NDM-1 Introduction in Portugal through a ST11 KL105 Klebsiella pneumoniae Widespread in Europe

The changing epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Southern European countries is challenging for infection control, and it is critical to identify and track new genetic entities (genes, carbapenemases, clones) quickly and with high precision. We aimed to characterize the strain responsible for the first recognized outbreak by an NDM-1-producing K. pneumoniae in Portugal, and to elucidate its diffusion in an international context. NDM-1-producing multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from hospitalized patients (2018–2019) were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, molecular typing, whole-genome sequencing, and comparative genomics with available K. pneumoniae ST11 KL105 genomes. FT-IR spectroscopy allowed the rapid (ca. 4 h after incubation) identification of the outbreak strains as ST11 KL105, supporting outbreak control. Epidemiological information supports a community source but without linkage to endemic regions of NDM-1 producers. Whole-genome comparison with previous DHA-1-producing ST11 KL105 strains revealed the presence of different plasmid types and antibiotic resistance traits, suggesting the entry of a new strain. In fact, this ST11 KL105 clade has successfully disseminated in Europe with variable beta-lactamases, but essentially as ESBL or DHA-1 producers. We expand the distribution map of NDM-1-producing K. pneumoniae in Europe, at the expense of a successfully established ST11 KL105 K. pneumoniae clade circulating with variable plasmid backgrounds and beta-lactamases. Our work further supports the use of FT-IR as an asset to support quick infection control.

Cultural Diversity, Negotiation, and Organizational Leadership

In globalization, the business world is becoming increasingly complex and challenging for small and medium companies in Latin American countries. There are variables that determine the success of a national and international business. In the latter case, one must have a good knowledge of the country's environment with which a commercial operation is carried out (competitors, political, economic, socio-cultural, legal, technological, etc). All these factors are undoubtedly important in the field of international treaties or agreements, as well as the precise information of the negotiating company. However, variables such as leadership and organizational culture and, in particular, cultural diversity are to a small extent considered as decisive factors of business competitiveness. The chapter describes the importance of the three variables as tools for the performance of Colombian companies in an international context and shows the results of the CW Model of the Culture Assistant, where seven key elements of cultural diversity are evaluated in organizations.

DISTÂNCIA PSICOLÓGICA NO MARKETING DE PRODUTOS NOSTÁLGICOS PARA COMUNIDADES EM DIÁSPORA: O CASO VENEZUELANO

ABSTRACT With this first systematic review of specific literature about diaspora marketing, it was found that this emerging literature focuses mainly on opportunities related to trade, tourism, and the acculturation between countries with different languages in only one host country. This research contributes toward a greater understanding of diaspora buying behavior using the construal level theory, specifically regarding the purchase of nostalgic products and services, examining the case of Venezuelan diaspora in the broader international context of five host countries: Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and Panama Another contribution is the use of e-WOM metrics derived from advertising posts on Instagram. The results show that diaspora consumers in host countries that have higher levels of individualism, less masculinity, and are further geographically from their homeland seek to consume greater amounts of nostalgic products.

International Human Resource Management

Nowadays, internationalization is key for the survival of firms. Internationalization of a firm involves an internationalization of all the functional areas of the firm, of which international human resource management (IHRM) is one of the most relevant. In an international context, managers should make decisions about what human resource practices are best suited to the firm's international operations. Being aware of the differences between domestic and international human resource management will help readers and managers to establish operational mechanisms to deal with country differences in terms of industrial labor, culture, and firm practices. Therefore, after reading this chapter, readers should be able to deal with aspects like adaptation or standardization of HR practices, international staffing, and relevant issues around expatriation and repatriation.

PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTANCE IN THE DIASPORA MARKETING OF NOSTALGIC PRODUCTS: A VENEZUELAN CASE

ABSTRACT With this first systematic review of specific literature about diaspora marketing, it was found that this emerging literature focuses mainly on opportunities related to trade, tourism, and the acculturation between countries with different languages in only one host country. This research contributes toward a greater understanding of diaspora buying behavior using the construal level theory, specifically regarding the purchase of nostalgic products and services, examining the case of Venezuelan diaspora in the broader international context of five host countries: Colombia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, and Panama Another contribution is the use of e-WOM metrics derived from advertising posts on Instagram. The results show that diaspora consumers in host countries that have higher levels of individualism, less masculinity, and are further geographically from their homeland seek to consume greater amounts of nostalgic products.

Building a Nuclear Security Regime: Questions to Be Asked

This chapter outlines some of the key questions to be asked by a State when considering a nuclear programme and thus a nuclear security regime. In the context of globalization and the emergence of a world in which States are interdependent, it is recognized that the way one State carries out its mission to protect nuclear materials and nuclear activities concerns other States also. In response to this, and despite the reluctance of States to expose their sovereign security practices, an international framework, composed of legally binding or non-binding tools, has been built up with the idea of promoting greater consistency and thus providing guarantees to all States. It is also important, for this one State, to comprehend the national and international context beyond nuclear security within which it falls. This State has then to question itself, in the light of security issues and the fundamental principle of State sovereignty, on the essential concepts that are found in certain components of the nuclear field, such as the positioning of the competent authority, the protection of information, transparency or the place of the operator.