Sea Control by Other Means: Norwegian Coast Guard Operations Under International Maritime Law

Abstract

This article examines the development and peacetime activities of the Norwegian Coast Guard through the lens of sea control. It argues that the creation of economic and fisheries protection zones has dramatically shaped the extent to which a smaller naval power, like Norway, has had to increase its ability to monitor and control maritime space. Although the maritime means and ends vary widely between peacetime and wartime contexts, the fundamentally contested aspect of sea use can still be discerned in the influence of international maritime law on Norwegian seapower.     

Photographing the “Other”: Immigration and New Images of the Greek Ethnic “Self”

ABSTRACT

Significant transformations in the ways the ethnic “self” and its relationship to the “other” are perceived have led to the transgression of the two traditional poles (East and West) that were prevalent in the definition of Greekness since the creation of the Greek nation-state. By placing the photographs of immigrants published in the most popular local newspaper in Central Greece within their wider social and historical context, we can “see” that immigrants (a group that is perceived to be homogeneous and transcendental) constitute a new axis around which the negotiation of ethnic identity and otherness in Greece is now conducted.     

French marine policy in the 1970s and 1980s

Abstract

France, hitherto more “continental”; than “maritime,”; increasingly developed its ocean activities in the 1970s and 1980s. This article describes the different sectors of its marine activities and evolvement of a different outlook concerning the sea. Important events such as the 1976 Proclamation and subsequent implementation of the French 200‐nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone, and 1981 formation of a new Socialist government in France after 23 years of uninterrupted “Gaullist”; rule, offered a unique opportunity to restructure marine policy. The new Ministry of the Sea was intended to integrate marine policy and cater to a developing ocean “constituency.”; It was eventually downgraded to a “Secrétariat d'Etat,”; but its impact was undeniably important.     

Clinical and personal utility of genomic high-throughput technologies: perspectives of medical professionals and affected persons

In the evaluation of genomic high-throughput technologies, the idea of “utility” plays an important role. The “clinical utility” of genomic data refers to the improvement of healthcare outcomes, its “personal utility” to benefits that go beyond healthcare purposes. Both concepts are contested. Moreover, there are only few empirical insights regarding their interpretation by those professionally involved or personally affected. Our paper presents results from qualitative research (20 semi-structured interviews) regarding professionals’ and personally affected people’s views on the utility of genomic information. We find that the discussion of clinical utility is the domain of professionals who primarily consider aspects of test validity and clinical outcomes. By contrast, personal utility plays a prominent role in affected persons’ discussions. Four different aspects are addressed: (a) life and family planning, (b) relief and justification, (c) self-knowledge and self-determination, and (d) entertainment. These differences have important implications for informed consent and counseling in the context of genomic high-throughput technologies.     

ANALYSIS OF LIGAND–RECEPTOR INTERACTIONS IN CELLS BY ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY

ABSTRACT

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) increasingly has been used to analyse “receptor” function, either by using purified proteins (“molecular recognition microscopy”) or, more recently, in situ in living cells. The latter approach has been enabled by the use of a modified commercial AFM, linked to a confocal microscope, which has allowed adhesion forces between ligands and receptors in cells to be measured and mapped, and downstream cellular responses analysed. We review the application of AFM to cell biology and, in particular, to the study of ligand–receptor interactions and draw examples from our own work and that of others to show the utility of AFM, including for the exploration of cell surface functionalities. We also identify shortcomings of AFM in comparison to “standard” methods, such as receptor auto-radiography or immuno-detection, that are widely applied in cell biology and pharmacological analysis.     

Quantification Methodology of “Health Human Resources” Related to “Health Technologies” Based on Indicators “RhSan”, “TechSan” and “RhTech”: Application to Senegal

ObjectivesAfter a century of spectacular advances, healthcare systems are facing unprecedented crisis, linked to shortage of health human resources and health technologies. In fact, availability of care depends on both technological and human resources of health. The objective of this study is to develop indicators that can measure qualitatively human resources and technologies of health in healthcare facilities, in order to assess availability of care in sub-Saharan African countries.Materials and MethodsRegarding “health technology” related to “medical devices”, an indicator called “TechSan” for “Technologies de Santé” was previously developed and published (Ndione FB et al. (2019) [6]). To address the deficiencies in usual indicators related to health human resources, a second indicator called “RhSan” for “Ressources humaines de santé” in French is proposed. This indicator assigns a weight to each health worker taking into account his specific “level of medical knowledge” and “experience”. In order to correlate “RhSan” with “TechSan”, a third indicator called “RhTech” is also developed to assess matches between “health technologies” and “health human resources” and establish realistic availability of care. These indicators have the advantage to be consolidated by specialty such as laboratory, imaging, surgery, and “mother and child care”.ResultsThe application of TechSan, RhSan and RhTech to data collected in Senegal in 2016, enabled to assess the distribution of “health technology” and “health human resources” in this country. They also permit the mapping of care availability per specialty in Senegal. The results show a strong oversupply of Dakar in terms of both human resources and technologies of health compared to other Senegalese regions. Oppositely, Sedhiou, Kaffrine, Matam and Kédougou are poorly endowed showing limits of the Senegalese health pyramid system.ConclusionTechSan, RhSan and RhTech can provide reliable decision-making tools in order to elaborate health policies in sub-Saharan African countries on more rigorous basis.     

Preface

Abstract

Major naval weapons and weapons systems are examined as they relate to naval strategy and the law of the sea. Although there are some legal limitations on the development and use of nuclear and other mass destruction weapons on the seabed, and in nuclear free zones such as Latin America, and on naval weaponry in Antarctica, the use of naval weapons systems is largely unrestricted by international law and the law of the sea. Weapons systems from mines to large submarines and carriers are related to areas, to categories of states, and to the main sub‐fields of international relations. The conclusion to be drawn is that a third Hague Conference on the laws of war should be called and arms control and disarmament issues in naval weaponry should be addressed urgently. Detailed data on naval weapons, missile systems, and maritime zones are presented in three appendixes. Glossary of Abbreviations for Naval Weaponry immediately precedes the appendices.     

Total Synthesis of the Thymidine Analogue of Sinefungin

Abstract

The carbon skeleton of “Sinethymidin” 4 was constructed by two radical coupling reaction. The first step was a coupling of the radical derived from 2 and the unsaturated amide 5. The olefin 6 thus obtained was added to the radical derived from the known N-hydroxy-2-thiopyridinone aspartic ester. “Sinethymidin”, tested for its antileismanial effect, was devoid of activity.     

Bestial Wisdom and Human Tragedy: The Genesis of the Animal Epic

ABSTRACT

A radical redefinition or blurring of the boundaries between the human and animal realms, between “us” and “them,” can sometimes open dramatic new aesthetic and cultural possibilities. This paper discusses the earliest example of this, an ancient Akkadian fragment known, a bit deceptively, as “The Fable of the Fox.” Set against the background of a terrible drought which may well have destroyed the Akkadian Empire, it records the exchanges of a fox or jackal, a wolf, a lion and a dog. The last of these animals, especially, seems to bear a tragic destiny, of a sort that traditional literature tends to identify exclusively with the “human condition.” The essay goes on to trace how the story may have been the origin of a tradition which includes such important literary works as the Hindu Panchatantra, the Arab Kalila wa Dimna and even Shakespeare's “Othello.” Finally, it concludes with suggestions as to how recognition of tragedy not simply as part of “the human condition” but also as a bond with animals and the environment may open new aesthetic possibilities in the years to come.     

Application of “spider-web” mode in discovery and identification of Q-markers from Xuefu Zhuyu capsule

BackgroundThe selection of quality control indicators in a complex system is a key scientific issue for the study of Chinese materia medica (CMM), which is directly related to its safety and efficacy. In order to scientifically understand and control the quality of CMM, quality marker (Q-marker) has been recently raised as a new concept, which provided a novel research idea for the quality control and evaluation of CMM.PurposeBy a new and integrated “spider-web” mode, Q-markers of Xuefu Zhuyu capsule (XZC) were comprehensively uncovered, conducing to great improvement of quality control of XZC.MethodsMainly established by three dimensions derived from six variables including content, stability and activity, “spider-web” mode was constructed to evaluate Q-marker property of candidate compounds by taking regression area of the tested compounds into account.ResultsThe candidate compounds with larger regression area were preferentially adopted as Q-markers, which should possess the satisfactorily integrated properties of content, stability and activity. Six compounds, naringin, isoliquiritin, paeoniflorin, protocatechuic acid, neohesperidin and ferulic acid, were identified and preferred as Q-markers of XZC.ConclusionBased on “spider-web” mode, Q-markers from Xuefu Zhuyu capsule were successfully screened, which would substantially perform quality control of XZC and prove the feasibility of “spider-web” mode in solving the selection of quality control indicators from compound formulae.     

Developing a readiness self-assessment tool for low- and middle-income countries establishing new radiotherapy services: A participant validation study

PurposeAssessing low-and middle-income countries’ (LMICs’) readiness to establish new radiotherapy services is an important but empirically understudied concept. The purpose of this study is to develop and confirm a core set of readiness requirements and criteria that can be used to gauge LMICs preparedness to establish radiotherapy services.MethodsBased on a systematic review and semi-structured expert interviews, a pool of requirements and criteria were generated. To confirm or disconfirm these items, we adopted a synthesised member checking process, also known as participant validation. A purposive sampling strategy was used to recruit radiotherapy experts. Items were sent via email. Each item was reviewed by participants. Qualitative comments were analysed thematically.FindingsSeven of the 17 experts who participated in an earlier semi-structured interview contributed to this participant validation study. The final version of the readiness self-assessment tool for LMICs establishing new radiotherapy services contains 37 requirements mapped into four readiness domains, grouped under the following categories: commitment; cooperation; capacity; and catalyst. Among 23 criteria for commitment domain, participants reviewed 22 as relevant for inclusion. The cooperation requirements considered important, included: “strategic planning team”, “stakeholder involvement” and a “technical assistance plan”. Capacity requirements, which were endorsed included: “responsible project manager”; “availability of radiotherapy expertise”; and “training for initial core staff”. Participants’ feedbacks supported the inclusion of all the requirements and criteria related to catalyst.ConclusionThe readiness self-assessment tool is a promising planning and evaluation tool for use by stakeholders interested in expanding access to radiotherapy services in LMICs.     

A Review of “Maritime Power and the Law of the Sea: Expeditionary Operations in World Politics”

Abstract

The purpose of the London Dumping Convention (LDC) is the protection of the marine environment including its seabed and subsoil. The preamble, articles, and annexes of the LDC make clear that the Convention must be interpreted in a manner which ensures that this responsibility is met. As a partial response to that mandate, the LDC prohibits the dumping at sea of certain wastes, including high‐level radioactive wastes. Disposal of high‐level wastes in seabed sediments is the subject of ongoing technical, environmental, and engineering feasibility studies by several countries. In the LDC's definition of dumping, the phrase “disposal at sea”; could be interpreted narrowly to mean the final resting place of wastes—with seabed disposal excluded from coverage because those wastes are not in direct contact with “marine waters.”; Given the LDC's object and purpose, though, the only harmonious and reasonable interpretation is that which defines “disposal at sea”; to mean the place where the dumping activities occur. Other international agreements also support this object and purpose‐based interpretation which concludes that seabed disposal is covered and prohibited. In addition, this approach is preferred because it contributes to the continued effectiveness of the LDC.     

Flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of Artemisia vulgaris L. “hairy” roots

We investigated the effect of Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation on antioxidant activity of Artemisia vulgaris “hairy” roots. It appeared that transformation may increase flavonoid content as well as DPPH-scavenging activity and ability to reduce Fe³⁺ as compared to the non-transformed plants. Some “hairy” roots accumulated flavonoids up to 73.1?±?10.6?mg RE/g DW (while the amount of flavonoids in the leaves of non-transformed plants was up to 49.4?±?5.0?mg RE/g DW). DPPH-scavenging activity of some “hairy” root lines was 3–3.8 times higher than such one of the roots of the control plants. The Fe³⁺-reducing power of most transgenic root extracts exceeded such power of the extracts of the roots of the control plants. The decrease in SOD activity was found in the most “hairy” root lines compared to the control roots. The increase of flavonoid content correlated with the increase of ability of extracts to scavenge DPPH*- radical and Fe³⁺ - reducing power. No correlation between SOD activity of extracts and concentration of flavonoids was found (p?≥?0.2).Thus, transformation has led to the alteration in flavonoid accumulation and antioxidant activity in A. vulgaris “hairy” roots. Transgenic roots with high-antioxidant properties can be selected after A. rhizogenes-mediated transformation.     

Carcinogenesis: Evolution of concepts

Cancer is considered as an unintended consequence of internal imperfection of multicellular organisms: Darwinian evolution “does not foresee the future and does not plan for it”, it is forced to handle only anything that it has at a given moment “at hand”, which makes inevitable compromises and restrictions. In this case, there are a number of founding dogmas including mutagenesis as the main driving force of carcinogenesis; the environment as the main source of mutagenic effects; tumor monoclonality; cancer cell multistage transformation as Darwinian process of successive mutation—selection cycles. Recent discoveries complicate, supplement, and sometimes transform into an opposite fixed concepts. As a result, a new “image” of carcinogenesis is formed as a biological phenomenon whose conservation is indicative of its evolutionary utility.     

Phylogenetic relationships among monogenean gill parasites (Dactylogyridea, Ancyrocephalidae) infesting tilapiine hosts (Cichlidae): systematic and evolutionary implications

We studied the systematics of 14 species of monogenean (Ancyrocephalidae) gill parasites from West African tilapiine hosts (Cichlidae) using both morphological and genetic data. With these tools, we were able to: (i) confirm the validity of the previously described morphological parasite species and of the genus Scutogyrus; (ii) propose that some stenoxenous species (i.e., parasite species with more than one host) may be composed of sister species (e.g., Cichlidogyrus tilapiae); (iii) state that the use of the morphology of the haptoral sclerites is more suitable to infer phylogenetic relationships than the morphology of the genitalia (which seems to be more useful to resolve species-level identifications, presumably because of its faster rate of change). These results imply that: (i) the specificity of these monogenean parasites is greater than initially supposed (what were thought to be stenoxenous species may be assemblages of oïoxenous sister species); (ii) related species groups (i.e., “tilapiae,” “halli,” and “tiberianus”) have to be, as genus Scutogyrus, validated within the 54 ancyrocephalid species described from 18 species of tilapiine hosts in West Africa, (iii) the group “tilapiae,” due to its morphology and host range, have to be considered as being the most primitive; (iv) the occurrence of lateral transfers and parallel speciation processes are necessary to describe the repartition of the newly described parasite groups on the three host genera studied (Tilapia, Oreochromis, and Sarotherodon).     

Peacetime military activities in the exclusive economic zone of third countries

Abstract

Although the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea reaffirms the freedoms of navigation and overflight in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), its language is flexible enough to be construed as restraining military activities of third countries in the zone. On the other hand, the Convention allows enough latitude of interpretation to include the right to conduct naval activities in a foreign EEZ. The peaceful‐purposes clauses of the Convention do not, in this respect, create any new obligations beyond the obvious general principle of banning the use of force in international relations. The reluctance of UNCLOS III to adopt a clear and unambiguous solution of the problem is likely to result in disputes between naval powers, primarily developed states, and coastal states of the Third World over the attribution of rights to military uses of the EEZ, especially with regard to naval maneuvers, weapon tests, and emplacement of military devices in this zone.     

Neutrality at sea in transition: State practice in the gulf war as emerging international customary law∗

Abstract

This paper provides an appraisal of the continuing efficacy of the law of neutrality as it pertains to the balance of interests of belligerents and neutrals in the maritime environment. The author finds that international customary law of naval warfare pertaining to the rights of neutrals is emerging today as a result of State and extra‐State practice in the Gulf War. This is demonstrated by examination of belligerent and neutral conduct in the “Tanker War”; and various authoritative assessments of that conduct by the international community. The examination proceeds from an analysis of the underlying theory of the customary law‐making process and evolutionary nature of the law of neutrality since before World War II. State conduct in the Gulf War, including the employment of war‐exclusion zones, is critically examined against this backdrop. Discerned from this analysis are firm, “baseline”; standards of the law of neutrality against which State practice, belligerent as well as neutral, and ultimately the emerging customary law, may be assessed.     

Basic tests in mammography as a tool in quality improvement

BackgroundMammography is a radiological diagnostic method which relies on an X-ray examination of breasts and is a process involving the use of low-dose amplitude-X-rays (usually around 0.7 mSv). Combining the use of small doses and high quality images requires extensive quality protocols, part of them being included in regulations adopted by the Minister of Health.AimThe aim of this study was to check the usefulness and efficacy of selected quality tests associated with mammography.Material/methodsThe study was performed in the mammography service of the Greater Poland Cancer Centre in Poznan. Following equipment was used: densitometer, sensitometer, mammographic scales, electronic scales, thermometer, hygrometer, PMMA plates, Europhantom, screen film contact phantom, viewing boxes and magnifying glasses. The methods were based on basic mammography tests. Quality control in mammography demands: clean darkroom, marked and clean cassettes, clean viewing boxes with homogenous light.ResultsThe results of the “Development Process” test show that each sensitometer has to be used with an appropriate densitometer. Phantoms with abnormal structures cannot be used to “AEC System – Solidity exposure” test. “Compression – The force of compression” test may only be carried out with suitable scales and compressible material. Analysis of rejected films shows that the main reasons for rejection were wrong collimation and underexposure.ConclusionEvery quality control in mammography provides essential information about the functioning of a laboratory. Apart from recommended standard sterility, it should be remembered that equipment should always be adjusted and repaired.     

Melatonin: A hormone that modulates pain

AimsMelatonin is a hormone synthesized principally in the pineal gland that has been classically associated with endocrine actions. However, several lines of evidence suggest that melatonin plays a role in pain modulation. This paper reviews the available evidence on melatonin's analgesic effects in animals and human beings.Main methodsA medline search was performed using the terms “melatonin”, “inflammatory pain”, “neuropathic pain”, “functional pain”, “rats”, “mice”, “human”, “receptors”, “opioid” and “free radicals” in combinations.Key findingsThe antinociceptive effect of melatonin has been evaluated in diverse pain models, and several findings show that melatonin receptors modulate pain mechanisms as activation induces an antinociceptive effect at spinal and supraspinal levels under conditions of acute and inflammatory pain. More recently, melatonin induced-antinociception has been extended to neuropathic pain states. This effect agrees with the localization of melatonin receptors in thalamus, hypothalamus, dorsal horn of the spinal cord, spinal trigeminal tract, and trigeminal nucleus. The effects of melatonin result from activation of MT₁ and MT₂ melatonin receptors, which leads to reduced cyclic AMP formation and reduced nociception. In addition, melatonin is able to activate opioid receptors indirectly, to open several K⁺ channels and to inhibit expression of 5-lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase 2. This hormone also inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulates GABA_A receptor function and acts as a free radical scavenger.SignificanceMelatonin receptors constitute attractive targets for developing analgesic drugs, and their activation may prove to be a useful strategy to generate analgesics with a novel mechanism of action.