bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The “impossibility theorems” of Islamic economics
Authors: Alam Choudhury Masudul 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to bring out with analytical argumentation and mathematical treatment the central problem of Islamic economics, finance, institutionalism and socio‐scientific thought as it is being practiced today and for some time now. The problem arises from the failure of contemporary Islamic intellection to formulate its methodology according to the cardinal principle, and the singularly central and minimal axiom of all its inferences. This is the precept of the oneness of God explained in terms of the epistemology of unity of divine knowledge and the unity of the consequential knowledge‐induced world‐system.Design/methodology/approachThe objective is achieved by mathematical theorems for pointing out the impossibility problem of Islamic economics and finance. The analytical alternative in the epistemological framework of unity of knowledge, or the functional law of oneness of God in its functional ontological functioning in economics and finance are formalized.FindingsA number of Impossibility Theorems of Islamic economics and finance are stated and solved. Alternative epistemological premise and its functional nature are presented in the light of unity of knowledge or what is known as the law of oneness of God and its application to the unified world‐system.Research limitations/implicationsThis is a theoretical paper based on analytical argumentation and mathematical formalism to bring out the theorems that state and resolve the problem of impossibility of attaining the goals of Islamic economics and finance under their present pursuit.Practical implicationsAlthough the paper is of a theoretical nature it has profound practical extensions. The principal ones are in the direction of developing the structure of Islamic economy and financing within a globally interactive, integrative and evolutionary system of practical interrelations. Such a structuring will embed the economy, finance, business and society in an organic model of unity of interrelations.Social implicationsThe paper presents a new social and ethical meaning to the present exogenous treatment of Islamic economics that proceeds on by an exogenous treatment of morality, ethics and their functioning in an unsustainable economic, finance, and social order.Originality/valueThis paper is emphatically original. It questions the entire premise and methodological orientation of the prevailing nature of Islamic economics and finance. The intellection and its application based on the absence of unity of knowledge as the divine mooring of Islamic intellection in everything has been distanced or treated as an exogenous still‐born axiom having no dynamics in the analytical and functional system otherwise.
The efficiency of Islamic and conventional commercial banks in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Suraya , Rahim Abdul Rahman Abdul 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the relative efficiency of the Islamic commercial banks (ICBs) and conventional commercial banks (CCBs) in Malaysia. The study measures and compares the level of efficiency of both ICBs and CCBs from the year 2003 to 2007.Design/methodology/approachThere are ten local commercial banks selected in Malaysia, which comprise of eight CCBs and two ICBs. The study uses data envelopment analysis (DEA) to measure the relative efficiency of the selected banks in intermediating inputs into outputs. The study then analyses the difference in the average efficiency score of the ICBs and CCBs using the Mann‐WhitneyUtest.FindingsThis study found that the CCBs outperformed ICBs in all efficiency measures. The finding indicates that the CCBs may be more efficient than the ICBs due to managerial efficiency and technological advancement.Research limitations/implicationsThis study may be extended in various ways. Since, this study only covers a sample period of five years, i.e. 2003 to 2007, future research might cover more sample periods. Further studies could also take a bigger sample size by including both the domestic and foreign commercial banks.Practical implicationsThe study indicates that the domestic commercial banks' management is well organised, reflecting the effective roles of a bank as the mediator between the savers and entrepreneurs. The technology used in the commercial banks may be up‐to‐date and fully utilised in the bank's operation. However, the commercial banks in Malaysia are facing the scale inefficiency. This means that the banks are unable to fully utilise their capabilities and capacities in generating the outputs from their resources. The findings also indicate that the scale inefficiency is the main factor that leads to the low technical efficiency in the ICBs as their size is relatively smaller than the CCBs.Originality/valueThis study identified the most and least efficient domestic banks and the finding could be useful to the regulators and the banks to identify the bank's ranking within the industry. Thus, it is hoped that the regulators are able to address the gap between the best and worst‐practices. The study may also improve the awareness among the least efficient banks to initiate the proactive measures in order to be sustainable in the industry.
Putting recovery into practice: organisational change and commissioning
Authors: Boardman Jed , Shepherd Geoff 
Published: November 2014

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the outline of a methodological approach to help address ten key challenges for the implementation of Recovery‐orientated services.Design/methodology/approachAt the onset of the project the authors produced a policy paper, Making Recovery a Reality. This formed the basis of a series of workshops on implementing Recovery in organisations that were held in five mental health trusts in 2008 and 2009.FindingsA key element driving the transformation of Recovery‐orientated mental health services will be the joint work of local systems, setting priorities, agreeing goals and contracts and then monitoring progress and reviewing.Originality/valueThe impetus for the project arose out of the increasing attention being given to the principles of recovery in government policy and in local mental health services, combined with an increasing frustration that there was little to guide how these principles could be put into practice.
A parallel, scalable and memory efficient inversion code for very large‐scale airborne electromagnetics surveys
Authors: Kirkegaard Casper , Auken Esben 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTOver the past decade the typical size of airborne electromagnetic data sets has been growing rapidly, along with an emerging need for highly accurate modelling. One‐dimensional approximate inversions or data transform techniques have previously been employed for very large‐scale studies of quasi‐layered settings but these techniques fail to provide the consistent accuracy needed by many modern applications such as aquifer and geological mapping, uranium exploration, oil sands and integrated modelling. In these cases the use of more time‐consuming 1D forward and inverse modelling provide the only acceptable solution that is also computationally feasible.When target structures are known to be quasi layered and spatially coherent it is beneficial to incorporate this assumption directly into the inversion. This implies inverting multiple soundings at a time in larger constrained problems, which allows for resolving geological layers that are undetectable using simple independent inversions. Ideally, entire surveys should be inverted at a time in huge constrained problems but poor scaling properties of the underlying algorithms typically make this challenging.Here, we document how we optimized an inversion code for very large‐scale constrained airborne electromagnetic problems. Most importantly, we describe how we solve linear systems using an iterative method that scales linearly with the size of the data set in terms of both solution time and memory consumption. We also describe how we parallelized the core region of the code, in order to obtain almost ideal strong parallel scaling on current 4‐socket shared memory computers. We further show how model parameter uncertainty estimates can be efficiently obtained in linear time and we demonstrate the capabilities of the full implementation by inverting a 3327 line km SkyTEM survey overnight. Performance and scaling properties are discussed based on the timings of the field example and we describe the criteria that must be fulfilled in order to adapt our methodology for similar type problems.
Age‐dependent trait variation: the relative contribution of within‐individual change, selective appearance and disappearance in a long‐lived seabird
Authors: Zhang He , Vedder Oscar , Becker Peter H. , Bouwhuis Sandra 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Within populations, the expression of phenotypic traits typically varies with age. Such age‐dependent trait variation can be caused by within‐individual change (improvement, senescence, terminal effects) and/or selective (dis)appearance of certain phenotypes among older age classes.

In this study, we applied two methods (decomposition and mixed modelling) to attribute age‐dependent variation in seven phenological and reproductive traits to within‐individual change and selective (dis)appearance, in a long‐lived seabird, the common tern (Sterna hirundo).

At the population level, all traits, except the probability to breed, improved with age (i.e. phenology advanced and reproductive output increased). Both methods identified within‐individual change as the main responsible process, and, within individuals, performance improved until age 6–13, before levelling off. In contrast, within individuals, breeding probability decreased to age 10, then levelled off.

Effects of selective appearance and disappearance were small, but showed that longer‐lived individuals had a higher breeding probability and bred earlier and that younger recruits performed better throughout life than older recruits in terms of both phenology and reproductive performance. In the year prior to death, individuals advanced reproduction, suggesting terminal investment.

The decomposition method attributed more age‐dependent trait variation to selective disappearance than the mixed‐modelling method: 14–36% versus 0–8%, respectively, which we identify to be due to covariance between rates of within‐individual change and selective (dis)appearance leading to biased results from the decomposition method.

We conclude that the decomposition method is ideal for visualizing processes underlying population change in performance from one age class to the next, but that a mixed‐modelling method is required to investigate the significance and relative contribution of age effects.

Considerable variation in the contribution of the different age processes between the seven phenotypic traits studied, as well as notable differences between species in patterns of age‐dependent trait expression, calls for better predictions regarding optimal allocation strategies with age.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors acting on the reproductive process in alpine‐snowbed plants: roles of phenology, biological interaction, and breeding system
Authors: Kameyama Yoshiaki , Kudo Gaku 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPollinator activity and competition for pollinators lead to quantitative and qualitative pollen limitations on seed production and affect the reproductive success of plant species, depending on their breeding system (e.g., self‐compatibility and heterospecific compatibility) and genetic load (e.g., inbreeding depression and hybrid inviability). In alpine ecosystems, snowmelt regimes determine the distribution and phenology of plant communities. Plant species growing widely along a snowmelt gradient often grow with different species among local populations. Their pollinators also vary in their abundance, activity, and behavior during the season. These variations may modify plant–pollinator and plant–plant interactions. We integrated a series of our studies on the alpine dwarf shrub, Phyllodoce aleutica (Ericaceae), to elucidate the full set of intrinsic (species‐specific breeding system) and extrinsic factors (snow condition, pollinator activity, and interspecific competition) acting on their reproductive process. Seasonality of pollinator activity led to quantitative pollen limitation in the early‐blooming populations, whereas in the late‐blooming populations, high pollinator activity ensured pollination service, but interspecific competition for pollinators led to qualitative and quantitative pollen limitation in less competitive species. However, negative effects of illegitimate pollen receipt on seed‐set success might be reduced when cryptic incompatibility systems (i.e., outcross pollen grains took priority over self‐ and heterospecific pollen grains) could effectively prevent ovule and seed discounting. Our studies highlight the importance of species‐specific responses of plant reproduction to changing pollinator availability along environmental gradients to understand the general features of pollination networks in alpine ecosystems.
Interference competition among disperser ants affects their preference for seeds of an ant‐dispersed sedge Carex tristachya (Cyperaceae)
Authors: Tanaka Koki , Suzuki Nobuhiko 
Published: November 2014

AbstractFor animal‐dispersed plants, evolutionary direction of seed traits is largely determined by the trait preference of disperser animals. Thus, clarifying conditions determining the disperser's preferences is important for understanding the evolution of dispersal traits in animal‐dispersed plants. The intensity of the interference competition among dispersers may be a factor affecting the seed trait preference of disperser animals, because it often weakens the food preference of various animals. To test this possibility, we examined correlation between the intensity of interference competition among disperser ants and their trait preference for seeds of an ant‐dispersed sedge, Carex tristachya Thunb. (Cyperaceae). By a cafeteria experiment conducted in the field, we first confirmed the overall preference by disperser ants for the elaiosome, which is a seed appendage facilitating the dispersal by ants. Second, we detected the negative correlation between the preference for elaiosomes and the frequency of interference among ants at a depot. Third, we compared this trend between dominants and subordinates of ants and revealed that the negative correlation was seen only in dominant species. These results suggest that the intensity of interference competition and the variation in its effect on animal species at different social status play important roles for the evolution of seed traits via the modification of seed trait preference by disperser animals.
The association of pre‐pregnancy alcohol drinking with child neuropsychological functioning
Authors: Kesmodel US , Kjaersgaard MIS , Denny CH , Bertrand J , Skogerbø Å , Eriksen H‐LF , Bay B , Underbjerg M , Mortensen EL 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo examine the effects of pre‐pregnancy alcohol drinking on child neuropsychological functioning.DesignProspective follow‐up study.Setting and population154 women and their children sampled from the Danish National Birth Cohort.MethodsParticipants were sampled based on maternal alcohol consumption before pregnancy. At 5 years of age, the children were tested with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐Revised, the Test of Everyday Attention for Children at Five (TEACh‐5), and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). The Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) was completed by the mothers and a preschool teacher. Parental education, maternal IQ, prenatal maternal smoking, child's age at testing, child's sex, and maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy were considered potential confounders.Main outcome measuresPerformance on the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence‐Revised, the TEACh‐5, the MABC, and the BRIEF.ResultsIntake of 15–21 drinks/week on average prior to pregnancy was not associated with any of the outcomes, but intake of ≥22 drinks/week on average was associated with a significantly lower adjusted mean full scale IQ and lower adjusted means in overall attention and sustained attention score, but not in selective attention score or any of the BRIEF index scores or MABC scores.ConclusionsIntake of ≥22 drinks/week before pregnancy was associated with lower mean full scale IQ, overall attention and sustained attention. Assessment of pre‐pregnancy drinking provides additional information regarding potential prenatal alcohol exposure and its implications for child neurodevelopment.
Life history differences of Psilotreta locumtenens (Trichoptera: Odontoceridae) in two reaches of a mountain stream in Korea
Authors: Seo Ye Ji , Kim Dong Gun , Baek Min Jeong , Bae Yeon Jae 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe life history traits of the caddisfly, Psilotreta locumtenens Botosaneanu (Odontoceridae), were studied in two stream reaches with different thermal ranges (main and branch streams) of the Gapyeong Stream, a typical mountain stream located in the central Korean Peninsula. Psilotreta locumtenens larvae were quantitatively sampled monthly from November 2008 to July 2010, and biweekly during the emergence period (late April to early July), using a Surber sampler (30 × 30 cm). Adults were quantitatively sampled with a sweep net. Larval density in the main stream (324.21 ± 38.59 m−2) was higher than that in the branch stream (60.48 ± 10.86 m−2). The larvae hatched in the early summer and overwintered as 5th and 3rd instars in the main and branch streams, respectively. The emergence peak at the main stream was approximately 2 weeks earlier. The sex ratio at both sites was approximately 0.3. The life history in both streams was univoltine. Secondary production in the main stream was much higher than in the branch stream, owing to high larval densities, and the P/B ratios at the two sites were similar. This study demonstrated remarkable differences in larval growth patterns and emergence peaks in P. locumtenens between the two stream reaches due to differences in accumulated degree days (230.30 DD) and other phenological cues such as daily mean threshold water temperature (9°C) during the ascending phase, despite their relatively small mean annual water temperature difference of 0.58°C.
Taxonomic revision of the subfamily Kermesiinae (Hemiptera: Meenoplidae) from Korea
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Atikur , Kwon Yong Jung , Suh Sang Jae 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe planthopper subfamily Kermesiinae is revised taxonomically from Korea. Two genera and three species have been recorded in the Korean fauna, among which one species is new to science: Nisia nervosa (Motschulsky 1863), Eponisiella guttulinervis (Matsumura 1914), and Eponisiella andonga sp. nov. These three species are described and illustrated. Key to genus and species are provided.
Emergence agitation after orthognathic surgery: a randomised controlled comparison between sevoflurane and desflurane
Authors: CHOI G. J. , BAEK C. W. , KANG H. , PARK Y. H. , YANG S. Y. , SHIN H. Y. , JUNG Y. H. , WOO Y. C. , LEE U. L. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare emergence agitation following sevoflurane and desflurane anaesthesia in adults undergoing orthognathic surgery. The hypothesis was that there might be a difference in the incidence of emergence agitation following sevoflurane and desflurane anaesthesia considering the difference in blood solubility and speed of recovery between the two.MethodsIn this prospective randomised double‐blind study, 144 adults undergoing orthognathic surgery were randomly allocated to either sevoflurane or desflurane anaesthesia. The incidence of emergence agitation and possible causative factors were then compared between the groups.ResultsThe incidence of emergence agitation was lower in the desflurane group than in the sevoflurane group (24% vs. 71%, P < 0.001). In addition, the time intervals between the discontinuation of anaesthetics and the first response, extubation, and discharge from post‐anaesthesia care unit were significantly shorter in the desflurane group (P = 0.002, P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). The other variables were similar in the two groups.ConclusionsIn adults undergoing orthognathic surgery, desflurane anaesthesia was associated with less emergence agitation than was sevoflurane anaesthesia.
Glucose and Metformin Modulate Human First Trimester Trophoblast Function: a Model and Potential Therapy for Diabetes‐Associated Uteroplacental Insufficiency
Authors: Han Christina S. , Herrin Melissa A. , Pitruzzello Mary C. , Mulla Melissa J. , Werner Erika F. , Pettker Christian M. , Flannery Clare A. , Abrahams Vikki M. 
Published: November 2014

ProblemDiabetes confers an increased risk of preeclampsia, but its pathogenic role in preeclampsia is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effects of excess glucose on trophoblast function and whether any changes could be reversed by metformin.Method of studyThe human first trimester trophoblast cell line (Sw.71) was treated with glucose at 5, 10, 25, and 50 mm, in the presence and absence of metformin. Trophoblast migration was quantified and supernatant cytokine, chemokine, and angiogenic factors measured.ResultsIncreasing concentrations of glucose significantly increased trophoblast secretion of the inflammatory cytokines/chemokines: IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, GRO‐α, RANTES, and G‐CSF; significantly increased trophoblast secretion of the anti‐angiogenic factors sFlt‐1 and sEndoglin; and significantly decreased trophoblast migration. Excess glucose‐induced trophoblast IL‐1β production was inhibited by disabling the Nalp3/ASC inflammasome. Metformin partially reduced the glucose‐induced inflammatory response, but had no effect on the anti‐angiogenic or antimigratory response.ConclusionExcess glucose induced a pro‐inflammatory, anti‐angiogenic, and antimigratory state in first trimester trophoblast cells. Glucose‐induced trophoblast IL‐1β secretion was mediated by the inflammasome. Glucose‐induced inflammation was partially reversed by metformin. These findings demonstrate the pleiotropic effects of hyperglycaemia on the trophoblast, providing potential explanations for the strong link between diabetes and preeclampsia.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm infections: From molecular biofilm biology to new treatment possibilities
Authors: Tolker‐Nielsen Tim 
Published: November 2014

Bacteria in natural, industrial and clinical settings predominantly live in biofilms, i.e., sessile structured microbial communities encased in self‐produced extracellular matrix material. One of the most important characteristics of microbial biofilms is that the resident bacteria display a remarkable increased tolerance toward antimicrobial attack. Biofilms formed by opportunistic pathogenic bacteria are involved in devastating persistent medical device‐associated infections, and chronic infections in individuals who are immune‐compromised or otherwise impaired in the host defense. Because the use of conventional antimicrobial compounds in many cases cannot eradicate biofilms, there is an urgent need to develop alternative measures to combat biofilm infections. The present review is focussed on the important opportunistic pathogen and biofilm model organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Initially, biofilm infections where P. aeruginosa plays an important role are described. Subsequently, current insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and the associated antimicrobial tolerance are reviewed. And finally, based on our knowledge about molecular biofilm biology, a number of therapeutic strategies for combat of P. aeruginosa biofilm infections are presented.