bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance and strategy comparisons of human listeners and logistic regression in discriminating underwater targets
Authors: Yang Lixue , Chen Kean
Published: November 2015

To improve the design of underwater target recognition systems based on auditory perception, this study compared human listeners with automatic classifiers. Performances measures and strategies in three discrimination experiments, including discriminations between man-made and natural targets, between ships and submarines, and among three types of ships, were used. In the experiments, the subjects were asked to assign a score to each sound based on how confident they were about the category to which it belonged, and logistic regression, which represents linear discriminative models, also completed three similar tasks by utilizing many auditory features. The results indicated that the performances of logistic regression improved as the ratio between inter- and intra-class differences became larger, whereas the performances of the human subjects were limited by their unfamiliarity with the targets. Logistic regression performed better than the human subjects in all tasks but the discrimination between man-made and natural targets, and the strategies employed by excellent human subjects were similar to that of logistic regression. Logistic regression and several human subjects demonstrated similar performances when discriminating man-made and natural targets, but in this case, their strategies were not similar. An appropriate fusion of their strategies led to further improvement in recognition accuracy.
How to hijack a journal
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: November 2015

A patient hacker can take over a journal's official Web domain with relative ease—as I found out by doing so myself.
Comparison of Two Culture Methods for Use in Assessing Microbial Contamination of Duodenoscopes
Authors: Gazdik Michaela A. , Coombs Jana , Burke John P. , Lopansri Bert K.
Published: November 2015

Recent outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
infections associated with duodenoscopes used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography have highlighted the challenge of cleaning and high-level disinfection of these instruments. The Food and Drug Administration has suggested that duodenoscope surveillance by microbiological culturing, along with strict adherence to reprocessing protocols, may help reduce the risk of duodenoscope-associated infection transmission. We developed and validated an effective, user-friendly duodenoscope sampling and culture protocol and compared its performance to the interim Centers for Disease Control and Prevention–recommended guidelines. Our protocol resulted in a 65% recovery rate for Gram-negative organisms, demonstrating a 2-fold increased recovery rate compared to the CDC method. The implementation of this protocol may increase the feasibility of duodenoscope surveillance for microbiology laboratories and endoscopy departments.
Development of the Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS): a tool for critical appraisal of quality improvement intervention publications
Authors: Hempel Susanne , Shekelle Paul G , Liu Jodi L , Sherwood Danz Margie , Foy Robbie , Lim Yee-Wei , Motala Aneesa , Rubenstein Lisa V
Published: November 2015

Objective

Valid, reliable critical appraisal tools advance quality improvement (QI) intervention impacts by helping stakeholders identify higher quality studies. QI approaches are diverse and differ from clinical interventions. Widely used critical appraisal instruments do not take unique QI features into account and existing QI tools (eg, Standards for QI Reporting Excellence) are intended for publication guidance rather than critical appraisal. This study developed and psychometrically tested a critical appraisal instrument, the QI Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS) for assessing QI-specific features of QI publications.

Methods

Approaches to developing the tool and ensuring validity included a literature review, in-person and online survey expert panel input, and application to empirical examples. We investigated psychometric properties in a set of diverse QI publications (N=54) by analysing reliability measures and item endorsement rates and explored sources of disagreement between reviewers.

Results

The QI-MQCS includes 16 content domains to evaluate QI intervention publications: Organisational Motivation, Intervention Rationale, Intervention Description, Organisational Characteristics, Implementation, Study Design, Comparator Description, Data Sources, Timing, Adherence/Fidelity, Health Outcomes, Organisational Readiness, Penetration/Reach, Sustainability, Spread and Limitations. Median inter-rater agreement for QI-MQCS items was κ 0.57 (83% agreement). Item statistics indicated sufficient ability to differentiate between publications (median quality criteria met 67%). Internal consistency measures indicated coherence without excessive conceptual overlap (absolute mean interitem correlation=0.19). The critical appraisal instrument is accompanied by a user manual detailingWhat to consider,Where to lookandHow to rate.

Conclusions

We developed a ready-to-use, valid and reliable critical appraisal instrument applicable to healthcare QI intervention publications, but recognise scope for continuing refinement.
Are patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer getting appropriate DEXA scans? A District General Hospital experience
Authors: Dong Huan , Dayananda Pete , Preece Shay-Anne , Carmichael Amtul
Published: November 2015

Breast cancer patients are often at high risk of fragility fractures partly due to adjuvant endocrine therapy such as aromatase inhibitors and chemotherapy. Baseline dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scanning is recommended as a standard of care in identifying patients who are at risk so they can be commenced on bone protective therapy.

NICE guideline 80 – “Early and locally advanced breast cancer”[1] states that patients with early invasive breast cancer should have a baseline DEXA scan to assess BMD before the commencement of aromatase inhibitor treatment; if patients have treatment-induced menopause or are starting ovarian ablation/suppression therapy. We have audited the performance of a DGH against these guidelines with a target of 100% concordance.

During a one year period (April 2012-April 2013), 100 patients with a new diagnosis of breast cancer were selected at random from the hospital coding database. 100 patients were chosen as this was a convenient sample size. We gathered information for these patients using electronic records, letters, and imaging. This showed a poor compliance of 38% against NICE guidelines. This in turn means that patients with low BMD at diagnosis of breast cancer are being under diagnosed and under treated, resulting in increased potential morbidity associated with fragility fractures. The interventions that resulted from this audit were: dissemination of these results to surgical and oncology departments, posters summarising the guidelines put up in breast clinics, and breast MDTs to discuss the need for DEXA scans for patients with breast cancer.

A re-audit was performed for patients diagnosed with early, invasive breast cancer in January 2014 where a compliance of 90% was achieved. This represents a huge improvement in compliance from the baseline measure of 38%. In order to show that this improvement could be sustained, two further cycles were performed in February and March 2014, where the compliance was 92% and 100% respectively. Therefore the improvement in compliance was not only maintained but in fact the compliance increased even further during subsequent cycles.

Hence we have achieved a large improvement in the quality of assessment of bone quality in breast cancer patients. Moreover, we have demonstrated the importance of the dissemination of information and education within a multidisciplinary setting.
Defining the palliative care patient: its challenges and implications for service delivery
Authors: Mitchell Helen , Noble Simon , Finlay Ilora , Nelson Annmarie
Published: November 2015

Background

Within the UK, general practitioners (GPs) are required to maintain a register of palliative patients under their care. The term ‘palliative’ when applied to patients encompasses a highly heterogeneous population with varying meanings amongst health professionals. We explored GPs views of what defines a palliative care patient in the context of identifying clinical service needs.

Methods

Audiotaped semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs to explore how they identify patients requiring inclusion on a palliative care register. Thematic analysis was undertaken and emerging themes identified.

Results

Major themes suggested GPs found it difficult to define the palliative care patient. The decision to include a patient on the palliative care register was made as a multidisciplinary team. Patients not identified as ‘palliative’ were often discussed unofficially if care requirements were significant or prognosis uncertain. The needs of patients with non-malignant disease were considered equal to those with cancer but the challenges of identifying such patients greater. More emphasis was placed on intensity of care required than prognosis. Inclusion on a register triggered greater professional input and was considered beneficial to patient care.

Conclusions

No definition of the palliative care patient exists in working practice and without one there is a risk that some patients with palliative needs will not receive the necessary support, while others may access valuable resources before time. Achieving health policy targets which require identification of palliative patients will continue to be a challenge until a workable and reliable definition of the term ‘palliative’ is agreed upon.
Improving care for patients whose recovery is uncertain. The AMBER care bundle: design and implementation
Authors: Carey Irene , Shouls Susanna , Bristowe Katherine , Morris Michelle , Briant Linda , Robinson Carole , Caulkin Ruth , Griffiths Mathew , Clark Kieron , Koffman Jonathan , Hopper Adrian
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Despite preferences to the contrary, 53% of deaths in England occur in hospital. Difficulties in managing clinical uncertainty can result in delayed recognition that a person may be approaching the end of life, and a failure to address his/her preferences. Planning and shared decision-making for hospital patients need to improve where an underlying condition responds poorly to acute medical treatment and there is a risk of dying in the next 1–2 months. This paper suggests an approach to improve this care.

Intervention

A care bundle (the AMBER care bundle) was designed by a multiprofessional development team, which included service users, utilising the model for improvement following an initial scoping exercise. The care bundle includes two identification questions, four subsequent time restricted actions and systematic daily follow-up.

Clinical impact

This paper describes the development and implementation of a care bundle. From August 2011 to July 2012, 638 patients received care supported by the AMBER care bundle. In total 42.8% died in hospital and a further 14.5% were readmitted as emergencies within 30 days of discharge. Clinical outcome measures are in development.

Conclusions

It has been possible to develop a care bundle addressing a complex area of care which can be a lever for cultural change. The implementation of the AMBER care bundle has the potential to improve care of clinically uncertain hospital patients who may be approaching the end of life by supporting their recognition and prompting discussion of their preferences. Outcomes associated with its use are currently being formally evaluated.
Environmental constraints on Didymosphenia geminata occurrence and bloom formation in Canadian Rocky Mountain lotic systems
Authors: Jackson Leland J. , Corbett Lisa , Scrimgeour Garry
Published: November 2015

The first documented bloom of Didymosphenia geminata in Alberta occurred in 2003, and subsequent field investigations revealed that D. geminata was present in the periphyton of a number of lotic systems, yet did not always form blooms. We sampled 76 sites in Canadian Rocky Mountain National Parks, chosen to provide ranges in exposure to D. geminata propagules and environmental conditions thought to affect D. geminata growth and bloom formation. Generalized linear models were then used to determine environmental constraints on habitat suitability and requirements for blooming and nonblooming populations across the landscape. Didymosphenia geminata was detected at 88% of sites, and of those, 34% had blooms, defined as visible mats of D. geminata stalks. Didymosphenia geminata cell abundance was significantly negatively related to stream velocity, stream order, and total phosphorus concentration, yet there was no significant relationship between D. geminata blooms and any of environmental variables measured. There was a significant negative relationship between ash-free dry mass and temperature when cells were present but blooms absent and a positive relationship between temperature and stalk abundance when blooms were present. Total phosphorus, flow velocity, and temperature were significant environmental correlates of cell abundance, but we detected no thresholds related to D. geminata blooms. The widespread occurrence of D. geminata over 1000s of square kilmetres and close proximity of sites with and without blooms suggests that local rather than regional factors drive bloom development.
The Egiin Davaa prehistoric rupture, central Mongolia: a large magnitude normal faulting earthquake on a reactivated fault with little cumulative slip located in a slowly deforming intraplate setting
Authors: Walker R. T. , Wegmann K. W. , Bayasgalan A. , Carson R. J. , Elliott J. , Fox M. , Nissen E. , Sloan R. A. , Williams J. M. , Wright E.
Published: November 2015

The prehistoric Egiin Davaa earthquake rupture is well-preserved in late Quaternary deposits within the Hangay Mountains of central Mongolia. The rupture is expressed by a semi-continuous 80 km-long topographic scarp. Geomorphological reconstructions reveal a relatively constant scarp height of 4–4.5 m and a NW-directed slip vector. Previous researchers have suggested that the scarp's exceptional geomorphological preservation indicates that it may correspond to an earthquake that occurred in the region
c.
500 years ago. However, we constrain the last rupture to have been at least 4 ka ago from morphological dating and <7.4 ka ago based on radiocarbon dating from one of two palaeoseismic trenches. Our study shows that discrete earthquake ruptures, along with details such as the locations of partially infilled fissures, can be preserved for periods well in excess of 1000 years in the interior of Asia, providing an archive of fault movements that can be directly read from the Earth's surface over a timescale appropriate for the study of slowly deforming continental interiors. The Egiin Davaa rupture involved
c.
8 m of slip which, along with the observations that it is largely unsegmented along its length and that the ratio of cumulative slip (
c.
250 m) to fault length (
c.
80 km) is small, suggests relatively recent reactivation of a pre-existing geological structure.

Supplementary material:
All scarp profiles are available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18871
Classifying neuronal subclasses of the cerebellum through constellation pharmacology
Authors: Curtice Kigen J. , Leavitt Lee S. , Chase Kevin , Raghuraman Shrinivasan , Horvath Martin P. , Olivera Baldomero M. , Teichert Russell W.
Published: November 2015

A pressing need in neurobiology is the comprehensive identification and characterization of neuronal subclasses within the mammalian nervous system. To this end, we used constellation pharmacology as a method to interrogate the neuronal and glial subclasses of the mouse cerebellum individually and simultaneously. We then evaluated the data obtained from constellation-pharmacology experiments by cluster analysis to classify cells into neuronal and glial subclasses, based on their functional expression of glutamate, acetylcholine, and GABA receptors, among other ion channels. Conantokin peptides were used to identify N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subtypes, which revealed that neurons of the young mouse cerebellum expressed NR2A and NR2B NMDA receptor subunits. Additional pharmacological tools disclosed differential expression of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazloepropionic, nicotinic acetylcholine, and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in different neuronal and glial subclasses. Certain cell subclasses correlated with known attributes of granule cells, and we combined constellation pharmacology with genetically labeled neurons to identify and characterize Purkinje cells. This study illustrates the utility of applying constellation pharmacology to classify neuronal and glial subclasses in specific anatomical regions of the brain.
An Asymptomatic Foreign Body in the Nose in an Eighteen-Year-Old Patient: Button Battery
Authors: Onal Merih , Ovet Gultekin , Alatas Necat
Published: November 2015

Foreign bodies lodged in the upper airway are a common occurrence in children. Many unusual foreign bodies in the nose have been reported as foreign bodies like nuts, plastic toy parts, beads, and so forth. Most of these produce minimal morbidity but button batteries due to their early chemical disintegration require early surgical intervention. Here, we report a case of button battery lodged in the nose for several years with a symptom of nasal obstruction and chronic sinusitis.
Atypical Trigeminal Neuralgia Secondary to Meningioma
Authors: Niwant Premeshwar , Motwani Mukta , Naik Sushil
Published: November 2015

Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of the fifth cranial nerve that causes episodes of intense, stabbing, electric shock-like pain that lasts from few seconds to few minutes in the areas of the face where the branches of the nerve are distributed. More than one nerve branch can be affected by the disorder. We report an unusual case of trigeminal neuralgia affecting right side of face presenting atypical features of neuralgia and not responding to the usual course of treatment. The magnetic resonance imaging study of brain revealed a large extra-axial mass involving right cerebellopontine angle region causing moderate pressure effect on trigeminal nerve and brain stem. The aim of this case report is to show a tumor of cerebellopontine angle, presenting clinically as atypical trigeminal neuralgia.
Production of Oxidative and Hydrolytic Enzymes by Coprinus cinereus (Schaeff.) Gray from Sisal Wastes Supplemented with Cow Dung Manure
Authors: Raymond Prosper , Mshandete Anthony Manoni , Kajumulo Kivaisi Amelia
Published: November 2015

The activity of oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes of the edible and medicinal white rot fungi Coprinus cinereus (Schaeff.) Gray mushroom was observed during mycelia growth and fruiting body development in solid substrate fermentation using sisal waste fractions amended with cow dung manure as supplement. Laccase had the highest titre value among the five detected enzymes. Its activity was higher during mycelia growth compared to fruiting phase, with 10% supplemented substrate formulation unmixed sisal leaf decortication residues [abbreviated SL : SB (100 : 0)] displaying the highest activity of 39.45±12.05 Ug−1. Lignin peroxidase (LiP) exhibited a characteristic wave-like pattern with the highest peaks found either during full mycelia colonization or soon after first flush harvest; the highest activity of 1.93±0.62 Ug−1 was observed on unsupplemented SL : SB (100 : 0) substrate formulation during mycelia colonization. For hydrolytic enzymes, the highest carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity of 2.03±0.70 Ug−1 was observed on 20% supplemented SL : SB (0 : 100) after first flush; that of pectinase (1.90±0.32 Ug−1) was revealed after third flush on 10% supplemented SL : SB (0 : 100) substrate formulation while 10% supplemented SL : SB (25 : 75) exhibited the highest xylanase activity (1.23±0.12 Ug−1) after first flush. These findings show that the activities of both oxidative and hydrolytic enzymes were regulated in line with developmental phase of growth of Coprinus cinereus.
Expressed Sequence Tags Analysis and Design of Simple Sequence Repeats Markers from a Full-Length cDNA Library inPerilla frutescens(L.)
Authors: Seong Eun Soo , Yoo Ji Hye , Choi Jae Hoo , Kim Chang Heum , Jeon Mi Ran , Kang Byeong Ju , Lee Jae Geun , Choi Seon Kang , Ghimire Bimal Kumar , Yu Chang Yeon
Published: November 2015

Perilla frutescensis valuable as a medicinal plant as well as a natural medicine and functional food. However, comparative genomics analyses ofP. frutescensare limited due to a lack of gene annotations and characterization. A full-length cDNA library fromP. frutescensleaves was constructed to identify functional gene clusters and probable EST-SSR markers via analysis of 1,056 expressed sequence tags. Unigene assembly was performed using basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) homology searches and annotated Gene Ontology (GO). A total of 18 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were designed as primer pairs. This study is the first to report comparative genomics and EST-SSR markers fromP. frutescenswill help gene discovery and provide an important source for functional genomics and molecular genetic research in this interesting medicinal plant.
Chitinases from Bacteria to Human: Properties, Applications, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Rathore Abhishek Singh , Gupta Rinkoo D.
Published: November 2015

Chitin is the second most plenteous polysaccharide in nature after cellulose, present in cell walls of several fungi, exoskeletons of insects, and crustacean shells. Chitin does not accumulate in the environment due to presence of bacterial chitinases, despite its abundance. These enzymes are able to degrade chitin present in the cell walls of fungi as well as the exoskeletons of insect. They have shown being the potential agents for biological control of the plant diseases caused by various pathogenic fungi and insect pests and thus can be used as an alternative to chemical pesticides. There has been steady increase in demand of chitin derivatives, obtained by action of chitinases on chitin polymer for various industrial, clinical, and pharmaceutical purposes. Hence, this review focuses on properties and applications of chitinases starting from bacteria, followed by fungi, insects, plants, and vertebrates. Designing of chitinase by applying directed laboratory evolution and rational approaches for improved catalytic activity for cost-effective field applications has also been explored.
Clinical Outcomes among Women with Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Ovary
Authors: Massad Leslie Stewart , Gao Feng , Hagemann Ian , Powell Matthew
Published: November 2015

Background/Aims: Patterns of metastasis and clinical behavior of mucinous ovarian cancers are poorly understood because of their rarity. Methods: A retrospective review of records of women identified with pure mucinous invasive ovarian/tubal/peritoneal cancer during 1992-2012 at one institution. Survival differences were compared using Kaplan-Meier methods with log-rank tests. Results: Among 42 women with mucinous adenocarcinomas, the median age was 55 (range 33-83 years). Most cancers were well differentiated (n = 26, 68%) and in stage I/II (n = 31, 74%). One of 27 women with sampled nodes had nodal metastasis; one additional woman had recurrence in a pelvic node. Most had no visible residual tumor after initial surgery, but of 10 women with stage III/IV cancer and documented residual, 8 had >2 cm residual. Except for 1 woman alive with disease at last follow-up, all who had a recurrence died of the disease. Five-year survival was 83% for stage I/II cases but 29% among stage III/IV cases. Stage was a strong predictor of survival (hazard ratio of death among women with stage III/IV cancer 7.73, 95% CI 2.33-25.66, p < 0.001 vs. women with stage I/II cancer). Conclusion: Mucinous ovarian cancers have a distinct biology, such that lymphadenectomy for staging is unnecessary and metastatic cancers have poor prognosis.
Intradialytic Blood Pressure Abnormalities: The Highs, The Lows and All That Lies Between
Authors: Assimon Magdalene M. , Flythe Jennifer E.
Published: November 2015

Background: Frequent blood pressure (BP) measurements are necessary to ensure patient safety during hemodialysis treatments. Intradialytic BPs are not optimal tools for hypertension diagnosis and cardiovascular risk stratification, but they do have critical clinical and prognostic significance. We present evidence associating intradialytic BP phenomena including fall, rise and variability with adverse clinical outcomes and review related pathophysiologic mechanisms and potential management strategies. Summary: Observational studies demonstrate associations between intradialytic hypotension, hypertension and BP variability and mortality. Lack of consensus regarding diagnostic criteria has hampered data synthesis, and prospective studies investigating optimal management strategies for BP phenomena are lacking. Mechanistic data suggest that cardiac, gut, kidney and brain ischemia may lie on the causal pathway between intradialytic hypotension and mortality, and endothelial cell dysfunction, among other factors, may be an important mediator of intradialytic hypertension and adverse outcomes. These plausible pathophysiologic links present potential therapeutic targets for future inquiry. The phenomenon of intradialytic BP variability has not been adequately studied, and practical clinical measures and treatment strategies are lacking. Key Messages: Intradialytic BP phenomena have important prognostic bearing. Clinical practice guidelines for both intradialytic hypotension and hypertension exist, but their underlying evidence is weak overall. Further research is needed to develop consensus diagnostic criteria for intradialytic hypotension, hypertension and BP variability and to elucidate optimal treatment and prevention strategies for each BP manifestation.
A checklist of mammals of Kerala, India
Authors: Nameer P. O.
Published: November 2015

A checklist of mammals of Kerala State is presented in this paper. Accepted English names, scientific binomen, prevalent vernacular names in Malayalam, IUCN conservation status, endemism, Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act schedules, and the appendices in the CITES, pertaining to the mammals of Kerala are also given. The State of Kerala has 118 species of mammals, 15 of which are endemic to Western Ghats, and 29 species fall under the various threatened categories of IUCN. 

 
Foundations for Moral Relativism
Authors: Velleman J. David
Published: November 2015

In this new edition of Foundations for Moral Relativism a distinguished moral philosopher tames a bugbear of current debate about cultural difference. J. David Velleman shows that different communities can indeed be subject to incompatible moralities, because their local mores are rationally binding. At the same time, he explains why the mores of different communities, even when incompatible, are still variations on the same moral themes. The book thus maps out a universe of many moral worlds without, as Velleman puts it, "moral black holes”. The six self-standing chapters discuss such diverse topics as online avatars and virtual worlds, lying in Russian and truth-telling in Quechua, the pleasure of solitude and the fear of absurdity. Accessibly written, this book presupposes no prior training in philosophy.
Identification, Prevention, and Management of Childhood Overweight and Obesity in a Pediatric Primary Care Center
Authors: Reed Monique , Cygan Heide , Lui Karen , Mullen Mary
Published: November 2015

Background. In the United States, overweight/obesity among youth has reached epidemic proportions. The purpose of this project was to (1) examine primary care provider adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines; (2) compare adherence based on patients’ weight classification, age, race, and gender; and (3) identify areas for improvement in health care delivery. Methods. A retrospective chart audit and feedback quality improvement project was conducted with a stratified random sample of 175 charts of 6- to 19-year-olds seen for well-child visits. Frequencies of provider adherence were reported. χ2 Analyses of weight classification, age, race, or gender influence on adherence was calculated. Results. After discussion with the primary care providers, 5 areas were identified as priorities for change (diagnosis based on BMI, parental history of obesity, sleep assessment, endocrine assessment, and attendance of patients at the follow-up visit). Conclusion. Cost-efficient, feasible strategies to improve provider adherence to recommendations for identification, prevention and management of childhood overweight and obesity were identified.
Does R2P matter? Interpreting the impact of a norm
Authors: Glanville Luke
Published: November 2015

There is a curious tendency among some scholars and commentators to denigrate the impact of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). Drawing on constructivist scholarship that illuminates both the regulative and constitutive ways that norms matter and that explains how the effects of norms can be interpreted, I argue that the R2P norm has a real and observable impact on the behaviour of states. I demonstrate that this impact can be detected not only in instances of compliance, such as in Libya, but perhaps even more clearly in examples of violation, such as in Syria.
The Responsibility to Protect and the use of force: Remaking the Procrustean bed?
Authors: Morris Justin
Published: November 2015

The emergence of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) owed much to the need to enhance the UN’s ability to act forcibly in the face of the most extreme cases of gross human suffering. Too often in the past such responses were emasculated or thwarted by the necessity to successfully navigate the UN Charter’s prescriptions over the use of force, by the unwillingness of member states to provide military forces, or by a combination of the two. In accepting that certain types of inhuman activity can lead to the legitimate use of force within the UN Charter framework, the adoption of R2P appeared to resolve at least some of these problems, and as such it offered hope to those wishing to see the UN adopt a more assertive response to the grossest of human rights abuses. But, using stalemate over Syria as its backdrop, this article demonstrates the dubiousness of the claim that such a normative development can ever trump the hard edged political and strategic factors which determine when states will accept and/or participate in the use of force, and it suggests a radical solution to the dangers inherent in R2P’s intimate association with military intervention.
Becoming politically discontented: Anti-establishment careers of Dutch nonvoters and PVV voters
Authors: Kemmers Roy , van der Waal Jeroen , Aupers Stef
Published: November 2015

Popular political discontent has become increasingly salient in western countries in recent decades, as can be witnessed by the rise of populist anti-establishment parties, nonvoting and increasing distrust in politics. However, these phenomena have predominantly been treated as ‘democracy’s deviants’, neglecting the perspectives of the people concerned. Taking an inductive approach, this article examines how ordinary citizens come to turn away from established politics. Drawing on in-depth interviews with politically discontented Dutch nonvoters and PVV voters, the article develops a three-stage ‘anti-establishment career’ – ‘introduction’, ‘validation’ and ‘consolidation’ – through which their conceptions of politics gradually change. This deviant career model takes into account the dynamics and agency involved in the process, in contrast to conceptions of discontented citizens as utterly passive and anomic. The article concludes by arguing for more cultural-sociological sensitivity in the use of concepts referring to social-political action.
Did Neoliberalizing West African Forests Produce a New Niche for Ebola?
Authors: Wallace Robert G , Kock Richard , Bergmann Luke , Gilbert Marius , Hogerwerf Lenny , Pittiglio Claudia , Mattioli Raffaele , Wallace Rodrick
Published: November 2015

A recent study introduced a vaccine that controls Ebola Makona, the Zaire ebolavirus variant that has infected 28,000 people in West Africa. We propose that even such successful advances are insufficient for many emergent diseases. We review work hypothesizing that Makona, phenotypically similar to much smaller outbreaks, emerged out of shifts in land use brought about by neoliberal economics. The epidemiological consequences demand a new science that explicitly addresses the foundational processes underlying multispecies health, including the deep-time histories, cultural infrastructure, and global economic geographies driving disease emergence. The approach, for instance, reverses the standard public health practice of segregating emergency responses and the structural context from which outbreaks originate. In Ebola’s case, regional neoliberalism may affix the stochastic “friction” of ecological relationships imposed by the forest across populations, which, when above a threshold, keeps the virus from lining up transmission above replacement. Export-led logging, mining, and intensive agriculture may depress such functional noise, permitting novel spillovers larger forces of infection. Mature outbreaks, meanwhile, can continue to circulate even in the face of efficient vaccines. More research on these integral explanations is required, but the narrow albeit welcome success of the vaccine may be used to limit support of such a program.
Civic Stratification and the Exclusion of Undocumented Immigrants from Cross-border Health Care
Authors: Torres Jacqueline M. , Waldinger Roger
Published: November 2015

This paper proposes a theoretical framework and an empirical example of the relationship between the civic stratification of immigrants in the United States, and their access to healthcare. We use the 2007 Pew Hispanic Center/Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Hispanic Healthcare Survey, a nationally representative survey of U.S. Latinos ( N = 2,783 foreign-born respondents) and find that immigrants who are not citizens or legal permanent residents are significantly more likely to be excluded from care in both the United States and across borders. Legal-status differences in cross-border care utilization persisted after controlling for health status, insurance coverage, and other potential demographic and socioeconomic predictors of care. Exclusion from care on both sides of the border was associated with reduced rates of receiving timely preventive services. Civic stratification, and political determinants broadly speaking, should be considered alongside social determinants of population health and health care.
Graph Cellular Automata approach to the Maximum Lifetime Coverage Problem in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Tretyakova Antonina , Seredynski Franciszek , Bouvry Pascal
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we propose a distributed algorithm based on a generalization of the Cellular Automata concept called Graph Cellular Automata (GCA) to solve the Maximum Lifetime Coverage Problem (MLCP) in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). In GCA, we adapt life-like state transition functions inspired by Conway’s Game of Life in order to solve the problem. The goal of this paper is to study the quality of state transition functions for an objective provided by the MLCP in WSNs. The proposed algorithm possesses all the advantages of a localized algorithm, i.e., using only some knowledge about neighbors, a WSN is able to self-organize in such a way as to prolong its lifetime, at the same time preserving the required coverage ratio of the target field. Our experimental results show that certain rules are better solvers of the given problem than others. The paper also presents the results of an experimental study of the proposed algorithm and comparison with a centralized Genetic Algorithm.
Adaptation of a microsimulation model at the municipality level: demographic and employment evolution in the Altmark region of Germany
Authors: Unay-Gailhard İlkay , Baqueiro-Espinosa Omar
Published: November 2015

Adapting microsimulation models to specific regions is a challenging task. This is especially true when aiming to simulate very low regional levels, such as municipalities, owing to anonymity restrictions or simply nonexistence of data at the required levels. In this study, we present a process to define the dynamics of the PRototypical policy Impact on Multifunctional Activities in rural municipalities (PRIMA) conceptual microsimulation model for the Hohenberg–Krusemark municipality network in the Altmark region of Germany. A parameterization process and the prototypical simulation results of the model are given along with a discussion on the validation of the simulation results by local level stakeholders. The presented technical aspects of the model provide the evolution of the demographic structure and the employment status for individuals living in a set of interconnected municipalities in rural areas. Additional insight was gained by comparing the demographic and employment properties of the simulation results with real data. The comparison allows for the observation of how correctly the model replicates past trends in the municipality network. The model’s assumptions are based on the results of a probability table created for the years 2000–2009, and the simulation results are presented for the years 2000–2020.
Economics, Psychology, and the Unity of the Decision Sciences
Authors: Fumagalli Roberto
Published: November 2015

In recent years, several authors have reconstructed the relationship between 20th-century economic theory and neuro-psychological research in terms of a three-stage narrative of initial unity, increasing separation, and ongoing reunification. In this article, I draw on major developments in economic theory and neuro-psychological research to provide a descriptive and normative critique of this reconstruction. Moreover, I put forward a reconstruction of the relationship between economics and neuro-psychology that, I claim, better fits both the available empirical evidence and the methodological foundations of these disciplines. In doing so, I argue that recent calls to develop a unified interdisciplinary framework for modeling choice are premised on disputable presuppositions concerning both the domain of economic theory and the relationship between this theory’s axiomatic foundations and empirical findings about the neuro-psychological substrates of choice.
On the edge of their seats: Comparing first impressions and regular attendance in arts audiences
Authors: Pitts Stephanie E.
Published: November 2015

This article reports the findings of a questionnaire and interview study with arts audiences in a UK city, and compares the experiences of arts attenders with those of an “audience exchange” group, in which participants were taken to unfamiliar arts events and then discussed their expectations, first impressions, and intentions for future arts engagement. The study considers how the established values and behaviours of regular audience members might be inhibiting or alienating to first-time listeners, and identifies continuums of engagement that draw on psychological frameworks of identity and belonging. Differences between the factors in audience satisfaction in cinema, theatre, and music are explored, and the effects of familiarity with one art form on understanding a first encounter with a new one highlight the range of perspectives that audience members bring to any given event. The implications of these findings for audience development strategies are considered, showing how research with audiences can be a developmental tool in itself, by encouraging reflective discussion of arts experiences amongst new attenders.
Do news corrections affect credibility? Not necessarily
Authors: Appelman Alyssa , Hettinga Kirstie
Published: November 2015

This study of types of corrections in newspapers finds that readers consider objective, high-impact corrections more important than errors that are objective and low-impact. The findings do not directly support previous research that suggested corrections help foster credibility.
Coverage reflects importance of fishing to community
Authors: Evans Suzannah , Riffe Daniel
Published: November 2015

This study compares the coverage of new federal regulations on New England fisheries in local newspapers in historic fishing towns and that in regional newspapers. Local newspapers were much more likely to present anti-regulatory viewpoints and name one person or entity as a villain, thereby dismissing or demeaning pro-regulation environmental activists or government officials.
Why news reporters ignore third-party candidates
Authors: Kirch John F.
Published: November 2015

In-depth interviews with eight political reporters who covered the 2002 gubernatorial campaigns in California and Wisconsin finds reporters produced little coverage of even the most serious third-party candidates because they define the campaign almost exclusively as a contest between the Democrats and Republicans.
Men more likely to post online newspaper comments
Authors: Meyer Hans K. , Carey Michael Clay
Published: November 2015

A nationwide survey of Internet users of the comments section at the end of online news stories finds men are more likely to post comments than are women. Respondents said the ability to post comments increases their perceptions of the credibility of a story as well as that of the newspaper.
How Magnets Attract and Repel
Authors: Spinuzzi Clay , Nelson Scott , Thomson Keela S. , Lorenzini Francesca , French Rosemary A. , Pogue Gregory , London Noelle
Published: November 2015

K6015, a South Korean firm seeking to commercialize its magnet technology in the US market, entered a technology commercialization training program structured as a competition. Through this program, K6015 (and others in the program) used several genres to progressively interest different sets of stakeholders. To understand how K6015 applied these genres, we analyze this case study in terms of interessement, a concept from actor-network theory, and standing sets of transformations, a related concept from workplace writing studies in which enacting a set of genres entails a controlled, progressive transformation of arguments. We examine the entire competition process, using K6015 and three other competitors to illustrate this process and to examine rhetorical transformations responding to different criteria. In enacting these standing sets of transformations, K6015 and other competitors transformed their innovations into commercialized technologies–and transformed themselves from innovators into entrepreneurs. Finally, we discuss implications for understanding entrepreneurship rhetorically.
Organizational Network Activities for Local Economic Development
Authors: Ha Hyunsang , Lee In Won , Feiock Richard C.
Published: November 2015

There has been considerable interest and study of local and regional economic development networks in recent years. Local governments forge informal and formal network ties with a variety of organizations, the most prominent of which are private, private/public development, community/residential, and public. Extant research has examined networks but not the processes of network partner choice and their networking. This research begins to fill these lacunas by empirically examining various explanations for economic development networks and their influence on each of these four types of networking. The findings reveal that the factors shaping network ties in each organization type are different. Except for community/residential organization network ties, local governments’ networking is significantly related to the development incentives that they offer. Network ties with public organizations are related to government structures. Network ties with community/residential organizations are distinguished by their relationships with financial conditions and citizens’ opposition to development. The factors influencing network activities for economic development with organizational types are shaped by the predisposition of each organizational network; thus, the factors promoting local economic development activities and the factors stimulating network activities for local economic development are different.
A Review of Issues in Gamified Surveys
Authors: Keusch Florian , Zhang Chan
Published: November 2015

The term “gamification” is used for a wide variety of techniques aimed to increase respondent engagement while filling out web surveys. Suggested approaches range from rephrasing questions to sound more game-like to embedding the entire survey into a game where respondent avatars adventure through a fantasy land while answering survey questions. So far, only a few experimental studies regarding the influence of gamification on survey responding have been published in peer-reviewed journals. This article systematically reviews the current research literature on gamification in surveys by first answering the question as to what gamification entails in the context of web surveys by identifying relevant gamification elements. Next, the article discusses how these elements could influence survey data quality using the Total Survey Error framework. Finally, a systematic review of empirical evidence on gamified surveys from published and unpublished studies is provided. While most studies found in our literature review reported a positive effect of using game elements, such as challenges, story/narrative, rewards, goals/objectives, and badges, on psychological outcomes among survey respondents (e.g., fun, interest, satisfaction), the influence of these elements on behavioral outcomes (e.g., completion and break-offs, item omission, satisficing, responses) and, therefore, survey quality is more unclear. This article informs survey researchers and practitioners of the current state of research on survey gamification and identifies potential areas for future research.
Measuring Political Knowledge in Web-Based Surveys
Authors: Munzert Simon , Selb Peter
Published: November 2015

Does the opportunity to deliver visual instead of verbal stimuli of political knowledge to respondents in web-based surveys make a difference in terms of data quality? For instance, does the presentation of visual knowledge items reduce cheating, that is, looking up the answer via the Web? And do visual and verbal stimuli capture the same underlying construct? To test whether the use of visuals to measure political knowledge effectively makes a difference, we administer a question form experiment in an online survey of the German Longitudinal Election Study. Respondents are randomly assigned to one of two question formats—visual or verbal—and are asked to solve a set of eight questions on political leaders and their offices. The instruments are validated based on nonparametric item response theory and analyses of response latency. While there is no clear evidence for cheating behavior under either of the conditions, both instruments form strong knowledge scales. Results from a regression analysis indicate that the scales provide measures of closely related but not identical concepts.