bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When Less is More: “Slicing” Sequencing Data Improves Read Decoding Accuracy andDe NovoAssembly Quality
Authors: Lonardi Stefano , Mirebrahim Hamid , Wanamaker Steve , Alpert Matthew , Ciardo Gianfranco , Duma Denisa , Close Timothy J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSince the invention of DNA sequencing in the seventies, computational biologists have had to deal with the problemde novogenome assembly with limited (or insufficient) depth of sequencing. In this work, for the first time we investigate the opposite problem, that is, the challenge of dealing with excessive depth of sequencing. Specifically, we explore the effect of ultra-deep sequencing data in two domains: (i) the problem of decoding reads to BAC clones (in the context of the combinatorial pooling design proposed in [1]), and (ii) the problem ofde novoassembly of BAC clones. Using real ultra-deep sequencing data, we show that when the depth of sequencing increases over a certain threshold, sequencing errors make these two problems harder and harder (instead of easier, as one would expect with error-free data), and as a consequence the quality of the solution degrades with more and more data. For the first problem, we propose an effective solution based on “divide and conquer”: we “slice” a large dataset into smaller samples of optimal size, decode each slice independently, then merge the results. Experimental results on over 15,000 barley BACs and over 4,000 cowpea BACs demonstrate a significant improvement in the quality of the decoding and the final assembly. For the second problem, we show for the first time that modernde novoassemblers cannot take advantage of ultra-deep sequencing data.
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) leaf extract as an eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 1M hydrochloric acid solution
Authors: Umoren S.A. , Gasem Z.M. , Obot I.B. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of the paper was to investigate the use of aqueous extract of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) leaf as a green inhibitor for corrosion of carbon steel in 1M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution.Design/methodology/approach– Extracts from the date palm were used as the main component of an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor for use in HCl pickling processes. Inhibition behavior on carbon steel in HCl was investigated using weight loss measurements, linear and potentiodynamic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy.Findings– The results show that the extract exhibited good inhibition performance in 1M HCl. The inhibition efficiency increased with increase in the concentration of the inhibitor but decreased with increase in temperature. Inhibition efficiency also was found to increase as immersion time increased. The inhibitive action was due to adsorption of the date palm leaf components on the steel, which was consistent with the Langmuir isotherm.Practical implications– Date palm leaf extract (DPLE) is an effective inhibitor at room temperature and can be used to protect plain carbon steel from corrosion in HCl solution.Originality/value– This study provides new information on the inhibiting characteristics of DPLE under specified conditions. The environmentally friendly inhibitor could find possible applications in metal surface anodizing and acid pickling processes.
Treading the straight and righteous path: curbing corruption in the Philippines
Authors: Batalla Eric Vincent C. 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the anti-corruption performance of the Philippine government, particularly under the leadership of President Benigno Aquino III.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper evaluates the anti-corruption measures as represented by pertinent laws as well as anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) under the Aquino administration.

Findings
– The Aquino government has exercised remarkable political will in acting on high-profile cases involving former government officials, including former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. However, the government’s overall anti-corruption performance is hampered by outdated and conflicting laws, lack of compliance with anti-corruption laws and regulations by public officials and employees, poor ACA operational capacities, judicial inefficiency, deficient organizational systems and change-resistant government agencies, and selective and partial enforcement of anti-corruption laws. These problems are characteristic of Philippine political administrations and are arguably rooted in a system long characterized by fragile state institutions, strong oligarchic control, and weak citizenship.

Originality/value
– The paper is intended to update scholars, policy makers, and anti-corruption practitioners interested in corruption, ACA performance, and political reform in the Philippines. It discusses corruption-related problems of public administration within the purview of political economy. Based on this perspective, it argues that the key to effective control of corruption is a change in the political system’s configuration rather than the mere change in leadership.
Anti-corruption measures in China: suggestions for reforms
Authors: Guo Yong , Li Songfeng 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to analyze several measures which the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has adopted to curb corruption and to make recommendations to curb the spread of corruption.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study is based on the analysis of government policy documents and reports, and statistical data on anti-corruption measures in China.

Findings
– During the past ten years, the government of the PRC has adopted these anti-corruption measures: first, increasing the ability to handle cases for deterring corrupt officials; second, improving the work style of officials and prohibiting them from enjoying special privileges, and promoting moral behavior among them; third, reforming the economic and political system to reduce corruption opportunities; and fourth, reforming the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) to more effectively handle corruption cases. Nevertheless, in despite of these anti-corruption measures, there remain serious challenges for reducing corruption stemming from an irrational system of administrative reform and balancing the relationship between the CCDI and the judiciary departments to enhance the professionalism and efficiency of the anti-corruption agencies, which continue to constrain China’s current anti-corruption efforts. Therefore, the Chinese government should take a top-down approach, analyze the characteristics and trends of corruption in the new era, strengthen the institutional structures, and strive to suppress the spread of corruption.

Originality/value
– This paper will be useful for those scholars, policy-makers and anti-corruption practitioners who are interested in China’s anti-corruption measures.
Sibling rivalry among anti-corruption agencies in Taiwan
Authors: Ko Ernie , Su Yu-Chang , Yu Chilik 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the multiple anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) in Taiwan and their conflict resolution. The birth of the Agency Against Corruption (AAC) in 2011 created the unintended consequence of sibling rivalry with the elder Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB).

Design/methodology/approach
– A historical background of these agencies is discussed and followed by an analysis of the diversified conflicts among the prosecutor’s office, the AAC and the MJIB. The empirical sources of this study include 17 in-depth interviews with government officials both at ministerial level and field level, scholars and NGO representatives.

Findings
– The redundancy of ACAs in Taiwan is a fact, which is extremely difficult to change in the foreseeable future in the light of current political and fiscal constraints. This paper concludes that the conflicts among multiple ACAs and their operational weaknesses will not fade away after a mere directive from their superior, the Ministry of Justice, unless genuine cooperation is put into place in various individual cases.

Practical implications
– This paper provides a road-map for decision makers to improve collective anti-corruption performance. Taiwan’s AAC serves as the latest example testing the efficacy of the multiple specialized ACAs.

Originality/value
– This pioneering study provides insights into Taiwan’s anti-corruption policy and practices. More investigative studies should be conducted on the effectiveness of multiple ACAs in other countries.
Trust-building in international business ventures
Authors: Gerbasi Alexandra , Latusek Dominika 
Published: January 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate collaboration and coordination practices in the organisation whose members come from two countries that differ dramatically in generalised trust: Poland and the USA.Design/methodology/approach– A qualitative field study conducted in Silicon Valley-based American-Polish start-up joint venture.Findings– There are three mechanisms can facilitate collaboration in organisations that differ in generalised trust: frequent interaction that may form a basis for knowledge-based trust, professional cultures that provide common platform for communication, and presence of intermediaries that possess understanding and ability to communicate of both cultures.Practical implications– The findings can be applied in the context of offshoring projects in knowledge intensive industries.Originality/value– Research presented in this paper investigates collaboration of parties from low-trust and high-trust cultures within one business venture.
Identifying mentors for student employees on campus
Authors: Frock David 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– This exploratory research project aims to seek an effective process for identifying supervisors of part-time student employees who also serve in a mentoring capacity.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper is based on a review of literature and an evaluation process focused on established traits and functions of mentoring as applied to supervisors of student employees on a college campus.

Findings
– Supervisors of student employees may have the desire and capacity to engage students on a higher level but are not viewed and supported to meet this need based on their position within the organization. Untapped resources are being overlooked that would develop the supervisor and the student while advancing the overall institutional mission.

Research limitations/implications
– A study identifying mentors for part-time undergraduate student employees in higher education settings was necessary as a precursor to future research on the human resource development needs of professional staff in higher education.

Practical implications
– The results of this study confirmed that the approach utilized for identifying mentors through specific traits is effective and that common barriers exist across the institution that negatively impact supervisors from serving as mentors. These results will be used to address future research related to the value of training and educating the supervisors of undergraduate student employees on college campuses.

Originality/value
– Research exists on 360 evaluative processes, mentoring and the benefits of student development outside the classroom, but no research could be identified that addressed the opportunities of using this approach to potentially resolve organizational issues.
Sexuality education: implications for health, equity, and social justice in the United States
Authors: Elia John P. , Tokunaga Jessica 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine how school-based sexuality education has had a long and troubled history of exclusionary pedagogical practices that have negatively affected such populations as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer (LGBTQ) individuals, people of color, and the disabled. The social ecological model is introduced as a way of offering sexuality educators and school administrators a way of thinking more broadly about how to achieve sexual health through sexuality education efforts inside and outside of the school environment.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper uses critical analysis of current and historical school-based sexuality education methods and curricula used in the USA. Authors use both academic journals and their own expertise/experience teaching sexuality education in the USA to analyze and critique the sources of sexuality education information and curricula used in schools.

Findings
– Historically, sexuality education in school settings in the USA has been biased and has generally not offered an educational experience fostering sexual health for all students. There are now welcome signs of reform and movement toward a more inclusive and progressive approach, but there is still some way to go. Sexuality education programs in schools need to be further and fundamentally reformed to do more to foster sexual health particularly for LGBTQ individuals, students of color, and people with disabilities.

Practical implications
– This paper offers sexuality educators ways of addressing structural issues within the sexuality education curriculum to better serve all students to increase the quality of their sexual health. Integrating critical pedagogy and anti-oppressive education can increase students’ sexual health along physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions.

Originality/value
– This paper provides historical analysis along with the identification of structural difficulties in the sexuality education curriculum and proposes both critical pedagogy and anti-oppressive education as ways of addressing sex and relationships education.
The sexuality education and attitudes of college students in China
Authors: Song Yu 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine the type and quality of sexuality education received by college students in Hangzhou, China. Their attitudes towards sex and sexuality were also explored. To set the broader context the regulations and laws governing the provision of sexuality education in China have also been examined.

Design/methodology/approach
– A cross-sectional survey of 132 college students was conducted in Hangzhou, China in 2013. The aim was to explore their experience of and attitudes towards their sexuality education.

Findings
– Most respondents lacked formal sexuality education. Neither schools nor parents were reported to be the major providers of sexuality education. The students reported that their main sources of knowledge and information relating to sex were their fellow schoolmates and the internet. Participants reported insufficient or inaccurate sexual knowledge as a key factor in their participation in unprotected sex. Attitudes towards premarital sex and cohabitation, and homosexual relationships were reported to be more open and tolerant than those of the older generation.

Originality/value
– The data from this study suggest that reluctance amongst parents and schools to provide formal and comprehensive sexuality education has resulted in unsatisfactory sexuality education in Hangzhou. The lack of sexuality education among college students may have had an influence on their unsafe sexual behaviours which is potentially damaging to both their physical and psychological health. Implications for improving the quality of sexuality education for young people in China are discussed.
Introducing sexual education to Russian schools
Authors: Alekseeva Evgeniya Georgievna , Krasnopolskaya Irina , Skokova Yulia 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to study the effectiveness of the international volunteer programme’s dance4life (D4L) in Russia. The programme aims to address taboos, stigma, discrimination, HIV/AIDS prevention and the promotion of sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and a healthy lifestyle among adolescents. The programme uses an “edutainment” model that involves young people through music, dance and youth icons. Educated volunteers provide schoolchildren with comprehensive information on SRHR and demonstrate the practical application of life and leadership skills. The programme ends with a celebration event.

Design/methodology/approach
– Qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Only those who got as far as stage three of the process, 20 per cent of those who begun, were sampled. The qualitative research involved youth aged 13-19 (20 interviews, six focus groups), teachers (eight interviews), volunteer team members (eight interviews) and programme managers in four project regions and in Moscow (five interviews). In the quantitative research 105 respondents took part, of whom 48 per cent were 13-16 years old, 44 per cent were 17-19 years old and 8 per cent were 20-23 years old. Both boys and girls were included in the sample.

Findings
– Young people’s participation in D4L had a significant positive impact on perceptions of SRHR and knowledge levels, changed some misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and helped develop social and healthy lifestyle skills. The programme contributed to the growth of voluntary activity and the organizational skills of participants. Teachers’ perceptions of SRHR changed positively after their participation in the programme.

Research limitations/implications
– The fact that the sample is only those who completed all stages of the programme, 20 per cent of the overall population who began it, is clearly a source of bias. The size of the quantitative research sample (n=105) does not allow disaggregation of data by region nor by gender: this limitation was minimized by choosing four regions with relatively comparable socio-economic status, and through quota sampling in equal proportions for boys and girls. This is the first time such a study has been conducted, so it is not possible to draw conclusions about the long-term impact of the programme.

Practical implications
– The short implementation period allows for the dissemination of information and training to large numbers despite limited funding.

Social implications
– The D4L approach provides information on SRHR to youth, which arouses their interest, and is perceived as relevant and important. Programme participants use this information themselves and share it with their friends, parents and other adults.

Originality/value
– The D4L programme is unique in Russia: there is no regular sexual education in Russian schools. School programmes are rarely evaluated with the methods used in this study.
Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up interactive bi-lingual resources to support the delivery of sex and relationships education for students aged 5 to 12 years
Authors: Roberts Judith 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of new interactive, bi-lingual Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) resources called Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up, suitable for students aged between five and 12 years. It also discusses the evidence used to support the development of the resources, the support provided for teachers and parents and an initial evaluation following their use.

Design/methodology/approach
– Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up are interactive bi-lingual (Welsh and English) SRE teaching resources for primary schools suitable for students aged five to 12 years. These resources comprise of two components, an interactive electronic web-based programme and a floor mat illustrating a naked boy and girl. The electronic web-based programme is used to introduce puberty changes, loving relationships, conception, pregnancy and birth and is suitable for students aged nine to 12 years. The floor mat is suitable to be used with students aged between five and 12 years. Teaching activities can include naming body parts, discussing gender differences, personal safety, distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate touching, discussing puberty changes and other health promotion activities as well as delivering aspects of the National Curriculum for Wales.

Findings
– The results from the initial evaluation undertaken with year six students and teachers demonstrates how the resources have impacted on the teaching and learning experiences of primary teachers and students. It also demonstrates how the teacher training sessions and using the Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up resources have increased teachers’ confidence in delivering SRE.

Practical implications
– The learning experiences of students and their enjoyment of using the Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up resources were significantly high. The implementation of teacher training improved teaching practice and increased teachers’ confidence in the subject. The resources have facilitated the delivery of effective whole school comprehensive SRE programmes for primary schools. These factors confirm the value of the investment given to their development. The resources could easily be customised in line with diverse ethnic, cultural, linguistic and religious requirements.

Originality/value
– This paper demonstrates how the Tyfu i Fyny/Growing Up interactive SRE resources have influenced the teaching and learning experiences of primary school teachers and students.
Foundations of life-long sexual health literacy
Authors: Graf Allyson Stella , Patrick Julie Hicks 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– Sexual education in adolescence may represent the only formal sexual information individuals ever receive. It is unclear whether this early educational experience is sufficient to promote lifelong sexual health literacy. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of the timing and source of sexual knowledge on current safe sex knowledge and risky sexual behaviours among middle-aged and older adults in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach
– Participants (n=410, mean age=53.9, 50.7 per cent female) reported whether and when they received sexual knowledge from various sources. They were asked about their current safe sex knowledge and their lifetime sexual risk behaviours.

Findings
– Most of the participants (61.5 per cent) received formal sexual education in adolescence and 20.2 per cent reported formal sexual education post-adolescence. Across the life span, friends were the most common source of sexual information. The sample scored in the upper mid-range on the scale indexing safe sex knowledge (M=6.69, SD=1.64, range=0-8). Participants reported engaging in an average of approximately four (out of 16) risky sexual behaviours across their lifetime. Those with formal sex education in adolescence scored significantly higher on safe sex knowledge. However, they also engaged in more risky sex behaviours.

Originality/value
– This study is among the first to situate the normative, formal sexual education experience of adolescence within a life span context that not only accounts for time, but also multiple sources of influence. It would appear that there are more things to learn about the long-term influence of sexual education programmes during the formative years by studying adult sexual health and knowledge.