bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of vital signs recorded via a new telecare system
Authors: Kornowski Ran , Zlochiver Sharon , Botzer Lior , Tirosh Roy , Abboud Shimon , Misan Shai
Published: December 2003

A telecare system (Medic4All) has been developed that relies on a wireless wristwatch-like sensor to measure the pulse wave from the radial artery. From this, the heart rate and respiration rate are derived. The system's performance was examined by comparing the results obtained from the pulse wave signal with those obtained from conventional electrocardiographic and spirometer devices. A total of 144 patients participated in the study; their mean (SD) age was 43 (18) years. There were 44 cardiac patients in group 1 and 100 healthy patients, who were studied in their homes, in group 2. There was a significant correlation between the heart rates measured by the two monitoring methods. A ‘difference versus average’ analysis showed that the error distribution had a mean (SD) value of – 0.1 (3.3) beats/min. Similarly, the respiration rates measured by the two techniques were significantly correlated. The error distribution had a mean (SD) value of 0.1 (1.9) respirations/min. The present study suggests that the wrist-worn sensor represents a promising tool for online detection and monitoring of vital signs in the home.
Development of a teleconsultation system for communication between physiotherapists concerning children with complex movement and postural disorders
Authors: Engbers L , Bloo H , Kleissen R , Spoelstra J , Vollenbroek-Hutten M
Published: December 2003

We investigated whether a relatively low-cost, PC-based teleconsultation system could be used for inter-institutional communication about children with complex movement and postural disorders. Four paediatric physiotherapists in three different institutions participated. Both email and videoconferencing were tested. Videoconferencing was unsuccessful, as the low-bandwidth analogue lines, used by the majority of the therapists, made the quality of the realtime video-images very poor. However, email with attached video-recordings was successful and the therapists used the system to consult each other about 20 cases. The therapists regarded the system as effective in clinical practice. However, some improvements would be desirable, such as making the system quicker to use and reducing the number of technical errors. Nonetheless, structured communication between physicians about complex postural and movement disorders appears to be promising both for patient referral and for decisions concerning treatment.
Public Policy and Global Supply Chain Capabilities and Performance: A Resource-Based View
Authors: Morash Edward A. , Lynch Daniel F.
Published: December 2003

In increasingly competitive and global markets, public policy should be customer focused in terms of stressing resources, capabilities, and performance that are most important to the private sector and to other stakeholders. Although this requires a balancing act, it will help ensure successful public/private partnerships, performance outcomes that are customer driven, and planning and policy oversight that is performance based. The authors investigate the relative importance and availability of supply chain capabilities and performance measures for more than 3500 firms in three global regions: North America, Europe, and the Pacific Basin. The authors present additional analyses for best-practice firms that score the highest on an excellence index. The study finds that public policy–enabled customer service or, more broadly, demand-oriented performance capabilities may confer greater competitive advantages than cost- and supply-oriented performance capabilities, though both are important. The study findings have important implications for international public policy, such as trade policies, and for linking policy priorities with private sector requirements for specific capabilities, resources, and performance. The authors discuss additional managerial implications and recommendations for the integration of international marketing and global supply chain strategies with supporting marketing capabilities of standardization, adaptation, or customization and for governmental planning, policy formulation, and data availability.
The Impact of Industry Concentration and Firm Location on Export Propensity and Intensity: An Empirical Analysis of Chinese Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Zhao Hongxin , Zou Shaoming
Published: December 2003

Recent export studies have focused on the internal/controllable determinants of export performance. The external/uncontrollable determinants of export performance have received scant research attention. In this study, the authors examine two key external/uncontrollable factors, namely, industry concentration and firm location, in the context of Chinese manufacturing firms. In addition, the authors include several frequently studied factors such as firm size, capital intensity, technology innovation, and industry in the analysis as covariates. On the basis of logistical regression and multiple regression analysis, the authors find that both domestic market concentration and firm location are potent predictors of Chinese firms’ export propensity and export intensity. The authors discuss implications of the findings to expose the reason behind the success of Chinese exporters in international markets.
Auditory and Visual Brand Identifiers in Chinese and English
Authors: Tavassoli Nader T. , Han Jin K.
Published: December 2003

A main component of branding is to link a brand name to nonverbal cues that facilitate brand name memory. The authors examine the integration in memory of auditory and visual brand identifiers with brand names written in the logographic Chinese script compared with the alphabetic English script. The first experiment compares native Mandarin speakers living in China with native English speakers living in the United States. The second experiment examines bilingual Cantonese–English speakers living in Hong Kong. The results of the experiments suggest that visual brand identifiers are integrated in memory more easily with Chinese brand names, whereas auditory brand identifiers are integrated in memory more easily with English brand names. These results are of theoretical interest because they demonstrate that writing systems affect cognitive processes that are involved in the integration of words with nonverbal information. The results are of practical interest because they suggest that the relative success of auditory and visual brand identity strategies is affected by differences in writing systems.
Protecting Global Brands: Toward a Global Norm
Authors: Gillespie Kate , Krishna Kishore , Jarvis Susan
Published: December 2003

In 1995, the World Trade Organization bound member countries to new standards of foreign trademark protection. Developed countries were given a year to bring their national trademark regimes into compliance. Other countries were allowed from 5 to 11 years. In the past 7 years, governments have taken many steps to reach compliance. Nonetheless, many countries fall short of the envisaged global norm. To better understand the challenges of the past several years, the authors focus on the state of national trademark regimes on the eve of the establishment of the World Trade Organization. The authors particularly address how contagion influence, resource constraints, and xenophobia affected treaty participation, domestic trademark law, application processing, and the relative treatment of foreign and domestic applications. The authors analyze data for 62 countries, which suggest that distinct patterns of foreign trademark protection existed for developed countries, newly industrialized countries, less developed countries, and transitional economies. The authors explain the managerial implications of these findings and argue that there is evidence that countries are moving toward global norms in trademark protection. However, an international treaty is the beginning, not the end, of this process.
Born Global or Gradual Global? Examining the Export Behavior of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Moen Øystein , Servais Per
Published: December 2003

Over the past decade, several studies have questioned the stage models of the internationalization process. Many of these studies concentrate on the exporting versus nonexporting factor, identifying an increasing number of firms that are active in international markets shortly after establishment. Limited empirical evidence exists as to whether this actuality indicates simply a reduced time factor in the preexport phase or an important change in the export behavior of firms. Using small and medium-sized exporting firms from Norway, Denmark, and France, the authors focus on the concept of gradual development. The results suggest that export intensity, distribution, market selection, and global orientation are not influenced by the firm's year of establishment or first year of exporting activity. One-third of the firms sampled reported that the time period between establishment and export commencement was less than two years. In terms of export intensity, these firms outperform those that waited several years before exporting. The results indicate that the future export involvement of a firm is, to a large extent, influenced by its behavior shortly after establishment. The results further indicate that the development of resources in support of international market competitiveness may be regarded as the key issue and that the basic resources and competencies of the firm are determined during the establishment phase. The authors review how the management challenges differ depending on the type of firm (age and export involvement) in question.
Executive Insights: Building Successful Export Business Relationships: A Behavioral Perspective
Authors: Leonidou Leonidas C. , Katsikeas Constantine S. , Hadjimarcou John
Published: December 2003

Although the United States has been one of the leading actors in international trade, limited evidence exists as to individual U.S. company relationships with overseas customers. On the basis of a sample of 201 U.S. exporting manufacturers, the authors draw a comparison between harmonious and problematic foreign business relationships. The findings reveal that, as opposed to problematic cases, firms with harmonious relationships are more experienced, employ more people, and exhibit more active behavior toward conducting their foreign business. Such firms sell to a greater number of export markets, deal with more foreign customers, and obtain more orders. The study also shows that harmonious relationships with overseas customers are distinguished by greater dependence, trust, understanding, commitment, communication, and cooperation but less distance, uncertainty, and conflict between the parties. The article provides export management with a set of guidelines for establishing, developing, and sustaining successful export business relationships.
Customer Satisfaction in Transnational Buyer–Supplier Relationships
Authors: Homburg Christian , Krohmer Harley , Cannon Joseph P. , Kiedaisch Ingo
Published: December 2003

This study analyzes customer satisfaction in buyer–supplier relationships across national boundaries (transnational business relationships) with manufacturing firms on both sides of the dyad. The analysis is based on data from 511 industrial customers from the United States and Germany, 201 of which reported on a transnational relationship. The results indicate that quality and flexibility are important antecedents of customer satisfaction. These antecedents were significantly lower in transnational relationships than in domestic ones. Using equity theory and the confirmation/disconfirmation paradigm, the authors develop alternative models for describing the relationships between customer satisfaction and its antecedents in transnational as opposed to domestic relationships. The findings reveal that there are no structural differences between transnational and domestic relationships regarding the relationships between customer satisfaction and its antecedents. Specifically, a lower level of customer satisfaction in transnational relationships is due to lower levels of the antecedents and does not constitute an effect of transnationality per se.
Will the Real-World Citizen Please Stand Up! The Many Faces of Cosmopolitan Consumer Behavior
Authors: Cannon Hugh M. , Yaprak Attila
Published: December 2003

The continuing globalization of marketing activities has given considerable impetus to the study of cosmopolitanism as a consumer construct. Most recent research has focused on the normative activities of cosmopolites, as consumers who seek to broaden their cultural horizons by immersing themselves in a breadth of local cultural experiences. Although this is true of some cosmopolites in some circumstances, it is not a general characteristic. The authors return to the original meaning of cosmopolitanism as presented (independently) by Merton and Gouldner in the late 1950s, examining the concept in light of subsequent research and the social forces that have tended to promote an increasingly cosmopolitan perspective. They then propose several patterns of cosmopolitan behavior, only one of which is a normative search for culturally broadening experiences. Finally, they suggest some managerial implications for marketing practitioners.
Executive Insights: Global Marketing Management: At the Dawn of the New Millennium
Authors: Lazer William , Shaw Eric H.
Published: December 2003

Dramatic global economic changes are under way at the dawn of the new millennium, such as the new Euro currency, Asian economic downturn, instantaneous flows of capital, new global conglomerates, and the growth of the Internet. These changes will have a profound impact on global marketing management, including increasing risk and uncertainty, real-time information management, and rapid response to global developments. Cross-impact analysis will become a more important tool for dealing with uncertain interactions among complex forces. The managerial mindset will have to grasp the big picture, think outside the box, discount the present to create the future, and move far beyond benchmarking. This will lead to changes in decision-making orientations, including a shift from relatively stable environments and mechanistic management approaches to more turbulent environments and systemic management approaches and a shift from hard facts for solving problems to virtual facts for problem prevention.
Small High-Technology Firms and International High-Technology Markets
Authors: Crick Dave , Jones Marian V.
Published: December 2003

In this qualitative investigation, the authors report on the overseas expansion processes of technologically oriented U.K. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The findings provide further challenges to the incremental approach to internationalization; also, the authors put forward criticisms in relation to policymakers’ current approach to categorizing internationalizing SMEs in the provision of trade assistance programs.
Bed and Breakfasts, Small Inns, and the Internet: The Impact of Technology on the Globalization of Small Businesses
Authors: Lituchy Terri R. , Rail Anny
Published: December 2003

As the service industry continues to grow, small businesses must decide whether they are going to use new technologies available to them. This article is an exploratory study that examines how the Internet can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) attain a global market. Small inns and bed and breakfasts were used as SMEs in this study. The authors developed a survey and sent it to small inns and bed and breakfasts in Canada and the United States to determine the ways these businesses are using the technologies available to them and the pros and cons of using the technologies. The authors discuss managerial implications of using the Internet.
Educator Insights: Ben & Jerry's—Japan: Strategic Decision by an Emergent Global Marketer
Authors: Hagen James M.
Published: December 2003

Marketing students thrive on identifying an ideal foreign market for a product and devising a plan to launch and promote the product. As elegant as the plans may be, though, resources are constrained, and firms that are just emerging in the global marketplace may have a correspondingly constrained range of options available. The decision of Ben & Jerry's whether to enter the Japanese market—and if so, how—illustrates the strategic thinking behind such a constrained decision, focusing on an increasingly feasible option of partnering with a single retailer for the market entry. The case covers a wide spectrum of strategic issues faced by a branded consumer goods manufacturer in the early stages of venturing beyond its domestic market. Students can assume the role of the chief executive officer in (1) balancing the attraction of a potentially strong market against the mission and resources of the firm, (2) balancing the lack of resources (both financial and managerial) for a company-controlled brand-building strategy against the apparent hazards in granting brand development rights to a licensee, (3) making the best of the increasing consolidation and strength of the retailer sector, and (4) developing trust with a local partner.
The Impact of Firms’ Export Orientation on the Export Performance of High-Tech Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Francis June , Collins-Dodd Colleen
Published: December 2003

The authors provide empirical support for the importance of a proactive export orientation in driving export success in the uncertain high-tech environment. Regression analysis demonstrates that proactive and conservative export strategies and motivations produce opposite effects on multiple measures of export performance for these small and medium-sized Canadian high-tech firms in the information technology and telecommunications sector.
Nichtlineare Modellbildung und Regelung für hydraulische Schwenkflügelmotoren (Nonlinear Modeling and Control of Hydraulic Rotary Vane Actuators)
Authors: Bröcker Markus
Published: December 2003

Für hydraulische Schwenkflügelmotoren liefert dieser Beitrag umfassende Untersuchungen zur Modellbildung sowie zu Systemeigenschaften und die Herleitung eines nichtlinearen Regelungskonzepts – der D-flachheitsbasierten Regelung. Schwenkflügelmotoren lassen sich alternativ zu den bislang üblichen Differentialzylindern an den Armen von Großmanipulatoren integrieren. Durch diese neuen Konstruktionen der Roboterarme ist es möglich, die ungünstige Umlenkkinematik einzusparen. Dieser Wunsch stellt höhere Anforderungen an den Antrieb, sodass eine präzise Modellbildung und eine qualitativ hochwertige Trajektorienregelung des Schwenkflügelwinkels unabdingbar ist. Die Modellbildung des rotatorischen Antriebs als analytisches System mit linear einwirkender Steuerung (ALS) und die Herleitung von einfacheren nichtlinearen Systemklassen sind Grundlage für die Untersuchungen auf Steuerbarkeit und Beobachtbarkeit. Der Nachweis der D-Flachheit des Schwenkflügelmotors und die in einer Simulationsstudie erprobte D-flachheitsbasierte Regelung zeigen das enorme Potential des Schwenkflügelmotors für praktische Anwendungen auf.
Wieviel Internet braucht der Automatisierer? – Gedanken zu Internettechnologien als Ausbildungsinhalt (How much Internet needs the Automation Engineer? – Reflections on Internet Technology as Educational Subject)
Authors: Braune Annerose , Janschek Klaus
Published: December 2003

Internettechnologien gelten als eine der Schlüsseltechnologien, um neue Anwendungsfelder der Automatisierung erfolgreich bearbeiten zu können. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Auswahl automatisierungsrelevanter Lehrinhalte zur Netzwerktechnik für die Ausbildung in der Studienrichtung Automatisierungs- und Regelungstechnik an der Fakultät Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik der TU Dresden und stellt die bisher gesammelten Erfahrungen bei der Umsetzung des Lehrkonzeptes vor.
Internetbasierte Schulung von Polymeranlagenfahrern mittels Prozesssimulation (Web-based Training for Polymer Plant Operators using Process Simulation)
Authors: Nyström Rasmus , Kroll Andreas , Frick Alexander , Stich Christian , Hütten Klaus , Langhauser Franz , Seebass Wilhelm , Kersting Meinolf
Published: December 2003

This paper describes a framework offering educational services for chemical plant operators using a process model simulated in real time over the Internet. An application service provider (ASP) approach avoids the barrier of capital investment of a site-based installation. Simulation-based education can be made available for virtually anyone at any time and anywhere through the use of thin clients. At the same time, the maintainability of the server software and model is greatly increased through the centralization of the simulation server. The utility described uses a rigorous dynamic process model for simulation but requires only a computer with a web browser and an Internet connection to establish real-time data communication with the simulation server.
Effiziente Applikation der Motorsteuerung mit dynamischen Modellen (Efficient Calculation of Engine Control Maps by Means of Dynamic Models)
Authors: Hafner Michael
Published: December 2003

Eine manuelle Applikation der Motorsteuerung gestaltet sich aufgrund zusätzlicher Stellgrößen immer schwieriger. Als Alternative bieten sich modellgestützte Ansätze an. Diese stellen jedoch hohe Ansprüche an die Modelle — besonders wenn das Emissionsverhalten unmittelbar berücksichtigt werden soll. Hier werden dynamische neuronale Netze vorgeschlagen, die auf Daten einer sehr schnellen dynamischen Vermessung des Motorverhaltens am Prüfstand basieren. Die stationäre Kennfeldoptimierung erfolgt anschließend offline im Rechner und kann mit Hilfe der dynamischen Modelle an beliebige Abgastestzyklen adaptiert werden.
Informationsüberflutung, Bewältigungsmechanismen und Implikationen für Prozessleitsysteme (Information Input Overload, Coping Strategies and Implications for Process Control Systems)
Authors: Komischke Tobias
Published: December 2003

Die Prozessführung in Leitwarten ist gegenwärtig von einem technologischen Wandel betroffen, der getrieben wird von neueren Entwicklungen der Informationstechnik. Die Integration neuartiger leittechnischer Einrichtungen birgt die Gefahr, die Prozessführer zu überfordern. Eine wesentliche Gefahrenquelle geht dabei von einer Informationsüberflutung aus. Der vorliegende Artikel befasst sich mit dem Phänomen des Information Input Overload und den Implikationen für eine benutzergerechte Prozessführung.
Assistenz und Delegation mit mobilen Softwareagenten - Das Leitprojekt MAP (Assistance and Delegation using Software Agents - Lead Project MAP)
Authors: Weiss Manfred , Laube Manfred
Published: December 2003

In diesem Bericht präsentieren wir die wesentlichen Ergebnisse aus dem interdisziplinären Leitprojekt Multimedia Arbeitsplatz der Zukunft (MAP). Die technologischen Ziele von MAP lagen in der Entwicklung innovativer und sicherer Technologien, Methoden, Architekturen und Softwarekomponenten für multimodale Interaktion und multimediale Kommunikation am und für den mobilen Arbeitsplatz. Softwareagententechnologie ermöglicht das Delegieren zeitaufwändiger Routineaufgaben und eine intelligente, proaktive Unterstützung von Geschäftsprozessen unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des mobilen Aspekts. Im Rahmen arbeits- und rechtswissenschaftlicher Begleitforschungsaktivitäten wurde auch der kritische Aspekt der Automatisierung rechtlich relevanter Transaktionen mittels Softwareagenten untersucht und die hierfür in MAP entwickelten Ansätze in einer Simulationsstudie validiert. Hier wurde in einzigartiger Weise technologische Innovation von Rechtsexperten, Psychologen, Soziologen, Arbeitswissenschaftlern und Vertretern der Gewerkschaften unterstützend begleitet, um die Akzeptanz und rechtliche Akzeptabilität der MAP-Ergebnisse sicherzustellen.
Eine interaktive Robotersteuerung für chirurgische Applikationen (An Interactive Controllable Robot for Surgical Applications)
Authors: Hein Andreas
Published: December 2003

In der Dissertation wurde die Steuerungsarchitektur, die Regelungsalgorithmen und die erstmalige Anwendung eines interaktiv bedienbaren chirurgischen Robotersystems vorgestellt. Im Gegensatz zu anderen Anwendungsgebieten müssen chirurgische Robotersysteme mit einem Chirurgen kooperieren, anstatt eine Aufgabe automatisch auszuführen. Die vorgestellte Architektur ermöglicht die sichere gemeinsame Ausführung und ermöglicht die neuartige interaktive Führung des Roboters. Das System wurde zum exakten Bohren in der Kopfchirurgie klinisch eingesetzt.
Optische Backplanes für Avionik und Telekommunikation (Optical Backplanes for Avionic and Telecommunications)
Authors: Moisel Jörg
Published: December 2003

Für Anwendungen in der Luft- und Raumfahrt wurde eine optische Backplane, basierend auf Multimode-Polymerwellenleitern, entwickelt. Über die ursprünglich geplanten Anwendungen hinaus ergeben sich auch Einsatzmöglichkeiten im Bereich der Telekommunikation. Die Modendispersion der Multimodewellenleiter kann für Übertragungslängen bis zu 1 m und Datenraten bis zu 10 Gbit/s vernachlässigt werden. Die Wellenleiter können mit einem sequenziellen Verfahren (Direktschreiben) auf großen Substraten (Aluminiumblechen, FR4 und andere) hergestellt werden. Verzweiger und Koppler lassen sich mit dem selben Verfahren herstellen. Die Wellenleiter haben eine geringe Dämpfung (0,04 dB/cm bei 850 nm) und hohe Temperaturstabilität (>250 °C). Als Sendeelemente werden Laserdioden mit Vertikalresonatoren (VCL, VCSEL) mit einer Wellenlänge von 850 nm verwendet. Die Wellenleiterquerschnitte liegen etwa im Bereich von 250μm×250μm bis 100μm×100μm. Datenraten bis zu 10 Gbit/s wurden erfolgreich bei einer Wellenleiterlänge von über 100 cm getestet. Für den Übergang zwischen Leiterkarten und Backplane wird eine Freiraumübertragung mit aufgeweitetem Strahl verwendet, wodurch große Justagetoleranzen erreicht werden. Der gesamte Verlust zwischen Sender und Empfänger liegt typischerweise zwischen 2 bis 8 dB, abhängig von der Wellenleiterlänge, Krümmungsradien und Zahl der Wellenleiterkreuzungen.
Optische Verbindungstechnik auf elektrischen Leiterplatten: Technologie – Entwurf – Modellierung (Optical Interconnection Technology on the Printed Circuit Board Level: Technology – Design – Modelling)
Authors: Griese Elmar
Published: December 2003

In diesem Beitrag wird die optische Aufbau -und Verbindungstechnik auf Leiterplatten als Schlüsseltechnologie für zukünftige elektronische Geräte vorgestellt. Neben verschiedenen Technologien zur Herstellung optischer Lagen mit integrierten optischen Wellenleitern werden der Entwurf elektrisch-optischer Leiterplatten und Verfahren zur entwurfsunterstützenden Modellierung und Simulation optischer Wellenleiter beschrieben.
Integrierte optoelektronische Crossbar-Architekturen in planar-integrierter Freiraumoptik (Integrated Optoelectronic Crossbar Architectures in Planar Integrated Free-Space Optics)
Authors: Sinzinger Stefan , Cao Qing , Gruber Matthias , Jahns Jürgen
Published: December 2003

Crossbar-Architekturen oder Kreuzschienenverteiler finden Anwendung in Vermittlungssystemen und Rechnerarchitekturen. In ihnen werden N Eingänge über eine 2D-Schaltmatrix mit M Ausgängen verknüpft. Für zunehmende Kanalzahlen ergeben sich Anforderungen an die Anzahl der erforderlichen Verbindungen, die eine 3D-Verbindungstechnologie auf der Grundlage der Freiraumoptik interessant erscheinen lassen. In diesen Fällen ist eine kompakte Realisierung erforderlich. Mit Hilfe der planar-integrierten Freiraumoptik können sehr kompakte und stabile Systeme aufgebaut werden. In diesem Artikel werden unterschiedliche optoelektronische Crossbar-Verbindungssysteme, welche auf dieser Technologie beruhen, anhand experimenteller Ergebnisse beschrieben.
The Potential of Bacterial Isolates for Emulsification with a Range of Hydrocarbons
Authors: Rahman K. S. M. , Rahman T. J. , Lakshmanaperumalsamy P. , Marchant R. , Banat I. M.
Published: December 2003

A study was undertaken to investigate the distribution of biosurfactant producing and crude oil degrading bacteria in the oil contaminated environment. This research revealed that hydrocarbon contaminated sites are the potent sources for oil degraders. Among 32 oil degrading bacteria isolated from ten different oil contaminated sites of gasoline and diesel fuel stations, 80% exhibited biosurfactant production. The quantity and emulsification activity of the biosurfactants varied. Pseudomonas sp. DS10‐129 produced a maximum of 7.5 ± 0.4 g/l of biosurfactant with a corresponding reduction in surface tension from 68 mN/m to 29.4 ± 0.7 mN/m at 84 h incubation. The isolates Micrococcus sp. GS2‐22, Bacillus sp. DS6‐86, Corynebacterium sp. GS5‐66, Flavobacterium sp. DS5‐73, Pseudomonas sp. DS10‐129, Pseudomonas sp. DS9‐119 and Acinetobacter sp. DS5‐74 emulsified xylene, benzene, n‐hexane, Bombay High crude oil, kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel and olive oil. The first five of the above isolates had the highest emulsification activity and crude oil degradation ability and were selected for the preparation of a mixed bacterial consortium, which was also an efficient biosurfactant producing oil emulsifying and degrading culture. During this study, biosurfactant production and emulsification activity were detected in Moraxella sp., Flavobacterium sp. and in a mixed bacterial consortium, which have not been reported before.
Pluronic F‐68 Enhanced Shoot Regeneration in Micropropagated Citrus Rootstock and Passiflora Species
Authors: Gill M. I. S. , Cancino G. O. , Anthony P. , Davey M. R. , Power J. B. , Lowe K. C.
Published: December 2003

The promotory effects have been studied of the non‐ionic surfactant, Pluronic F‐68, on bud induction/shoot regeneration in epicotyl and cotyledon explants of Citrus depressa and on shoot regeneration from leaf segments of 4–6 week‐old axenic nodal segment‐derived in vitro plants of Passiflora mollissima, P. giberti and P. edulis var. flavicarpa. For epicotyls of C. depressa, supplementation of agar‐solidified MS‐based bud induction/shoot regeneration medium with 0.5% [w/v] Pluronic F‐68 significantly (P < 0.05) increased mean fresh weight gain of cultures, percentage of explants giving shoots and number of shoots per explant. The same Pluronic concentration also enhanced the mean percentage of cotyledons exhibiting bud induction and the number of buds regenerated per cotyledon explant. Fresh weight gain was unaffected across the range of concentrations (0.001–0.5% w/v) of Pluronic F‐68 evaluated for this latter explant source. For leaf explants from axenic shoot cultures of P. mollissima, supplementation of NN‐based medium, containing 3 mg/l 6‐benzyladenine and 2.0 mg/l kinetin with 0.001–0.5% [w/v] Pluronic F‐68, significantly (P < 0.05) increased mean (± s.e.m.) biomass gain by a maximum of 2.7 ± 0.1 g fresh weight (g f.wt.) over the control. Similarly, for leaf explants of P. giberti, 0.001–0.5% [w/v] Pluronic F‐68 in MS‐based medium, containing 1.0 mg/l 6‐BAP and 0.5 mg/l kinetin significantly (P < 0.05) increased mean percentage of explants undergoing shoot regeneration. For P. edulis leaf explants, mean f.wt. gain was also significantly (P < 0.05) higher with Pluronic F‐68 at 0.001–0.5% [w/v].
Enhancement of the Non‐Specific Defence Activities in Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Flounder (Paralichthys olivcaces) by Oral Administration of Schizophyllan
Authors: Kwak J.‐K. , Park S. W. , Koo J.‐G. , Cho M.‐G. , Buchholz R. , Goetz P.
Published: December 2003

The effect of an immuno‐stimulative β‐glucan from Schizophyllum commune, schizophyllan, on the enhancement of fish immunity was evaluated with carp and flounder. The oral administration of schizophyllan induced a reduction in cumulative mortality after a bacterial challenge. Whereas mortality in the control groups was 100% after seven days, it was only 60% after challenging carp (Cyprinus carpio) with 1 × 106 cells of Aeromonas hydrophila and 70% for flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) using 1 × 106 cells of Edwardsiella tarda. The numbers of peripheral macrophages and neutrophiles, the phagocytic activities of leukocytes and the activity of serum lysozyme were increased in the fish being fed a schizophyllan‐supplemented diet. These results support the findings that non‐specific defence activities in fish such as the number of leukocytes, phagocytic activities and serum lysozyme activity could be enhanced by oral administration of schizophyllan. Moreover, the oral administration of schizophyllan can reduce mortality after bacterial infections depending on the size of fish and the concentrations of bacteria.
Inactivation of Escherichia coli K12 Using Atmospheric Gas Plasma Produced from Humidified Working Gas
Authors: Maeda Y. , Igura N. , Shimoda M. , Hayakawa I.
Published: December 2003

The bactericidal effect of atmospheric gas plasma (AGP) on Escherichia coli K12 cells in 0.9% [w/v] sodium chloride was investigated under normal atmospheric pressure. A plasma‐generating unit was supplied with working gas (air) at 25 °C and a relative humidity (RH) of 0, 14, 32, 43, 50, 60 or 70%. Gas plasma was generated using radio frequency discharge (20 kHz) under atmospheric pressure, and blown onto the surface of an E. coli cell suspension. Seven log‐cycles of cells were completely inactivated within 15 minutes of the start of AGP treatments using working gas at 32, 43, 50 or 60% RH. AGP at 14% RH inactivated only 2 log‐cycles of cells, but no inactivation was observed when air at 0% or 70% RH was used. The inactivation curves were biphasic and the rate constants for both stages were closely related to the RH of the working gas. The rate of cell inactivation was at its maximum at an RH of 43%. The bactericidal effect of the AGP treatment was not a result of ozone generation, however, the moisture content of the working gas was a significant factor in ensuring that E. coli K12 inactivation occurred. The interpretation of these data was that chemical species generated from the water molecules in the working gas were bactericidal in their effects.
Czochralski's Creative Mistake: A Milestone on the Way to the Gigabit Era
Authors: Evers Jürgen , Klüfers Peter , Staudigl Rudolf , Stallhofer Peter
Published: December 2003

Much of the rapid change in industry, science, and society is brought about by the meteoric development of the microelectronics industry. Daily life is affected by this development; one has only to think of mobile telephones and the chips on modern credit cards. The raw material for microelectronics is the single crystal of silicon, with very high purity and almost perfect crystal structure. About 95 % of the world's current production of silicon single crystals is achieved using the process that Jan Czochralski discovered in 1916. Today, single crystals of silicon can be grown that are up to 2 m long, 300 mm in diameter, and weigh up to 265 kg. The use of magnetic fields has led to significant advances in crystal‐drawing technology. Intensive research and development reveals that in addition to the technology, which provides crystals of ever‐increasing diameter, defect engineering, and the control of the numerous temperature‐dependent reactions of crystal defects, are of paramount importance.
Cover Picture: Regulatory Strategies in the Complexation and Release of a Noncovalent Guest Trimer by a Self‐Assembled Molecular Cage (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 46/2003)
Authors: Kerckhoffs Jessica M. C. A. , van Leeuwen Fijs W. B. , Spek Anthony L. , Kooijman Huub , Crego‐Calama Mercedes , Reinhoudt David N.
Published: December 2003

An artificial enzyme or virus? The cover picture shows the single crystals and X‐ray crystal structure of a hydrogen‐bonded trimeric guest complexed by a self‐assembled molecular container. Not only is the structure topologically very similar to that of viruses and enzymes, the receptor also exhibits primitive regulatory strategies of the type featured by these natural systems. For further details, see the Communication by D. N. Reinhoudt, M. Crego‐Calama, and co‐workers on page 5717 ff.
The characteristic of photoluminescence of tris‐(7‐substituted‐8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum complexes and polymeric complexes
Authors: Duann Yeh‐Fang , Liao Yu‐Jung , Guo Wenjeng , Chang Shu‐Mei
Published: December 2003

The 7‐allyl‐ and 7‐(2‐methylvinyl)‐functionalized derivatives of 8‐hydroquinoline are synthesized by Claisen rearrangement and double bond rearrangement respectively. Then 7‐allyl‐8‐hydroquinoline (C) and 7‐(2‐methylvinyl)‐8‐hydroquinoline (D) are reacted with aluminum chloride to afford the corresponding tris‐(7‐allyl‐8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum complex (F) and tris‐(7‐(2‐methylvinyl)‐8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum complex (G). The photoluminescence of complex (F) or (G), compared with that of tris‐(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum complex (E), all showed a red shift in emission wavelengths in different solvents, such as chloroform, hexane and ethanol. For two substituents containing an external double bond, the 2‐methylvinyl group gives a larger red shift in the emission wavelength than the allyl group. The X‐ray crystal structure indicates that 7‐(2‐methylvinyl)‐8‐hydroxyquinoline (D) is a trans‐isomer. The styrene and 7‐allyl‐8‐hydroxyquinoline copolymer, and the styrene and 7‐(2‐methylvinyl)‐8‐hydroxyquinoline copolymer are also reported. Further reactions of the copolymer are then performed by adding aluminum(III) chloride and ligands 8‐hydroxyquinoline. The spectroscopic characteristics of these aluminum(III) polymeric complexes are discussed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tin(IV) complexes of 2‐benzoylpyridine N(4)‐phenyl‐thiosemicarbazone: spectral characterization, structural studies and antifungal activity
Authors: Rebolledo Anayive P. , de Lima Geraldo M. , Gambi Lillian N. , Speziali Nivaldo L. , Maia Daniel F. , Pinheiro Carlos B. , Ardisson José D. , Cortés Maria Esperanza , Beraldo Heloisa
Published: December 2003

Three tin(IV) complexes of 2‐benzoylpyridine N(4)‐phenylthiosemicarbazone (H2Bz4Ph) were prepared: [Sn(L)Cl3] (1), [BuSn(L)Cl2] (2) and [(Bu)2Sn(L)Cl] (3), in which L stands for the anionic ligand formed upon complexation with deprotonation and release of HCl. The complexes were characterized by a number of spectroscopic techniques. The crystal structures of H2Bz4Ph and complex 3 were determined. The antifungal activity of the ligand and its tin(IV) complexes was tested against Candida albicans. The thiosemicarbazone proved to be more active than the tin(IV) complexes. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sequential condition‐based repair/replacement policy with non‐periodic inspections for a system subject to continuous wear
Authors: Castanier B. , Bérenguer C. , Grall A.
Published: December 2003

This paper studies a condition‐based maintenance policy for a repairable system subject to a continuous‐state gradual deterioration monitored by sequential non‐periodic inspections. The system can be maintained using different maintenance operations (partial repair, as good as new replacement) with different effects (on the system state), costs and durations. A parametric decision framework (multi‐threshold policy) is proposed to choose sequentially the best maintenance actions and to schedule the future inspections, using the on‐line monitoring information on the system deterioration level gained from the current inspection. Taking advantage of the semi‐regenerative (or Markov renewal) properties of the maintained system state, we construct a stochastic model of the time behaviour of the maintained system at steady state. This stochastic model allows to evaluate several performance criteria for the maintenance policy such as the long‐run system availability and the long‐run expected maintenance cost. Numerical experiments illustrate the behaviour of the proposed condition‐based maintenance policy. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A real options approach for entering the Internet securities trading businesses with start‐up time
Authors: Lin Chin‐Tsai , Lin Tyrone T. , Yeh Lung‐Chu
Published: December 2003

This paper uses a real options approach to establish a new evaluation model under uncertainty of both the volume of Internet securities transactions and the total transaction volume of a securities firm. The proposed approach can assist securities firms in evaluating the optimal thresholds for entering the Internet securities trading business and withdrawing from the conventional securities trading business. This paper assumes that the annual number of Internet securities transactions and the total annual number of securities transactions both follow a geometric Brownian motion. Besides, this model considers a start‐up time to complete the entry project's procedure. Accordingly, a decision model based on the real options approach is introduced, and the closed form solutions for the optimal threshold values of the entry or withdrawal models are determined. The conclusions provide some valuable references to help strategic managers of securities firms in making decisions on entering the Internet securities trading business or withdrawing from the conventional trading business. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for quantitative determination of 7‐ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (SN‐38) in human plasma containing liposome‐based SN‐38 (LE‐SN38)
Authors: Khan Sumsullah , Ahmad Ateeq , Ahmad Imran
Published: December 2003

7‐Ethyl‐10‐hydroxycamptothecin (SN‐38) is an active metabolite of Irinotecan (CPT‐11), an anticancer pro‐drug. To support clinical pharmacokinetic studies for liposome based formulation of SN‐38 (LE‐SN38) in cancer patients, a rapid, simple and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantiﬁcation of total SN‐38 in human plasma. Sample preparation was carried out by one‐step protein precipitation using cold acetonitrile with 0.5% acetic acid (v/v). Camptothecin was used as an internal standard (IS). Chromatographic separation of SN‐38 and IS was achieved using a Synergi Hydro‐RP column (C18, 50 × 2 mm, 4 µm), with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.1% acetic acid. After ionization in electrospray source (positive ions), the acquisition was performed in the multiple reactions monitoring mode. Quantitation was accomplished using the precursor→product ion combinations of m/z 393.1→349.2 for SN‐38 and 349.1→305.1 for IS. The quantiﬁcation limit of 0.05 ng/mL was achieved by using much lower volume (0.2 mL) of plasma and in the presence of LE‐SN38. The method was validated over the concentration range of 0.05–400 ng/mL. Accuracy was within ±12% of nominal at all concentration levels. Inter‐day and intra‐day precisions expressed as percentage coefﬁcient of variation (%CVs) for quality control (QC) samples were less than 14 and 5%, respectively. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous quantitative analysis of ketanserin and ketanserinol in plasma by RP‐HPLC with ﬂuorescence detection
Authors: Yassen A. , Hanff L. M. , Vulto A. G.
Published: December 2003

A sensitive and selective high‐performance liquid chromatographic assay for the quantiﬁcation of ketanserin and ketanserinol in human plasma was developed and validated. The procedure involves extraction of ketanserin and ketanserinol from plasma using an Extrelut NT‐1 solid‐phase extraction column. The chromatograph was equipped with a Hypersil BDS column (100 × 4.5 mm, 3 µm particle size). Separation was performed with a mixture of acetate buffer 0.01 M, pH 4.9–methanol–acetonitrile (52:40:8, v/v/v). Detection was performed with ﬂuorescence detection (λex = 332 nm and λem = 410 nm). Calibration curves were linear (r2 = 0.999) in the range 0–400 ng/mL for both ketanserin and ketanserinol. The repeatability coefﬁcient for ketanserin and ketanserinol was 3.1 and 3.0%, respectively. The reproducibility coefﬁcient for ketanserin and ketanserinol was 10.5 and 9.1%, respectively. The limit of quantiﬁcation for both ketanserin and ketanserinol was 2.0 ng/mL. The mean recovery yield for both ketanserin and ketanserinol was 60%. In an 8 h work day approximately 60 samples, including calibration and reference standards, could be processed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applications of computer simulation in mechanism teaching
Authors: Fu Tseng‐Ti
Published: December 2003

The scope of implementing commercially available dynamics software as an aid to mechanism teaching and research in the university is reviewed. Based on the computer simulation, it has been applied to demonstrations in mechanism teaching, system learning and validation, and performance predictions. They are found useful in raising students' interests by vivid graphics, and impressing them with almost the same effect as dealing with real mechanisms. Despite the complexity of numerical schemes, the effort would be paid off by the flexibility and economy in modeling various systems with fewer limitations. The applications can be easily adapted to the specific needs of learning and in future network education. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 11: 156–165, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.10043
An interactive software package for the investigation of hydrodynamic‐slider bearing‐lubrication
Authors: Ozalp A. Alper , Ozel S. Ayse
Published: December 2003

The temperature dependent character of viscosity complicates the numerical analysis of hydrodynamic slider bearings and the geometry of the flow cavity plays a significant role on the design and performance of the lubrication systems. In this paper, we represent a recent software tool, named as “HYDRO‐LUB,” capable of performing constant and variable viscosity runs in various pad styles with moving boundaries. Results of the demonstrating project are not only consistent with the available literature but also show the fast and reliable character of the package; which in return put forward the advantages of applying the program in the lubrication courses of mechanical engineering. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 11: 103–115, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.10047
Metal‐Chelating Amino Acids As Building Blocks For Synthetic Receptors Sensing Metal Ions And Histidine‐Tagged Proteins
Authors: Hutschenreiter Silke , Neumann Lars , Rädler Ulf , Schmitt Lutz , Tampé Robert
Published: December 2003

Protein structure and function rely on a still not fully understood interplay of energetic and entropic constraints defined by the permutation of the twenty genetically encoded amino acids. Many attempts have been undertaken to design peptide–peptide interaction pairs and synthetic receptors de novo by using this limited number of building blocks. We describe a rational approach to creating a building block based on a tailored metal‐chelating amino acid. Nε,Nε‐bis(carboxymethyl)‐L‐lysine can be flexibly introduced into peptides by 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl solid‐phase chemistry. The corresponding metal‐chelating peptides act as metal sensors and synthetic receptors for histidine‐tagged proteins. These biochemical tweezers will open new ways to control protein–protein interactions, to design peptide‐based interaction pairs, or to generate switchable protein function.