bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Management in the Public Sector
Authors: West Damian , Blackman Deborah 
Published: February 2015

There has been a great deal of work undertaken on employee performance management with the Australian Public Service (APS) over the last 4 years. The objective has been to focus upon achieving high performance rather than merely preventing poor performance. This refocus was adopted to reflect the increasing complexity of the work, a rise in the need for knowledge work, and escalations in the speed and frequency of change; all this within a context requiring a reduction in costs while still meeting the growing expectations of the public and government.This pair of papers reflects on where employee performance management has got to as a result of the work. Dr. Damian West from the Australian Public Service Commission identifies the continuing importance of effective employee performance management to the APS and public sectors more widely. He highlights the progress that has been made so far, demonstrating the importance of implementation of the process. He suggests that, now that a framework for assessing the potential for employee performance management processes has been established, accountability of the system implementation and adoption will become paramount. Professor Deborah Blackman, whilst echoing the real progress that has been made, suggests that for real improvement in performance management outcomes there needs to be a fundamental shift in thinking; not in terms of the processes or of ensuring compliance, but rather that organizations undertaking performance management need to be much clear as to the strategic direction such a process is going to support. She suggests that there has been too much emphasis on having a system and not enough on determining what such a system is for. When the papers are combined, it can be seen that much progress has been made in terms of the reorientation towards high performance and how to support organizations to work towards this. The next step, for there to be real outcome improvements, is for organizations to be more overt in determining what high performance will look like in their context, then clarifying that to all those involved in developing performance management so that accountabilities at all levels can be agreed, supported, and effective.
Parents' experiences of diagnostic processes of young children in Norwegian day‐care institutions
Authors: Wilhelmsen Terese , Nilsen Randi Dyblie 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFramed by the sociology of childhood and Foucauldian‐inspired perspectives, this article is focused on parents' experiences of parent–professional encounters in diagnostic processes of young children enrolled in Norwegian early childhood education and care (ECEC) institutions or schools. Based on qualitative interviews with parents, we explore how they participate and manoeuvre in encounters with professionals during processes in which their children were constructed as different in a space of normality and deviance, while also bringing their own understandings of their children to the fore. From our analysis, it appears that parents manoeuvre between complying with and adapting to, as well as negotiating and resisting the constructions put forward by the professionals.
‘Fat girls’ and ‘big guys’: gendered meanings of weight loss surgery
Authors: Temple Newhook Julia , Gregory Deborah , Twells Laurie 
Published: February 2015

AbstractOver 80% of weight loss surgery (WLS) patients are women, yet gender is overwhelmingly absent in WLS research. This article discusses the findings of 54 interviews with twenty‐one women and six men waiting for WLS in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. We critically examine the ways that gender shapes the meaning of WLS in these narratives. We explore gendered meanings in participants’ perspectives on their embodied experiences before surgery, social support as they decided to undergo the procedure, and their expectations for their lives after WLS. We draw on feminist theory to explain how these findings counter the dominant gender‐neutral medical model of obesity.
Poles apart: does the export of mental health expertise from the Global North to the Global South represent a neutral relocation of knowledge and practice?
Authors: Cox Nigel , Webb Lucy 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe World Health Organization's Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020 identifies actions for all member states to alleviate the global burden of mental ill health, including an obligation for mental healthcare to be delivered in a ‘culturally appropriate’ manner. In this article we argue that such a requirement is problematic, not least because such pronouncements remain framed by the normative prepositions of Western medical and psychological practice and their associated ethical, legal and institutional standpoints. As such, when striving to export Western mental health expertise, different paradigms for evidence will be necessary to deliver locally meaningful interventions to low and middle income countries. Our discussion highlights a number of philosophical concerns regarding methodologies for future research practice, including those relating to representation and exclusion in the guise of epistemic injury, presumptive methodologies arising from Western notions of selfhood, and related ethical issues.
Incidence, risk factors, management and outcomes of amniotic‐fluid embolism: a population‐based cohort and nested case–control study
Authors: Fitzpatrick KE , Tuffnell D , Kurinczuk JJ , Knight M 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo describe the incidence, risk factors, management and outcomes of amniotic‐fluid embolism (AFE) over time.DesignA population‐based cohort and nested case–control study using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS).SettingAll UK hospitals with obstetrician‐led maternity units.PopulationAll women diagnosed with AFE in the UK between February 2005 and January 2014 (n = 120) and 3839 control women.MethodsProspective case and control identification through UKOSS monthly mailing.Main outcome measuresAmniotic‐fluid embolism, maternal death or permanent neurological injury.ResultsThe total and fatal incidence of AFE, estimated as 1.7 and 0.3 per 100 000, respectively, showed no significant temporal trend over the study period and there was no notable temporal change in risk factors for AFE. Twenty‐three women died (case fatality 19%) and seven (7%) of the surviving women had permanent neurological injury. Women who died or had permanent neurological injury were more likely to present with cardiac arrest (83% versus 33%, P < 0.001), be from ethnic‐minority groups (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.85, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02–8.00), have had a hysterectomy (unadjusted OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.02–6.06), had a shorter time interval between the AFE event and when the hysterectomy was performed (median interval 77 minutes versus 248 minutes, P = 0.0315), and were less likely to receive cryoprecipitate (unadjusted OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.80).ConclusionThere is no evidence of a temporal change in the incidence of or risk factors for AFE. Further investigation is needed to establish whether earlier treatments can reverse the cascade of deterioration leading to severe outcomes.
Diagnosing the Problem of Anti-Politicians: A Review and an Agenda
Authors: Corbett Jack 
Published: February 2015

In response to growing popular dissatisfaction with politics and politicians, several scholars have sought to explain the cause of this malaise and demonstrate what can be done about it. To tease out the signiﬁcance of four recent additions to this discussion, this article reviews how they diagnose the problem of anti-politicians and what they consider the cure might be. Riddell and Flinders, it is argued, view the problem in terms of an expectations ‘gap’, while Kane and Patapan, and Medvic cast it as a leadership ‘paradox’ or an expectations ‘trap’. The former two primarily see greater citizen participation, generated via institutional reform or revived civic values, as the solution, whereas the latter two question whether the problem can or should be solved at all. The article concludes that while these books provide important insights, by and large they neglect to take serious or systematic account of the views, experiences and reﬂections of political leaders themselves. To take this research agenda forward, this omission warrants further attention. Flinders, M. (2012) Defending Politics: Why Democracy Matters in the Twenty-First Century. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Kane, J. and Patapan, H. (2012) The Democratic Leader: How Democracy Deﬁnes, Empowers and Limits its Leaders. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Medvic, S. (2013) In Defense of Politicians. The Expectations Trap and Its Threat to Democracy. New York: Routledge. Riddell, P. (2011) In Defence of Politicians (In spite of Themselves). London: Biteback.
Surface Curvature of Pelvic Joints from Three Laser Scanners: Separating Anatomy from Measurement Error
Authors: Villa Chiara , Gaudio Daniel , Cattaneo Cristina , Buckberry Jo , Wilson Andrew S. , Lynnerup Niels 
Published: February 2015

AbstractRecent studies have reported that quantifying symphyseal and auricular surface curvature changes on 3D models acquired by laser scanners has a potential for age estimation. However, no tests have been carried out to evaluate the repeatability of the results between different laser scanners. 3D models of the two pelvic joints were generated using three laser scanners (Custom, Faro, and Minolta). The surface curvature, the surface area, and the distance between co‐registered meshes were investigated. Close results were found for surface areas (differences between 0.3% and 2.4%) and for distance deviations (average <20 μm, SD <200 μm). The curvature values were found to be systematically biased between different laser scanners, but still showing similar trends with increasing phases/scores. Applying a smoothing factor to the 3D models, it was possible to separate anatomy from the measurement error of each instrument, so that similar curvature values could be obtained (p < 0.05) independent of the specific laser scanner.
Mucosal Cell Isolation and Analysis from Cellular Mixtures of Three Contributors
Authors: Xu Cheng , Feng Lei , Yang Fan , Jia Jing , Ji An‐Quan , Hu Lan , Li Cai‐Xia 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn forensic genetic analyses, mixtures of various biological materials are common samples. Micromanipulation, which is performed based on differences in cellular morphology, is an effective method for the isolation of cells from mixtures. In this study, mucosal cell was isolated from somatic cellular mixtures (blood and saliva) based on micromanipulation and a low volume‐PCR (LV‐PCR) platform. One hundred and twenty‐six parallel LV‐PCR processes were performed using an Identifiler® kit, with 107 reactions yielding single‐source DNA profiles. Among them, 54 full profiles (50%) and 37 partial profiles (13–15 loci) were obtained. Based on the above method, we obtained a single‐source DNA profile from a cigarette butt contaminated by two victims’ blood in a murder case. The generated genotype was used to query a DNA database, and a perfect match was found.
Authentication of Geographical Origin and Crop System of Grape Juices by Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity Using Chemometrics
Authors: Granato Daniel , Koot Alex , Schnitzler Egon , van Ruth Saskia M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe main goal of this work was to propose an authentication model based on the phenolic composition and antioxidant and metal chelating capacities of purple grape juices produced in Brazil and Europe in order to assess their typicality. For this purpose, organic, conventional, and biodynamic grape juices produced in Brazil (n = 65) and in Europe (n = 31) were analyzed and different multivariate class‐modeling and classification statistical techniques were employed to differentiate juices based on the geographical origin and crop system. Overall, Brazilian juices, regardless of the crop system adopted, presented higher contents of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids, total monomeric anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavonols, flavanols, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, delphinidin‐3‐glucoside, and malvidin‐3,5‐glucoside. No differences were observed for trans‐resveratrol, malvidin‐3‐glucoside, and pelargonidin‐3‐glucoside between countries and among crop systems. A total of 91% of Brazilian and 97% of European juices were adroitly classified using partial least squares discriminant analysis when the producing region was considered (92% efficiency), in which the free‐radical scavenging activity toward 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl, content of total phenolic compounds, gallic acid, and malvidin‐3‐glucoside were the variables responsible for the classification. Intraregional models based on soft independent modeling of class analogy were able to differentiate organic from conventional Brazilian juices as well as conventional and organic/biodynamic European juices.
Comparison of Two Extraction Techniques, Solid‐Phase Microextraction Versus Continuous Liquid–Liquid Extraction/Solvent‐Assisted Flavor Evaporation, for the Analysis of Flavor Compounds in Gueuze Lambic Beer
Authors: Thompson‐Witrick Katherine A. , Rouseff Russell L. , Cadawallader Keith R. , Duncan Susan E. , Eigel William N. , Tanko James M. , O'Keefe Sean F. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractLambic is a beer style that undergoes spontaneous fermentation and is traditionally produced in the Payottenland region of Belgium, a valley on the Senne River west of Brussels. This region appears to have the perfect combination of airborne microorganisms required for lambic's spontaneous fermentation. Gueuze lambic is a substyle of lambic that is made by mixing young (approximately 1 year) and old (approximately 2 to 3 years) lambics with subsequent bottle conditioning. We compared 2 extraction techniques, solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) and continuous liquid–liquid extraction/solvent‐assisted flavor evaporation (CCLE/SAFE), for the isolation of volatile compounds in commercially produced gueuze lambic beer. Fifty‐four volatile compounds were identified and could be divided into acids (14), alcohols (12), aldehydes (3), esters (20), phenols (3), and miscellaneous (2). SPME extracted a total of 40 volatile compounds, whereas CLLE/SAFE extracted 36 volatile compounds. CLLE/SAFE extracted a greater number of acids than SPME, whereas SPME was able to isolate a greater number of esters. Neither extraction technique proved to be clearly superior and both extraction methods can be utilized for the isolation of volatile compounds found in gueuze lambic beer.
Effects of Plant Polyphenols and α‐Tocopherol on Lipid Oxidation, Microbiological Characteristics, and Biogenic Amines Formation in Dry‐Cured Bacons
Authors: Wang Yongli , Li Feng , Zhuang Hong , Li Lianghao , Chen Xiao , Zhang Jianhao 
Published: February 2015

AbstractEffects of plant polyphenols (tea polyphenol [TP], grape seed extract [GSE], and gingerol) and α‐tocopherol on physicochemical parameters, microbiological counts, and biogenic amines were determined in dry‐cured bacons at the end of ripening. Results showed that plant polyphenols and α‐tocopherol significantly decreased pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content, and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) compared with the control (P < 0.05). Microbial counts and biogenic amine contents in dry‐cured bacons were affected by plant polyphenols or α‐tocopherol, with TP being the most effective (P < 0.05) in reducing aerobic plate counts, Enterobacteriaceae, Micrococcaceae, yeast, and molds, as well as in inhibiting formation of putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine, and spermine. Principal component analysis indicated that the first 2 principal components (PC) explained about 85.5% of the total variation. PC1 was related with physicochemical factors, parts of biogenic amines, and spoilage microorganisms, whereas PC2 grouped the TVBN, tyramine, 2‐phenylethylamine, yeast, and molds. These findings suggest that plant polyphenols, especially TP, could be used to process dry‐cured bacons to improve the quality and safety of finished products.
Heat‐Induced Gelation Mechanism of Blood Plasma Modulated by Cysteine
Authors: Saguer E. , Alvarez P. , Fort N. , Espigulé E. , Parés D. , Toldrà M. , Carretero C. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis work aims to determine changes at molecular level of plasma proteins provoked by adding cysteine (Cys, 0.025% to 0.35% w/v) as a reducing agent and their relationship with the heat‐induced gel properties obtained when subsequently the solutions were submitted to a thermal treatment. Results show that adding Cys to plasma solutions at concentrations ≥0.15% actually entails modifications in the secondary structure of their main proteins, that is, serum albumin–α‐helix rich–and globulin fraction–β‐sheet rich. Basically, a reduction of the intensity of the infrared (IR) bands assigned to both structures takes place concomitant to an increase of extended structures that seem to act as intermediates for the subsequent protein aggregation process through nonnative intermolecular β‐sheets. Cleavage of disulfide bonds is also evidenced at Cys concentrations ≥0.15% by nonreducing sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), with the effects being directly proportional to Cys concentration. However, beneficial effects on gel hardness are gradually obtained at Cys concentrations ≤0.15%, that is, when the effects at molecular level are at most just budding, while not more improvements on this textural parameter are obtained at higher Cys concentrations. By contrast, water retention capacity is gradually diminishing as Cys concentration increases, but with a significant reduction only obtained at the highest tested concentration. These results suggest a negative effect of Cys on gel microstructure at high concentrations, which probably can be attributed to protein aggregation taking place at room temperature.
Development and Characterization of Different Black Raspberry Confection Matrices Designed for Delivery of Phytochemicals
Authors: Gu Junnan , Ahn‐Jarvis Jennifer H. , Vodovotz Yael 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThree forms of confections containing black raspberries (BRB) powder were developed to provide controlled release of phytochemicals for oral disease prevention. Our objective was to investigate the impact of varying confection matrices on the release rate of BRB phytochemicals. Confections were developed and prepared. Textural properties of confections were analyzed, compared and correlated with the release rate of phytochemicals from BRB confections within vitrodissolution test. In the results, BRB content reached 22% in hard candy and pectin‐based confections and 40% in starch‐based confections, respectively. Pectin‐ and starch‐based confections retained >93% of its original anthocyanins after processing while hard candy had 59%. Starch confections showed higher G’ in rheological analysis and higher hardness but lower cohesiveness and springiness in textural profile analysis than pectin confections (P< 0.05). The confection types showed different microstructure with scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Corresponding to their physicochemical properties, confections showed fast (hard candy), intermediate (pectin confections), and slow (starch confections) release rates with a final releasing time of 90, 150, and 540 min in dissolution studies. Three confections were rated between neither like nor dislike to like slightly (n= 60). Pectin confections had the highest overall acceptance (like slightly) and 62% of subjects rated this type of confection as the most liked ones. These results indicate that delivery matrix could modulate the phytochemical release rate from BRB confection and also influence sensory preference.
Persistent shifts in Caribbean coral microbiota are linked to the 2010 warm thermal anomaly
Authors: Tracy Allison M. , Koren Omry , Douglas Nancy , Weil Ernesto , Harvell C. Drew 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe response of corals to warm temperature anomalies includes changes in coral bacterial assemblages. There are clear differences between the microbiota of bleached and healthy corals. However, few studies have tracked the microbiota of individual colonies throughout a warming event. We used 454 pyrosequencing and repeated measures to characterize bacterial assemblages in 15 Gorgonia ventalina colonies before, during, 4 months after, and 1 year after the 2010 Caribbean warm thermal anomaly. In the latter three sampling times, the G. ventalina microbiota differed significantly from the microbiota of Orbicella faveolata colonies, which were sampled only at these three times. O. faveolata microbiota did not exhibit coordinated shifts through time. Notably, the microbiota of the repeatedly sampled G. ventalina colonies shifted persistently from before to during, after, and long after the warming event. The same pattern emerges from the norm of reaction for the individual G. ventalina colonies. This is the first study to show persistent shifts in coral microbiota in association with a warm thermal anomaly. Whether shifting microbiota is adaptive or maladaptive, the lasting change in bacterial assemblages following this warming event identifies a new way that coral microbiota shape the response of coral colonies under thermal stress.
Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 gene reporters interrogating the dibenzofuran metabolic network highlight conditions for early successful development in contaminated microcosms
Authors: Coronado Edith , Valtat Annabelle , van der Meer Jan R. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryIn order to better understand the fate and activity of bacteria introduced into contaminated material for the purpose of enhancing biodegradation rates, we constructed Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 variants with gene reporters interrogating dibenzofuran metabolic activity. Three potential promoters from the dibenzofuran metabolic network were selected and fused to the gene for enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). The stability of the resulting genetic constructions in RW1 was examined, with plasmids based on the broad‐host range vector pME6012 being the most reliable. One of the selected promoters, upstream of the gene Swit_4925 for a putative 2‐hydroxy‐2,4‐pentadienoate hydratase, was inducible by growth on dibenzofuran. Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 equipped with the Swit_4925 promoter egfp fusion grew in a variety of non‐sterile sandy microcosms contaminated with dibenzofuran and material from a former gasification site. The strain also grew in microcosms without added dibenzofuran but to a very limited extent, and EGFP expression indicated the formation of consistent small subpopulations of cells with an active inferred dibenzofuran metabolic network. Evidence was obtained for competition for dibenzofuran metabolites scavenged by resident bacteria in the gasification site material, which resulted in a more rapid decline of the RW1 population. Our results show the importance of low inoculation densities in order to observe the population development of the introduced bacteria and further illustrate that the limited availability of unique carbon substrate may be the most important factor impinging growth.