bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drosophilatools and assays for the study of human diseases
Authors: Ugur Berrak , Chen Kuchuan , Bellen Hugo J.
Published: March 2016

Many of the internal organ systems of Drosophila melanogaster are functionally analogous to those in vertebrates, including humans. Although humans and flies differ greatly in terms of their gross morphological and cellular features, many of the molecular mechanisms that govern development and drive cellular and physiological processes are conserved between both organisms. The morphological differences are deceiving and have led researchers to undervalue the study of invertebrate organs in unraveling pathogenic mechanisms of diseases. In this review and accompanying poster, we highlight the physiological and molecular parallels between fly and human organs that validate the use of Drosophila to study the molecular pathogenesis underlying human diseases. We discuss assays that have been developed in flies to study the function of specific genes in the central nervous system, heart, liver and kidney, and provide examples of the use of these assays to address questions related to human diseases. These assays provide us with simple yet powerful tools to study the pathogenic mechanisms associated with human disease-causing genes.
Fruit flies on the front line: the translational impact of Drosophila
Authors: Perrimon Norbert , Bonini Nancy M. , Dhillon Paraminder
Published: March 2016

Drosophila melanogaster has been adopted as one of the most-used model systems since it was first introduced by Thomas Morgan for the study of heredity in the early 20th century. Its experimental tractability and similarity of its biological pathways to those of humans have placed the model at the forefront of research into human development and disease. With the ongoing accumulation of genetic tools and assays, the fly community has at its fingertips the resources to generate diverse Drosophila disease models for the study of genes and pathways involved in a wide range of disorders. In recent years, the fly has also been used successfully for drug screening. In this Editorial, we introduce a Special Collection of reviews, interviews and original research articles that highlight some of the many ways that Drosophila has made, and continues to make, an impact on basic biological insights and translational science.
Rlm1 mediates positive autoregulatory transcriptional feedback that is essential for Slt2-dependent gene expression
Authors: García Raúl , Sanz Ana Belén , Rodríguez-Peña José Manuel , Nombela César , Arroyo Javier
Published: March 2016

Activation of the yeast cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway induces an adaptive transcriptional programme that is largely dependent on the transcription factor Rlm1 and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Slt2. Upon cell wall stress, the transcription factor Rlm1 is recruited to the promoters of RLM1 and SLT2, and exerts positive-feedback mechanisms on the expression of both genes. Activation of the MAPK Slt2 by cell wall stress is not impaired in strains with individual blockade of any of the two feedback pathways. Abrogation of the autoregulatory feedback mechanism on RLM1 severely affects the transcriptional response elicited by activation of the CWI pathway. In contrast, a positive trans-acting feedback mechanism exerted by Rlm1 on SLT2 also regulates CWI output responses but to a lesser extent. Therefore, a complete CWI transcriptional response requires not only phosphorylation of Rlm1 by Slt2 but also concurrent SLT2- and RLM1-mediated positive-feedback mechanisms; sustained patterns of gene expression are mainly achieved by positive autoregulatory circuits based on the transcriptional activation of Rlm1.
Docking-complex-independent alignment of Chlamydomonas outer dynein arms with 24-nm periodicity in vitro
Authors: Oda Toshiyuki , Abe Tatsuki , Yanagisawa Haruaki , Kikkawa Masahide
Published: March 2016

The docking complex is a molecular complex necessary for assembly of outer dynein arms (ODAs) on the axonemal doublet microtubules (DMTs) in cilia and flagella. The docking complex is hypothesized to be a 24-nm molecular ruler because ODAs align along the DMTs with 24-nm periodicity. In this study, we rigorously tested this hypothesis using structural and genetic methods. We found that the ODAs can bind to DMTs and porcine microtubules with 24-nm periodicities even in the absence of the docking complex in vitro. Using cryo-electron tomography and structural labeling, we observed that the docking complex took an unexpectedly flexible conformation and did not lie along the length of DMTs. In the absence of docking complex, ODAs were released from the DMT at relatively low ionic strength conditions, suggesting that the docking complex strengthens the electrostatic interactions between the ODA and DMT. Based on these results, we conclude that the docking complex serves as a flexible stabilizer of the ODA rather than as a molecular ruler.
Increased muscular volume and cuticular specialisations enhance jump velocity in solitarious compared with gregarious desert locusts,Schistocerca gregaria
Authors: Rogers Stephen M. , Riley Joanna , Brighton Caroline , Sutton Gregory P. , Cullen Darron A. , Burrows Malcolm
Published: March 2016

The desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, shows a strong phenotypic plasticity. It can develop, depending upon population density, into either a solitarious or gregarious phase that differs in many aspects of behaviour, physiology and morphology. Prominent amongst these differences is that solitarious locusts have proportionately longer hind femora than gregarious locusts. The hind femora contain the muscles and energy-storing cuticular structures that propel powerful jumps using a catapult-like mechanism. We show that solitarious locusts jump on average 23% faster and 27% further than gregarious locusts, and attribute this improved performance to three sources: first, a 17.5% increase in the relative volume of their hind femur, and hence muscle volume; second, a 24.3% decrease in the stiffness of the energy-storing semi-lunar processes of the distal femur; and third, a 4.5% decrease in the stiffness of the tendon of the extensor tibiae muscle. These differences mean that solitarious locusts can generate more power and store more energy in preparation for a jump than can gregarious locusts. This improved performance comes at a cost: solitarious locusts expend nearly twice the energy of gregarious locusts during a single jump and the muscular co-contraction that energises the cuticular springs takes twice as long. There is thus a trade-off between achieving maximum jump velocity in the solitarious phase against the ability to engage jumping rapidly and repeatedly in the gregarious phase.
Cross-Cultural Aspects of Advertising Communication (on the Material of Advertising Printed Texts)
Authors: Гончарова  , Goncharova Lyubov
Published: March 2016

The article highlights the issues of representation of different countries and

cultures in the advertising texts, discusses aspects of intercultural communication,

manifested in advertising: symbols, stereotypes, linguistic means.

The article shows the illustrative material, reflecting features of broadcast

advertising information, taking into account the specifics of national mentality.

This article discusses features of the Russian consumer perceptions

such texts. These aspects are also discussed on in the advertising texts in

tourism sphere.
Training of tourism industry in regional universities
Authors: Молчанова Наталья , Molchanova Natalya
Published: March 2016

The issue of training in the tourism sector is one of the most priorities. Today tourism is the most promising, rapidly

developing social, cultural, and leisure activities. The article describes tourist activities from the point of view of its

staffing. The main purpose is to identify the peculiarities of professional education in the field of tourism, to define

a circle of competences, which a specialist in this field should have. The specificity of the regions of our country

requires more attention to the development of skills in the sphere of tourism. System of professional education in the

sphere of tourism should be comprehensive, i. e. it should foresee professional integration of theory and practice,

formation and correction of professional values, motivation, and quality and virtues of personality. Tourism development

is one of the promising directions of optimization of cultural and social-economic growth of life of population

of regions. The experience of the Olympic and Paralympics games in Sochi in 2014 shows that the organization

of international sports events allows to implement projects and programs for the optimization and development of

tourist potential. In this regard, most of the educational institutions of regions and cities aim at training highly

qualified personnel not only in tourism, but also in related fields. Modern trends in the tourism sector must respond

to prevailing needs, the education and training of specialists in the sphere of tourism. Training should be tailored to

actual customers of present and future tourist market. Thus, the article aims to examine the specifics of formation

of professional competencies of personnel of tourism sector, which are necessary for the future development of the

tourism industry of our country and its separate regions.
Transformation of higher education in the context of the supporting university creation: the social and economic analysis
Authors: Болгова Мария , Bolgova Mariya , Подлегаев Алексей , Podlegaev Aleksey
Published: March 2016

The article is devoted to define new result of the restructuring of higher education that meets the requirements of

the economy and society. It examines the origin and development of the transformation of higher education in

modern conditions. The authors, following other researchers, use the term “modernization” and “transformation”,

conclude that the modern educational space at present, is changed with the desire to the competitiveness

of domestic specialists. The last three years, the Russian higher school lives under the badge of the May (2012)

decrees of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. The Ministry of education and science of the Russian Federation,

consistently pursuing a line on increasing the effectiveness of Russian universities, developed a set of measures

and started their practical implementation. The article discusses a new project of the Ministry of education

and science of the Russian Federation about the creation of supporting regional universities. Special attention is

paid to the synergetic effect, which is created by optimization of the network of educational institutions of higher

education. According to the authors, it is determined by the achievement of the targets. One of them is the social

effect, which manifests itself in achieving target values of indicators for the success and competitiveness of University

in the field of education; the impact of research and technological works; capacity building; international

and national recognition. Also there is an economic effect, which manifests itself in achieving target values of

entrepreneurial activity. The authors examine the methods and prospects for joint development of universities,

their influence on the economy and society.
University student education of intercultural communication: methodological aspects
Authors: Зорина Наталья , Zorina Natalya , Новикова Наталья , Novikova Natalya , Кортунов Вадим , Kortunov Vadim , Киреенкова Зоя , Kireenkova Zoya
Published: March 2016

The article emphasizes the importance of teachers of humanitarian disciplines in the formation of intercultural competence of students. Teaching youth communication skills in the dialogue of cultures should contribute to the development of ideas about human possibilities in the modern world, should lay the foundations of a respectful attitude to people of other religion, other nationality, other traditions. The authors analyze in detail interactive forms of teaching intercultural communication, including lectures, presentations, round tables, trainings. The article emphasizes the importance of motivation, activity, multiple experience and constructive feedback in the learning process. The professionalism of the teacher is manifested in student-centered pedagogy, the formation of learning skills, using a model of natural learning. The article examines the opportunities for inter-ethnic learning groups in teaching intercultural communication. Harmonious, friendly atmosphere of communication in the multicultural group creates conditions for understanding and acceptance of tolerance as a social value, fills its contents and brings in the student behavior. It pays attention to the difficulties that may students experience when they enter a different culture. The article presents the results of the diagnostic analyze, which determines the level of emotional intelligence as a set of emotional competencies and skills that help to cope with the demands of the environment and to resist its pressure, which helps to understand the emotions of other people and providing them facilitating support. The basic directions of development of emotional intelligence in the context of cross-cultural dialogue to enhance professional and personal effectiveness of students are also presented. The described form of working in a multicultural group gives psychotherapeutic effect both students and teachers.
Technology of pedagogical workshop of building knowledge in the lesson of Spanish
Authors: Спатарь-Козаченко Татьяна , Spatar-Kozachenko Tatyana
Published: March 2016

The article presents the methodology of creative approach to learning a foreign language in the modern school. The creative process helps students to think critically, to understand rationally the opportunities and to solve the emerging tasks, to develop communication skills, independence. Innovative technologies are showed on the example of the pedagogical workshop of building knowledge in the lesson of Spanish. The author presents methods of teaching in interchangeable pairs to work in the workshops. Innovative technologies allow the student: to be liberated during exercise; to understand that his opinion is important to others; to understand that he can be wrong, and nobody will judge; to assess and develop his abilities; to take decisions independently.
Consumer Preference Elicitation of Complex Products Using Fuzzy Support Vector Machine Active Learning
Authors: Huang Dongling , Luo Lan
Published: March 2016

As technology advances, new products (e.g., digital cameras, computer tablets, etc.) have become increasingly more complex. Researchers often face considerable challenges in understanding consumers’ preferences for such products. This paper proposes an adaptive decompositional framework to elicit consumers’ preferences for complex products. The proposed method starts with collaborative-filtered initial part-worths, followed by an adaptive question selection process that uses a fuzzy support vector machine active learning algorithm to adaptively refine the individual-specific preference estimate after each question. Our empirical and synthetic studies suggest that the proposed method performs well for product categories equipped with as many as 70 to 100 attribute levels, which is typically considered prohibitive for decompositional preference elicitation methods. In addition, we demonstrate that the proposed method provides a natural remedy for a long-standing challenge in adaptive question design by gauging the possibility of response errors on the fly and incorporating the results into the survey design. This research also explores in a live setting how responses from previous respondents may be used to facilitate active learning of the focal respondent’s product preferences. Overall, the proposed approach offers new capabilities that complement existing preference elicitation methods, particularly in the context of complex products.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2015.0946 .
Economic and Policy Implications of Restricted Patch Distribution
Authors: Kannan Karthik , Rahman Mohammad S. , Tawarmalani Mohit
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we study how restricting the availability of patches to legal users impacts the vendor’s profits, market share, software maintenance decisions, and welfare outcomes. Prior work on this topic assumes that the hacker’s effort is independent of the vendor’s decision to release the patch freely or not. Clearly, if the patch is not available to everyone, the hacker finds it easier to exploit the vulnerability in the product and, as a result, is likely to alter his effort. To understand the role of a strategic hacker, we build a game-theoretic model, where the hacker’s decision is endogenous. With this model, we find that the hacker’s effort may, on the one hand, decrease the utility that the vendor can extract from the consumers but, on the other hand, may help differentiate the legal version of the product from the pirated version. A vendor can strategically exploit the hacker’s behavior in its pricing and software maintenance decisions. The endogeneity of the hacker’s actions drives several of our findings that have interesting policy implications. For example, the vendor may increase the price and reduce market share to exploit the differentiation. In such a case, there may be more pirates in the restricted-patch case than when the patch is freely available, a result that runs counter to typical arguments provided for restricting patches.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.
Portfolio Analysis Using Stochastic Dominance, Relative Entropy, and Empirical Likelihood
Authors: Post Thierry , Potì Valerio
Published: March 2016

This study formulates portfolio analysis in terms of stochastic dominance, relative entropy, and empirical likelihood. We define a portfolio inefficiency measure based on the divergence between given probabilities and the nearest probabilities that rationalize a given portfolio for some admissible utility function. When applied to a sample of time-series observations in a blockwise fashion, the inefficiency measure becomes a likelihood ratio statistic for testing inequality moment conditions. The limiting distribution of the test statistic is bounded by a chi-squared distribution under general sampling schemes, allowing for conservative large-sample testing. We develop a tight numerical approximation for the test statistic based on a two-stage optimization procedure and piecewise linearization techniques. A Monte Carlo simulation study of the empirical likelihood ratio test shows superior small-sample properties compared with various generalized method of moments tests. An application analyzes the efficiency of a passive stock market index in data sets from the empirical asset pricing literature.

This paper was accepted by Manel Baucells, decision analysis.
When Retailing and Las Vegas Meet: Probabilistic Free Price Promotions
Authors: Mazar Nina , Shampanier Kristina , Ariely Dan
Published: March 2016

A number of retailers offer gambling- or lottery-type price promotions with a chance to receive one’s entire purchase for free. Although these retailers seem to share the intuition that probabilistic free price promotions are attractive to consumers, it is unclear how they compare to traditional sure price promotions of equal expected monetary value. We compared these two risky and sure price promotions for planned purchases across six experiments in the field and in the laboratory. Together, we found that consumers are not only more likely to purchase a product promoted with a probabilistic free discount over the same product promoted with a sure discount but that they are also likely to purchase more of it. This preference seems to be primarily due to a diminishing sensitivity to the prices. In addition, we find that the zero price effect, transaction cost, and novelty considerations are likely not implicated.

This paper was accepted by Yuval Rottenstreich, judgment and decision making.
Newsvendor Mergers
Authors: Cho Soo-Haeng , Wang Xin
Published: March 2016

This paper studies a merger between price-setting newsvendors in an oligopolistic market. It is well known that inventory pooling can greatly reduce inventory costs in a centralized distribution system because it helps reduce aggregate demand uncertainty. Although such statistical economies of scale are important benefits of a retail merger, the extant literature models cost savings from a merger only through reduction in a postmerger firm’s marginal cost. In this paper, we develop a model of a retail merger under uncertain demand that distinguishes between cost savings from conventional economies of scale and those from statistical economies of scale, and we show that these two sources of cost savings have substantially different impacts on firms’ decisions in a postmerger market. Contrary to the existing theory of mergers developed under deterministic demand, we find that although inventory pooling enables the postmerger firm to achieve cost savings, it always induces firms to raise their prices, and we find that marginal cost reduction induces firms to lower their prices only when it is substantial—consequently, larger cost synergies can benefit even nonparticipant firms. Finally, even if a merger induces all firms to raise their prices, it can still improve expected consumer welfare by increasing firms’ service levels under uncertain demand.

This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Categorizing Users of Cloud Services
Authors: Nohadani Omid , Dunn Jocelyn , Klimeck Gerhard
Published: March 2016

Many services, e.g., in education and research, have witnessed increased productivity and scalability, mainly because of the growing prevalence of online platforms. To accelerate this progression, a detailed understanding of user interactions with these complex systems is instrumental. Current approaches for analyzing service user behavior have two main limitations: (a) unsupervised learning methods do not discriminate behavior meaningfully and scale poorly; and (b) surveys as input data probe only intentions.

We introduce a framework to analyze user behavior in complex cloud services. Our objectives are (a) a computationally lean method to cope with large data sets and (b) for the input data to be free of assumptions. We define three data-driven metrics based only on the size and volume of data, using nested arrangements of zero and infinity norms. Using threshold analysis, user behavior data is categorized over one metric and subsequently verified over the other two metrics. We apply this method to analyze the behavior of users of nanoHUB services, the world’s largest cyber-infrastructure for nanotechnology research and education. As input, actual user decisions are employed. The introduced frequency metric leads to a dispersion of usage duration. The resulting separated power and casual user categories are validated over the diversity and intensity metrics. Moreover, subcategories of previously unknown classroom users are identified. These findings allow policy makers to optimally tailor educational programs to such uncoordinated groups. Given nanoHUB’s size, its leading role in educational services, and the approach’s data-driven nature, the presented method is applicable to a wide range of cloud services.
Call to action on mental health and Pupil Premium
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: March 2016

– Schools warned about the anxiety that is holding back our students – Sir John Dunford on the commonly over-looked achievement gaps
The Pupil Premium: Five important lessons
Authors: Sobel Daniel
Published: March 2016

Drawing upon his work with one school, expert Daniel Sobel offers five lessons for effective whole-school Pupil Premium strategies
Engaging pupils, parents and the wider community
Authors: Bawden Matt
Published: March 2016

Continuing his series on character education, expert Matt Bawden reports from the Character Matters event and discusses how to grow support with three crucial groups – students, parents and the wider community
Mental health – the role of schools
Authors: Hobby Russell
Published: March 2016

Mental health is an issue that will affect every school on a regular basis, says Russell Hobby. He offers some guidance
Financial efficiency – stay in control
Authors: Harnden Julia
Published: March 2016

Times are tight and budget pressures in schools are increasing. Funding specialist Julia Harnden offers some broad principles to help schools manage their finances
Methylene Blue is a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor; Severe Harm and Death Associated with Low-Dose Methotrexate; Potentially Dangerous Mix-up between Cancer Drugs
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: March 2016

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Drug Monographs: Trabectedin and Trifluridine-Tipiracil
Authors: Solimando Dominic A. , Waddell J. Aubrey
Published: March 2016

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Rivastigmine: Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Madson Kimberly A. , Brown Sherrill
Published: March 2016

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu .
Impact of the Joint Commission Pneumonia Core Measure on Antibiotic Use and Selection for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in the Emergency Room
Authors: Bulloch Marilyn N. , Tapley Natalie G. , Sivaraman Boopathy , Parton Jason M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Prior to 2012, The Joint Commission (TJC) pneumonia core measure (PN-5) required antibiotic administration for suspected community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) within 6 hours of arrival to the emergency room (ER). In 2012, TJC issued PN-6 requiring antibiotic administration within 24 hours of presentation. Though PN-6 was anticipated to reduce overuse and inappropriate antibiotic use and improve appropriate antibiotic selection, the impact of PN-5 and PN-6 on optimizing care for CAP in the ER remains unknown.

Objective

To investigate the impact of TJC pneumonia core measures on antibiotic use in the ER for suspected CAP.

Methods

In this single-center study, medical records of patients 18 years old and older diagnosed with CAP in the ER during 2011 (PN-5) and 2012 (PN-6) and admitted for 1 day or longer were reviewed. Exclusion criteria included criteria for health care–associated pneumonia. Comparisons between groups were performed using descriptive statistics and contingency table analysis with chi-square or Fisher exact tests for categorical variables and t tests for continuous variables. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 2010 and SAS version 9.4.

Results

Antibiotic use was comparable between PN-5 and PN-6. Approximately half of patients in each group received an appropriate empiric CAP regimen (52% vs 54%; P = .807). Among inappropriate regimens, the most common reason was use of a beta-lactam alone (69% vs 83%; P = .26). More patients had an ultimate diagnosis of CAP with PN-6 (78% vs 86%; P = .3).

Conclusion

Changes in pneumonia core measure requirements did not have a significant impact on appropriate antibiotic use in the ER.
Establishing a Legacy: Considerations for Retiring Leaders
Authors: Weber Robert J.
Published: March 2016

A follow-up survey of leadership staffing shows that nearly 80% of pharmacy leaders (pharmacy directors, deans, faculty, managers, and supervisors) are retiring in the next 10 years. Those who are delaying retirement are opting for part-time consulting work, traditional staff pharmacy jobs, or partial teaching appointments. There are various ways for leaders to transition into retirement; this transition can be early, delayed, or completed in a step-wise manner. Planning effectively for retirement in regard to finances and living situation is a first step to being able to make a contribution in retirement. Retirement can be an important time to continue making a difference in health system pharmacy through pharmacy education, practice, consulting, research, scholarship, and philanthropy. Whatever aspect the retiring pharmacy leader chooses, they can continue to make a difference by influencing other leaders in their mission to develop patient-centered pharmacy services.
The Quantified Self
Authors: Fox Brent I. , Felkey Bill G.
Published: March 2016

Health systems are complex organizations with many moving parts. Ultimately, however, each patient views the health system as a place that should address his or her health needs. Increasingly, patients are bringing more information to the care process, adding complexity and potentially both useful and erroneous input to the process. We focus on the movement by the general public to document important daily activities and how this practice may impact an individual's care.
From the Fiqh of Minority to Cosmopolitan Fiqh An Analysis
Authors: Bakare Najimdeen
Published: March 2016

The convergence of Muslims in Europe and America from different Muslim majority societies conjures the idea of a multicultural milieu. The West has indeed become a crossroad of civilizations and cultures and such intersection is explicable for a cosmopolitan fiqh reflective of all the Muslims. The convergence of Muslims of different Madhhabs, cultural and social background in the West does not simply delineates the universality and homogeneous ground, but it also nicely presents the laboratory for the mixture of all Madhhabs that have long divided the Muslims. Bridging the past and the present is the golden aim of cosmopolitan fiqh and presenting Islam as a comprehensive faith reflecting on the entirety of life. Cosmopolitan fiqh can be yet an avenue for Muslims to showcase their worth and extent to which they can contribute in the societies they are part of.
The Indian Ocean and the Rise of a Multi-polar World Order: The Role of China and India
Authors: Maria Bastos
Published: March 2016

China and India relations are currently marked by increasing competition, but also by cooperation which is mostly accentuated in the economic domain. The latter is highly dependent on the development of conflicting issues. The existing borderland disputes have already resulted in war, and tensions remain high. Whereas the source of conflict was primarily an inland one, there are signs of a growing oceanic tension, with the Indian Ocean poised to become a determinant strategic issue. With both countries currently enlarging their naval military capacities, the ever possibility for conflict scenarios grows, jeopardizing the desirable adversary position between the two powers determined by competition, favoring instead an inimical one, tending towards destruction. Under such conditions, a multi-polar world order, desirable to promote stability in the international system, under the contemporary world political conditions, is likely to be drown in the Indian Ocean waters. The current paper aims to discuss the significance of current and future developments in China-India relations specifically in the context of the Indian Ocean, as determinants for the establishment of a Multi-polar world order.
EU in Transition or a Failed Project?
Authors: Bakare Najimdeen
Published: March 2016

The European Union (EU) has come a long way since its inception in late 1950s as the European Economic Community, now regarded as the most notable example of regional integration in the world. Yet, the union has witnessed several challenges — among them economic crisis, the dominance of large members within the Union and seemingly less favorable treatment towards new and aspiring members — which, to many, have casted doubts over the future of the arrangement, particularly the common currency and the monetary union. Nationalist tendencies have also risen across the members. Nonetheless, the EU remains far from an imminent failure. What is needed is to make the EU more democratic in its decision making and functioning.
Competition Without Zero-Sum Outcome: China's Role in a Changing World
Authors: Khalid Rahman
Published: March 2016

Competition is natural but the competitive tendencies can be constructive as well as destructive based on the intent involved. While competition in today's world has upped the standards of living, it has also given rise to wide-spread disparities. The prevailing global paradigm is based on the concept of ‘the survival of the fittest’ and in return, ‘might is right’ phenomenon. China with its now established economic power and expanding political clout at global level may play a leading role to render the prevailing global regime as just and rule-based. China's leadership in the recent past has been stressing upon the ideas and ideals such as ‘harmonious development,’ ‘mutual interest,’ and ‘shared destiny.’ Recent moves by Beijing such as the establishment of a regional and a global bank as well as the push for an Asian trade deal indicate that while China will not out-rightly challenge the global system, lack of reforms in the institutions responsible for maintaining global peace, order and economic stability will inevitably pave the way for alternatives.

This paper is a revised and updated version of a written contribution made in Beijing in “The Party and the World Dialogue 2014” on the theme of “China's New Reforms: the Role of the Party” organized by China Center for Contemporary World Studies (CCCWS) on September 3–4, 2014.
Europe and the Muslim World: Some Issues and Approaches
Authors: Bakare Najimdeen
Published: March 2016

Today's Muslim world is beyond the periscope of Muslim majority societies and rather inclusive of the ever growing Muslim communities in the West. The ongoing predicaments in the Muslim societies might though be contemporary but inextricable from the bequeathed European legacies in these societies. Although, European formal administration of the Muslim world is past historical reality, nonetheless, should Europe take responsibility for the happenings in the Muslim world? In the post-Cold War era, how much similarities and dissimilarities can be drawn in the EU and the US foreign policies and actions towards the Muslims. The post 9/11 developments indicate visible signs of approaches and opinions in the EU countries towards some of the issues of the Muslim World – more so in the case of Palestine, Iraq Syria and Iran – ostensibly independent of Washington. Should the European gestures be taken as goodwill and pragmatism or other side of the coin in the US foreign policy? Would there be any degree of correlation between affairs of European Muslims and the larger Muslim societies? The need for greater mutual understanding between the EU and the Muslim countries as well as the OIC, is evident.
Symposium: Developments in Afghanistan: Implications for Pakistan and the Region
Authors: Ayaz Wazir  , Rustam Shah Mohmand  , Imtiaz Gul  , Babar Shah  , Asad Durrani
Published: March 2016

Last few months have seen some significant developments in Afghanistan including, but not limited to, the presidential elections and the formation of Ghani-Abdullah national government and subsequent signing of the pending Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the US. These developments will undoubtedly play an important part in shaping the internal and external dynamics of the country in years to come. It is also an established fact that any development, small or big, in Afghanistan has a bearing of one sort or the other on Pakistan as well. It was in this background that Policy Perspectives sought the analysis of selected but key Pakistani opinion makers, representing various sections of society, as to what the developments taking place across the Durand line will mean for Pakistan in addition to their overall impact upon and linkages with the regional situation. This symposium is a product of the responses thus generated over past few months' period.
High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin I Is a Strong Predictor of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality in the AGES-Reykjavik Community-Based Cohort of Older Individuals
Authors: Thorsteinsdottir Ingunn , Aspelund Thor , Gudmundsson Elias , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Harris Tamara B , Launer Lenore J , Gudnason Vilmundur , Venge Per
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to investigate the predictive power of a high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) assay for cardiovascular events and mortality in a large population of older community dwellers.

METHODS

Blood was collected from 5764 individuals (age 66–98 years) during the period of 2002–2006 and the outcome as to all-cause death and incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) followed up to 10 years. hs-cTnI (Abbott) was measured in serum to assess the association of this marker with CVD, CHD and death, and finally, to compare the results with conventional risk factors by multivariable statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) concentrations of hs-cTnI were 8.4 ng/L (5.6–14.2 ng/L) and 5.3 ng/L (3.8–8.1 ng/L) in men (2416) and women (3275), respectively, and the concentrations increased linearly with age. Outcomes as to all-cause death and incidence of CVD and CHD were significantly associated with increasing concentrations of hs-cTnI beginning well below the 99th percentile concentrations. The associations with outcome remained after adjustments for conventional risk factors and were similar in men and women.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that hs-cTnI reflects the status of the myocardium even in seemingly healthy individuals and that the measurements of hs-cTnI may be useful for primary prediction of heart disease; this should form the basis for future prospective clinical trials for determining whether measuring hs-cTnI can be used in the prevention of CVD/CHD.
Film production as a ‘mirror of society’: The history of a video film art group in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Böhme Claudia
Published: March 2016

The Tanzanian video film industry is one example for the changes in popular arts production due to the introduction of the medium video film. The shift to the medium video film has created new visual styles and restructured physical and social spaces of production. Focusing on the history of the video film art group White Elephant, this article aims to show how the production of video films under conditions of intense competition and time pressure is a site of struggle over aesthetics, resources, identities and status. Relating the film groups to the history of art groups in Eastern Africa will point to the differences and continuities between the independent commercial production of video film and former popular art production as well as their relation to the state. This fields of production and the struggles within can be seen as a ‘mirror of society’ characterizing the dynamics of social change in contemporary Tanzania.
Kenya’s Riverwood: Market structure, power relations, and future outlooks
Authors: Overbergh Ann
Published: March 2016

This article analyses the economic structure, market dynamics and power relations in Kenya’s Riverwood movie circuit. Similarities and differences with better-known African popular cinema industries are highlighted and tentatively explained. The article pays attention to historical background, context factors, individual agency and questions of justice and fairness in the circuit. Riverwood may at first glance appear to be just another example of the African popular cinema genre, but on closer inspection shows as many dissimilarities as similarities with, for instance, Nollywood and Bongowood.
Atributos físicos e químicos de um Latossolo Amarelo distrófico coeso e crescimento radicular de Brachiaria decumbens submetido à subsolagem e fertilização
Authors: Da Silva Erivaldo De Jesus , Silva Petterson Costa Conceição , Amorim Fábio Farias , Brito Ralph Bruno França , Pamponet Bruce Mota , Rezende Joelito De Oliveira
Published: March 2016

Pasture degradation is an evolutionary process of losing vigor, productivity and capacity of natural recovery of pastures. It can economically cripple the production and the forage quality required by the animals. This process can have a physical and/or chemical and/or biological origin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tillage, liming and fertilization on a yellow distrofic oxisol from a oastal land zone and its consequences on Brachiaria decumbens root system. The experiment was located at UFRB experimental area, Cruz das Almas – BA, Brazil. The experimental design was arranged in a split plot, with two tillage treatments: heavy disc harrowing (Gp) and heavy disc harrowing + subsoiling (Gp + Subs) in three blocks and five fertilizers combinations: control (Test.); liming (Cal); NPK; NPK + Cal; and Cal + Agricultural Gypsum + NPK (CalGA + NPK). Were evaluated: density, porosity and the mechanical resistance of soil to penetration, pH, Al3+ and V% values and also root density. It was observed that the effect of subsoiling on soil physical attributes lasted for two years, increasing soil porosity and decreasing soil density and resistance to root penetration. Subsoiling interacted with lime leading to a depth correction.
Fenologia reprodutiva do araticum e suas implicações no potencial produtivo
Authors: De Melo Aniela Pilar Campos , Seleguini Alexsander , Leite Anderson Fernandes , De Souza Eli Regina Barboza , Naves Ronaldo Veloso
Published: March 2016

The araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) is a native fruit from the Cerrado biome, with a great economic and social potential. Studies on Cerrado native plants phenology are scarce and can be promising for a better rational and sustainable exploitation of its potentialities. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize araticum reproductive phenology in the Cerrado. The phenophases evaluations were carried out from August 2008 to August 2010, in Goiania, Goias, Brazil, through counting of flower buds, flowers in anthesis and fruits formed. The production capacity was estimated through the effective fruiting rate. For flower emission, a biannual pattern was observed for araticum.. The effective fruiting rate observed was 3.29% and the araticum’s reproductive phenophases were concentrated during the rainy season. The effective fruiting rate is considered very low and depends on biotic and abiotic factors.
Properties of Agave angustifolia Haw. bagasse before and after its composting.
Authors: Martínez-Gutiérrez Gabino A. , Ortiz-Hernández Yolanda D. , Aquino-Bolaños Teodulfo , Bautista-Cruz Angélica , López-Cruz Juana Y.
Published: March 2016

The industry of mezcal (Agave spp.) in Oaxaca, Mexico annually generates more than one hundred thousand tons of bagasse. With the aim of using this by-product as an alternative organic substratum, there were analyzed the physical, physicochemical and chemical properties before and after the composting of the bagasse of the A. angustifolia Haw with 0, 90 and 180 days of aging. Before the composting, all the physicochemical properties were different for the aging periods except for humidity and dry matter. During the composting process the temperature of the three materials was superior to 58oC, and after 105 days it was obtained mature compost, free of feces. The physicochemical and chemical properties of the three composts were different for the aging periods and most of them were not placed between the reference intervals, except in the C/N relation, contrary to most of the other physical properties.
Understanding the Needs of Masters Dissertation Supervisors: Supporting Students in Professional Contexts
Authors: Cornelius Sarah , Nicol Sandra
Published: March 2016

Despite a wealth of research into the supervision of PhD projects, there is relatively sparse literature to draw on to help with the development of appropriate support for supervisors of independent research projects undertaken at Masters level. Although some sources consider supervision of full-time Masters students, part-time and work based contexts have received little attention. To help bridge this gap, this paper explores the nature of the part-time supervision of Masters students in professional contexts, identifying features that make it distinct from PhD supervision. It draws on questions posed by supervisors in a Scottish School of Education, and reflections on their experiences, to identify challenges and issues that need to be addressed to provide appropriate support. Recommendations are made for strategies to resolve recurring issues and meet supervisors’ needs, and issues for further investigation are identified.
Does All Work and No Play Make a Dull Graduate? Perceptions of Extra-curricular Activities and Employability
Authors: Milner Sharon , Cousins Wendy , McGowan Iain
Published: March 2016

It has been argued that there is a prima facie case as to why extra-curricular activities should be thought to contribute to graduate outcomes, yet few studies have examined student activities beyond the classroom and their role in student experience and graduate outcomes. This study collected data via a questionnaire survey (n=852) and a series of focus groups with students (n=95) to examine undergraduate perceptions of the role that extra-curricular activities play in developing employability skills. It was found that extracurricular activities were significantly correlated with other employability related aspects of student experience and viewed favourably by students in terms of CV building and enhancing employability. Yet students also reported that it was often difficult to participate in activities outside of their academic work and paid employment. It is concluded that the value of extra-curricular activities is widely recognised and universities should support students who wish to engage in them. Furthermore, future programmes aimed at harnessing the capacity of extra-curricular activities to develop student employability need to give due consideration to strategies for enhancing inclusion and diverse participation.