bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theorising regions through changes in statehood: rethinking the theory and method of comparative regionalism
Authors: HAMEIRI SHAHAR
Published: February 2012

The study of regionalism is often characterised as too fragmented, plagued by disagreements over such fundamental matters as its ontological and epistemological premises, which also hinder efforts at substantive comparison of regionalisation processes. In this article it is argued that to overcome these problems, what is required is a more rigorous incorporation of such studies within relevant work in state theory and political geography. The key insight herein is that regionalism should not be studied separately from the state as these are interrelated phenomena. State-making and regionalisation are both manifestations of contested political projects aimed at shaping the territorial, institutional, and/or functional scope of political rule. Furthermore, the article also distils the lines of a mechanismic methodology for comparative regionalism. Its main advantage is in overcoming the implicit benchmarking of regional development we find in other approaches. The framework's utility is then demonstrated through a comparison of regional governance in Asia and Europe.
The eighteenth-century historiographic tradition and contemporary ‘Everyday IPE’
Authors: WATSON MATTHEW
Published: February 2012

This article focuses on Adam Smith's largely sympathetic response to the Rousseauian critique of the moral degeneracy of modern ‘economic man’. It thus emphasises his philosophical ambivalence towards commercial society over the textbook IPE presentations which ascribe to him an almost wholly unreflexive market advocacy. In doing so it provides important methodological lessons for the study of Everyday IPE today. Arnaldo Momigliano has identified a decisive break in historical method in the eighteenth century, of which Smith and Rousseau were key exponents. However unwittingly, contemporary Everyday IPE scholars are the spiritual heirs of the eighteenth-century move from writing public histories of the state to writing private histories of unnamed individuals who embody the most recent phase of human sociability. The eighteenth-century economic man was conceptualised in relation to evolving forms of economic organisation, where the economy in turn was thought to reflect the prevailing system of ‘manners’. Smith united with Rousseau in the belief that their society's bourgeois politeness allowed materialist ideologies to corrupt the moral autonomy of the individual. The historical method underpinning such concerns also allows Everyday IPE scholars to ground similarly-styled attempts to understand threats to moral autonomy arising from the struggle over economic surplus today.
‘Who would go to Egypt?’ How tourism accounts for ‘terrorism’
Authors: WYNNE-HUGHES ELISA
Published: February 2012

This article examines the tension between British and Egyptian counterterrorism discourses and Western tourism industry discourses. I analyse how guidebooks like theRough GuideandLonely Planetattract tourists by representing Egypt as an appealing tourist destination in a way that accounts for its positioning, in counterterrorism discourses, as a location and source of terrorism. They do so by producing ‘risk’ in a very specific way. Guidebook representations construct one extreme of Egyptian society as ‘bad’ Muslims who pose an essential threat to Western tourists and their inherently progressive liberal democratic values. Having defined risk in this way, guidebooks justify the production of ‘states of exception’ and ‘exceptional states’ that exclude ‘bad’ Muslims and protect Western tourists. These strategies function together to construct Egypt as non-threatening and appealing to tourists. I argue that guidebooks not only account for terrorism but represent Egypt in a way that largely reinforces British and Egyptian ‘war on terror’ strategies. These strategies similarly protect subjects and spaces that uphold Western liberal democratic values. This article highlights the constitutive role of tourism in international politics and simultaneously helps us better understand the complex and mundane means by which the current Western liberal order is (re)produced.
Interactive music video games and children's musical development
Authors: Gower Lily , McDowall Janet
Published: February 2012

Interactive music video games are a readily available, mainstream technology but they are not generally seen as educative tools. Nor are they established within school teaching and learning environments. This study investigated children's use of these games from a music education perspective. Nine children, aged 9–11 years, and two specialist music teachers each participated in an individual semi-structured interview. The child participants were drawn from four metropolitan schools and the teachers were from different metropolitan schools. Results indicate that the games may help to develop some music skills and knowledge and that the games are of high interest and importance to students. The music teachers acknowledged the potential of interactive music video games to be incorporated into traditional music curriculum but they each expressed a belief that ideally the technology needs further development, including a greater capacity to compose and create using the programs. These findings suggest that, based on constructivist learning theories, there may be a place for these games in music education.
Integrating informal learning approaches into the formal learning environment of mainstream secondary schools in England
Authors: Gower Anna
Published: February 2012

The list of ‘non-negotiables’ for every lesson is comprehensive, amongst them are evidence of planned seating, homework set in every lesson and literacy addressed in the lesson as well as in marking. Students are expected to know the National Curriculum level at which they are currently working and should be able to share their current target for improvement in that subject with anyone that asks. Formal lesson observations, informal learning walks, an annual department review and regular ‘Work Scrutiny’ exercises are in the school calendar. This year, for the first time as a teacher of a foundation subject in my mixed, mainstream secondary school of 1200 students, I have been given target levels for students reaching the end of the compulsory music curriculum (currently at age 14 in England). I am expected to implement intervention strategies for students who may fall short of these. According to discussions on a popular online music teaching forum, I'm not alone. In a recent BBC News report it was found that music teachers are coming under increasing pressure to meet rigid targets as a means to measure school effectiveness in a climate of league tables and the aim to ‘add value’ throughout the secondary school experience.
Practitioner challenges working with informal learning pedagogies
Authors: Sexton Fiona
Published: February 2012

Early in my career as a music teacher I was very focused on providing my students with what I believed at the time were a range of musical experiences that broadened their understanding and appreciation of music from a variety of cultures and traditions. However, as I gained more experience, I was able to spend a greater amount of time reflecting on how the pupils were learning as well as what they were learning. Through my engagement in practitioner research I also became more aware of the musical experiences my pupils were having away from school and this led me to realise that an increasingly large number of pupils were already passionate about music but this interest was not necessarily transferring to music within a classroom context. For example, students who were often self-critical about their abilities during classroom music tasks were actually able to demonstrate an increasing level of knowledge and understanding of the music that they were involved in as listeners or performers away from school.
Secular trends and risk factors of overweight and obesity among Kuwaiti adults: National Nutrition Surveillance System data from 1998 to 2009
Authors: Ahmed Faruk , Waslien Carol , Al-Sumaie Mona A , Prakash Prasanna
Published: February 2012

Objective

To determine trends in prevalence of overweight and obesity in Kuwaiti adults, and to examine their association with selected sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.

Design

Analysis of cross-sectional population survey data from the Kuwait National Nutrition Surveillance System.

Setting

Social and health facilities in Kuwait.

Subjects

Males (n17 491) and females (n21 120) aged 20–69 years attending registration for employment or pensions, or Hajj Pilgrimage health check-ups, or parents accompanying their children for immunization 1998 through 2009. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and anthropometric data were collected.

Results

Prevalence of BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2rose from 61·8 % and 59·3 % in females and males respectively, peaked in 2004–2005 (81·4 % and 79·2 %) and fell slightly in 2008–2009 (77·3 % and 77·4 %). Obesity prevalence in females exceeded males for all years and age groups; by 2009, it had increased by 11·3 % in males and 14·6 % in females. Overweight and obesity prevalences in both genders increased until 2004–2005 but fell thereafter, with significant falls for females in 2008–2009. Logistic and linear regression analyses confirmed these temporal changes for both prevalence and BMI in both genders. The odds of obesity increased with age until the fifth decade for both genders and then declined significantly for males. Education level was negatively associated with obesity prevalence in females, while participation in leisure-time exercise was negatively associated with obesity prevalence in males.

Conclusions

Although the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) seemed to decrease from 2005 to 2009 among Kuwaiti adults, further research to clarify the identified confounders and continued monitoring are needed to confirm the decrease observed.
Breakfast habits among European adolescents and their association with sociodemographic factors: the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) study
Authors: Hallström Lena , Vereecken Carine A , Labayen Idoia , Ruiz Jonatan R , Le Donne Cinzia , García Magdalena Cuenca , Gilbert Chantal C , Martínez Sonia Gómez , Grammatikaki Eva , Huybrechts Inge , Kafatos Anthony , Kersting Mathilde , Manios Yannis , Molnár Dénes , Patterson Emma , Widhalm Kurt , De Vriendt Tineke , Moreno Luis A , Sjöström Michael
Published: February 2012

Objective

To describe breakfast habits at food group level in European adolescents and to investigate the associations between these habits and sociodemographic factors.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Secondary schools from nine European cities participating in the HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) Study. Breakfast habits were assessed twice using a computer-based 24 h dietary recall. Adolescents who consumed breakfast on at least one recall day were classified as ‘breakfast consumers’ and adolescents who did not have anything for breakfast on either of the two recall days were considered ‘breakfast skippers’. A ‘breakfast quality index’ to describe breakfast quality was created based on the consumption or non-consumption of cereals/cereal products, dairy products and fruits/vegetables. The sociodemographic factors studied were sex, age, region of Europe, maternal and paternal education, family structure and family affluence.

Subjects

Adolescents (n2672, 53 % girls) aged 12–17 years.

Results

The majority of the adolescents reported a breakfast that scored poorly on the breakfast quality index. Older adolescents, adolescents from the southern part of Europe and adolescents from families with low socio-economic status were more likely to consume a low-quality breakfast.

Conclusions

The study highlights the need to promote the consumption of a high-quality breakfast among adolescents, particularly in older adolescents, adolescents from southern Europe and adolescents from families with low socio-economic status, in order to improve public health.
Food access and diet quality independently predict nutritional status among people living with HIV in Uganda
Authors: Kadiyala Suneetha , Rawat Rahul
Published: February 2012

Objective

Although undernutrition is recognized as a risk factor for mortality among people living with HIV (PLWHIV), even among those initiating antiretroviral therapy, few studies have explored the underlying determinants of undernutrition. The objectives of the present study were to: (i) examine the independent association between household food security, individual diet quality and nutritional status; and (ii) determine if any association between food security and nutritional status is mediated through diet quality.

Design

Cross-sectional baseline survey.

Setting

Gulu and Soroti districts, Uganda.

Subjects

Nine hundred and two PLWHIV recruited into a study evaluating the impact of a food assistance programme supported by the World Food Programme.

Results

Food security and diet quality were measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and the Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS), respectively. Multivariate regression results demonstrated that HFIAS and IDDS independently predict BMI (P< 0·01) and mid upper-arm circumference (P< 0·05). The adjusted odds ratio of being underweight (BMI < 18·5 kg/m2) among individuals living in severely food-insecure households was 1·92 (P< 0·0 0 1); individuals consuming a highly diverse diet had an adjusted odds ratio of being underweight of 0·56 (P< 0·05) compared with those consuming a diet of low diversity. Similar results were observed when mid upper-arm circumference and wasting were modelled as outcomes. Using path analysis, we observed that the indirect effect of food insecurity on BMI mediated through dietary diversity is negligible, and mostly a result of the direct effect of food insecurity on BMI.

Conclusions

Our results provide an empirical basis for focused efforts on improving food access and diet quality among PLWHIV. Addressing the broader structural determinants of food security of people infected and affected by HIV is crucial.
Perceptions of the food shopping environment are associated with greater consumption of fruits and vegetables
Authors: Blitstein Jonathan L , Snider Jeremy , Evans W Douglas
Published: February 2012

Objective

The present study examined whether characteristics such as quality, selection and convenience are associated with dietary intake of fruits and vegetables independent of perceived costs in an inner-city, low-income population.

Design

Secondary analysis of baseline data from a social marketing intervention designed to change household dietary practices among parents of 3- to 7-year-old children.

Setting

A community sample drawn from six low-income, primarily minority neighbourhoods in Chicago, IL, USA.

Subjects

From the parent study, 526 respondents completed the baseline survey and were eligible for inclusion. Of this number, 495 provided complete data on sociodemographic characteristics, fruit and vegetable consumption, perceptions of the shopping environment, perceived costs of fruits and vegetables, and food shopping habits.

Results

Logistic regression analysis showed that more positive perceptions of the food shopping environment were associated with greater consumption of fruits and vegetables. There was an increase of approximately twofold in the likelihood of consuming three or more fruits and vegetables daily per level of satisfaction ascribed to the shopping environment. This association was independent of perceived cost, store type and sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusions

Our data show that among a generally minority and low-income population, quality, selection and convenience are important determinants of fruit and vegetable consumption. Nutrition promotion campaigns that aim to alter the built environment by increasing access to fruits and vegetables should recognize that simply increasing availability may not yield beneficial change when characteristics of the shopping context are ignored.
An assessment of the nonmarket benefits of the Water Framework Directive for households in England and Wales
Authors: Metcalfe Paul J. , Baker William , Andrews Kevin , Atkinson Giles , Bateman Ian J. , Butler Sarah , Carson Richard T. , East Jo , Gueron Yves , Sheldon Rob , Train Kenneth
Published: February 2012

Results are presented from a large‐scale stated preference study designed to estimate the nonmarket benefits for households in England and Wales arising from the European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD). Multiple elicitation methods (a discrete choice experiment and two forms of contingent valuation) are employed, with the order in which they are asked randomly varied across respondents, to obtain a robust model for valuing specified WFD implementation programs applied to all of the lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals, transitional, and coastal waters of England and Wales. The potential for subsequent policy incorporation and value transfer was enhanced by generating area‐based values. These were found to vary from £2,263 to £39,168 per km2depending on the population density around the location of the improvement, the ecological scope of that improvement, and the value elicitation method employed. While the former factors are consistent with expectations, the latter suggests that decision makers need to be aware of such methodological effects when employing derived values.
Coronal mass ejection–driven shocks and the associated sudden commencements/sudden impulses
Authors: Veenadhari B. , Selvakumaran R. , Singh Rajesh , Maurya Ajeet K. , Gopalswamy N. , Kumar Sushil , Kikuchi T.
Published: February 2012

Interplanetary (IP) shocks are mainly responsible for the sudden compression of the magnetosphere, causing storm sudden commencement (SC) and sudden impulses (SIs) which are detected by ground‐based magnetometers. On the basis of the list of 222 IP shocks compiled by Gopalswamy et al. (2010), we have investigated the dependence of SC/SIs amplitudes on the speed of the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that drive the shocks near the Sun as well as in the interplanetary medium. We find that about 91% of the IP shocks were associated with SC/SIs. The average speed of the SC/SI‐associated CMEs is 1015 km/s, which is almost a factor of 2 higher than the general CME speed. When the shocks were grouped according to their ability to produce type II radio burst in the interplanetary medium, we find that the radio‐loud (RL) shocks produce a much larger SC/SI amplitude (average ∼32 nT) compared to the radio‐quiet (RQ) shocks (average ∼19 nT). Clearly, RL shocks are more effective in producing SC/SIs than the RQ shocks. We also divided the IP shocks according to the type of IP counterpart of interplanetary CMEs (ICMEs): magnetic clouds (MCs) and nonmagnetic clouds. We find that the MC‐associated shock speeds are better correlated with SC/SI amplitudes than those associated with non‐MC ejecta. The SC/SI amplitudes are also higher for MCs than ejecta. Our results show that RL and RQ type of shocks are important parameters in producing the SC/SI amplitude.
Off‐equatorial chorus occurrence and wave amplitude distributions as observed by the Polar Plasma Wave Instrument
Authors: Bunch N. L. , Spasojevic M. , Shprits Y. Y.
Published: February 2012

Determining the global distribution of chorus wave power in the off‐equatorial region (i.e., magnetic latitude λ > 15°) is a crucial component of understanding the contribution of chorus to radiation belt acceleration and loss. In this paper we use a database of chorus power spectral density observations from the Plasma Wave Instrument (PWI) Sweep Frequency Receiver (SFR) on the Polar spacecraft to generate separate distributions of wave occurrence rate and magnetic field amplitude as a function of space and geomagnetic activity. Previous studies focused on a band‐integrated and time‐averaged data product to characterize the global distribution of wave power. Using a slightly different technique, we first estimate the wave amplitude from the peak wave power spectral density for times when chorus is observed. The mean wave amplitude at a given location is then multiplied by the wave occurrence rate to yield the time‐averaged amplitude. We present the spatial distributions of wave occurrence rate, mean amplitude, and time‐averaged amplitude in the region of maximum statistics, λ > 15° and R = 4−8 RE. We find that waves of significant amplitude (>10 pT) can be observed in all local time sectors, but significant wave occurrence (>20%) is confined to the dawn and noon local time sectors. Wave mean and time‐averaged amplitudes are also highest in the dawn and noon sectors. The spatial extent of regions with high time‐averaged amplitude is primarily defined by regions of high occurrence rate. Time‐averaged amplitudes exceeding ∼6 pT are observed up to a magnetic latitude of 40° at dawn and 50° at noon, while at midnight and dusk the time‐averaged amplitude tends to be below that value. We also examine the geomagnetic and solar wind dependence of the spatial distribution of wave occurrence, mean amplitude, and time‐averaged amplitude. In the off‐equatorial region (λ > 15°), wave amplitude and occurrence on the nightside increase dramatically during disturbed geomagnetic and solar wind conditions. In contrast, waves on the dayside occur over a wider range of activity, and even during quiet conditions, mean and time‐averaged amplitudes at noon significantly exceed amplitudes at midnight for disturbed times. In the dusk sector, observation of waves is mostly limited to quiet conditions, and during those times, mean amplitudes at dusk exceed those at midnight and approach amplitudes observed in the dawn sector. Parallel investigation of the independent variability of occurrence and amplitude provides a more complete picture of the chorus wave environment, particularly for application to modeling radiation belt dynamics on both short and long time scales.
Sun‐Moon gravitation‐induced wave characteristics and climate variation
Authors: Wang Zhiren , Wu Dexing , Song Xuejia , Chen Xueen , Nicholls Stephen
Published: February 2012

Understanding periods associated with climate variations has been challenging and has attracted scientific study. In the work presented here, we establish a theoretical dynamical model driven by Sun‐Moon gravitation (SMG) and present basic SMG wave characteristics and SMG‐induced nonlinear motions for geophysical fluids. As compared to observations, waves and motions demonstrate climate variations associated with abundant structures and climatic rhythms, including the 30–60 day oscillation, seasonality, El Niño–Southern Oscillation–like interannual variation, etc. In our work, periods depended upon the obliquity and revolution velocity of the Sun and Moon; the speed of geophysical fluids; and the latitude, radius, and rotation velocity of Earth. The rotation of Earth helps fluids remember and accumulate momentum in geophysical fluids that are provided by the SMG on multiple time scales, which may contribute to multiperiods of climate oscillations. The speed‐dependent periods of SMG‐induced flow are of a broad spectrum (i.e., faster speeds, shorter periods). SMG‐induced flow in an atmosphere of faster flow tends to have shorter (e.g., seasonal and annual) periods, while an ocean of slower flow tends to have longer (e.g., annual and interannual) periods.
Trends in CO2 exchange in a high Arctic tundra heath, 2000–2010
Authors: Lund Magnus , Falk Julie M. , Friborg Thomas , Mbufong Herbert N. , Sigsgaard Charlotte , Soegaard Henrik , Tamstorf Mikkel P.
Published: February 2012

We have measured the land‐atmosphere CO2 exchange using the eddy covariance technique in a high Arctic tundra heath in northeast Greenland (Zackenberg). On the basis of 11 years of measurements (2000–2010), it was found that snow cover dynamics was important for the CO2 exchange. The start of CO2uptake period correlated significantly with timing of snowmelt. Furthermore, for years with deep and long‐lasting snowpacks, the following springs showed increased CO2 emission rates. In the first part of the study period, there was an increase of approximately 8 g C m−2 yr−1 in both accumulated gross primary production (GPP) and CO2 sink strength during summer. However, in the last few years, there were no significant changes in GPP, whereas ecosystem respiration (Reco) increased (8.5 g C m−2 yr−1) and ecosystem CO2 sink strength weakened (−4.1 g C m−2 yr−1). It was found that temperature and temperature‐related variables (maximum thaw depth and growing degree days) controlled the interannual variation in CO2 exchange. However, while Reco showed a steady increase with temperature (5.8 g C m−2 °C−1), the initial increase in GPP with temperature leveled off at the high end of observed temperature range. This suggests that future increases in temperature will weaken the ecosystem CO2 sink strength or even turn it into a CO2 source, depending on possible changes in vegetation structure and functioning as a response to a changing climate. If this trend is applicable also to other Arctic ecosystems, it will have implications for our current understanding of Arctic ecosystems dynamics.
Simulation of the entire range of daily precipitation using a hybrid probability distribution
Authors: Li Chao , Singh Vijay P. , Mishra Ashok K.
Published: February 2012

Underestimation of extreme values is a widely acknowledged issue in daily precipitation simulation. Nonparametric precipitation generators have inherent limitations in representing extremes. Parametric generators can realistically model the full spectrum of precipitation amount through compound distributions. Nevertheless, fitting these distributions suffers from numerical instability, supervised learning, and computational demand. This study presents an easy‐to‐implement hybrid probability distribution to model the full spectrum of precipitation amount. The basic idea for the hybrid distribution lies in synthesizing low to moderate precipitation by an exponential distribution and extreme precipitation by a generalized Pareto distribution. By forcing the two distributions to be continuous at the junction point, the threshold of the generalized Pareto distribution can be implicitly learned in an unsupervised manner. Monte Carlo simulation shows that the hybrid distribution is capable of modeling heavy tailed data. Performance of the distribution is further evaluated using 49 daily precipitation records across Texas. Results show that the model is able to capture both the bulk and the tail of daily precipitation amount. The maximum goodness‐of‐fit and penalized maximum likelihood methods are found to be reliable complements to the maximum likelihood method, in that generally they can provide adequate goodness‐of‐fit. The proposed distribution can be incorporated into precipitation generators and downscaling models in order to realistically simulate the entire range of precipitation without losing extreme values.
Effects of native forest restoration on soil hydraulic properties, Auwahi, Maui, Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Perkins K. S. , Nimmo J. R. , Medeiros A. C.
Published: February 2012

Over historic time Hawai‘i's dryland forests have been largely replaced by grasslands for grazing livestock. On‐going efforts have been undertaken to restore dryland forests to bring back native species and reduce erosion. The reestablishment of native ecosystems on land severely degraded by long‐term alternative use requires reversal of the impacts of erosion, organic‐matter loss, and soil structural damage on soil hydraulic properties. This issue is perhaps especially critical in dryland forests where the soil must facilitate native plants' optimal use of limited water. These reforestation efforts depend on restoring soil ecological function, including soil hydraulic properties. We hypothesized that reforestation can measurably change soil hydraulic properties over restoration timescales. At a site on the island of Maui (Hawai‘i, USA), we measured infiltration capacity, hydrophobicity, and abundance of preferential flow channels in a deforested grassland and in an adjacent area where active reforestation has been going on for fourteen years. Compared to the nearby deforested rangeland, mean field‐saturated hydraulic conductivity in the newly restored forest measured by 55 infiltrometer tests was greater by a factor of 2.0. Hydrophobicity on an 8‐point scale increased from average category 6.0 to 6.9. A 4‐point empirical categorization of preferentiality in subsurface wetting patterns increased from an average 1.3 in grasslands to 2.6 in the restored forest. All of these changes act to distribute infiltrated water faster and deeper, as appropriate for native plant needs. This study indicates that vegetation restoration can lead to ecohydrologically important changes in soil hydraulic properties over decadal time scales.
Buoyancy‐driven interannual sea level changes in the southeast tropical Pacific
Authors: Piecuch Christopher G. , Ponte Rui M.
Published: February 2012

It is commonly held that interannual‐to‐decadal sea level variability patterns mainly represent the ocean's response to wind forcing. This view is based in part on modeling studies of wind‐driven sea level changes along the tropical Pacific. However, because buoyancy forcing (and other generating mechanisms) are usually ignored, this paradigm may overemphasize the role of winds. Focusing on the southeast tropical Pacific, we use a data‐constrained ocean state estimate to demonstrate that distinct mechanisms—including the ocean's response to buoyancy forcing as well as nonlinear processes—can also contribute to interannual sea level variability. Contrary to the notion that buoyancy‐driven sea level changes are dynamically passive, such changes exhibit a strongly nonlocal, dynamically active character, made manifest in westward propagating waves. As similar findings apply elsewhere, accurate modeling of interannual‐to‐decadal regional sea level changes requires consideration of a variety of forcing mechanisms, including, but not limited to, the winds.
A cloudier Arctic expected with diminishing sea ice
Authors: Liu Yinghui , Key Jeffrey R. , Liu Zhengyu , Wang Xuanji , Vavrus Stephen J.
Published: February 2012

Arctic sea ice cover has decreased dramatically over the last three decades. Global climate models under‐predicted this decline, most likely a result of the misrepresentation of one or more processes that influence sea ice. The cloud feedback is the primary source of uncertainty in model simulations, especially in the polar regions. A better understanding of the interaction between sea ice and clouds, and specifically the impact of decreased sea ice on cloud cover, will provide valuable insight into the Arctic climate system and may ultimately help in improving climate model parameterizations. In this study, an equilibrium feedback assessment is employed to quantify the relationship between changes in sea ice and clouds, using satellite‐derived sea ice concentration and cloud cover over the period 2000–2010. Results show that a 1% decrease in sea ice concentration leads to a 0.36–0.47% increase in cloud cover, suggesting that a further decline in sea ice cover will result in an even cloudier Arctic.
Do Peers and Perceived Risk Mediate the Association of Religiosity With the Likelihood and Extent of Recent Substance Use Among Venezuelan Youth?
Authors: Cox Ronald B. , Danelia Ketevan , Larzelere Robert E. , Blow Adrian J.
Published: February 2012

A robust literature suggests religiosity protects against substance use by youth. Less clear is how religiosity influences substance use. This study uses across-sectional design with a sample of 1,815 Venezuelan youth to examine whether associations with deviant peers or the perceived risk of harm from using drugs mediates the effect of religiosity on both the likelihood of using, and the extent of use of alcohol, cigarettes, and illicit drugs during the past 12 months. Perceived risk mediated the likelihood of using cigarettes and illicit drugs and the extent of alcohol use. It also mediated the unexpected tendency for religiosity to be associated with a greater extent of illicit drug use among users. Deviant peer affiliations mediated the extent of alcohol use and the likelihood of cigarette use. Implications for prevention interventions are presented.
A Model for Sustainable Development of Child Mental Health Infrastructure in the LMIC World: Vietnam as a Case Example
Authors: Weiss Bahr , Ngo Victoria Khanh , Dang Hoang-Minh , Pollack Amie , Trung Lam T. , Tran Cong V. , Tran Nam T. , Sang David L. , Do Khanh N.
Published: February 2012

Children and adolescents are among the highest need populations in regards to mental health support, especially in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Yet resources in LMIC for prevention and treatment of mental health problems are limited, in particular for children and adolescents. In this article, we discuss a model for development of child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) resources in LMIC that has guided a 10-year initiative focused on development of CAMH treatment and research infrastructure in Vietnam. We first review the need for development of mental health resources for children and adolescents in general, and then in Vietnam. We next present the model that guided our program as it developed, focused on the twin Capacity Development Goals of efficacy and sustainability, and the Capacity Development Targets used to move toward these goals. Finally, we discuss our CAMH development initiative in Vietnam, the center of which has been development of a graduate program in clinical psychology at Vietnam National University, linking program activities to this model.
Agriculture: Nanotechnology’s Green Field
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Siddhartha Sankar
Published: February 2012

Natural agricultural production functions in open system, where energy and matter are exchanged freely between geosphere (especially pedosphere), biosphere, and atmosphere. The self regulation of biophysical processes in these spheres is crucial for global sustainability. However, modern farming practices have stressed the system to the extent that damaged C, N, and P cycles are threatening catastrophic consequences. High food-wastage coupled with high food price, high soil fertility zones but low crop productivity, and highly productive irrigated farming marred with ecological disasters are examples of global paradoxes associated with modern farming. High incidence of pesticide residues in soil and water bodies, low use efficiency of agricultural inputs, vulnerability to climate, and low conversion of energy by crops leaving high amount of residues and their subsequent burden on environment, and hunger and malnutrition in many parts of the world are threatening civilizations to crumble. Nanotechnology promises to break these vicious cycles, because technology is based on applying exact amounts of inputs for use by the crops, and only when they are required. Some of the examples are: nanofabricating nutrient ions to improve nutrient use efficiency, targeted use of nano-pesticides, holding of water and then releasing it at the time of crop need by nps, forecasting and elimination of diseases, packaging of food to improve shelf-life, protecting food during storage, DNA nanotechnology, smart treatment delivery systems, bioanalytical nanosensors, bioselective surfaces, nanobioprocessing, protection of the environment by the reduction and conversion of agricultural materials into valuable products, design and development of new nanocatalysts to convert vegetable oils into biobased fuels and biodegradable industrial solvents, and controlled ecological life support system.
Cancer chemopreventive action of α-(-)-bisabolol, a sesquiterpene alcohol involves inhibition of cathepsin D and ornithine decarboxylase via tramping nitric oxide
Authors: Srivastava Suchita , Luqman Suaib
Published: February 2012

Terpenoids, traditionally used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, are currently being explored as cancer chemopreventive as well as chemotherapeutic agent in clinical trials. α-(-)-bisabolol, a naturally occurring monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol is a major component of essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L., Chamomilla recutita L., Matricaria chamomilla; Family Asteraceae). As substantiated previously, α-(-)-bisabolol is known to have antimicrobial, anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. It also affects cell viability and growth of various human and murine cell lines by either inducing apoptosis or suppressing Akt activation or down regulating expression of some genes implicated in carcinogenesis. To elucidate the possible mechanism for its cancer chemopreventive action, herein we are reporting dose-dependent effect of α-(-)-bisabolol on ornithine decarboxylase (ODC, a key rate limiting enzyme in mammalian polyamine biosynthesis), cathepsin D (CATD, a lysosomal aspartyl protease) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR, a protein of purine biosynthetic pathway) all of these proteins get over-expressed during cell transformation, proliferation and malignancy. Our results demonstrate greater activity of α-(-)-bisabolol by exhibiting potent inhibition of ODC (99% at a concentration of 100μM with an IC50 value of 0.01μM) and CATD (22% at 10μM). The molecule did not affect DHFR activity significantly. To establish the hypothesis whether inhibition of CATD and ODC involves tramping of nitric oxide (NO), we have also investigated the scavenging potential of α-(-)-bisabolol and the results were found to be promising with an IC50 of 0.1μM. Our findings suggest that α-(-)-bisabolol not only inhibits ODC and CATD activity through scavenging of NO radicals but also exerts anti-tumour promoting properties which may perhaps be due to channeling of arginine in the NO and polyamine biosynthesis pathways. These results provide a possibility of developing α-(-)-bisabolol as a viable cancer chemopreventive agent.
Role of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in the prevention of hyperoxia‐induced lung injury in newborn mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Wang Hui , Shi Yun , Peng Wei , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Wanqiao , Xu Jing , Mei Yabo , Feng Zhichun
Published: February 2012

BPD (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) is predominantly characterized by persistent abnormalities in lung structure and arrested lung development, but therapy can be palliative. While promising, the use of BMSC (bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell) in the treatment of lung diseases remains controversial. We have assessed the therapeutic effects of BMSC in vitro and in vivo. In vitro co‐culturing with injured lung tissue increased the migration‐potential of BMSC; and SP‐C (surfactant protein‐C), a specific marker of AEC2 (type II alveolar epithelial cells), was expressed. Following intraperitoneal injection of BMSC into experimental BPD mice on post‐natal day 7, it was found that BMSC can home to the injured lung, express SP‐C, improve pulmonary architecture, attenuate pulmonary fibrosis and increase the survival rate of BPD mice. This work supports the notion that BMSC are of therapeutic benefit through the production of soluble factors at bioactive levels that regulate the pathogenesis of inflammation and fibrosis following hyperoxia.
Arbuscular mycorrhisation with Glomus irregulare induces expression of potato PR homologues genes in response to infection by Fusarium sambucinum
Authors: Ismail Youssef , Hijri Mohamed
Published: February 2012

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are symbiotic, root-inhabiting fungi colonising a wide range of vascular plant species. We previously showed that AMF modulate the expression of mycotoxin genes in Fusarium sambucinum. Here, we tested the hypothesis that AMF may induce defence responses in potato to protect against infection with F. sambucinum. We analysed the response of AMF-colonised potato plants to the pathogenic fungus F. sambucinum by monitoring the expression of defence-related genes ChtA3, gluB, CEVI16, OSM-8e and PR-1. In response to F. sambucinum infection, we found that the AMF treatment upregulated the expression of all defence genes except OSM-8e in potato roots at 72 and 120 h post infection (hpi). However, we found variable transcriptional regulation with gluB and CEVI16 in shoots at both times 72 and 120 hpi in AMF-colonisation and infected plants. Overall, differential regulation of defence-related genes in leaf tissues indicate that AMF are a systemic bio-inducer and their effect could extend into non-infected parts. Thus, AMF significantly suppressed disease severity of F. sambucinum on potato plants compared with those infected and non-mycorrhizal plants. Furthermore, the AMF treatment decreased the negative effects of F. sambucinum on biomass and potato tuber production.
Individual differences in anxiety and executive functioning: A multidimensional view
Authors: Visu‐Petra Laura , Miclea Mircea , Visu‐Petra George
Published: February 2012

The relationship between individual differences in anxiety and executive functioning was investigated in a sample of young adults. Verbal and spatial working memory, resistance to interference, negative priming, and task‐switching measures were used to assess three executive functioning dimensions: updating, inhibition, and shifting. An additional index of basic psychomotor speed was added to this cognitive battery. According to the multidimensional interaction model of anxiety proposed by Endler (1997), state (cognitive–worry and autonomic–emotional) and trait (related to social evaluation, physical danger, ambiguous situations, and daily routines) anxiety were assessed in this evaluation context. Results indicated that shifting and inhibition (negative priming) efficiency were negatively related to state (cognitive–worry) and trait (related to social evaluation) anxiety. However, there was a relative advantage of subjects higher in social evaluation apprehensions in their memory updating performance. The results are consistent with several predictions of the attentional control theory (Eysenck, Derakshan, Santos, & Calvo, 2007), and are relevant for research regarding the interaction of situational, personality, and cognitive functioning dimensions.
The effect of tuition fees on student mobility: the UK and Ireland as a natural experiment
Authors: Wakeling Paul , Jefferies Katie
Published: February 2012

We exploit changes in student funding policies across the four UK nations and the Republic of Ireland to conduct a natural experiment investigating the marginal effect of differing tuition fee levels on students' enrolment behaviour. Whilst previous international research suggests increases in fees suppress demand and disincentivise cross‐border educational migration, some studies in North America and Germany find an element of inelasticity of demand. In the UK, various commentators have predicted marked shifts in student mobility in response to variation in tuition fee prices by country, trends expected to sharpen following substantial planned rises in tuition fees from 2012. After outlining tuition fee policies in the UK and Ireland, we analyse data on student enrolment destinations across the five countries for the period 2000–2010. We find little evidence to support the notion that student mobility is driven by economic ‘rationality’. Enrolment rates have risen despite increases in tuition fees and there is a long‐term trend for students to stay at home. Students seem not to be ‘pushed’ out‐of‐country by higher fees, but may be discouraged from moving if fees are lower in‐country. Student mobility within the UK and Ireland follows well‐worn paths from and to specific countries and institutions. Finally, we consider the implications of our findings for student mobility in general and forthcoming changes to UK student funding policies in particular.
‘Take more time to actually listen’: students' reflections on participation and negotiation in school
Authors: McCluskey Gillean , Brown Jane , Munn Pamela , Lloyd Gwynedd , Hamilton Lorna , Sharp Stephen , Macleod Gale
Published: February 2012

Behaviour in schools is an emotive topic and one of enduring political interest and sensitivity. The media often portrays schools as violent and dangerous places and young people as ever more unruly. This paper explores findings from a recent large‐scale national study on behaviour and focuses on the data from primary and secondary school students within this study. The comments and suggestions offered by students move beyond a discussion of behaviour to focus on the broader questions of participation, engagement and meanings of active citizenship in school.
VOTING PARTICIPATION AND ATTITUDES TOWARD THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Jeong Hoi Ok , Chung Su-Yeul
Published: February 2012

This paper examines the long-held thesis that political participation educates and transforms individuals. The theoretical framework of this study combines two theories: the theory of the formative effect of elections and the participatory democracy theory. The central contention of this research is that the more an individual has participated in EP elections, the more strongly one holds positive attitudes toward the EU. To deal with the reverse causality that might flow from positive attitudes toward the EU to voting participation in the EP elections, this study employs instrument variable (IV) regression analysis. The results of the analysis using Eurobarometer 54.1 provide support for a significant effect of voting participation in the EP elections on the formation of positive attitudes toward the EU.
Producing and recognizing words with two pronunciation variants: Evidence from novel schwa words
Authors: Bürki Audrey , Frauenfelder Ulrich H.
Published: February 2012

This study examined the lexical representations and psycholinguistic mechanisms underlying the production and recognition of novel words with two pronunciation variants in French. Participants first learned novel schwa words (e.g., /ʃənyk/), which varied in their alternating status (i.e., whether these words were learned with one or two variants) and, for alternating words, in the frequency of their variants. They were then tested in picture-naming (free or induced) and recognition memory tasks (i.e., deciding whether spoken items were learned during the experiment or not). Results for free naming show an influence of variant frequency on responses, more frequent variants being produced more often. Moreover, our data show an effect of the alternating status of the novel words on naming latencies, with longer latencies for alternating than for nonalternating novel words. These induced naming results suggest that both variants are stored as lexical entries and compete during the lexeme selection process. Results for recognition show an effect of variant frequency on reaction times and no effect of variant type (i.e., schwa versus reduced variant). Taken together, our findings suggest that participants both comprehend and produce novel French schwa words using two lexical representations, one for each variant.