bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top Management Team Characteristics, Competitive Environment and Strategy Implementation
Authors: Shadrack Mayende Wasike , Odhiambo Joseph Owino
Published: June 2020

Competing favorably in the market requires finding a perfect fit between a firm’s resources and the business environment. Strategy is the stewardship by top management that aligns organizational resources and capabilities to the environment with the ultimate goal of achieving superior and sustainable performance. The current study was designed to determine the influence of competitive environment on the relationship between top management team characteristics and strategy implementation. The study adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey design. Data was obtained by administering structured questionnaire mailed to top managers in tea factory companies in Kenya. The moderation test was carried out using the product term of the standardized scores for top management team characteristics and competitive environment respectively. Data was processed through regression analysis. While we demonstrate that top management team characteristics had significant influence on strategy implementation, the results of moderation tests were not statistically significant. Consequently, our hypothesized moderating influence of competitive environment on the relationship between top management team characteristics and strategy implementation was not supported. Our findings raise theoretical questions on whether competitive environment is more relevant during strategy formulation process or execution stage. We conclude that companies implementing strategy in stable competitive environment have predictable implementation of planned strategy. We further conclude that external insulation from competition by umbrella marketing agency reduces the influence of factors within the competitive environment on the relationship between top management team characteristics and strategy implementation. However, the temporary insulation of the firm from competition exposes it to competitive disadvantage in the event that the marketing agency is destabilized by forces both from within and external to it.
Partial Ordered Logit Analysis of Confidence Levels in Financial Institutions in Ghana. The Case of Asante Mampong Municipality
Authors: Abunyuwah Isaac
Published: June 2020

In recent times the financial sector (FS) of Ghana has been saddled with liquidity and operational challenges leading to several financial policies put in place by the Central Bank. The financial crisis and its resultant stringent measures affected public confidence as many customers lost their investments/savings while some financial institutions were consolidated or collapsed. Noting the critical role of public confidence in the financial sector, this paper assessed the confidence levels in FS of Ghana, using Asante Mampong Municipality as a case study. A random sample of 384 respondents was used. Due to the ordinal nature of the dependent variable (confidence levels), the Partial Proportional Odds (PPO) model was used when the ordered logit model failed to pass the proportional odds assumption. About 46.4% of the respondents reported having ‘no confidence’ in the financial institutions of the country, while 37% indicated having ‘somehow confident’ in the sector. Less than 20% of the respondents expressed ‘confident’ (13.3%) or ‘very confident’ (3.4%) in the FS. Duration of engagement with a financial institution, loss of investment, awareness of crisis/reforms of the financial sector and income levels affected the confidence levels in the financial sector. Financial institutions are recommended to strengthen their relationship with customers by providing improved services and policy measures that secure customers investment/savings to ensure sustained and increased levels of confidence.
Zicht op werk: grenzen aan het digitaal meten van werkenden
Authors: de Jong Roos , Das Djurre , Kool Linda , Peters Melanie
Published: June 2020

Keeping an eye on workers: limits to digital monitoring

Technological advancements in the field of data analytics, algorithms and AI have dramatically increased opportunities for workplace monitoring. In this article, we discuss some of these digital technologies, and examine their impact on employment relationships and the quality of work. Based on desk research, literature review and interviews, the Rathenau Institute examined a wide range of digital instruments, their scientific basis, implications for the quality of work and relevant legal frameworks. Digital monitoring technologies often quantify work activities. We argue that it is important for organisations to realise that such quantification often negatively impacts both job quality and employment relationships. Responsible use of digital monitoring tools not only requires a broad societal and political dialogue about privacy, discrimination and workload but also a critical reflection on the aim of organisations to use data to understand workers, while not everything of value can be captured in data.
De eeuwige discussie over de toetsingsomvang bij beklag tegen niet-vervolging
Authors: Geelhoed W.
Published: June 2020

De eeuwige discussie over de toetsingsomvang bij beklag tegen niet-vervolging

Het project Modernisering Strafvordering beoogt de vervolgingsbeslissing op meerdere punten te wijzigen. Dat geldt echter niet voor de manier waarop het hof in beklagzaken de beslissing tot niet-vervolging moet toetsen. De toetsingsomvang blijft waarschijnlijk het beste als ‘vol’ te karakteriseren, hoewel andere interpretaties niet zijn uitgesloten. Deze bijdrage werpt een blik op eerdere discussies over de toetsingsomvang in beklagzaken. Verder wordt, aan de hand van een beschouwing van de procedure van administratief beroep, het argument verworpen dat in beklagzaken een marginale toetsing zou moeten worden gehanteerd vanwege het feit dat de beklagprocedure gelijkenis vertoont met bestuursrechtelijke procedures.
Multi-method (XRF, FTIR, TGA) analysis of ancient bricks from Karabalgasun : A preliminary study
Authors: Solongo Saran , Franken Christina , Tengis Saran , Ulambayar Erdenebat , Batbayr Tumur-Ochir
Published: June 2020

Ancient ceramic artefacts attracted the attention of scientists as being a chronological indicator within the archaeological context; however, they can also provide information about the tech-nology and provenance. A series of brick samples from an ancient nomadic town at Karabal-gasun (Mongolia) have been analyzed using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis in order to obtain information on the performance of the kilns used and on the technological skills of ancient pot-ters.
Newly discovered Upper Paleolithic sites from the Tsagaan Turuut river valley, Mongolia
Authors: Bolorbat Tsedendorj , En Cao Jian , Dong Song Guo , Ankhbayar Batsuuri , Lkhundev Guunii , Amgalantugs Tsend , Batbold Gonchig , Peng Cao , Xi Cai
Published: June 2020

In this article, we report artefacts found at the valley of Tsagaan Turuut River in the Khangai Mountain ranges in Central Mongolia. The artefacts were identified based upon core morphology, tool types and retouch. Regarding the core reduction techniques, single striking platform and single reduction platform cores are dominant. Although the tools on flake blanks predominant, tools such as points and knives with massive blades also occur. Side scraper, point, borer, combination tool, and borers are types that are less represented within the collection. This tool collection is highly similar to several IUP and EUP sites (Chikhen-2; Tolbor-4, 15 and 16) in Mongolia in terms of its reduction techniques and tool morphology. On a larger scale, it is similar to those of Early Upper Paleolithic sites in Trans-Baikal and Altai Mountains in Russia and North China.
Computerized three-dimensional pedicle morphometry from computed tomography images of the thoracic spine
Authors: Knez Dejan , Vrtovec Tomaž
Published: June 2020

Knowledge of pedicle morphometry is valuable for a safe and reliable pedicle screw placement. In this study, we performed and evaluated computerized pedicle morphometry measurements from preoperative computed tomography (CT) images of the thoracic spine from 26 subjects. Manual measurements of the pedicle width, height and chord length were obtained for 540 thoracic pedicles in selected cross sections of orthogonal and oblique multiplanar reconstructions (MPRs). Computerized measurements of the pedicle width, height, length, chord length, transverse angulation, sagittal angulation and cross-sectional area were obtained for the same pedicles by an automated method that is based on parametric modeling of vertebral structures in three dimensions (3D). Statistical analysis revealed that manual measurements from orthogonal MPRs were significantly different (p ≤ 0.0011) when compared to those from oblique MPRs and computerized measurement in 3D, with the respective mean absolute difference (MAD) ± standard deviation (SD) of 0.77 ± 0.56 mm and 0.74 ± 0.57 mm for the pedicle width, and 1.31 ± 1.08 mm and 1.45 ± 1.10 mm for the pedicle height. No statistically significant differences (p ≥ 0.12) were observed between manual measurements from oblique MPRs and computerized measurements in 3D, with MAD ± SD of 0.44 ± 0.35 mm, 0.56 ± 0.52 mm and 1.72 ± 1.29 mm for the pedicle width, height and chord length, respectively. The advantage of computerized measurements is that they allow the extraction of additional pedicle morphometric parameters, which are important for preoperative planning of pedicle screw placement, or can be used for population and demographic studies using larger pedicle databases.
Research on driving behavior decision making system of autonomous driving vehicle based on benefit evaluation model
Authors: Wang Pengwei , Gao Song , Li Liang , Cheng Shuo , Zhao Hailan
Published: June 2020

Autonomous driving vehicle could increase driving efficiency, reduce traffic congestion and improve driving safety, it is considered as the solution of current traffic problems. Decision making systems for autonomous driving vehicles have significant effects on driving performance. The performance of decision making system is affected by its framework and decision making model. In real traffic scenarios, the driving condition of autonomous driving vehicle faced is random and time-varying, the performance of current decision making system is unable to meet the full scene autonomous driving requirements. For autonomous driving vehicle, the division between different driving behaviors needs clear boundary conditions. Typically, in lane change scenario, multiple reasonable driving behavior choices cause conflict of driving state. The fundamental cause of conflict lies in overlapping boundary conditions. To design a decision making system for autonomous driving vehicles, firstly, based on the decomposition of human driver operation process, five basic driving behavior modes are constructed, a driving behavior decision making framework for autonomous driving vehicle based on finite state machine is proposed. Then, to achieve lane change decision making for autonomous driving vehicle, lane change behavior characteristics of human driver lane change maneuver are analyzed and extracted. Based on the analysis, multiple attributes such as driving efficiency and safety are considered, all attributes benefits are quantified and the driving behavior benefit evaluation model is established. By evaluating the benefits of all alternative driving behaviors, the optimal driving behavior for current driving scenario is output. Finally, to verify the performances of the proposed decision making model, a series of real vehicle tests are implemented in different scenarios, the real time performance, effectiveness, and feasibility performance of the proposed method is accessed. The results show that the proposed driving behavior decision making model has good feasibility, real-time performance and multi-choice filtering performance in dynamic traffic scenarios.
Impact assessment of short-term management measures on travel demand
Authors: D’Cruz Jinit J. M. , Alex Anu P. , Manju V. S. , Peter Leema
Published: June 2020

Travel Demand Management (TDM) can be considered as the most viable option to manage the increasing traffic demand by controlling excessive usage of personalized vehicles. TDM provides expanded options to manage existing travel demand by redistributing the demand rather than increasing the supply. To analyze the impact of TDM measures, the existing travel demand of the area should be identified. In order to get quantitative information on the travel demand and the performance of different alternatives or choices of the available transportation system, travel demand model has to be developed. This concept is more useful in developing countries like India, which have limited resources and increasing demands. Transport related issues such as congestion, low service levels and lack of efficient public transportation compels commuters to shift their travel modes to private transport, resulting in unbalanced modal splits. The present study explores the potential to implement travel demand management measures at Kazhakoottam, an IT business hub cum residential area of Thiruvananthapuram city, a medium sized city in India. Travel demand growth at Kazhakoottam is a matter of concern because the traffic is highly concentrated in this area and facility expansion costs are pretty high. A sequential four-stage travel demand model was developed based on a total of 1416 individual household questionnaire responses using the macro simulation software CUBE. Trip generation models were developed using linear regression and mode split was modelled as multinomial logit model in SPSS. The base year traffic flows were estimated and validated with field data. The developed model was then used for improving the road network conditions by suggesting short-term TDM measures. Three TDM scenarios viz; integrating public transit system with feeder mode, carpooling and reducing the distance of bus stops from zone centroids were analysed. The results indicated an increase in public transit ridership and considerable modal shift from private to public/shared transit.
Feedforward feedback iterative learning control method for the multilayer boundaries of oversaturated intersections based on the macroscopic fundamental diagram
Authors: Lin Xiaohui , Xu Jianmin
Published: June 2020

The feedback control based on the model and method of iterative learning control, which in turn is based on the macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD), mostly belongs to the classification of single-layer boundary control method. However, the feedback control method has the problem of time delay. Therefore, a feedforward feedback iterative learning control (FFILC) method based on MFD of the multi-layer boundary of single-area oversaturated intersections is proposed. The FFILC method can improve the effectiveness of boundary control and avoid the time-delay problem of feedback control. Firstly, MFD theory is used to determine the MFD of the control area; the congestion zone and the transition zone of the control area are identified; and the two-layer boundary of the control area is determined. Then, the FFILC controllers are established at the two-layer boundary of the control area. When the control area enters into a congestion state, the control ratio of traffic flow in and out of the two-layer boundary is adjusted. The cumulative number of vehicles in the control area continues to approach the optimal cumulative number of vehicles, and it maintains high traffic efficiency with high flow rates. Finally, The actual road network is taken as the experimental area, and the road network simulation platform is built. The controller of the feedforward iterative learning control (FILC) is selected as the comparative controller and used to analyse the iterative effect of FFILC. Improvements in the use of traffic signal control indicators for the control area are analysed after the implementation of the FFILC method. Results show that the FFILC method considerably reduces the number of iterations, and it can effectively improve convergence speed and the use of traffic signal evaluation indicators for the control area.
Die erweiterte Revision in Strafsachen
Authors: Schletz Jan
Published: June 2020

Mit seiner Arbeit untersucht der Autor die Sachgerechtigkeit der sogenannten erweiterten Revision im Strafprozess. Dafür wird vor allem die Gesamtentwicklung des strafprozessualen Revisionsrechts seit Inkrafttreten der RStPO 1877 nachvollzogen. Dem hiermit verbundenen Aufstieg der Sachrüge wird der Niedergang der Verfahrensrüge gegenüber- und in einen Zusammenhang gestellt. Ergänzend werden relevante Bezüge hergestellt, z.B. zur Berufung oder zur allgemeinen Rechtsmittellehre. Den möglichen Ursachen dieser Entwicklung wird nachgegangen und als entscheidende Ursache wird die Prozessökonomie identifiziert. Besonderen Wert legt der Autor auf die praktischen Auswirkungen dieser Entwicklung. Zu diesem Zweck werden die Ergebnisse einer Umfrage unter Richtern ausgewertet. Auf dieser Grundlage fällt der Autor ein differenziertes, mitunter kritisches Urteil über die erweiterte Revision und ihre Effektivität. Es erfolgen Vorschläge für eine Reform des Revisionsrechts.
Die Zulässigkeit von Sonderformen des Arbeitskampfs
Authors: Odenthal Fabian
Published: June 2020

Das Arbeitskampfrecht ist richterrechtlich ausgestaltet. Der Gesetzgeber hat eine gesetzliche Normierung nicht geschaffen, obwohl dies seine Aufgabe war und ist. Stattdessen haben die Arbeitsgerichte die Aufgabe übernommen, die allgemeinen Rechtsgrundlagen fortzuentwickeln.

Diese Untersuchung legt die Zulässigkeitsvoraussetzungen des Arbeitskampfs in Bezug auf die exemplarisch ausgewählten Sonderformen des nichtgewerkschaftlichen („wilden“) Streiks, des politischen Arbeitskampfs und des Standortarbeitskampfs dar und behandelt die sich aufgrund der fehlenden einfachgesetzlichen Kodifikation sowie der zunehmenden Bedeutung europäischer und internationaler Rechtsnormen in Bezug auf diese Arbeitskampfformen ergebenden Rechtsfragen.
Strategien gegen Rechtspopulismus?
Authors: Heinze Anna-Sophie
Published: June 2020

This book examines and explains the behaviour of mainstream political parties towards the party ‘Alternative for Germany’ (AfD) in German state parliaments. It develops a typology of parliamentary response options towards populist radical right parties and reconstructs party responses towards the AfD on the basis of this. It also analyses data from interviews, parliamentary documents and media articles, and shows that dealing with the AfD is a continuous learning process, which depends above all on the behaviour of the AfD itself. All in all, the study offers numerous points of reference for both academic discourse and political practice.
Rechtsstaatswidrig, aber straflos?
Authors: Hübner Yannic
Published: June 2020

Der Einsatz sogenannter polizeilicher Lockspitzel gehört heute in bestimmten Kriminalitätsbereichen zum Alltag der Strafverfolgung in Deutschland. Zugleich ist die Ermittlungstechnik höchst umstritten.

Vor dem Hintergrund aufsehenerregender Rechtsprechung aus Karlsruhe und Straßburg erfährt das Vorgehen eine grundlegende Untersuchung. Nach einer Konturierung der Tatprovokation als strafprozessualer Maßnahme spricht sich der Autor für die Annahme eines Verfahrenshindernisses in Fällen rechtsstaatswidriger Tatprovokation aus und knüpft daran die Frage, ob die angenommene Straflosigkeit des agent provocateur im materiellen Strafrecht noch Bestand haben kann. Abschließend wird ein Vorschlag zur gesetzlichen Regelung der Tatprovokation unterbreitet.
Beweis durch Urkunden im deutschen und türkischen Zivilprozessrecht
Authors: Parlar Naz
Published: June 2020

Obwohl das türkische Zivilprozessrecht viele Gemeinsamkeiten mit dem deutschen Zivilprozessrecht hat, unterscheiden sich beide im Bereich Beweisrecht und Urkunden. In der Türkei wird viel mehr Wert auf schriftliche Beweise gelegt. Die türkische Zivilprozessordnung regelt, dass bestimmte Rechtsgeschäfte sowie Einwendungen aus einem Rechtsgeschäft, die gegen einen Anspruch aus einer Urkunde vorgebracht werden, ebenfalls nur durch Urkundenvorlage belegt werden können. Ferner besteht nach der türkischen Zivilprozessordnung eine Vermutung, dass der Inhalt einer Urkunde die Realität widerspiegelt. Die Arbeit bezweckt, die Arbeitsweise dieser Systeme sowie die Gründe für die Unterschiede zu erläutern. Das dient der Verhinderung von aus Informationsmangel resultierenden Rechtsverlusten sowie ermöglicht die Entwicklung von Verbesserungsvorschlägen.
Sombras de la shöne Seele hegeliana en el Epipsychidion
Authors: Llamas Roig Vicente
Published: June 2020

El Espíritu es enteramente individual y activo, no una abstracción de la naturaleza humana, y absolutamente vivo, una conciencia cuya existencia consiste en tenerse a sí misma por objeto -pontifica Hegel-, que se hace una determinada representación esencial de sí, en gemación como alma, latente inmaterialidad de la materia, vida psíquica difusiva en progreso desde el estado de conciencia oscura que transluce la sensación al imperio unilateral de exacerbados sentimientos de sí, estigmas de desorden en el despliegue del Espíritu, inadaptado a un mundo sistemáticamente organizado y capaz de desprenderse de todo contenido finito. La profética visión del arte como modalidad sensible de expresión de lo no-espiritual al ser asumido imaginariamente por el Espíritu absoluto subyace en el Epipsychidion de Shelley
Nietzsche después de Mayo del 68
Authors: Nájera Elena
Published: June 2020

A partir del legado filosófico de Mayo del 68, el artículo se centra en el debate sobre el individualismo contemporáneo tomando como hilo conductor el pensamiento de Nietzsche. Este hilo atraviesa tanto el planteamiento antinietzscheano elaborado por Ferry y Renaut como el nietzscheanismo de izquierda que defiende Onfray, rastreándose así mismo en los enfoques neonihilistas de Glucksmann y Lipovetsky. El pretexto del recorrido es una cita de Así habló Zaratustra que aparece entre las pintadas que ilustraron las paredes parisinas en la emblemática fecha: “Es preciso tener todavía caos dentro de sí para poder dar a luz una estrella danzarina”. El análisis de las dos metáforas que vertebran la frase –caos dentro de sí y estrella danzarina– y la búsqueda de su reflejo sesentayochista permite situar las posiciones de estos autores y considerar la capacidad moral que le conceden al individuo.
¿Se baila con la cabeza cercenada en los códices Vaticano B, Borgia y Cospi?
Authors: Danilović Mirjana
Published: June 2020

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las primeras láminas de los códices Vaticano B, Borgia y Cospi donde diferentes personajes sujetan con la mano el pelo de otras guras o sostienen unas cabezas cercenadas. El trabajo versa sobre los fragmentos de las láminas 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 del Vaticano B, las partes de las láminas 3, 5, 6, 7 y 8 del Borgia y las secciones de los folios 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 y 8 del Códice Cospi. En la primera parte, se realizó un estudio sistemático de los movimientos corporales de las guras y una revisión detallada de las interpretaciones que se han hecho acerca de ellos. Al comparar dichas láminas con los fragmentos relevantes de otros códices, se observaron di cultades para discernir los límites entre diferentes actos rituales relacionados con las cabezas cortadas. En consecuencia, llegamos a la conclusión de que mientras las nociones occidentales de sacri cio, decapitación y danza con cabezas cercenadas suelen asumirse como nociones claramente diferenciadas, en las láminas, por el contrario, se encuentran entrelazadas de tal forma que no resulta pertinente poner fronteras tajantes entre ellas puesto que darían lugar a extrapolaciones ilegítimas. Por consiguiente, en la última parte se indaga sobre el uso de las categorías supuestamente universales al interpretar códices u otras fuentes históricas.
Activin A forms a non-signaling complex with ACVR1 and type II Activin/BMP receptors via its finger 2 tip loop
Authors: Aykul Senem , Corpina Richard A , Goebel Erich J , Cunanan Camille J , Dimitriou Alexandra , Kim Hyon Jong , Zhang Qian , Rafique Ashique , Leidich Raymond , Wang Xin , McClain Joyce , Jimenez Johanna , Nannuru Kalyan C , Rothman Nyanza J , Lees-Shepard John B , Martinez-Hackert Erik , Murphy Andrew J , Thompson Thomas B , Economides Aris N , Idone Vincent
Published: June 2020

Activin A functions in BMP signaling in two ways: it either engages ACVR1B to activate Smad2/3 signaling or binds ACVR1 to form a non-signaling complex (NSC). Although the former property has been studied extensively, the roles of the NSC remain unexplored. The genetic disorder fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) provides a unique window into ACVR1/Activin A signaling because in that disease Activin can either signal through FOP-mutant ACVR1 or form NSCs with wild-type ACVR1. To explore the role of the NSC, we generated ‘agonist-only’ Activin A muteins that activate ACVR1B but cannot form the NSC with ACVR1. Using one of these muteins, we demonstrate that failure to form the NSC in FOP results in more severe disease pathology. These results provide the first evidence for a biological role for the NSC in vivo and pave the way for further exploration of the NSC’s physiological role in corresponding knock-in mice.
Mobile DNAs and switching mating types in yeast
Authors: Rusche Laura N
Published: June 2020

The gene that allows budding yeast cells to switch their mating type evolved from a newly discovered family of genes named weird HO.
Putting epigenetic biomarkers to the test for clinical trials
Authors: Justice Jamie N , Kritchevsky Stephen B
Published: June 2020

Reliable biomarkers are needed to test the effectiveness of interventions intended to improve health and extend lifespan.
Bacterial communities associated with cell phones and shoes
Authors: Coil David A. , Neches Russell Y. , Lang Jenna M. , Jospin Guillaume , Brown Wendy E. , Cavalier Darlene , Hampton-Marcell Jarrad , Gilbert Jack A. , Eisen Jonathan A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Every human being carries with them a collection of microbes, a collection that is likely both unique to that person, but also dynamic as a result of significant flux with the surrounding environment. The interaction of the human microbiome (i.e., the microbes that are found directly in contact with a person in places such as the gut, mouth, and skin) and the microbiome of accessory objects (e.g., shoes, clothing, phones, jewelry) is of potential interest to both epidemiology and the developing field of microbial forensics. Therefore, the microbiome of personal accessories are of interest because they serve as both a microbial source and sink for an individual, they may provide information about the microbial exposure experienced by an individual, and they can be sampled non-invasively.

Findings

We report here a large-scale study of the microbiome found on cell phones and shoes. Cell phones serve as a potential source and sink for skin and oral microbiome, while shoes can act as sampling devices for microbial environmental experience. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we characterized the microbiome of thousands of paired sets of cell phones and shoes from individuals at sporting events, museums, and other venues around the United States.

Conclusions

We place this data in the context of previous studies and demonstrate that the microbiome of phones and shoes are different. This difference is driven largely by the presence of “environmental” taxa (taxa from groups that tend to be found in places like soil) on shoes and human-associated taxa (taxa from groups that are abundant in the human microbiome) on phones. This large dataset also contains many novel taxa, highlighting the fact that much of microbial diversity remains uncharacterized, even on commonplace objects.
Within-person structures of daily cognitive performance differ from between-person structures of cognitive abilities
Authors: Schmiedek Florian , Lövdén Martin , von Oertzen Timo , Lindenberger Ulman
Published: June 2020

Over a century of research on between-person differences has resulted in the consensus that human cognitive abilities are hierarchically organized, with a general factor, termed general intelligence or “g,” uppermost. Surprisingly, it is unknown whether this body of evidence is informative about how cognition is structured within individuals. Using data from 101 young adults performing nine cognitive tasks on 100 occasions distributed over six months, we find that the structures of individuals’ cognitive abilities vary among each other, and deviate greatly from the modal between-person structure. Working memory contributes the largest share of common variance to both between- and within-person structures, but the g factor is much less prominent within than between persons. We conclude that between-person structures of cognitive abilities cannot serve as a surrogate for within-person structures. To reveal the development and organization of human intelligence, individuals need to be studied over time.
Ejercicio Físico y Malestar Psicológico en Población Argentina
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, González Insua Francisco , Rodríguez Espínola Solange ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, Delfino Gisela ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina
Published: June 2020

Este estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar el papel del sexo y de la edad como variables moderadoras en la relación entre la frecuencia de realización de ejercicio físico y malestar psicológico en población argentina. La muestra probabilística polietápica consistió en un total de 5388 casos (Medad = 43,15, DE = 17,38, Mínimo = 18, Máximo = 98; mujeres = 53,7%). Se efectuaron análisis descriptivos e inferenciales (t de Student, 2, ANOVA de un factor, r de Pearson). Se encontró que los hombres realizan más ejercicio físico que las mujeres y que los jóvenes más que los adultos. Se hallaron diferencias en el tipo de ejercicio realizado en función de la edad y el sexo de los participantes. Se verificó que a mayor frecuencia de ejercicio menor es el malestar psicológico. Por último, al efectuar el análisis de moderación para conocer si el efecto positivo del ejercicio físico sobre el malestar varía en función del sexo y/o la edad, se halló que, a mayor edad, mayor es el efecto positivo del mismo. El sexo, sin embargo, no es una variable moderadora en dicha relación.
Analysis of Urban Heat Islands Using Landsat 8 OLI / TIR Data: Case of the City of Guelma (Algeria)
Authors: Khallef Boubaker , Biskri Yamina , Mouchara Nabil , Brahamia Khaled
Published: June 2020

This study aims to analyze the urban heat islands of the city of Guelma using Landsat 8 data and the geographic information system. The application of the single Chanel algorithm has been applied to extract surface temperature (LST) from Landsat 8 data. The result obtained shows that the surface temperature of August 11, 2019 in the city of Guelma varied from 36 to 47 degrees. However, the correlation between the LST, the NDVI and the NDBI allowed characterizing the effects of the green zones and the water resources thus the grounds built on the urban heat islands. The ecological assessment was performed using an urban thermal field variance index (UTFVI). The result obtained from this ecological assessment shows that 4 km2 of the surface of the city of Guelma represents a much worse ecological quality. It is therefore urgent for this city to strengthen and expand the strategies for reducing the effects of urban heat islands for preserve the quality of urban life of the inhabitants.
Quantitative Assessment of Serum Copper Status in Children with Thalassemia Major
Authors: Nandy Subir , Morshed A. K. M. Amirul , Chowdhury Tanzina Iveen , Islam Shahnoor , Paul Bijoy K. , Bhowmik Snahasish , Choudhury Tasrina Rabia
Published: June 2020

Objective: Support of ordinary degrees of copper, has a significant influence in reducing the morbidities related with thalassemia major. Levels of this component has been seen as modified in this incessant transfusion subordinate infection from everywhere throughout the world, however with broadly factor results. Other than rehashed blood transfusions and utilization of chelating operators, the level of copper in thalassemia patients are influenced by hereditary and dietary factors likewise, convincing us to embrace this investigation in our population. The Objectives of this study was to appraise of serum levels of copper in children with beta-thalassemia major.

Methods: In this observational comparative research design, all children between 5 to 15 years affected by beta thalassemia major (30 patients) and 30 normal children were evaluated for serum copper levels in the Department of Pediatrics, DMCH and attended at Thalassemia Center, DSH (Dhaka Shishu Hospital). Serum measurements for copper were performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Varian, AA 240 FS, USA) in Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Results: The minimum, maximum, and the mean concentration of serum copper in patients were 103.50, 239.94, and 147.55 ± 35.17 µg/dl and in control group, those were 58.75, 192.43, and 123.85± 33.19 µg/dl respectively. There was no significant difference in serum copper level in the β thalassemia group and the control group (p=0.54) (P=0.3).

Conclusion: This investigation revealed that there is no copper inadequacy. Further assessment in such manner is suggested.
Protection against lipid peroxidation by a microsomal glutathione‐dependent labile factor
Authors: Haenen Guido R.M.M. , Bast Aalt
Published: July 2002

Glutathione (GSH) protects rat liver microsomes against ascorbic acid (0.2 mM)/ferrous iron (10 μM)‐induced lipid peroxidation for some time. The inhibitory effect of GSH is concentration‐dependent (0.1–1.0 mM). Our data suggest that GSH acts by preventing initial radical formation rather than via radical scavenging or GSH—peroxidase activity. A labile GSH‐dependent factor is involved in the inhibition of microsomal lipid peroxidation by GSH, inasmuch as heating the microsomes abolishes the GSH effect. We found that besides heating, lipid peroxidation also destroys the GSH‐dependent factor. Consequently, continuous radical stress will produce lipid peroxidation, despite the presence of GSH. Moreover, a detrimental effect of in vivo‐induced lipid peroxidation (CCl4‐treatment) on the GSH‐dependent factor was observed. The implications of the present data for the genesis of and the protection against peroxidative damage are discussed.
Immunoprecipitation of insulin receptors by antibodies against Class 1 antigens of the murine H‐2 major histocompatibility complex
Authors: Chvatchko Yolande , Obberghen Emmanuel Van , Kiger Nicole , Fehlmann Max
Published: July 2002

Insulin receptors from C57BL/6J mouse (H‐2b) liver membranes were specifically labeled with 125I‐photo‐reactive insulin by UV irradiation. Membranes were solubilized and the capacity of various antibodies reacting with the major histocompatibility complex to immunoprecipitate insulin receptors was tested. About 5% of the labeled receptors were immunoprecipitated by a conventional mouse antiserum against H‐2b histocompatibility antigens and by a monoclonal antibody against Class 1 antigens of the H‐2b haplotype (Kb and Db). No immunoprecipitation was obtained with a monoclonal antibody against Class 2 antigens of I‐Ab or against Class 1 antigens of the H‐2k haplotype. Insulin receptors can thus be specifically immunoprecipitated by antibodies against class I histocompatibility antigens.
Forskolin stimulation of thyroid secretion of T4 and T3
Authors: Laurberg Peter
Published: July 2002

Forskolin is a potent activator of adenylate cyclase in many tissues including the thyroid gland. We compared the effects of 10−5 M forskolin and 100 μunits/ml TSH on the dynamics of T4 and T3 secretion from perfused dog thyroid lobes. Both agents induced pronounced increases in T4 and T3 secretion. The increase in secretion was significantly steeper during forskolin than during TSH stimulation. This may suggest that early processes such as TSH—receptor interaction and the subsequent activation of the catalytic unit of adenylate cyclase are of importance for the pattern of very gradual increase in hormone secretion during TSH stimulation of the thyroid. In other respects forskolin seems to induce absolute and relative secretion of T3 and T4 very similar to those obtained by cAMP and TSH.
Effects of covalently linked insulin dimers on receptor kinase activity and receptor down regulation
Authors: Roth Richard A. , Cassell Delanie J. , Morgan David O. , Tatnell Michele A. , Jones Richard H. , Schüttler Achim , Brandenburg Dietrich
Published: July 2002

Certain covalently linked insulin dimers have previously been found to have a greater ability to bind to the insulin receptor than to stimulate lipogenesis in adipocytes. The present report presents data indicating that the same insulin dimers also have a greater ability to bind to the receptor than to stimulate the kinase activity of the insulin receptor. In particular, one such covalently linked insulin dimer had less than 1% the potency of native insulin in stimulating the receptor kinase although it could bind to the solubilized receptor with 30% the potency of native insulin. In contrast, this dimer could down regulate the insulin receptor with approximately 30% the potency of native insulin. These results suggest that stimulation of the receptor kinase may require more than simple occupancy of the receptor binding site whereas down regulation of the receptor may require only the binding of ligand to the receptor.
Evidence for a role of high Km aldehyde reductase in the degradation of endogenous γ‐hydroxybutyrate from rat brain
Authors: Vayer Philippe , Schmitt Martine , Bourguignon Jean-Jacques , Mandel Paul , Maitre Michel
Published: July 2002

γ‐Hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is a putative neurotransmitter in brain. We have already demonstrated that it is transformed into γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA) by rat brain slices incubated under physiological conditions. This conversion occurs via a GABA‐transaminase reaction. Therefore, succinic semialdehyde, the oxidative derivative of GHB, appears to be the primary catabolite of GHB degradation. Apparently, the kinetic characteristics and pH optimum of GHB dehydrogenase (high K
m, aldehyde reductase) in vitro do not favor a role for this enzyme in endogenous brain GHB oxidation. However, in the presence of glucuronate, glutamate, NADP and pyridoxal phosphate, pure GHB dehydrogenase, coupled to purified GABA‐transaminase does produce GABA from GHB at an optimum pH close to the physiological value and with a low K
m for GHB.
C1q binding to mitochondria: a possible artefact?
Authors: Comis Alfio , Easterbrook-Smith Simon B.
Published: July 2002

Mitochondrial preparations, obtained from human tonsils and from rat spleen, liver, heart, and kidney tissues, bound [125I]Clq with affinities of 107–108 M−1. The binding of Clq was not affected by treatment of the mitochondrial preparations with pronase, trypsin, or phospholipase D, but it was lowered 5–6‐fold following treatment of the mitochondria with DNase and RNase. Binding of Clq to mitochondrial preparations was also greatly diminished by limited chemical modification of Clq with cyclohexane‐1,2‐dione. It is suggested that the reported binding of Clq to mitochondria may have arisen from the protein binding to DNA and/or RNA contaminating the mitochondrial preparations.
Effects of Ca2+ and a phorbol ester on insulin secretion from islets of langerhans permeabilised by high‐voltage discharge
Authors: Jones Peter M. , Stutchfield Jane , Howell Simon L.
Published: July 2002

Isolated rat islets of Langerhans permeabilised by high‐voltage discharge secreted insulin in response to elevations in Ca2+ over the range 100 nM to 10 μM Ca2+. The phorbol ester, 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate (TPA), had no effects on insulin secretion in the absence of Ca2+. In the presence of Ca2+ concentrations of > 10 nM, TPA produced dose‐related shifts in the Ca2+‐activation curve to lower Ca2+ concentrations, together with marked increases in the maximum secretory response to Ca2+. These results suggest that, in islets, the activation of protein kinase C is important in modulating both the sensitivity of the exocytotic mechanism to intracellular Ca2+, and the magnitude of the insulin secretory response.
Flow cytometry and biochemical analysis of DNA degradation characteristic of two types of cell death
Authors: Afanas'ev Vladimir N. , Korol' Boris A. , Mantsygin Yurii A. , Nelipovich Piotr A. , Pechatnikov Vladimir A. , Umansky Samuil R.
Published: July 2002

By flow cytometry it has been shown that in rat thymocytes dying upon γ‐irradiation the reduction in DNA content per cell occurs well before the increase in outer membrane permeability. In contrast, in irradiated Burkitt's lymphoma cells the disturbance of plasma membrane permeability precedes the decrease of DNA content. Genome degradation in dying thymocytes of irradiated or hydrocortisone‐treated rats is accounted for by internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Postirradiation DNA cleavage in the 3 investigated cell cultures is disorderly and is probably caused by the activation of hydrolases in dead cells.
Stereospecific antibodies to propranolol
Authors: Wang Lynn , Chorev Michael , Feingers Judith , Levitzki Alexander , Inbar Michael
Published: July 2002

The β‐adrenergic antagonist propranolol was activated through its side chain, coupled to bovine serum albumin, and injected into BALB/c mice. After fusion of the splenocytes from these immunized mice with the NS‐1 myeloma cell line, two hybridomas, producing monoclonal anti‐propranolol antibodies, were isolated. Clone P‐49 was monospecific for propranolol, with a significant preference for the 1‐stereoisomer, as compared to the d form. On the other hand, clone P‐28 cross‐reacted with alprenolol as well as some other β‐antagonists. Both classes of antibodies competed with A431 epidermoid carcinoma β2‐adrenoceptors for the binding of [3H]propranolol. When ascites cells from clone P‐28 were fixed with glutaraldehyde, the anti‐propranolol monoclonal antibody became cell bound. These cell‐bound P‐28 antibodies bind propranolol and other β‐adrenergic ligands with a similar ranking order to the soluble monoclonal antibody. The cell‐bound antibody displayed a 5‐fold higher affinity towards 1‐propranolol than the soluble monoclonal antibody. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Isolation and properties of the signal region from ovalbumin
Authors: Robinson A. , Meredith C. , Austen B.M.
Published: July 2002

A tryptic fragment (residues 21–47) containing the signal peptide of ovalbumin has been isolated by reversephase chromatography. The peptide is more active at inhibiting the processing of pre‐prolactin in an in vitro translation system than fragments of ovalbumin isolated previously, and is similar in properties to synthetic signal peptides. The ovalbumin signal fragment is shown to bind to a protein component of salt‐stripped pancreatic microsomal membranes, which is cross‐linked under UV irradiation by a radioactive synthetic photoaffinity signal peptide probe to yield a radiolabelled 45 kDa protein.
The enzymatic oxidation of Desferal to a nitroxide free radical
Authors: Morehouse Kim.M. , Flitter William D. , Mason Ronald P.
Published: July 2002

Desferrioxamine mesylate (Desferal), a transition metal ion chelator, has been used to inhibit the in vitro redox cycling of transition metal ions. ESR spectroscopy was utilized to detect and identify Desferal's one‐electron oxidation product. We demonstrate that a horseradish peroxidase/H2O2 system, a xanthine oxidase/hypoxanthine system, and a hydroxyl radical‐generating system are all capable of oxidizing Desferal to a nitroxide free radical. The same 9‐line ESR spectrum (g = 2.0065, a
N = 7.85 G, a
H(2) = 6.35 G) was detected in all of the above systems. We, therefore, stress that care must be taken when using Desferal as a transition metal ion chelator to keep its concentration low enough to minimize these reactions, or to use a different metal ion chelator.
Primary structure of ovine pituitary basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Simpson Richard J. , Moritz Robert L. , Lloyd Christopher J. , Fabri Louis J. , Nice Edouard C. , Rubira Michael R. , Burgess Antony W.
Published: July 2002

The complete amino acid sequence of basic FGF (146 residues) from ovine pituitary glands has been established. This has been achieved by the sequence analysis of subnanomole amounts of the intact molecule and of peptides derived by enzymatic digestions with clostripain, chymotrypsin, pepsin and Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease. Microbore HPLC, employing 1–2 mm i.d. columns, was used to purify, concentrate and buffer‐exchange the FGF peptides. A novel application of ion‐pairing chromatography was employed to isolate peptides which were not retained on conventional reversed‐phase systems. There is only one positional difference between the ovine and bovine basic FGFs, but there are 3 positional differences between ovine and human basic FGFS.
Potential‐sensitive membrane association of a fluorescent dye
Authors: Woolley G.Andrew , Kapral Moira K. , Deber Charles M.
Published: July 2002

Unilamellar phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol (5:1, w/w) vesicles and the fluorescent dye safranine O mixed in appropriate ratios produced a membrane potential‐dependent enhancement of dye fluorescence. The fluorescence enhancement was shown to be dependent on the sign and magnitude of valinomycin‐induced potassium diffusion potentials. The enhancement and a blue‐shifted maximum (both of which also occur in ethanol vs aqueous solution) provided evidence that the enhanced fluorescence arises from an additional population of safranine O molecules which become associated with a hydrophobic region of the vesicular membrane. Consistent with this interpretation, the polarization of safranine O fluorescence was also found to increase in a potential‐dependent manner. A time‐dependent decay of the fluorescence enhancement — presumably due to decay of the membrane potential — was attributed to non‐specific ion leakage at valinomycin concentrations above 3 μM.
A second catalytic subunit of type‐2A protein phosphatase from rabbit skeletal muscle
Authors: da Cruz e Silva Odete B. , Cohen Patricia T.W.
Published: July 2002

A cDNA clone encoding a second type‐2A protein phosphatase catalytic subunit (2Aβ) was isolated from a rabbit skeletal muscle cDNA library constructed in λgt10. The deduced protein sequence (309 residues, 35.59 kDa) was 97% identical to that of phosphatase 2Aα(309 residues, 35.58 kDa). At the nucleotide level, the two clones showed only 82% identity in the coding region. The results indicate the presence of at least two isoforms of protein phosphatase 2A in skeletal muscle.
Biological properties of dihydro‐leukotriene B4, an alternative leukotriene B4 metabolite
Authors: Kaever V. , Damerau B. , Wessel K. , Resch K.
Published: July 2002

Dihydro‐leukotriene B4 (a 5,12‐dihydroxy‐eicosatrienoic acid) has been shown to be the primary metabolite of leukotriene B4, (LTB4) in a variety of cells other than human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs). In this report we show that dihydro‐LTB4 is significantly less active than LTB4 in different biological assay systems, i.e. leukocyte chemotaxis, chemokinesis, aggregation, adhesion to endothelium and superoxide anion production. This suggests that primary reduction constitutes a second so far unknown deactivation pathway for LTB4.
Meso‐chlorination of chlorophyll a in the course of pigment extraction
Authors: Kobayashi Masami , Watanabe Tadashi , Struck Andreas , Scheer Hugo
Published: July 2002

HPLC analysis has shown that the meso δ‐carbon of chlorophyll (Chl) a undergoes chlorination to give δ‐chloro Chl a (Cl‐Chl a), possibly by an enzymatic reaction with chloride ion in the wet medium of crushed plant tissue. A sizeable amount, occasionally a 1% fraction, of the whole Chl a is chlorinated during tissue crushing/pigment extraction. The chlorination can be neatly or completely suppressed if plant materials are kneaded with a sufficient amount of a desiccant or with Cl−‐scavenging silver ion before pigment extraction.