bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Action language ℬ𝒞+
Authors: Babb Joseph , Lee Joohyung
Published: September 2015

Action languages are formal models of parts of natural language that are designed to describe effects of actions. Many of these languages can be viewed as high-level notations of answer set programs structured to represent transition systems. However, the form of answer set programs considered in the earlier work is quite limited in comparison with the modern Answer Set Programming (ASP) language, which allows several useful constructs for knowledge representation, such as choice rules, aggregates and abstract constraint atoms. We propose a new action language called BC +, which closes the gap between action languages and the modern ASP language. The main idea is to define the semantics of BC + in terms of general stable model semantics for propositional formulas, under which many modern ASP language constructs can be identified with shorthands for propositional formulas. Language BC  + turns out to be sufficiently expressive to encompass the best features of other action languages, such as languages B , C , C + and BC . Computational methods available in ASP solvers are readily applicable to compute BC +, which led to an implementation of the language by extending system cplus2asp .
Timing and Efficacy of Fungicide Applications for Diplodia Ear Rot Management in Corn
Authors: Luna Martha P. Romero , Wise Kiersten A.
Published: September 2015

Diplodia ear rot, a corn (Zea mays L.) disease caused by the fungus Stenocarpella maydis (Berk.) B. Sutton, has been a persistent ear rot across the United States. Management options are currently limited. Field trials conducted under inoculated and non-inoculated conditions were established at two locations in Indiana from 2011 to 2013 to test the fungicides azoxystrobin plus propiconazole and prothioconazole against Diplodia ear rot. Fungicides were applied at three individual growth stages during each year. Fungicides did not consistently reduce Diplodia ear rot compared to non-fungicide-treated controls in any year. Applications also did not consistently increase yield at any timing under inoculated and non-inoculated plots compared with the non-fungicidetreated control. Fungicides were tested in an in vitro assay to determine the effective fungicide concentration at which 50% of mycelial growth or conidial germination of S. maydis was inhibited (EC50). Propiconazole and prothioconazole EC50 values indicated efficacy in reducing fungal growth under controlled conditions; however, current fungicide application methods and plant barriers to fungicide contact with the pathogen may prevent these products from effectively reducing Diplodia ear rot in a field setting.

Accepted for publication 23 August 2015. Published 1 September 2015
Association of Diaporthe longicolla with Black Zone Lines on Mature Soybean Plants
Authors: Olson Taylor R. , Gebreil Ahmed , Micijevic Ana , Bradley Carl A. , Wise Kiersten A. , Mueller Daren S. , Chilvers Martin I. , Mathew Febina M.
Published: September 2015

In 2014, during a survey for soybean (Glycine max L.) diseases in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and South Dakota, zone lines were observed on the lower stems of soybean plants. The survey was performed by sampling two to three fields per state. In each field, at least five plants exhibiting zone lines were collected. Isolations were made from the zone lines by plating 1-cm pieces on potato dextrose agar. A total of 90 isolates producing black stromata in concentric patterns and alpha conidia were tentatively identified as Diaporthe longicolla (Hobbs) Santos, Vrandecic and Phillips. DNA was extracted from the mycelia of 10 representative isolates and the identity was confirmed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis combining translation elongation factor-1a and actin sequences was performed and the ten isolates grouped with the D. longicolla ex-type cultures in a well-supported clade (94% bootstrap support). A pathogenicity test was performed in the greenhouse by inserting D. longicolla-infested toothpicks into the lower stems of the soybean plants. To complete Koch's postulates, D. longicolla was re-isolated from the zone lines of the inoculated plants and the pathogen identity was confirmed by sequencing the ITS gene.

Accepted for publication 23 August 2015. Published 28 August 2015.
Progeny of Selfed Plants from Tomato Breeding Line ‘NC1 Grape’ Overexpressing Mannitol Dehydrogenase (MTD) Have Increased Resistance to the Early Blight Fungus, Alternaria solani
Authors: Patel Takshay K. , Krasnyanski Sergei F. , Allen George C. , Louws Frank J. , Panthee Dilip R. , Williamson John D.
Published: September 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) made by plants in response to pathogen infection not only initiate local and systemic defenses, they are also antimicrobial. A number of fungi are hypothesized to secrete the antioxidant mannitol to protect against this antimicrobial ROS during infection. This hypothesis is supported by reports that overexpression of the mannitol catabolic enzyme mannitol dehydrogenase (MTD) in plants increases resistance to mannitol-secreting pathogens like Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata. To extend this hypothesis and test the general utility of this approach, we overexpressed celery MTD in a tomato breeding line (NC1 Grape) currently used in our program. Although we reported earlier that MTD overexpression provides resistance to Botrytis gray mold in a greenhouse tomato, this is the first report of overexpression in an elite breeding variety providing heritable, whole-plant resistance to A. solani (tomato early blight). In this study, progeny from a high-MTD-expressing line had infection rates <65% those of nontransformed plants, and transformants outgrew infection by 7 days post-inoculation. Finally, our results suggest that screening for higher innate MTD expression in plants, rather than screening solely for the presence of the Mtd gene, might be a more effective way to identify parental lines for use in conventional breeding of early blight resistance.

Accepted for publication 7 August 2015. Published 14 August 2015.
The speed of sound in a gas–vapour bubbly liquid
Authors: Prosperetti Andrea
Published: September 2015

In addition to the vapour of the liquid, bubbles in cavitating flows usually contain also a certain amount of permanent gas that diffuses out of the liquid as they grow. This paper presents a simplified linear model for the propagation of monochromatic pressure waves in a bubbly liquid with these characteristics. Phase change effects are included in detail, while the gas is assumed to follow a polytropic law. It is shown that even a small amount of permanent gas can have a major effect on the behaviour of the system. Particular attention is paid to the low-frequency range, which is of special concern in flow cavitation. Numerical results for water and liquid oxygen illustrate the implications of the model.
Arctic circulation regimes
Authors: Proshutinsky Andrey , Dukhovskoy Dmitry , Timmermans Mary-Louise , Krishfield Richard , Bamber Jonathan L.
Published: September 2015

Between 1948 and 1996, mean annual environmental parameters in the Arctic experienced a well-pronounced decadal variability with two basic circulation patterns: cyclonic and anticyclonic alternating at 5 to 7 year intervals. During cyclonic regimes, low sea-level atmospheric pressure (SLP) dominated over the Arctic Ocean driving sea ice and the upper ocean counterclockwise; the Arctic atmosphere was relatively warm and humid, and freshwater flux from the Arctic Ocean towards the subarctic seas was intensified. By contrast, during anticylonic circulation regimes, high SLP dominated driving sea ice and the upper ocean clockwise. Meanwhile, the atmosphere was cold and dry and the freshwater flux from the Arctic to the subarctic seas was reduced. Since 1997, however, the Arctic system has been under the influence of an anticyclonic circulation regime (17 years) with a set of environmental parameters that are atypical for this regime. We discuss a hypothesis explaining the causes and mechanisms regulating the intensity and duration of Arctic circulation regimes, and speculate how changes in freshwater fluxes from the Arctic Ocean and Greenland impact environmental conditions and interrupt their decadal variability.
Processes controlling surface, bottom and lateral melt of Arctic sea ice in a state of the art sea ice model
Authors: Tsamados Michel , Feltham Daniel , Petty Alek , Schroeder David , Flocco Daniela
Published: September 2015

We present a modelling study of processes controlling the summer melt of the Arctic sea ice cover. We perform a sensitivity study and focus our interest on the thermodynamics at the ice–atmosphere and ice–ocean interfaces. We use the Los Alamos community sea ice model CICE, and additionally implement and test three new parametrization schemes: (i) a prognostic mixed layer; (ii) a three equation boundary condition for the salt and heat flux at the ice–ocean interface; and (iii) a new lateral melt parametrization. Recent additions to the CICE model are also tested, including explicit melt ponds, a form drag parametrization and a halodynamic brine drainage scheme. The various sea ice parametrizations tested in this sensitivity study introduce a wide spread in the simulated sea ice characteristics. For each simulation, the total melt is decomposed into its surface, bottom and lateral melt components to assess the processes driving melt and how this varies regionally and temporally. Because this study quantifies the relative importance of several processes in driving the summer melt of sea ice, this work can serve as a guide for future research priorities.
Arctic mass, freshwater and heat fluxes: methods and modelled seasonal variability
Authors: Bacon Sheldon , Aksenov Yevgeny , Fawcett Stephen , Madec Gurvan
Published: September 2015

Considering the Arctic Ocean (including sea ice) as a defined volume, we develop equations describing the time-varying fluxes of mass, heat and freshwater (FW) into, and storage of those quantities within, that volume. The seasonal cycles of fluxes and storage of mass, heat and FW are quantified and illustrated using output from a numerical model. The meanings of ‘reference values’ and FW fluxes are discussed, and the potential for error through the use of arbitrary reference values is examined.
The East Siberian Arctic Shelf: towards further assessment of permafrost-related methane fluxes and role of sea ice
Authors: Shakhova Natalia , Semiletov Igor , Sergienko Valentin , Lobkovsky Leopold , Yusupov Vladimir , Salyuk Anatoly , Salomatin Alexander , Chernykh Denis , Kosmach Denis , Panteleev Gleb , Nicolsky Dmitry , Samarkin Vladimir , Joye Samantha , Charkin Alexander , Dudarev Oleg , Meluzov Alexander , Gustafsson Orjan
Published: September 2015

Sustained release of methane (CH
4
) to the atmosphere from thawing Arctic permafrost may be a positive and significant feedback to climate warming. Atmospheric venting of CH
4
from the East Siberian Arctic Shelf (ESAS) was recently reported to be on par with flux from the Arctic tundra; however, the future scale of these releases remains unclear. Here, based on results of our latest observations, we show that CH
4
emissions from this shelf are likely to be determined by the state of subsea permafrost degradation. We observed CH
4
emissions from two previously understudied areas of the ESAS: the outer shelf, where subsea permafrost is predicted to be discontinuous or mostly degraded due to long submergence by seawater, and the near shore area, where deep/open taliks presumably form due to combined heating effects of seawater, river run-off, geothermal flux and pre-existing thermokarst. CH
4
emissions from these areas emerge from largely thawed sediments via strong flare-like ebullition, producing fluxes that are orders of magnitude greater than fluxes observed in background areas underlain by largely frozen sediments. We suggest that progression of subsea permafrost thawing and decrease in ice extent could result in a significant increase in CH
4
emissions from the ESAS.
Selection for mitochondrial quality drives evolution of the germline
Authors: Radzvilavicius Arunas L , Hadjivasiliou Zena , Lane Nick , Pomiankowski Andrew
Published: September 2015

The origin of the germline-soma distinction is a fundamental unsolved question. Plants and basal metazoans do not have a germline but generate gametes from somatic tissues (somatic gametogenesis), whereas most bilaterians sequester a germline. We develop an evolutionary model which shows that selection for mitochondrial quality drives germline evolution. In organisms with low mitochondrial mutation rates, segregation of mutations over multiple cell divisions generates variation, allowing selection to optimize gamete quality through somatic gametogenesis. Higher mutation rates promote early germline sequestration. Oogamy reduces mitochondrial segregation in early development, improving adult fitness by restricting variation between tissues, but also limiting variation between early-sequestered oocytes, undermining gamete quality. Oocyte variation is restored through proliferation and random culling (atresia) of precursor cells. We predict a novel pathway from basal metazoans lacking a germline to active bilaterians with early sequestration of large oocytes subject to atresia, allowing the emergence of complex developmental processes.
Quantitative Genetics Meets Integral Projection Models: Unification of Widely Used Methods from Ecology and Evolution
Authors: Coulson Tim , Plard Floriane , Schindler Susanne , Ozgul Arpat , Gaillard Jean-Michel
Published: September 2015

Micro-evolutionary predictions are complicated by ecological feedbacks like density dependence, while ecological predictions can be complicated by evolutionary change. A widely used approach in micro-evolution, quantitative genetics, struggles to incorporate ecological processes into predictive models, while structured population modelling, a tool widely used in ecology, rarely incorporates evolution explicitly.

In this paper we develop a flexible, general framework that links quantitative genetics and structured population models. We use the quantitative genetic approach to write down the phenotype as an additive map. We then construct integral projection models for each component of the phenotype. The dynamics of the distribution of the phenotype are generated by combining distributions of each of its components. Population projection models can be formulated on per generation or on shorter time steps.

We introduce the framework before developing example models with parameters chosen to exhibit specific dynamics. These models reveal (i) how evolution of a phenotype can cause populations to move from one dynamical regime to another (e.g. from stationarity to cycles), (ii) how additive genetic variances and covariances (theGmatrix) are expected to evolve over multiple generations, (iii) how changing heritability with age can maintain additive genetic variation in the face of selection and (iii) life history, population dynamics, phenotypic characters and parameters in ecological models will change as adaptation occurs.

Our approach unifies population ecology and evolutionary biology providing a framework allowing a very wide range of questions to be addressed. The next step is to apply the approach to a variety of laboratory and field systems. Once this is done we will have a much deeper understanding of eco-evolutionary dynamics and feedbacks.
Ethnic diversity and social capital in upward mobility systems
Authors: Ossenkop Carolin , Vinkenburg Claartje J. , Jansen Paul G. W. , Ghorashi Halleh
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between ethnic diversity, social capital, and objective career success in upward mobility systems over time. The authors conceptualize the underlying process of why intra-organizational career boundaries are more permeable for dominant ethnics compared to minority ethnics.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors conceptually explore and model this relationship by elaborating on three mechanisms of social capital return deficit proposed by Lin (2000), building the argument based on four underlying principles (stereotype fit, status construction, homophily, and reciprocity).

Findings

– Based on a proposed reciprocal relationship between social capital and objective career success, the authors suggest the development of an upward career spiral over time, which is continuously affected by ethnic group membership. Consequently, the authors argue that dominant ethnics do not only advance to a higher level of objective career success, but that they also advance exponentially faster than minority ethnics.

Research limitations/implications

– The conceptualization provokes the question to what extent the permeability of intra-organizational boundaries constrains careers of some, while enabling careers of others.

Originality/value

– The contribution lies in the exploration of the relationship between social capital and objective career success over time, of the permeability of intra-organizational career boundaries, and how both are affected by ethnic group membership.
Antecedents of continued usage intentions of web-based learning management system in Tanzania
Authors: Lwoga Edda Tandi , Komba Mercy
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that predict students’ continued usage intention of web-based learning management systems (LMS) in Tanzania, with a specific focus on the School of Business of Mzumbe University. Specifically, the study investigated major predictors of actual usage and continued usage intentions of e-learning system, and challenges of using the e-learning system.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 300 third year undergraduate students, with a rate of return of 77 per cent. A total of 20 faculty members were also interviewed. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was utilized in the study.

Findings

– The results show that actual usage was determined by self-efficacy, while continued usage intentions of web-based learning system was predicted by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, self-efficacy, and actual usage. Challenges for using web-based LMS were related to information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure barrier, LMS user interface was not user friendly, weak ICT policies, management and technical support, limited skills, lack of awareness, resistance to change, and lack of time to prepare e-content and use the e-learning system.

Practical implications

– The study findings are useful to e-learning managers and university management to identify important factors and develop appropriate policies and strategies to encourage long-term usage of e-learning systems for future studies and lifelong learning.

Originality/value

– By using UTAUT in the context of continued usage intentions and the integration of an additional construct (“self-efficacy”), the extended UTAUT model fits very well in the web-based learning systems in Tanzania, in particular where such studies are scant. The findings can be used in other institutions with similar conditions in investigating the continued usage intentions of e-learning systems.
Study and labour market effects of graduate students’ interaction with work organisations during education
Authors: Thune Taran , Støren Liv Anne
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an empirically based discussion of how cooperation between higher education institutions and work organisations (WOs) can increase graduate learning experiences and employability.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data are based on an electronic and mail-based graduate survey among Norwegian master’s degree graduates six months after graduation. 2,232 master degree graduates responded to the survey, giving a 54 per cent response rate. All subject fields were represented.

Findings

– 77 per cent of the graduates have some forms of interactions with WOs during their studies. The level and mode of participation differ, however, very much, and the benefits of participating differ by mode of interaction. Project-based interaction is positively and significantly associated with completing studies on time. Further, graduates who have participated in either project-based interactions or practice periods have better labour market situation after graduation than their peers. The results hold also when controlling of subject field differences and students’ abilities.

Research limitations/implications

– The study indicates that it is important to look at a wide range of interaction activities and look at the benefits from these activities both in terms of effects on the quality of the learning experience, as well as benefits realised in the transition to work. The data on learning benefits of interaction with WO during higher education are, however, limited, and further studies are needed on this issue in particular.

Practical implications

– The study indicates that only certain forms of interactions between students and WOs have benefits for students; namely the ones that involve a certain degree of time and commitment. Programme officers in higher education should target more committed interaction forms, because the added value is significantly higher for the students.

Originality/value

– The study contributes new knowledge about the external networks of higher education institutions, by looking at the role of students in such networks and by measuring the benefits by using a representative sample of students.
Financial literacy and portfolio diversification: an observation from the Tunisian stock market
Authors: Mouna Amari , Jarboui Anis
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on the lack of financial literacy as one probable factor explaining the low levels of portfolio diversification. The authors consider distinct aspects of financial literacy and control for socioeconomic and behavioral differences among individual groups of investors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed models in this paper use multivariate analysis to examine the relationship between financial literacy and portfolio diversification. Investors’ biases have been measured by means of a questionnaire comprising several items, including indicators of investors’ portfolio fragmentation, financial literacy and socio economic variables. The sample consists of 256 small investors actively trading on the Tunisian stock market.

Findings

– The results suggest that investors’ experience, financial literacy level, age, their use of the availability heuristic, familiarity bias and portfolio size, have a significant impact on the diversity of assets included their portfolios.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation of the empirical study is the small size of the sample. A larger sample would have given more reliable results and could have enabled a wider range of analyzes.

Practical implications

– The paper encourages investors to make their investments decisions based on their financial capability and experience levels and to avoid relying on their sentiment.

Social implications

– The paper encourages governmental organizations to establish training programmes aimed to develop the individual investor’s financial literacy level.

Originality/value

– The current study is the first of its kind focusing on the link between financial literacy and portfolio diversification, within the specific context of Tunisia.
Building company reputation and brand equity through CSR: the mediating role of trust
Authors: Fatma Mobin , Rahman Zillur , Khan Imran
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives on the two marketing outcomes - corporate reputation (CR) and brand equity (BE), based on the perception of consumers regarding banks in India.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey of banking consumers was carried out, resulting in 303 valid responses. In order to address research objectives and test the hypothesis, structural equations modeling has been employed.

Findings

– Results reveals that CSR activities influence CR and BE directly as well as indirectly. In addition, the mediating role of trust is found to be significant between CSR and CR and CSR and BE. The study shows that CSR activities build consumer trust in a company which in turn positively impacts CR and BE.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings have important implications for retail banks in India and suggest that CSR activities can help banks in building CR and BE. The hypothesized theoretical framework has been tested in the banking context, so the generalization of findings is limited to the context.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to literature by highlighting the important role of CSR and its direct and indirect effects on CR and BE.
The factors influencing mediation referral practices and barriers to its adoption
Authors: Agapiou Andrew
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Following an analysis of English construction lawyers’ perceptions, attitudes and practices relative to mediation, this paper aims to offer an insight into the initial stages of the legal decision-making process, involving an examination of the degree of control construction lawyers’ exercise over the decision-making process itself, as well as an analysis of the factors that determine the decision to use mediation. The empirical work thus far focuses on the different potential barriers to mediation that typically characterize the relationship clients’ and legal advisors, addressing to divergent monetary interests, non-monetary and psychological interests and barriers in the principal–agent relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a quantitative survey of legal advisors in England and Wales (n= 212), the purpose of this paper is to explore mediation, specifically the factors that support its use, barriers that hinder use and the perceptions of the efficacy and level of effectiveness of the process.

Findings

– The findings indicate that more experienced construction lawyers reported using mediation to a far greater extent than less experienced lawyers, consistent with the proposition that more experienced lawyers develop a cooperative reputation as a function of their professional encounters. The results reveal that the absence of good mediators, influence of the courts, inability to create enforceable precedents, negative experiences and preferences for other forms of dispute resolution do not seem to be significant factors militating against the referral of cases to mediation. It would also seem that self-reported financial interests do not deter construction lawyers from referring cases to mediation. Nevertheless, there may be a need to develop more standardised approaches to setting mediation fee scales to minimise lawyers’ diminished fee income as a consequence of their increased involvement as advocates or counsel in mediated cases.

Originality/value

– The recent Jackson Cost Review has provided greater impetus for the use of mediation. A failure to respond to a request to engage in mediation may also be deemed unreasonable by the courts, as, for example, in the case of PGF II SA v. OMFS Company 1 Limited. Nevertheless, while the Civil Procedure Rules are being used by the courts in England and Wales increasingly to “encourage” parties to look to alternative methods to settle differences, little can be gleaned from the literature on the central role of construction lawyers in mediation, and more specifically the extent to which they refrain from referring cases to mediation in a manner inconsistent with their clients’ interests. Much of the construction-based research so far has focused on how mediation is bearing up in practice, its use, appealability and possible improvements.
Relationships among triple bottom line elements
Authors: Venkatraman Sitalakshmi , Nayak Raveendranath Ravi
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to gain more insight of the nature and strength of relationships among the three triple bottom line (TBL) outcomes, namely corporate environmental performance outcome (CEPO), corporate social performance outcome (CSPO) and corporate financial performance outcome (CFPO) and to evolve a roadmap for integrating sustainable business practices that facilitates in managing and improving their sustainable performance. Literature reports that currently businesses try to achieve economic, social and ecological goals independently resulting in silos. The interrelationships of TBL elements have not been explored and integrated. The literature has already pointed out that to achieve corporate sustainability, managers need to integrate TBL goals in all their business decisions. However, the question remains – how to integrate these three competing goals and this paper attempts to answer this question.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the research design, the authors use a quantitative research methodology with data collected by means of a survey questionnaire that included both descriptive and exploratory flavour. The empirical study examines the relationships of TBL elements as perceived by 85 different Australian-based large, medium, as well as small business organisations. The data collected were analysed by performing factor analysis on 21 items resulting in three latent factors that were aligned to TBL outcomes and the correlations among them were analysed to assess their interrelationships.

Findings

– The results of the study report weak, positive relationships existing between the TBL. This result has useful implications well-supported by the qualitative feedback. The paper argues that Australian managers do not see any strategic advantage in pursuing “beyond compliance” sustainable business practices, as they perceive no added value to their organisations’ financial performance outcomes. Integrating economic, social and ecological performances is seen as an additional management burden.

Originality/value

– While most of the TBL studies conducted worldwide focus on predominantly assessing large organisations toward responsible and sustainable business practices, this paper considers large, medium as well as small businesses. Also, economic, social and environmental issues are explored by organisations individually, while this study investigates their inter-connections. Through the empirical study, this paper provides recommendations and proposes a four-step roadmap with the participation of quality circles that would facilitate the integration of the social responsibility and environment protection practices into the core business operations paving way towards achieving corporate sustainability.
The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) in Libya and Syria
Authors: Odeyemi Christo
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Against the backdrop of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) policy – an instrument with which the UN seeks to protect vulnerable civilians from gross violations of human rights – this study examines the application of R2P in the Libyan intervention and the various efforts to replicate similar claim to intervene in Syria. While proposing that the roles of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) is increasingly influential to the success of an intervention, this study asks the question: what are the general conditions for success of R2P application in Libya and Syria during the period 2011-2014?

Design/methodology/approach

– In its examination of the policy and scholarly works that have informed, justified and evaluated the processes and outcomes of the principles of R2P policy, this paper used relevant search terms for conditions for success of humanitarian military intervention (COSI). Specific keywords such as R2P, BRICS and humanitarian intervention are scrutinised for relevance to the research question. Documents that failed to satisfy the criteria of research quality were excluded, whereas the key problems and findings identified in each studied document were tabulated into inclusion and exclusion.

Findings

– Despite the role of BRICS in the Libyan and Syrian interventions, existing literature failed to explicitly make this connection, although much of the literature agreed on a number of general conditions for success. This paper problematise the relationship between success and BRICS role. One of the reasons for this is the emerging nature of the literature that is beginning to appreciate the plausibility that the BRICS influences the success of an intervention.

Originality/value

– This piece synthesises studies that focus on COSI with preference for works that engaged this study’s case countries. Much rich data which even until now are always in need of close examination emerged during data collection, making it useful to craft a third part for BRICS-focused literature that has informed the R2P debate.
Perioperative management of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha blocker‐treated psoriatic patients: Case reports and review
Authors: Kawakami Hiroshi , Matsumoto Yuka , Abe Namiko , Katori Youich , Takahashi Kousuke , Tsuboi Ryoji , Okubo Yukari
Published: September 2015

Regarding appropriate timings of discontinuation and resumption of biologics for psoriasis patients before and after elective surgeries, an international consensus has yet to be reached. The Japanese Dermatological Association of Guideline and Safety Manual for the use of Biologic Agents in Psoriasis 2013 states that infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADA) should be withheld at least 4 and 2 weeks, respectively, before surgery and can be restarted as neither postoperative infection nor delayed wound healing is recognized. We experienced three generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) patients and one plaque‐type psoriasis patient undergoing surgeries during tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α blocker therapy. Three GPP cases experienced uneventful post‐surgical course. One psoriasis vulgaris patient on IFX had a wound healing delay with deterioration of psoriatic plaques which was restored by restarting IFX. The timing of suspension and resumption of TNF‐α blockers in all cases were determined following the Japanese guideline.
Examination of the Suicide Characteristics Based on the Scene Investigation in Capital Budapest (2009–2011)
Authors: Kristóf István , Vörös Krisztina , Marcsa Boglárka , Váradi‐T Aletta , Kosztya Sándor , Törő Klára
Published: September 2015

Medicolegal evaluation of postmortem findings at the death scene represents an important part of forensic medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and characteristics of suicide events. Data collection was performed from the police scene investigation reports in capital Budapest between 2009 and 2011. In this study, epidemiological parameters such as age, gender, time and place of death, postmortem changes, suicidal method, seasonal and daily distribution, natural diseases, earlier psychiatric treatment, socioeconomic risks, supposed cause of death, final notes, earlier suicide attempts, and suicide ideations were analyzed. There were 892 suicide cases (619 males, 273 females) detected in the investigated period. Hanging, overdose of prescription medications, jumping, use of firearms, drowning, and electrotrauma showed statistical differences among genders (p < 0.05). The most common methods of suicide among men and women were hanging (57.4%) and overdose of prescription medications (33%), respectively. Death scene characteristics represent the important factors for forensic medicine.
Development of Latent Fingermarks on Various Surfaces Using ZnO‐SiO2 Nanopowder
Authors: Arshad Ayesha , Farrukh Muhammad Akhyar , Ali Shaista , Khaleeq‐ur‐Rahman Muhammad , Tahir Muhammad Ashraf
Published: September 2015

Fingermarks are one of the most useful forms of evidence in identification and can provide generalized proof of identity in crime investigation. They are developed using various conventional powders. The novel nanopowder ZnO‐SiO2 was synthesized via the conventional heating method and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The mean particle size of ZnO‐SiO2 nanopowder calculated through TEM was 32.9 nm. The development of fingermarks was carried out by powder dusting and small particle reagent (SPR) methods. Powder dusting method was used for the development of latent fingermarks on various dry, nonporous, and semi‐porous surfaces. The SPR method was also applied to wet nonporous surface. The developed latent fingermarks using ZnO‐SiO2 nanopowder were found to have excellent quality with very clear third‐level ridges detail and had better visibility than commercially available white powder.
Screening for Corticosteroid Adulterants in Korean Herbal Medicines
Authors: Park Hyoung‐Joon , Cho So‐Hyun , Lee Ji Hyun , Hwang In Sun , Han Kyoung Moon , Yoon Chang‐Yong , Cho Sooyeul , Kim Woo Seong
Published: September 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the presence of corticosteroids in illegal herbal medicines using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. We collected 212 herbal medicine samples that were advertised as being effective for treatment of joint pain and bone aches. Samples were from the Korean commercial market during a span of four years (2010–2013), and the method was validated. The limits of quantification ranged from 0.47 to 15.0 ng/mL, and recoveries ranged from 80.6% to 119.5%. The intra‐ and interday precision ranged from 0.18% to 8.82% and from 0.09% to 8.96%, respectively. Among the samples, three samples (1.4%) were identified as adulterants. Dexamethasone was the only compound detected in the adulterated products. As the corticosteroid–adulteration of herbal medicines may become a major problem and lead to side effects, the continued development of screening procedures for herbal medicines is critical.
Why do Queenslanders seek care in emergency departments? A population study
Authors: Rego Joanna , FitzGerald Gerry , Toloo Sam , Vallmuur Kirsten
Published: September 2015

Objective

The present study aims to identify the main reasons for which first time and multiple users seek medical care through Queensland EDs.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted at eight public EDs among presenting patients (n = 911). The questions measured the sociodemographic characteristics of patients, their beliefs and attitudes towards ED services, and perceptions of health status. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the differences between first time and multiple users of EDs.

Results

First time and multiple users accounted for 55.5% and 44.5%, respectively. Multiple users themselves were believed to be sicker, have poorer health status, and additional and/or chronic health conditions. Multiple users more strongly believed that their condition required treatment at an ED and perceived their condition as being very serious. Multiple users reported weekly household incomes below $600, and half of the multiple users were not working as compared with 35% first time users. Multivariate analysis showed that multiple use was significantly associated with the existence of additional health problems, having chronic condition, lower self‐efficacy and need for ED treatment.

Conclusions

Patients who sought care for multiple times at EDs more often than first time users suffered from additional and chronic conditions. Their opinion of an ED as the most suitable place to address their current health problem was stronger than first time users. Any proposed demand management strategies need to address these beliefs together with the reasoning of patients to provide effective and appropriate care outside or within ED services.
Potential and pitfalls of eukaryotic metagenome skimming: a test case for lichens
Authors: Greshake Bastian , Zehr Simonida , Dal Grande Francesco , Meiser Anjuli , Schmitt Imke , Ebersberger Ingo
Published: September 2015

Whole‐genome shotgun sequencing of multispecies communities using only a single library layout is commonly used to assess taxonomic and functional diversity of microbial assemblages. Here, we investigate to what extent such metagenome skimming approaches are applicable for in‐depth genomic characterizations of eukaryotic communities, for example lichens. We address how to best assemble a particular eukaryotic metagenome skimming data, what pitfalls can occur, and what genome quality can be expected from these data. To facilitate a project‐specific benchmarking, we introduce the concept of twin sets, simulated data resembling the outcome of a particular metagenome sequencing study. We show that the quality of genome reconstructions depends essentially on assembler choice. Individual tools, including the metagenome assemblers Omega and MetaVelvet, are surprisingly sensitive to low and uneven coverages. In combination with the routine of assembly parameter choice to optimize the assembly N50 size, these tools can preclude an entire genome from the assembly. In contrast, MIRA, an all‐purpose overlap assembler, and SPAdes, a multisized de Bruijn graph assembler, facilitate a comprehensive view on the individual genomes across a wide range of coverage ratios. Testing assemblers on a real‐world metagenome skimming data from the lichen Lasallia pustulata demonstrates the applicability of twin sets for guiding method selection. Furthermore, it reveals that the assembly outcome for the photobiont Trebouxia sp. falls behind the a priori expectation given the simulations. Although the underlying reasons remain still unclear, this highlights that further studies on this organism require special attention during sequence data generation and downstream analysis.
Aminocaproic acid administration is associated with reduced perioperative blood loss and transfusion in pediatric craniofacial surgery
Authors: Hsu G. , Taylor J. A. , Fiadjoe J. E. , Vincent A. M. , Pruitt E. Y. , Bartlett S. P. , Stricker P. A.
Published: September 2015

Background

Severe blood loss is a common complication of craniofacial reconstruction surgery. The antifibrinolytic ε‐aminocaproic acid (EACA) reduces transfusion requirements in children undergoing cardiac surgery and in older children undergoing spine surgery. Tranexamic acid (TXA), another antifibrinolytic with a similar mechanism of action, has been shown to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements in children undergoing craniofacial surgery. However, TXA has been associated with an increase in post‐operative seizures and is more expensive than EACA. There is currently little published data evaluating the efficacy of EACA in children undergoing craniofacial surgery.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from our craniofacial perioperative registries for children under 6 years of age who underwent anterior or posterior cranial vault reconstruction. We compared calculated blood loss, blood donor exposures, and post‐operative drain output between subjects who received EACA and those who did not.

Results

The registry queries returned data from 152 subjects. Eighty‐six did not receive EACA and 66 received EACA. The EACA group had significantly lower calculated blood loss (82 ± 43 vs. 106 ± 63 ml/kg, P = 0.01), fewer intraoperative blood donor exposures (median 2, interquartile range 1–2 vs. median 2, interquartile range 1–3; P = 0.02) and lower surgical drain output in the first post‐operative 24 h (28 ml/kg vs. 37 ml/kg, P = 0.001) than the non‐EACA group.

Conclusion

In this analysis of prospectively captured observational data, EACA administration was associated with less calculated blood loss, intraoperative blood donor exposures, and post‐operative surgical drain output.
Damage to the insula leads to decreased nicotine withdrawal during abstinence
Authors: Abdolahi Amir , Williams Geoffrey C. , Benesch Curtis G. , Wang Henry Z. , Spitzer Eric M. , Scott Bryan E. , Block Robert C. , van Wijngaarden Edwin
Published: September 2015

Background and Aims

Current pharmacotherapies for tobacco dependence are generally well tolerated, but have relatively high rates of relapse. They target primarily the brains’ mesocorticolimbic ‘reward’ pathway. However, recent evidence suggests that the insular cortex, a central cerebral hemispheric region historically overlooked in addiction models, may also play an important role in cognitive and emotional processes that facilitate drug use. We examined whether insular versus non‐insular damage from ischemic stroke attenuated acute withdrawal from cigarette smoking and reduced the likelihood of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) use during hospitalization.

Design

Data were derived from a longitudinal study with 3 months’ follow‐up, beginning June 2013 and ending May 2014.

Setting

Three acute care hospitals in Rochester, NY, USA.

Participants

One‐hundred and fifty‐six current smokers hospitalized for acute ischemic stroke (38 with insular infarctions and 118 with non‐insular infarctions, assessed by three neuroradiologists).

Measurements

The Wisconsin Smoking Withdrawal Scale (WSWS) and Minnesota Nicotine Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) were administered during hospitalization (a period of forced abstinence) to assess the frequency and severity of withdrawal symptoms. NRT use was also assessed during hospitalization.

Findings

On average, smokers with insular damage had a lower WSWS score during admission [mean = 5.89, standard deviation (SD) = 4.72] compared with those with non‐insular damage (mean = 9.20, SD = 4.71; P < 0.001) [covariate‐adjusted difference in means of –3.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = –4.97, –1.27]. A similar difference was also noted when the MNWS was used (P = 0.02). Furthermore, participants with insular lesions appeared to be less likely to use NRT during admission compared with those with non‐insular lesions [odds ratio (OR) = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.32, 1.64].

Conclusions

Current smokers with damage to their insular cortex brain region appear to experience fewer and less severe tobacco withdrawal symptoms, and appear to be less likely to require nicotine replacement therapy during hospitalization, compared with smokers with non‐insular damage. These findings support the potential role of the insular cortex in regulating withdrawal during abstinence, a motivator responsible for the maintenance of addictive behaviors.