonize plant roots. Data agree with other reports showing that polyamines are signal molecules involved in the regulation of bacteria–plant communication and biofilm formation.
Healthcare quality and safety: a review of policy, practice and research
Authors: Waring Justin , Allen Davina , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Sandall Jane
Published: December 2015

Over the last two decades healthcare quality and safety have risen to the fore of health policy and research. This has largely been informed by theoretical and empirical ideas found in the fields of ergonomics and human factors. These have enabled significant advances in our understanding and management of quality and safety. However, a parallel and at time neglected sociological literature on clinical quality and safety is presented as offering additional, complementary, and at times critical insights on the problems of quality and safety. This review explores the development and contributions of both the mainstream and more sociological approaches to safety. It shows that where mainstream approaches often focus on the influence of human and local environment factors in shaping quality, a sociological perspective can deepen knowledge of the wider social, cultural and political factors that contextualise the clinical micro‐system. It suggests these different perspectives can easily complement one another, offering a more developed and layered understanding of quality and safety. It also suggests that the sociological literature can bring to light important questions about the limits of the more mainstream approaches and ask critical questions about the role of social inequality, power and control in the framing of quality and safety.
The Limits of Shrinkage: Conceptual Pitfalls and Alternatives in the Discussion of Urban Population Loss
Authors: Bernt Matthias
Published: December 2015

This essay reflects on the conceptual underpinnings of research on ‘shrinking cities' over the last decade. It criticizes the definition of shrinkage in terms of urban population losses and argues that the state‐of‐the art research on ‘shrinking cities' suffers from a misleading conceptualization of shrinkage which forces essentially different urban constellations into a universal model of ‘shrinkage'. Four problems of this procrustean bed are discussed in detail: methodological pitfalls of threshold definitions of urban shrinkage; empirical contradictions; an absence of attention to scalar interrelations; and insufficient understanding of cities as historical processes. The essay ends with suggestions for a widened conceptualization of shrinkage and a new research agenda.
Free fatty acids quantification in dairy products
Authors: Mannion David T , Furey Ambrose , Kilcawley Kieran N
Published: December 2015

Free fatty acids (FFA) in dairy products have experienced a resurgence of interest in recent years due to their associated health benefits, flavour potential and antimicrobial activity, as a direct cause of hydrolytic rancidity, and also because of the importance of accurate determination for quality, research and legislative purposes. Gas chromatographic analysis remains the technique of choice for FFA analysis; however, little advancements in method development have occurred over the last twenty years. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the methodology used to quantify FFA in dairy products by gas chromatography since its inception, to highlight some of the challenges experienced, to suggest aspects that could be improved to increase accuracy and throughput and reduce labour costs and solvent usage and to widen applications.
Evaluation of bias on the assessment of diet breadth of herbivorous insects using molecular methods
Authors: De la Cadena Gissela , Papadopoulou Anna , Maes Jean‐Michel , Gómez‐Zurita Jesús
Published: December 2015

The interactions between herbivores and their host plants play a key role in ecological processes. Understanding the width and nature of these interactions is fundamental to ecology and conservation. Recent research on DNA‐based inference of trophic associations suggests that the host range of phytophagous insects in the tropics may be wider than previously thought based on traditional observation. However, the reliability of molecular inference of ecological associations, still strongly dependent on PCR and thus exposed to the risk of contamination with environmental DNA, is under debate. Here, we explored alternative procedures to reduce the chance of amplification of external, nondiet DNA, including surface decontamination and analysis of mid/hind guts, comparing the results with those obtained using the standard protocol. We studied 261 specimens in eight species of Neotropical Chrysomelidae that yielded 316 psbA‐trnH intergenic spacer sequences (cpDNA marker of putative diets) from unique and multiple‐band PCR results. The taxonomic identity of these sequences was inferred using the automated pipeline BAGpipe, yielding results consistent with 31 plant families. Regardless of the protocol used, a wide taxonomic spectrum of food was inferred for all chrysomelid species. Canonical Correspondence Analysis using these data revealed significant differences attributed mainly to species (expectedly, since they represent different ecologies), but also to treatment (untreated vs. cleaned/gut samples) and PCR results (single vs. multiple bands). Molecular identification of diets is not straightforward and, regardless of the species’ niche breadth, combining approaches that reduce external contamination and studying multiple individuals per species may help increasing confidence in results.
Modeling of the Temperature Effect on Oxygen Absorption by Iron‐Based Oxygen Scavengers
Authors: Polyakov Vladimir A. , Miltz Joseph
Published: December 2015

A new engineering‐oriented model for prediction of the effect of temperature on the kinetics of oxygen absorption by iron‐based oxygen scavengers (IOSs) was developed. The model is based on the physicochemical mechanism of the O2 scavenging process by the active component of the IOS (iron powder). The conclusions of this study are: (1) the iron deposits formed on the iron particles are composed of 2 different layers: an inner layer of Fe3O4 and an outer layer of FeOOH that vanishes with the depletion of oxygen. (2) The model considers the chemical processes in the heterogeneous closed system “Fe–H2O–NaCl–O2” and describes the kinetics of oxygen absorption by the powder, depending on the characteristics of the system. (3) The nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) of the O2 absorption kinetics was derived and a simple approximate solution to this ODE was obtained theoretically that is similar to the empirical exponential formula published in the relevant literature. (4) The temperature dependence of the oxygen absorption rate is more complicated than that described by the Arrhenius equation.
Thyroid Doppler US: Tips and tricks
Authors: Lacout Alexis , Chevenet Carole , Salas Joël , Marcy Pierre Yves
Published: December 2015

Incidental diagnosis of thyroid nodules is very common on adult neck ultrasonography (US) examination. They are primarily assessed on size and greyscale ultrasound criteria such as hypoechogenicity, taller than wide, spiculated margins and calcifications. In difficult situations Doppler US features may improve tumour characterisation and staging.
Agranulocytosis and mixed‐type autoimmune hemolytic anemia in primary sjögren's syndrome: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Qiao Lin , Chen Jing , Leng Xiao‐mei , Zhang Wen , Han Bing , Zhao Yan , Zeng Xiao‐feng
Published: December 2015

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that presents with sicca symptoms of the main mucosal surfaces. Patients with pSS have a broad spectrum of laboratory features, such as cytopenias and hypergammaglobulinemia. Although hematological abnormalities are usually seen in pSS patients, agranulocytosis and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) are rare. Here we describe a 40‐year‐old woman with pSS who developed both agranulocytosis and mixed‐type AIHA. An increased risk of malignancies has also been reported in pSS patients with hematological changes. Although there is no evidence of malignancies, this patient should be closely followed up in case of developing lymphoma.
Oxygen saturation profile of term equivalent extreme preterm infants at discharge – comparison with healthy term counterparts
Authors: Rath Chandra , Kluckow Martin
Published: December 2015

Aim

Compare the oxygen saturation profiles before discharge of neonates born extremely preterm (<28 weeks), now at term equivalent age, with healthy term neonates and assess the impact of feeding on this profile in each group.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated and compared the oxygen saturation profile in 15 very low birthweight infants at term equivalent age, ready to be discharged home without any oxygen and 15 term newborns after 48 hours of life. We also evaluated and compared the saturations of these two groups during a one‐hour period during and after feeding.

Results

Term equivalent preterm and term infants spent median 3% and 0%, respectively, of the time below 90% in a 12‐hour saturation‐recording period. Term infants spent a median 0.26% and 0.65% of the time in <90% saturation during feed time and no feed time, respectively. In contrast, preterm infants spent significantly more time <90% saturation (3.47% and 3.5% during feed time and no feed time, respectively).

Conclusion

Term equivalent preterm infants spent significantly more time in a saturation range <90% compared to term infants. Feeding had little effect on saturation profile overall within each group.
Informal Learning and Entrepreneurial Success: A Longitudinal Study of Deliberate Practice among Small Business Owners
Authors: Keith Nina , Unger Jens M. , Rauch Andreas , Frese Michael
Published: December 2015

Informal learning activities are increasingly acknowledged as significant for learning and development in modern workplaces. Yet, systematic research on effects of informal learning on work‐related outcomes remains scarce. The present research focuses on deliberate practice—a construct from cognitive‐psychological expertise research that describes effortful practice activities specifically designed to improve one's performance. We propose that deliberate practice can be applied informally at work and, in the context of entrepreneurship, may contribute to entrepreneurial success. In a longitudinal study with 132 small business owners in Germany, we found partial support for the notion that success is increased in entrepreneurs who engage in self‐regulated and informal deliberate practice. In addition, deliberate practice interacted with environmental dynamism, indicating that deliberate practice pays off particularly in dynamic environments and may be detrimental in stable environments. This research not only informs entrepreneurial research as it sheds light on how entrepreneurs learn and develop their capabilities outside systematic training. It may also have broader implications for work and organisational psychology as self‐regulated deliberate practice may be a useful informal learning activity for a wider range of occupations and across work tasks, particularly those with rapidly changing work requirements.
A Bidirectional Analysis of Earnings Management and Corporate Social Responsibility: The Moderating Effect of Stakeholder and Investor Protection
Authors: Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , Gallego‐Álvarez Isabel , García‐Sánchez Isabel María
Published: December 2015

The aim of this paper is to analyse the connection and possible bidirectional relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and earnings management (EM). Furthermore, we identify the institutional factors moderating these relationships, such as stakeholder and investor protection. The use of the generalised method of moments estimator proposed by Arellano and Bond (1991) for an international sample of 1960 international listed non‐financial companies from 26 countries for the period 2002 to 2010 highlights the existence of an inverse bidirectional relationship between CSR and EM through discretionary accruals. These relationships are especially important in countries where there is significant institutional pressure regarding CSR as a result of their greater stakeholder protection and also in countries with greater investor protection.