bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate crimes in Malaysia: a profile analysis
Authors: Omar Normah , Said Roshima , Johari Zulaikha ‘Amirah
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Corporate crimes in Malaysia are increasing each year. These issues are bothersome to the investors, creditors and the public as a whole because of the huge impact on all of them. Employees lose their jobs, investors do not get optimal return on their investments and creditors are unable to get their payments, and as a result, the public lose their faith on the legislation. The purpose of this study is to analyze the cases charged under Securities Commission and Bank Negara Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the cases in Securities Commission and Bank Negara under four criteria which are the corporate profiles, details on crime committed, perpetrators profile and, finally, the offence.

Findings

The findings show that top-level management, especially the directors, usually commit such crime and many of them are male.

Originality/value

This study looks into the criteria of the cases charged under both institutions, Securities Commission and Bank Negara, which can be used to create awareness among the organizations in Malaysia.
Is the top leadership of the organizations promoting tax avoidance?
Authors: Evertsson Nubia
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to study the roles of CEOs, board of directors and accounting/auditing firms in the adoption of tax avoidance schemas.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-national analysis with data from 22 countries is used to examine the relationship between tax avoidance and the ethical qualities of the top leadership of the organizations, the firm’s profile and the tax/legal system characteristics.

Findings

The results show that the board of directors is the actor that contributes more to control tax avoidance cross-nationally, whereas the CEOs’ role to contend this practice is less relevant. The outcomes for accounting/auditing firms reveal that the stronger standards these firms have, the more tax avoidance is observed.

Originality/value

The methodology (cross-national analysis) and dimensions examined (role of the actors/instances of discretional power) in this inquiry offer a novel perspective to the analysis of tax avoidance, as most scholarly studies have taken a national approach and have mainly focused on studying the characteristics of the firms involved in tax avoidance.
Effect of religiosity on ecologically conscious consumption behaviour
Authors: Islam Tajamul , Chandrasekaran Uma
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether religiosity influences ecologically conscious consumption behaviour (ECCB) among Muslim consumers in India.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of 191 young male Muslim respondents. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) andpost hoctests were used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicated a significant positive correlation between religiosity and ECCB. Pro-religious and intrinsically religious consumers reported higher importance to ECCB than non-religious and extrinsically religious consumers. It is, therefore, concluded that religiosity plays an important role in determining ECCB among Muslim consumers in India.

Research limitations/implications

The study sample comprised Indian university students as respondents, whose consumption behaviours may be constrained by limited independent income. Further, only male students have been included because of methodological considerations.

Practical implications

This study suggests that green marketers can use religiosity as a possible segmentation variable to effectively position their products. Religious messages or symbols can be invoked in advertising and other communication campaigns by marketers to gain acceptance for green products and consumption behaviours among consumers.

Originality/value

Few studies have examined the role of religiosity and its impact on consumer behaviour. The present study sought to address this gap in literature and offers preliminary insights about how marketers can effectively use religious symbols for marketing green products to consumers. The study is an initial attempt to provide elementary understanding about the consumption behaviour of Indian Muslims who have been insufficiently investigated by marketing and consumer researchers.
Can halal certification influence logistics performance?
Authors: Ab Talib Mohamed Syazwan , Abdul Hamid Abu Bakar , Chin Thoo Ai
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the halal certification–logistics performance relationship by means of developing a theoretical model and to suggest areas for future research undertakings. The relationship between various forms of certification and logistics performance has been reported in many logistics literature. However, there is paucity in research concerning the relationship between halal certification and logistics performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature representing the concept of halal, halal logistics, institutional support and logistics performance are synthesised to develop a framework. Two distinguished management theories, namely, the resource-based view (RBV) and institutional theory, set the foundation of the proposed theoretical framework.

Findings

The paper suggests that proper application of resources, in this case halal certification, could positively influence logistics performance. The paper asserts that governmental factors act as the moderator between the halal certification–logistics performance relationship, or could directly influence logistics performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper presents a synthesis of previously unconnected variables of halal certification and logistics performance, and integrates the RBV and institutional theories as the basis for a theoretical framework. However, the proposed theoretical framework requires further validation through the supports of additional empirical research.

Practical implications

Apart from implementing halal certification as a tool to gain business legitimacy, the paper offers insights to logistics service provider as to how halal certification can be used as a mechanism to improve organisational performance, particularly logistics performance.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to establish the relation between halal certification and logistics performance and highlights the prominent role of government support as an independent and moderating factor. It constitutes a preliminary argument that entices research within the halal certification and halal logistics spectrum.
Factors influencing fashion consciousness in hijab fashion consumption among hijabistas
Authors: Hassan Siti Hasnah , Harun Harmimi
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a method to understand the predictors of hijab fashion consciousness and consumption. Muslim women in developing countries have evolved from living a traditional to a modern lifestyle, as more women become more educated, work and earn their own money. As modern sophisticated Muslim women, they have transformed themselves in the way they dress and don their hijab while adhering to the Shariah-compliant dress code. As a result, hijab fashion among hijabistas “Muslim women who wear fashionable outfits with matching fashionable headscarves” is flourishing.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using questionnaires distributed to Muslim women who visited the Kuala Lumpur International Hijab Fashion Fair 2014 using the convenience sampling method. A total of 345 final useable data were used for data analysis using SmartPLS.

Findings

Results show that dressing style, fashion motivation, fashion uniqueness and sources of fashion knowledge positively influence fashion consciousness and indirectly influence hijab fashion consumption.

Practical implications

Results of this paper will provide insights to the people involved in the fashion industry, such as designers, retailers and marketers, to understand the hijabista market segment. Practitioners can design proper hijab fashion products that are Shariah-compliant to capture the segment of Muslim women with proper marketing strategies.

Originality/value

The fashion of Muslim women, particularly the hijab fashion, has received little attention in the fashion literature. This paper hopes to provide new insights to relevant researchers and industries.
An empirical study on non-Muslim’s packaged halal food manufacturers
Authors: Azam Afshan
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the determinant factors that consumers may consider in buying halal packaged food produced by non-Muslim manufacturers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a seven-constructs-based model. Halal awareness, Islamic brand and product ingredients are used as the pre-determined factors for measuring consumer’s purchase intention.

Findings

The hypotheses which were tested using partial least squares have revealed that halal awareness and product ingredients have significantly influenced Muslims’ intention to buy halal packaged food that are produced by non-Muslim manufacturers. The findings show that the religious belief, exposure and certification/logo are potential sources of Muslim awareness about halal packaged food from non-Muslim manufacturers.

Research limitations/implications

This research is also not exempted from its limitations. The data collected for the current study investigate general purchase toward halal products. It would be interesting if future researchers examine consumers’ purchase intention toward specific halal products for specific product categories. A comparative study is also worthy of being steered, as such a study is beneficial for producers and marketers of the halal industry.

Practical implications

As an overall implication, this study will provide a valuable and important information for non-Muslim halal packaged food manufacturers in identifying the appropriate strategy to fulfill the needs and wants of Muslim consumers at best. It is sufficed to suggest that the Muslim community has adopted halal food from non-Islamic brands as part of their lifestyle choice. Clearly, this gives implications to non-Muslim halal food producers. Thus, it is critical for food manufacturers to increase the level of awareness toward halal products by providing sufficient and interesting information, especially on halal certification. Hence, the manufacturer must take the opportunity to do intensive promotion to encourage more consumers to purchase their products.

Originality/value

This paper examines consumer purchase intention toward non-Muslim packed food manufactures in Saudi Arabia. It is critical for non-Muslim packed halal food manufacturers to increase the level of awareness toward halal products by providing sufficient and interesting information, especially on halal certification.
Does politics matter? Partisan FDI in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Avioutskii Viatcheslav , Tensaout Mouloud
Published: December 2016

Purpose

While many studies have investigated the impact of institutional factors (i.e. financial risk factors) in the host country on inward foreign direct investment (FDI), fewer studies have researched on the locational aspects of FDI in relation to the political economy. This paper aims to fill this gap by examining the effects of the political economy on inward FDI in Poland’s regions and in other CEE (Central and Eastern Europe) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper develops a theoretical argument postulating that political economy affects locational determinants of FDI inflow. To test this hypothesis empirically, several analyses were performed at the national level (Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic) and at the subnational level (Poland’s provinces). First, the “footloose” nature of FDI inflows using the time series analysis was examined. Then a fixed-effect panel data regression model and a dynamic adjustment model to quantify the impact of political ideology and agglomeration effects were performed.

Findings

After controlling for economic and institutional determinants of FDI, the findings indicate that, in transitional economies, ideology affects the locational choice of multinational corporations (MNCs). At the national level, the results show that political risk, liberalization and economic reforms are important drivers of FDI inflows. At the subnational level, the vote for a liberal party positively affects the distribution of FDI in the provinces. Another finding is that electoral cycles also affect FDI inflows at regional levels in Poland. Finally, this study provides some supporting evidence for the “footloose” nature of FDI in case of external shocks.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on the locational determinants of FDI by showing that ideology constitutes an important factor for locational choices by MNCs. The findings have important implications for public policy decision-makers who are seeking to improve the attractiveness of their country or region as an FDI destination.
Improvement in polyurethane coating performance through zinc aluminium phosphate pigment
Authors: Darvish Abolfazl , Naderi Reza , Attar Mohammad Reza Mohammadzadeh
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This research aims to provide a comparative study of the effect of conventional zinc phosphate (ZP) and zinc aluminium phosphate (ZPA) representing second generation of phosphate-based anticorrosion pigments on the protective performance and physical mechanical properties of a solvent-borne polyurethane (PU) coating.

Design/methodology/approach

The two pigments were incorporated into the coating at optimum pigment volume concentration. To evaluate the protective performance, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used. The effect of modification of ZP on the physical–mechanical properties of the coatings was studied through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Moreover, Micro Vickers hardness and pull-off tests were used to evaluate the hydrolytic coating degradation.

Findings

EIS revealed the superior protective function of coatings incorporated with ZPA compared to those formulated with ZP. This behaviour might be attributed to the release of sufficient inhibiting species because of partial dissolving of the anticorrosive pigments when an electrolyte penetrates into the coating. In addition, the effectiveness of modification of ZP on the physical–mechanical properties of coatings was shown.

Research limitations/implications

As a classical replacement for the toxic chromates, ZP has been widely used in the formulation of protective coatings. However, undesirable inhibitive function of the pigment arising from its low solubility has made modification necessary. Because of the modified solubility, second generation of phosphate-based anticorrosion pigments has been reported to reveal superior performance.

Originality/value

According to the literature, no report can be found studying the effect of the second generation of phosphate-based anticorrosion pigments on the physical–mechanical properties of PU coatings. The main goal of this work is to study the correlation between physical–mechanical properties and anticorrosion performance of the PU coatings.
Navigating troubled waters: bringing the e-democratic ship into safe harbour?
Authors: Jørgensen Andreas Møller , Andersen Kim Normann
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Whereas prior research has conceptualized and empirically investigated reinforcement and amplification mechanisms, this paper aims to propose a framework of power that captures the dynamic ways in which different forms of online political action are structured by disparate mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper derives a theoretical model of power from Foucault and affiliated governmentality studies, which constructs power as the mechanisms and logics that structure the field of possible actions. This model is grounded in research literature on e-democracy and applied in a study of the mechanisms that structure e-democracy.

Findings

The paper identifies four mechanisms that balance disparate concerns of e-democracy. Monitoring (M) mechanisms apply logics of security and service to weigh anonymity and publicity against each other. The range of participants is determined by Inclusion/exclusion (I) mechanisms which operate through rules of engagement. Moderation (M) mechanisms balance concerns for heterogenic viewpoints and homogeneity according to a logic of uniformity. Logics of profit-making and shared understanding warrant the balance that Exposure (E) mechanisms strike between information abundance and centralized access. The four mechanisms are combined in the MIME framework.

Research limitations/implications

The MIME framework includes mechanisms that are documented by the English-speaking research community, often with a substantial time lag. Others and potentially forceful mechanisms might not be reported in the research literature.

Practical implications

Practitioners are encouraged to be cognizant of the variety of mechanisms that condition e-democracy; their internal components and external relations of e-democratic practices when designing, building and conducting e-democratic initiatives.

Originality/value

Instead of focusing exclusively on the beneficiaries and the possible payoffs from e-democratic practices, the MIME framework developed in the paper focuses on the mechanisms which structure e-democracy.
Common Services Centres (CSCs) as an approach to bridge the digital divide
Authors: Dwivedi Yogesh K. , Sahu Ganesh P. , Rana Nripendra P. , Singh Monika , Chandwani Rajesh K.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Despite the increasing technological capabilities and its affordability, a significantly large proportion of developing nations’ population are still lacking resources to own basic information and communication technologies such as computer and internet. This suggests that majority of the citizens from developing countries (e.g. India) are also not able to access and use emerging electronic government applications and services. This is leading to a further and bigger digital divide gap that already exists between rural and urban as well as economically less and more able population. To reduce the widening digital divide, India has innovated Common Services Centres (CSCs) as means to deliver public services electronically to citizens at the village level. This viewpoint paper aims to discuss some of the challenges and obstacles of such CSCs and to offer some recommendations for their effective implementations and sustainable operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a viewpoint paper that is based on authors’ awareness of the context as well as knowledge and issues relevant to the research topic. A number of appropriate and current citations have been utilised to illustrate the current state on the topic as well as to support authors’ arguments presented in this paper.

Findings

The paper identified a number of key issues relevant for effective implementation and sustainable operation of CSCs. The authors present their views and recommendations related to the following key issues: connectivity problems, lack of or delayed rollout of government to citizen (G2C) services, demotivated village-level entrepreneurs due to lack of G2C services, low computer literacy, lack of awareness about services and facilities, lack of adequate training and support, poor provisioning of an effective infrastructure, lack of support from the concerned government officials, inaccessible locations, burden of high investment, corruption at the government level, lack of skilled manpower to run the CSCs, lack of power supply, language barrier, lack of space, problem with maintenance and management of connectivity network and problem caused by the Naxalite and anarchist activity.

Originality/value

The discussion and recommendations presented in this paper would be valuable to various agencies (both from public and private sectors) as well as policymakers for effective implementation and long-term sustainability of CSCs. The approach discussed in this paper offers an effective way to diffuse e-government applications and services in other developing countries (particularly resource-constrained nations from African, Asian and Latin American regions).
E-voting adoption in a developing country
Authors: Alomari Mohammad Kamel
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present factors that affect e-voting adoption in the Middle East and, in particular, Jordan. Changing the election voting method for the people in Jordan from traditional voting to interactive voting via the web needs exploration to understand the factors affecting e-voting adoption by citizens. Therefore, this paper reports on a study undertaken to identify the main factors that would influence citizens’ intentions to adopt the use of an e-voting system in Jordan, using an established e-government adoption model and a theoretical framework consisting of the diffusion of innovations (DOI) theory and the technology acceptance model (TAM).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey study of 267 Jordanian citizens who were internet users investigated the influence of the aforementioned factors on the adoption and use of e-voting websites. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Contrary to the previous established e-government adoption model, beliefs and website design were not found to be significant predictors of the intention to use e-voting websites. The paper found that trust in government, attitudes, perceived usefulness and complexity were significant factors in Jordanian citizens’ intentions to use e-voting websites.

Originality/value

This is one of few studies to have used an established e-government adoption model to test the adoption of e-voting as one of the e-government applications. In addition, this paper is one of the few to examine the factors that influence the adoption and use of e-voting systems by citizens in the Middle East. Although the previous e-government adoption model showed the impact of attitude to be non-significant on e-government adoption, this paper shows the significant influence of attitudes on citizens’ intentions to use e-voting websites. On the other hand, this paper supports previous e-government adoption studies in showing the importance of including constructs of the DOI theory (relative advantage and complexity) and those related to TAM (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) when considering the topic of e-government adoption in a Middle Eastern country, although previous studies have shown similarities between these constructs.
Facebook usage in a local government
Authors: Bellström Peter , Magnusson Monika , Pettersson John Sören , Thorén Claes
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To fully grasp the potential of using social media, one must know what governments and citizens are communicating in these media. Despite much statistics published, there is a dearth of research analyzing information content in detail. The purpose of this paper is to identify the kind of information exchange that occurs between a local government and its constituent citizens using social media.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a qualitative single case study of the Facebook presence of the municipality and city of Karlstad, Sweden, one of the most prominent local governments on Facebook in the country. Facebook page data were collected between May 2015 and July 2015. A content analysis was performed on the data to explore new and existing categories that drive the analysis.

Findings

The paper identifies 11 content categories for municipality posts and 13 content categories for user posts (citizen or organization). The frequency for each content category reveals that the page owner is first of all using its Facebook page to promote different happenings in the municipality while the page user is asking questions to the municipality or other users.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to one municipality, but achieves analytical generalizability in its findings. In other words, the categories and mode of communication are a finding in and of itself that in future research may be validated in terms of commonality on a national scale.

Practical implications

Management concerns about opening up a municipality Facebook page for user posting may be exaggerated: positive posts are as common as complaints. If an organization wants to use the Facebook page for increased user participation and collaboration, it seems that users, both citizens and organizations, welcome such opportunities. However, such posts are not likely to receive many comments or shares from other users.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first that uses content analysis to categorize both page owner posts and user posts on a local government Facebook page. The content categories identified in the paper provide novel and detailed insights on what types of information exchange occur on social media between a local government and citizens but also highlight the need to distinguish organizations from citizens among the visitors to the government Facebook page. Different types of user will post different types of content. The identified content categories can serve as a basis for future empirical research within e-government research.
Strains of Group B streptococci from septic patients induce platelet activation via Toll‐like Receptor 2
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Liu Hongyun , Luo Xianming , Zhang Ping , Gao Yanmin , Xie Shuangfeng , Xu Kang , Chang Jianxing , Ma Liping
Published: November 2016

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) causes life‐threatening bacterial sepsis, especially in newborns and pregnant women. Patients suffering from sepsis often display low platelet counts, characterized by thrombocytopenia, because of platelet activation. In the present study, the roles of six GBS strains from septic patients in platelet aggregation, as well as the underlying mechanisms, were investigated. Incubation of platelets with three of the strains induced platelet aggregation, increased the secretion of cellular adhesin molecule CD62P and activation of GPIIb/IIIa. Furthermore, the GBS strains that induced platelet activation also caused an increase in the expression of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 in platelets. Pre‐incubation of platelets with anti‐TLR2 monoclonal antibody, but not anti‐TLR4 monoclonal antibody, inhibited these functional responses induced by GBS. TLR2 stimulation also activated the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3‐K)/Akt signalling pathway in platelets, and inhibition of PI3‐K significantly reduced GBS‐induced platelet responses. Our results indicate that three of the GBS strains from the septic patients can trigger platelet activation by interacting with platelets, which involves the elevation of platelet TLR2 expression.
Cosmopolitanism and the relevance of ‘zombie concepts’: the case of anomic suicide amongst Alevi Kurd youth
Authors: Cetin Umit
Published: November 2016

Against Beck's claims that conventional sociological concepts and categories are zombie categories, this paper argues that Durkheim's theoretical framework in which suicide is a symptom of an anomic state of society can help us understand the diversity of trajectories that transnational migrants follow and that shape their suicide rates within a cosmopolitan society. Drawing on ethnographic data collected on eight suicides and three attempted suicide cases of second‐generation male Alevi Kurdish migrants living in London, this article explains the impact of segmented assimilation/adaptation trajectories on the incidence of suicide and how their membership of a ‘new rainbow underclass’, as a manifestation of cosmopolitan society, is itself an anomic social position with a lack of integration and regulation.
Clinical practice patterns on the use of magnesium sulphate for treatment of pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia: a multi‐country survey
Authors: Long Q , Oladapo OT , Leathersich S , Vogel JP , Carroli G , Lumbiganon P , Qureshi Z , Gülmezoglu AM ,   the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health Research Network
Published: November 2016

Objective

To characterise the current clinical practice patterns regarding the use of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) for eclampsia prevention and treatment in a multi‐country network of health facilities and compare with international recommendations.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

A total of 147 health facilities in 15 countries across Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Population

Heads of obstetric departments or maternity units.

Methods

Anonymous online and paper‐based survey conducted in 2015.

Main outcome measures

Availability and use of MgSO4; availability of a formal clinical protocol for MgSO4 administration; and MgSO4 dosing regimens for eclampsia prevention and treatment.

Results

Magnesium sulphate and a formal protocol for its administration were reported to be always available in 87.4% and 86.4% of all facilities, respectively. MgSO4 was used for the treatment of mild pre‐eclampsia, severe pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia in 24.3%, 93.5% and 96.4% of all facilities, respectively. Regarding the treatment of severe pre‐eclampsia, 26.4% and 7.0% of all facilities reported using dosing regimens that were consistent with Zuspan and Pritchard regimens, respectively. Across regions, intramuscular maintenance regimens were more commonly used in the African region (45.7%) than in the Latin American (3.0%) and Asian (22.9%) regions, whereas intravenous maintenance regimens were more often used in the Latin American (94.0%) and Asian (60.0%) regions than in the African region (21.7%). Similar patterns were found for the treatment of eclampsia across regions.

Conclusions

The reported clinical use of MgSO4 for eclampsia prevention and treatment varied widely, and was largely inconsistent with current international recommendations.

Tweetable abstract

MgSO4 regimens for eclampsia prevention and treatment in many hospitals are inconsistent with international recommendations.
Natural Pigments: Stabilization Methods of Anthocyanins for Food Applications
Authors: Cortez Regina , Luna‐Vital Diego A. , Margulis Daniel , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira
Published: November 2016

The production of natural food pigments continues to grow worldwide. The global market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.22%, by revenue, over the period 2015 to 2019. Pigments such as anthocyanins, carotenoids, betalains, and chlorophylls have been used to color foods. However, there are challenges related to color losses during food processing, storage, and commercialization due to a low stability of natural pigments compared to synthetic colorants. This review summarizes the most recent studies and patents aimed at enhancing anthocyanin stability in food systems. The stabilizing methods include additions of copigment compounds, such as polymers, phenolic compounds, and metals. In addition, the exclusion of O2 during processing and storage, hard‐panned candy coating methods for blue, green, and brown colors, and various encapsulation techniques were considered. Combining strategies and evaluating new materials capable of stabilizing anthocyanins will enhance their potential for use as value‐added natural food pigments.
Occult Adrenocortical Carcinoma and Unexpected Early Childhood Death
Authors: Pilla Mark , Gilbert John , Moore Lynette , Byard Roger W.
Published: November 2016

A four‐year‐old previously well boy collapsed unexpectedly and was taken immediately to hospital, where he developed seizures and cardiogenic shock with lethal, rapidly progressing multi‐organ failure. At autopsy, the height was >90th percentile and there were indications of early virilization. Internally, a friable tumor of the left adrenal gland was identified that had invaded the left renal vein and inferior vena cava. Histology revealed typical features of an adrenocortical carcinoma with aggregated trabeculae of cells containing abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and large pleomorphic nuclei. There was strong positive cytoplasmic staining for inhibin; mitochondria were shown on electron microscopy to contain prominent electron‐dense granules. Death was due to massive pulmonary tumor embolism. Although adrenocortical carcinomas are very rare and are more commonly found in adults, the current case demonstrates that they may also occur in childhood and be responsible for unexpected death by the very unusual mechanism of tumor embolism.
Comparing Standard and Selective DegradationDNAExtraction Methods: Results from a Field Experiment with Sexual Assault Kits,
Authors: Campbell Rebecca , Pierce Steven J. , Sharma Dhruv B. , Shaw Jessica , Feeney Hannah , Nye Jeffrey , Schelling Kristin , Fehler‐Cabral Giannina
Published: November 2016

A growing number of U.S. cities have large numbers of untested sexual assault kits (SAKs) in police property facilities. Testing older kits and maintaining current case work will be challenging for forensic laboratories, creating a need for more efficient testing methods. Methods: We evaluated selective degradation methods forDNAextraction using actual case work from a sample of previously unsubmittedSAKs in Detroit, Michigan. We randomly assigned 350 kits to either standard or selective degradation testing methods and then comparedDNAtesting rates andCODISentry rates between the two groups. Results and conclusions: Continuation‐ratio modeling showed no significant differences, indicating that the selective degradation method had no decrement in performance relative to customary methods. Follow‐up equivalence tests indicated thatCODISentry rates for the two methods could differ by more than ±5%. Selective degradation methods required less personnel time for testing and scientific review than standard testing.
Forensic Investigation of Cooperative Storage Cloud Service: Symform as a Case Study
Authors: Teing Yee‐Yang , Dehghantanha Ali , Choo Kim‐Kwang Raymond , Dargahi Tooska , Conti Mauro
Published: November 2016

Researchers envisioned Storage as a Service (StaaS) as an effective solution to the distributed management of digital data. Cooperative storage cloud forensic is relatively new and is an under‐explored area of research. Using Symform as a case study, we seek to determine the data remnants from the use of cooperative cloud storage services. In particular, we consider both mobile devices and personal computers running various popular operating systems, namely Windows 8.1, Mac OS X Mavericks 10.9.5, Ubuntu 14.04.1 LTS, iOS 7.1.2, and Android KitKat 4.4.4. Potential artefacts recovered during the research include data relating to the installation and uninstallation of the cloud applications, log‐in to and log‐out from Symform account using the client application, file synchronization as well as their time stamp information. This research contributes to an in‐depth understanding of the types of terrestrial artifacts that are likely to remain after the use of cooperative storage cloud on client devices.
Apophyseal Ossification of the Iliac Crest in Forensic Age Estimation: Computed Tomography Standards for Modern Australian Subadults
Authors: Lottering Nicolene , Alston‐Knox Clair L. , MacGregor Donna M. , Izatt Maree T. , Grant Caroline A. , Adam Clayton J. , Gregory Laura S.
Published: November 2016

This study contrasts the ontogeny of the iliac crest apophysis using conventional radiography and multislice computed tomography (MSCT), providing probabilistic information for age estimation of modern Australian subadults. Retrospective abdominopelvic MSCT data acquired from 524 Australian individuals aged 7–25 and surveillance radiographs of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients included in the Paediatric Spine Research Group Progression Study (n = 531) were assessed. Ossification scoring of pseudo‐radiographs and three‐dimensional (3D) volume‐rendered reconstructions using Risser (1958) quantitative descriptors indicate discrepancies in age estimates, stage allocation, and conflicting morphological progression. To mitigate visualization limitations associated with two‐dimensional radiographs, we provide and validate a modified 3D‐MSCT scoring tier of ossification, demonstrating complete fusion between 17.3–19.2 and 17.1–20.1 years in males and females. Legal demarcation for doli incapax presumption and age of majority (18 years) can be achieved using probability estimates from a fitted cumulative probit model for apophyseal fusion using the recalibrated standards.
Can Cephalometrics Discriminate Between the Sexes in a Diverse Juvenile Sample?
Authors: O'Donnell Alexis , Daneshvari Berry Shamsi , Edgar Heather J.H.
Published: November 2016

A critical component of the biological profile is sex estimation. Methods commonly used for sex estimation in adults do not work well for juveniles. Population‐specific studies have used cephalometrics to estimate juvenile sex with 80–90% accuracy. Our study attempts to estimate sex in individuals less than 18 years of age using a sample of 1618 lateral cephalograms incorporating all three Angle Class occlusions as well as population diversity. For the sample as a whole, 10 skeletal cephalometrics were found to have significant differences between the sexes. Males and females classify correctly about 50% of the time. Dividing the sample by age groups and race/ethnicity improves results for older age groups and Native Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans. Our results indicate that cephalometrics are not useful in determining sex of unidentified juveniles when age and race are not known.
Measurement of Postmortem Pupil Size: A New Method with Excellent Reliability and Its Application to Pupil Changes in the Early Postmortem Period
Authors: Fleischer Luise , Sehner Susanne , Gehl Axel , Riemer Martin , Raupach Tobias , Anders Sven
Published: December 2016

Measurement of postmortem pupil width is a potential component of death time estimation. However, no standardized measurement method has been described. We analyzed a total of 71 digital images for pupil–iris ratio using the software ImageJ. Images were analyzed three times by four different examiners. In addition, serial images from 10 cases were taken between 2 and 50 h postmortem to detect spontaneous pupil changes. Intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of the method was excellent (ICC > 0.95). The method is observer independent and yields consistent results, and images can be digitally stored and re‐evaluated. The method seems highly eligible for forensic and scientific purposes. While statistical analysis of spontaneous pupil changes revealed a significant polynomial of quartic degree for postmortem time (p = 0.001), an obvious pattern was not detected. These results do not indicate suitability of spontaneous pupil changes for forensic death time estimation, as formerly suggested.
Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Bambara Groundnut Starch Films Modified with Stearic Acid
Authors: Oyeyinka Samson A. , Singh Suren , Amonsou Eric O.
Published: November 2016

The physicochemical and mechanical properties of biofilm prepared from bambara starch modified with varying concentrations of stearic acid (0%, 2.5%, 3.5%, 5%, 7%, and 10%) were studied. By scanning electron microscopy, bambara starch films modified with stearic acid (≥3.5%) showed a progressively rough surface compared to those with 2.5% stearic acid and the control. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra revealed a peak shift of approximately 31 cm−1, suggesting the promotion of hydrogen bond formation between hydroxyl groups of starch and stearic acid. The addition of 2.5% stearic acid to bambara starch film reduced water vapor permeability by approximately 17%. Bambara starch films modified with higher concentration of stearic acid were more opaque and showed significantly high melting temperatures. However, mechanical properties of starch films were generally negatively affected by stearic acid. Bambara starch film may be modified with 2.5% stearic acid for improved water vapor permeability and thermal stability with minimal effect on tensile strength.
Gas Permeability and Permselectivity of Poly(L‐Lactic Acid)/SiOx Film and Its Application in Equilibrium‐Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Chilled Meat
Authors: Dong Tungalag , Song Shuxin , Liang Min , Wang Yu , Qi Xiaojing , Zhang Yuqin , Yun Xueyan , Jin Ye
Published: November 2016

A layer of SiOx was deposited on the surface of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) film to fabricate a PLLA/SiOx layered film, by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process. PLLA/SiOx film showed Young's modulus and tensile strength increased by 119.2% and 91.6%, respectively, over those of neat PLLA film. At 5 °C, the oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) permeability of PLLA/SiOx film decreased by 78.7% and 71.7%, respectively, and the CO2/O2 permselectivity increased by 32.5%, compared to that of the neat PLLA film. When the PLLA/SiOx film was applied to the equilibrium‐modified atmosphere packaging of chilled meat, the gas composition in packaging reached a dynamic equilibrium with 6% to 11% CO2 and 8% to 13% O2. Combined with tea polyphenol pads, which effectively inhibited the microbial growth, the desirable color of meat was maintained and an extended shelf life of 52 d was achieved for the chilled meat.
Composition‐Based Prediction of Temperature‐Dependent Thermophysical Food Properties: Reevaluating Component Groups and Prediction Models
Authors: Phinney David Martin , Frelka John C. , Heldman Dennis Ray
Published: November 2016

Prediction of temperature‐dependent thermophysical properties (thermal conductivity, density, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity) is an important component of process design for food manufacturing. Current models for prediction of thermophysical properties of foods are based on the composition, specifically, fat, carbohydrate, protein, fiber, water, and ash contents, all of which change with temperature. The objectives of this investigation were to reevaluate and improve the prediction expressions for thermophysical properties. Previously published data were analyzed over the temperature range from 10 to 150 °C. These data were analyzed to create a series of relationships between the thermophysical properties and temperature for each food component, as well as to identify the dependence of the thermophysical properties on more specific structural properties of the fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Results from this investigation revealed that the relationships between the thermophysical properties of the major constituents of foods and temperature can be statistically described by linear expressions, in contrast to the current polynomial models. Links between variability in thermophysical properties and structural properties were observed. Relationships for several thermophysical properties based on more specific constituents have been identified. Distinctions between simple sugars (fructose, glucose, and lactose) and complex carbohydrates (starch, pectin, and cellulose) have been proposed. The relationships between the thermophysical properties and proteins revealed a potential correlation with the molecular weight of the protein. The significance of relating variability in constituent thermophysical properties with structural properties––such as molecular mass––could significantly improve composition‐based prediction models and, consequently, the effectiveness of process design.
Foam‐Mat Freeze‐Drying of Bifidobacterium longum RO175: Viability and Refrigerated Storage Stability
Authors: Izquierdo‐López Danilo , Goulet Jacques , Ratti Cristina
Published: November 2016

Foaming as a pretreatment was used prior to freeze‐drying of Bifidobacterium longum RO175 to investigate the potential acceleration of the drying rate and increase in microorganism viability after the process. A study on storage of foamed and nonfoamed freeze‐dried products at 4 °C completed this study. B. longum RO175 in foamed medium could be freeze‐dried in 1/7 to 1/4 of the time required for nonfoamed suspensions. In addition, foamed suspensions presented higher viability immediately after freeze‐drying (13.6% compared to 12.81 % or 11.46%, depending on the cryoprotective media). Refrigerated storage led to a reduction in B. longum RO175 viability for all tested protective agents (foamed and nonfoamed). No correlation between glass transition temperature and stability of probiotic powders was observed during storage. In addition, lower viability after 56 d of storage was observed for foamed materials, probably due to foam porous structure and higher hygroscopicity, and oxygen presence and moisture pickup during storage.
Value of18F‐FDG PET/MRIfor the outcome ofCT‐guided facet block therapy in cervical facet syndrome: initial results
Authors: Sawicki Lino M , Schaarschmidt Benedikt M , Heusch Philipp , Buchbender Christian , Rosenbaum‐Krumme Sandra , Umutlu Lale , Eicker Sven O , Bockisch Andreas , Antoch Gerald , Floeth Frank W
Published: November 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (18F‐FDG PET/MRI) to detectPET‐positive cervical facet arthropathy and identify patients who benefit from facet block therapy.

Methods

Ten patients with cervical facet syndrome (mean age: 65 ± 12 years) underwent18F‐FDG PET/MRIof the neck. Focal18F‐FDGuptake inPET‐positive facet joints served as target for computed tomography (CT)‐guided facet blocks. InPET‐negative patients, the target joint for facet block therapy was selected by current clinical standards considering the level of maximum facet arthrosis and pain. Neck pain was measured on visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after therapy. Bone marrow signal intensity (SI) ratio on turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) images and maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) was calculated for each facet joint. Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) was calculated between bone marrowSIratios onTIRMandSUVmax.

Results

18F‐FDG PET/MRIdetectedPET‐positive facet arthropathy in six patients. Patients withPET‐positive facet arthropathy had significantly less pain compared with the pretreatment pain 3 h (P= 0.002), 4 weeks (P= 0.002) and 3 months (P= 0.026) after facet block therapy. Pain did not change significantly in patients withPET‐negative facet arthropathy.TIRM SIratio was higher inPET‐positive facet arthropathy than inPET‐negative facet arthropathy (P< 0.001). Correlation was strong between bone marrowSIratio onTIRMimages andSUVmax (r= 0.7;P< 0.001).

Conclusions

18F‐FDG PET/MRIcan detectPET‐positive cervical facet arthropathy and help to identify patients benefitting from facet block therapy. Bone marrowTIRM SIratio might be a surrogate forPET‐positive facet arthropathy.