bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone and 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Reduce Oxidative Stress-Related DNA Damage in Differentiating Osteoblasts
Authors: Pawlowska Elzbieta , Wysokiński Daniel , Tokarz Paulina , Piastowska-Ciesielska Agnieszka , Szczepanska Joanna , Blasiak Janusz
Published: September 2014

The process of osteoblast differentiation is regulated by several factors, including RUNX2. Recent reports suggest an involvement of RUNX2 in DNA damage response (DDR), which is important due to association of differentiation with oxidative stress. In the present work we explore the influence of two RUNX2 modifiers, dexamethasone (DEX) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D3), in DDR in differentiating MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts challenged by oxidative stress. The process of differentiation was associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH) reduced the rate of differentiation. The activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a marker of the process of osteoblasts differentiation, increased in a time-dependent manner and TBH further increased this activity. This may indicate that additional oxidative stress, induced by TBH, may accelerate the differentiation process. The cells displayed changes in the sensitivity to TBH in the course of differentiation. DEX increased ALP activity, but 1,25-D3 had no effect on it. These results suggest that DEX might stimulate the process of preosteoblasts differentiation. Finally, we observed a protective effect of DEX and 1,25-D3 against DNA damage induced by TBH, except the day 24 of differentiation, when DEX increased the extent of TBH-induced DNA damage. We conclude that oxidative stress is associated with osteoblasts differentiation and induce DDR, which may be modulated by RUNX2-modifiers, DEX and 1,25-D3.
Inhibitory Effects of Adlay Extract on Melanin Production and Cellular Oxygen Stress in B16F10 Melanoma Cells
Authors: Huang Huey-Chun , Hsieh Wan-Yu , Niu Yu-Lin , Chang Tsong-Min
Published: September 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of adlay extract on melanin production and the antioxidant characteristics of the extract. The seeds were extracted by the supercritical fluid CO2 extraction (SFE) method. The effect of adlay extract on melanin production was evaluated using mushroom tyrosinase activity assay, intracellular tyrosinase activity, antioxidant properties and melanin content. Those assays were performed spectrophotometrically. In addition, the expression of melanogenesis-related proteins was determined by western blotting. The results revealed that the adlay extract suppressed intracellular tyrosinase activity and decreased the amount of melanin in B16F10 cells. The adlay extract decreased the expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase, tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1) and tyrosinase related protein-2 (TRP-2). The extract also exhibited antioxidant characteristics such as free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power. It effectively decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in B16F10 cells. We concluded that the adlay extract inhibits melanin production by down-regulation of MITF, tyrosinase, TRP-1 and TRP-2. The antioxidant properties of the extract may also contribute to the inhibition of melanogenesis. The adlay extract can therefore be applied as an inhibitor of melanogenesis and could also act as a natural antioxidant in skin care products.
Sperm and Spermatids Contain Different Proteins and Bind Distinct Egg Factors
Authors: Teperek Marta , Miyamoto Kei , Simeone Angela , Feret Renata , Deery Michael , Gurdon John , Jullien Jerome
Published: September 2014

Spermatozoa are more efficient at supporting normal embryonic development than spermatids, their immature, immediate precursors. This suggests that the sperm acquires the ability to support embryonic development during spermiogenesis (spermatid to sperm maturation). Here, using Xenopus laevis as a model organism, we performed 2-D Fluorescence Difference Gel Electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and mass spectrometry analysis of differentially expressed proteins between sperm and spermatids in order to identify factors that could be responsible for the efficiency of the sperm to support embryonic development. Furthermore, benefiting from the availability of egg extracts in Xenopus, we also tested whether the chromatin of sperm could attract different egg factors compared to the chromatin of spermatids. Our analysis identified: (1) several proteins which were present exclusively in sperm; but not in spermatid nuclei and (2) numerous egg proteins binding to the sperm (but not to the spermatid chromatin) after incubation in egg extracts. Amongst these factors we identified many chromatin-associated proteins and transcriptional repressors. Presence of transcriptional repressors binding specifically to sperm chromatin could suggest its preparation for the early embryonic cell cycles, during which no transcription is observed and suggests that sperm chromatin has a unique protein composition, which facilitates the recruitment of egg chromatin remodelling factors. It is therefore likely that the acquisition of these sperm-specific factors during spermiogenesis makes the sperm chromatin suitable to interact with the maternal factors and, as a consequence, to support efficient embryonic development.
Matrix Structure Evolution and Nanoreinforcement Distribution in Mechanically Milled and Spark Plasma Sintered Al-SiC Nanocomposites
Authors: Saheb Nouari , Aliyu Ismaila , Hassan Syed , Al-Aqeeli Nasser
Published: September 2014

Development of homogenous metal matrix nanocomposites with uniform distribution of nanoreinforcement, preserved matrix nanostructure features, and improved properties, was possible by means of innovative processing techniques. In this work, Al-SiC nanocomposites were synthesized by mechanical milling and consolidated through spark plasma sintering. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) facility was used for the characterization of the extent of SiC particles’ distribution in the mechanically milled powders and spark plasma sintered samples. The change of the matrix crystallite size and lattice strain during milling and sintering was followed through X-ray diffraction (XRD). The density and hardness of the developed materials were evaluated as function of SiC content at fixed sintering conditions using a densimeter and a digital microhardness tester, respectively. It was found that milling for 24 h led to uniform distribution of SiC nanoreinforcement, reduced particle size and crystallite size of the aluminum matrix, and increased lattice strain. The presence and amount of SiC reinforcement enhanced the milling effect. The uniform distribution of SiC achieved by mechanical milling was maintained in sintered samples. Sintering led to the increase in the crystallite size of the aluminum matrix; however, it remained less than 100 nm in the composite containing 10 wt.% SiC. Density and hardness of sintered nanocomposites were reported and compared with those published in the literature.
Fabrication of Aluminum Foam-Filled Thin-Wall Steel Tube by Friction Welding and Its Compression Properties
Authors: Hangai Yoshihiko , Saito Masaki , Utsunomiya Takao , Kitahara Soichiro , Kuwazuru Osamu , Yoshikawa Nobuhiro
Published: September 2014

Aluminum foam has received considerable attention in various fields and is expected to be used as an engineering material owing to its high energy absorption properties and light weight. To improve the mechanical properties of aluminum foam, combining it with dense tubes, such as aluminum foam-filled tubes, was considered necessary. In this study, an aluminum foam-filled steel tube, which consisted of ADC12 aluminum foam and a thin-wall steel tube, was successfully fabricated by friction welding. It was shown that a diffusion bonding layer with a thickness of approximately 10 μm was formed, indicating that strong bonding between the aluminum foam and the steel tube was realized. By the X-ray computed tomography observation of pore structures, the fabrication of an aluminum foam-filled tube with almost uniform pore structures over the entire specimen was confirmed. In addition, it was confirmed that the aluminum foam-filled steel tube exhibited mechanical properties superior to those of the ADC12 aluminum foam and steel tube. This is considered to be attributed to the combination of the aluminum foam and steel tube, which particularly prevents the brittle fracture and collapse of the ADC12 foam by the steel tube, along with the strong metal bonding between the aluminum foam and the steel tube.
An Improved High Yield Total Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Study of the Marine Alkaloid Neoamphimedine: An ATP-Competitive Inhibitor of Topoisomerase IIα and Potent Anticancer Agent
Authors: Li Linfeng , Abraham Adedoyin , Zhou Qiong , Ali Hadi , O'Brien Jeremy , Hamill Brayden , Arcaroli John , Messersmith Wells , LaBarbera Daniel
Published: September 2014

Recently, we characterized neoamphimedine (neo) as an ATP-competitive inhibitor of the ATPase domain of human Topoisomerase IIα. Thus far, neo is the only pyridoacridine with this mechanism of action. One limiting factor in the development of neo as a therapeutic agent has been access to sufficient amounts of material for biological testing. Although there are two reported syntheses of neo, both require 12 steps with low overall yields (≤6%). In this article, we report an improved total synthesis of neo achieved in 10 steps with a 25% overall yield. In addition, we report an expanded cytotoxicity study using a panel of human cancer cell lines, including: breast, colorectal, lung, and leukemia. Neo displays potent cytotoxicity (nM IC50 values) in all, with significant potency against colorectal cancer (lowest IC50 = 6 nM). We show that neo is cytotoxic not cytostatic, and that neo exerts cytotoxicity by inducing G2-M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Rapid Identification of Coumarins from Micromelum falcatum by UPLC-HRMS/MS and Targeted Isolation of Three New Derivatives
Authors: Kouloura Eirini , Danika Eirini , Kim Sothea , Hoerlé Mélanie , Cuendet Muriel , Halabalaki Maria , Skaltsounis Leandros
Published: September 2014

Micromelum falcatum, a medicinal plant of the Rutaceae family, has been used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) mainly against colds and rheumatoid arthritis. Despite its traditional use the association of its constituents with possible anti-inflammatory activity has not been explored. During this study, a rapid UPLC-ESI(+)-HRMS method was developed for the profiling of M. falcatum leave extracts and the targeted isolation of coumarin constituents. Based on chromatographic, spectroscopic and spectrometric features several 7-oxygenated coumarin derivatives were detected. After targeted isolation, eight coumarins, among them three new natural products, namely microfalcrin, microcoumaririn and micromelosidester, were purified using semi-preparative HPLC and unambiguously identified by 1 and 2D NMR. Furthermore, important spectrometric characteristics were revealed based on the HRMS and HRMS/MS spectra of the isolated 7-oxygenated coumarins facilitating their identification in complex mixtures. Finally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts and representative compounds were evaluated by measuring the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory mediator NF-κB induction and nitric oxide (NO) production.
Are TiO2 Nanotubes Worth Using in Photocatalytic Purification of Air and Water?
Authors: Pichat Pierre
Published: September 2014

Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNT) have mainly been used in dye sensitized solar cells, essentially because of a higher transport rate of electrons from the adsorbed photo-excited dye to the Ti electrode onto which TNT instead of TiO2 nanoparticles (TNP) are attached. The dimension ranges and the two main synthesis methods of TNT are briefly indicated here. Not surprisingly, the particular and regular texture of TNT was also expected to improve the photocatalytic efficacy for pollutant removal in air and water with respect to TNP. In this short review, the validity of this expectation is checked using the regrettably small number of literature comparisons between TNT and commercialized TNP referring to films of similar thickness and layers or slurries containing an equal TiO2 mass. Although the irradiated geometrical area differed for each study, it was identical for each comparison considered here. For the removal of toluene (methylbenzene) or acetaldehyde (ethanal) in air, the average ratio of the efficacy of TNT over that of TiO2 P25 was about 1.5, and for the removal of dyes in water, it was around 1. This lack of major improvement with TNT compared to TNP could partially be due to TNT texture disorders as seems to be suggested by the better average performance of anodic oxidation-prepared TNT. It could also come from the fact that the properties influencing the efficacy are more numerous, their interrelations more complex and their effects more important for pollutant removal than for dye sensitized solar cells and photoelectrocatalysis where the electron transport rate is the crucial parameter.
Dietary Determinants of and Possible Solutions to Iron Deficiency for Young Women Living in Industrialized Countries: A Review
Authors: Beck Kathryn , Conlon Cathryn , Kruger Rozanne , Coad Jane
Published: September 2014

Iron deficiency is a concern in both developing and developed (industrialized) countries; and young women are particularly vulnerable. This review investigates dietary determinants of and possible solutions to iron deficiency in young women living in industrialized countries. Dietary factors including ascorbic acid and an elusive factor in animal protein foods (meat; fish and poultry) enhance iron absorption; while phytic acid; soy protein; calcium and polyphenols inhibit iron absorption. However; the effects of these dietary factors on iron absorption do not necessarily translate into an association with iron status and iron stores (serum ferritin concentration). In cross-sectional studies; only meat intake has consistently (positively) been associated with higher serum ferritin concentrations. The enhancing effects of ascorbic acid and meat on iron absorption may be negated by the simultaneous consumption of foods and nutrients which are inhibitory. Recent cross-sectional studies have considered the combination and timing of foods consumed; with mixed results. Dietary interventions using a range of focused dietary measures to improve iron status appear to be more effective than dietary approaches that focus on single nutrients or foods. Further research is needed to determine optimal dietary recommendations for both the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency.
Does Vitamin C Deficiency Affect Cognitive Development and Function?
Authors: Hansen Stine , Tveden-Nyborg Pernille , Lykkesfeldt Jens
Published: September 2014

Vitamin C is a pivotal antioxidant in the brain and has been reported to have numerous functions, including reactive oxygen species scavenging, neuromodulation, and involvement in angiogenesis. Absence of vitamin C in the brain has been shown to be detrimental to survival in newborn SVCT2(−/−) mice and perinatal deficiency have shown to reduce hippocampal volume and neuron number and cause decreased spatial cognition in guinea pigs, suggesting that maternal vitamin C deficiency could have severe consequences for the offspring. Furthermore, vitamin C deficiency has been proposed to play a role in age-related cognitive decline and in stroke risk and severity. The present review discusses the available literature on effects of vitamin C deficiency on the developing and aging brain with particular focus on in vivo experimentation and clinical studies.
Barrier Properties of Polylactic Acid in Cellulose Based Packages Using Montmorillonite as Filler
Authors: Aldana Daniela , Villa Eduardo , De Dios Hernández Miguel , Sánchez Guillermo , Cruz Quintín , Gallardo Sergio , Castillo Hilda , Casarrubias Lourdes
Published: September 2014

Polylactic acid (PLA) and montmorillonite (CB) as filler were studied as coatings for cellulose based packages. Amorphous (AM) and semi crystalline (SC) PLA were used at different concentrations according to a 2 × 6 × 3 full factorial experimental design. CB loading was three concentrations and coating was performed by casting. Contact angle (CA), water vapor (WVP) and grease permeabilities were measured for each resultant package and were compared to commercial materials (Glassine Paper, Grease Proof Papers 1 and 2 produced commercially). Significant differences were found and the main factors were the type and concentration of PLA. The best values were: for grease penetration, +1800 s; WVP from 161.36 to 237.8 g·µm·kPa−1·m−2·d−1 and CA from 69° to 73° for PLA–AM 0.5% and CB variable. These parameters are comparable to commercial packages used in the food industry. DSC revealed three different thermal events for PLA–SC and just Tg for PLA–AM. Crystallinity was also verified, obtaining a ΔHcrys of 3.7 J·g−1 for PLA–SC and 14 J·g−1 for PLA–SC–BC, evidencing clay interaction as a crystal nucleating agent. Differences found were explained on terms of the properties measured, where structural and chemical arrays of the coatings play a fundamental role for the barrier properties.
Can I Trust My One-Class Classification?
Authors: Mack Benjamin , Roscher Ribana , Waske Björn
Published: September 2014

Contrary to binary and multi-class classifiers, the purpose of a one-class classifier for remote sensing applications is to map only one specific land use/land cover class of interest. Training these classifiers exclusively requires reference data for the class of interest, while training data for other classes is not required. Thus, the acquisition of reference data can be significantly reduced. However, one-class classification is fraught with uncertainty and full automatization is difficult, due to the limited reference information that is available for classifier training. Thus, a user-oriented one-class classification strategy is proposed, which is based among others on the visualization and interpretation of the one-class classifier outcomes during the data processing. Careful interpretation of the diagnostic plots fosters the understanding of the classification outcome, e.g., the class separability and suitability of a particular threshold. In the absence of complete and representative validation data, which is the fact in the context of a real one-class classification application, such information is valuable for evaluation and improving the classification. The potential of the proposed strategy is demonstrated by classifying different crop types with hyperspectral data from Hyperion.
Radiometric Calibration Methodology of the Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor
Authors: Montanaro Matthew , Lunsford Allen , Tesfaye Zelalem , Wenny Brian , Reuter Dennis
Published: September 2014

The science-focused mission of the Landsat 8 Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS) requires that it have an accurate radiometric calibration. A calibration methodology was developed to convert the raw output from the instrument into an accurate at-aperture radiance. The methodology is based on measurements obtained during component-level and instrument-level characterization testing. The radiometric accuracy from the pre-flight measurements was estimated to be approximately 0.7%. The calibration parameters determined pre-flight were updated during the post-launch checkout period by utilizing the on-board calibration sources and Earth scene data. These relative corrections were made to adjust for differences between the pre-flight and the on-orbit performance of the instrument, thereby correcting large striping artifacts observed in Earth imagery. Despite this calibration correction, banding artifacts (low frequency variation in the across-track direction) have been observed in certain uniform Earth scenes, but not in other uniform scenes. In addition, the absolute calibration performance determined from vicarious measurements have revealed a time-varying error to the absolute radiance reported by TIRS. These issues were determined to not be caused by the calibration process developed for the instrument. Instead, an investigation has revealed that stray light is affecting the recorded signal from the Earth. The varying optical stray light effect is an ongoing subject of evaluation and investigation, and a correction strategy is being devised that will be added to the calibration process.
Comparison of Latent Heat Flux Using Aerodynamic Methods and Using the Penman–Monteith Method with Satellite-Based Surface Energy Balance
Authors: Dhungel Ramesh , Allen Richard , Trezza Ricardo , Robison Clarence
Published: September 2014

A surface energy balance was conducted to calculate the latent heat flux (λE) using aerodynamic methods and the Penman–Monteith (PM) method. Computations were based on gridded weather and Landsat satellite reflected and thermal data. The surface energy balance facilitated a comparison of impacts of different parameterizations and assumptions, while calculating λE over large areas through the use of remote sensing. The first part of the study compares the full aerodynamic method for estimating latent heat flux against the appropriately parameterized PM method with calculation of bulk surface resistance (rs). The second part of the study compares the appropriately parameterized PM method against the PM method, with various relaxations on parameters. This study emphasizes the use of separate aerodynamic equations (latent heat flux and sensible heat flux) against the combined Penman–Monteith equation to calculate λE when surface temperature (Ts) is much warmer than air temperature (Ta), as will occur under water stressed conditions. The study was conducted in southern Idaho for a 1000-km2 area over a range of land use classes and for two Landsat satellite overpass dates. The results show discrepancies in latent heat flux (λE) values when the PM method is used with simplifications and relaxations, compared to the appropriately parameterized PM method and full aerodynamic method. Errors were particularly significant in areas of sparse vegetation where differences between Ts and Ta were high. The maximum RMSD between the correct PM method and simplified PM methods was about 56 W/m2 in sparsely vegetated sagebrush desert where the same surface resistance was applied.
A Comparison of Model-Assisted Estimators to Infer Land Cover/Use Class Area Using Satellite Imagery
Authors: Li Yizhan , Zhu Xiufang , Pan Yaozhong , Gu Jianyu , Zhao Anzhou , Liu Xianfeng
Published: September 2014

Remote sensing provides timely, economic, and objective data over a large area and has become the main data source for land cover/use area estimation. However, the classification results cannot be directly used to calculate the area of a given land cover/use type because of classification errors. The main purpose of this study is to explore the performance and stability of several model-assisted estimators in various overall accuracies of classification and sampling fractions. In this study, the confusion matrix calibration direct estimator, confusion matrix calibration inverse estimator, ratio estimator, and simple regression estimator were implemented to infer the areas of several land cover classes using simple random sampling without replacement in two experiments: a case study using simulation data based on RapidEye images and that using actual RapidEye and Huan Jing (HJ)-1A images. In addition, the simple estimator using a simple random sample without replacement was regarded as a basic estimator. The comparison results suggested that the confusion matrix calibration estimators, ratio estimator, and simple regression estimator could provide more accurate and stable estimates than the simple random sampling estimator. In addition, high-quality classification data played a positive role in the estimation, and the confusion matrix inverse estimators were more sensitive to the classification accuracy. In the simulated experiment, the average deviation of a confusion matrix calibration inverse estimator decreased by about 0.195 with the increasing overall accuracy of classification; otherwise, the variation of the other three model-assisted estimators was 0.102. Moreover, the simple regression estimator was slightly superior to the confusion matrix calibration estimators and required fewer sample units under acceptable classification accuracy levels of 70%–90%.
In-Flight Estimation of Center of Gravity Position Using All-Accelerometers
Authors: Al-Rawashdeh Yazan , Elshafei Moustafa , Al-Malki Mohammad
Published: September 2014

Changing the position of the Center of Gravity (CoG) for an aerial vehicle is a challenging part in navigation, and control of such vehicles. In this paper, an all-accelerometers-based inertial measurement unit is presented, with a proposed method for on-line estimation of the position of the CoG. The accelerometers’ readings are used to find and correct the vehicle’s angular velocity and acceleration using an Extended Kalman Filter. Next, the accelerometers’ readings along with the estimated angular velocity and acceleration are used in an identification scheme to estimate the position of the CoG and the vehicle’s linear acceleration. The estimated position of the CoG and motion measurements can then be used to update the control rules to achieve better trim conditions for the air vehicle.
Autonomous Navigation System Using a Fuzzy Adaptive Nonlinear H∞ Filter
Authors: Outamazirt Fariz , Li Fu , Yan Lin , Nemra Abdelkrim
Published: September 2014

Although nonlinear H∞ (NH∞) filters offer good performance without requiring assumptions concerning the characteristics of process and/or measurement noises, they still require additional tuning parameters that remain fixed and that need to be determined through trial and error. To address issues associated with NH∞ filters, a new SINS/GPS sensor fusion scheme known as the Fuzzy Adaptive Nonlinear H∞ (FANH∞) filter is proposed for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) localization problem. Based on a real-time Fuzzy Inference System (FIS), the FANH∞ filter continually adjusts the higher order of the Taylor development thorough adaptive bounds and adaptive disturbance attenuation , which significantly increases the UAV localization performance. The results obtained using the FANH∞ navigation filter are compared to the NH∞ navigation filter results and are validated using a 3D UAV flight scenario. The comparison proves the efficiency and robustness of the UAV localization process using the FANH∞ filter.
Contribution of Viral Mimics of Cellular Genes to KSHV Infection and Disease
Authors: Sakakibara Shuhei , Tosato Giovanna
Published: September 2014

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, also named Human herpesvirus 8 HHV-8) is the cause of Kaposi sarcoma (KS), the most common malignancy in HIV-infected individuals worldwide, primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and multicentric Castleman disease (MCD). KSHV is a double-stranded DNA virus that encodes several homologues of cellular proteins. The structural similarity between viral and host proteins explains why some viral homologues function as their host counterparts, but sometimes at unusual anatomical sites and inappropriate times. In other cases, structural modification in the viral proteins can suppress or override the function of the host homologue, contributing to KSHV-related diseases. For example, viral IL-6 (vIL-6) is sufficiently different from human IL-6 to activate gp130 signaling independent of the α subunit. As a consequence, vIL-6 can activate many cell types that are unresponsive to cellular IL-6, contributing to MCD disease manifestations. Here, we discuss the molecular biology of KSHV homologues of cellular products as conduits of virus/host interaction with a focus on identifying new strategies for therapy of KS and other KSHV-related diseases.
Indium-mediated allylation in carbohydrate synthesis: A short and efficient approach towards higher 2-acetamido-2-deoxy sugars
Authors: Albler Christopher , Hollaus Ralph , Kählig Hanspeter , Schmid Walther
Published: September 2014

Higher aminosugars are interesting targets in carbohydrate synthesis since these compounds play important roles in biological systems. However, their availability from natural sources is limited. Thus, in order to investigate their biological function, the development of facile and adaptable routes to this class of compounds is of fundamental importance. Our synthetic route towards these target molecules makes use of readily accessible pentoses and hexoses, which are subjected to indium-mediated two-carbon chain elongation. Subsequent ozonolysis and treatment with base yields α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, which are stereoselectively epoxidized using Jørgenson’s protocol. After Wittig chain elongation the obtained allylic epoxides were regio- and stereoselectively opened with trimethylsilyl azide under palladium catalysis. Finally, a suitable deprotection protocol, starting with acidic acetate cleavage and ozonolysis was established. Peracetylation of the products simplifies purification and subsequent azide reduction followed by final deacetylation using methanolic sodium methoxide furnishes the title compounds.
État de la recherche sur le suicide au travail en France : une perspective juridique
Authors: Lerouge Loïc
Published: September 2014

Le suicide lié au travail est une question aujourd’hui essentielle en matière de conditions de travail, mais très difficile à saisir en des termes juridiques. Malgré des dispositifs et une approche jurisprudentielle à l’application extensive, le droit de la prévention des risques au travail peine pourtant à encadrer comme il se doit de tels actes. En revanche, le suicide devient plus facilement saisissable par le jeu de la réparation, hélas une fois l’acte suicidaire commis. La reconnaissance de l’accident du travail et de la faute inexcusable de l’employeur met ainsi en exergue l’échec des politiques de prévention tout en soulignant les difficultés attenantes à la preuve de la causalité avec le travail.
Introducing a scansion machine for Dutch poetry and prose
Authors: Van Oostendorp Marc
Published: September 2014

This paper looks into the possibility that the rhythm present in poetry is the same that characterizes natural languages. This hypothesis, although attractive, faces serious problems such as the tremendous amount of data necessary to reach any valid conclusion and the fact that certain poetic traditions may deviate from the rhythm expected in a certain language. In order to tentatively test whether there is a relationship between the rhythmic properties of a certain language and its poetry we selected Dutch, a stress-timed language, and we took modern Dutch metric poetry as the object of study. Then, we created a tool that finds regular patterns of stressed and unstressed syllables in iambic pentameters and we compared our results to those of de Groot (1936). Finally, we discussed what factors could influence the noticeable findings for the beginning and the end of the studied verses and whether these findings could be the same for Dutch prose texts.
Causality between Credit Deposit Ratio and Credit Share in Major Indian States during 1972 -2008
Authors: Das Ramesh Chandra , Dinda Soumyananda
Published: September 2014

The Indian economy has undergone different structural shifting in its history of development since 1947. One major break was the liberalization of the economy in the period 1991-92 and the reforms in the banking and financial sectors deserved a special attention in the study. The banking sector reform was done under the intention to make more investible banking funds for real investment to raise credit-deposit ratio along with proper allocation of banking funds to all the states so that share of credit of each state is balanced. Literature shows the falling tendency of credit-deposit ratio in the immediate decade after the reform and the rising tendency of divergence in credit possession among the states. At the same time, the states lacking in credit-deposit ratio are either with higher, lower, or moderate shares of credits. This study, hence, tried to examine the direction of causalities between credit-deposit ratio and credit share for the major 16 states of India. Using the time series econometrics technique, this study found 4 states where the causality works for the entire period and less than half of the state where causality works in either pre-reform or post-reform periods.
The State-Based Factors Affecting Inward FDI Employment in the US
Authors: Kornecki Lucyna , Ekanayake E. M.
Published: September 2014

The descriptive part of this research focuses on the latest trends in US inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and describes the US inward FDI flows and stock as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and includes geographic and sectoral distribution of inward US FDI. The important part of US inward FDI profile relates to inward US FDI employment and inward US FDI financial flows, which include equity, reinvested earnings, and intercompany debt. The corporate players, Mergers and Acquisitions(M&A's) and green field investment are discussed briefly. The empirical part of this research investigates state-based factors affecting the inward FDI employment among 50 states of the United States and is based on data collected by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). This study identifies several state-specific determinants of FDI employment. The results indicate that the major factors exerting positive impact on inward US FDI employment are: real wages, infrastructure, unionization level, educational attainment, FDI stock, and manufacturing density. In addition, the results show that gross state product growth rate, real per capita taxes has negative impact on FDI employment.
IT Security Governance in E-Banking
Authors: Tsiakis Theodosios , Kargidis Theodoros , Chatzipoulidis Aristeidis
Published: September 2014

Most industries have been influenced in different ways by e-commerce, and the banking industry is no exception. Particularly, banks are embracing electronic banking (e-banking) as a service to reach a wider market share, increase customer satisfaction and lower operational costs. This increased supply and demand in e-banking services has caused not only opportunities but also risks. The need to manage and regulate those risks calls for a sound Information Technology Security Governance (ITSG) program as means to deliver value business and mitigate Information Technology (IT) risks. In this regard, the chapter's objectives are to explore, evaluate, and compare the current status and characteristics of Information Security Governance (ISG) approaches for e-banking. Therefore, the authors focus on an analysis of reputed best standards, guidelines on governance, risk management methods, and internal controls currently used for e-banking as means to research which satisfies best ISG objectives. Results show that banks should not be restricted to currently used approaches to ISG for e-banking but should take into consideration benefits and shortcomings other approaches possess. In this regard, the authors propose an ITSG framework for e-banking as a continuous process for assuring ISG objectives. They also highlight the importance of consistent measurement of metrics of ITSG performance with the aid of security content automation protocol.
Drop-Out Risk Measurement of E-Banking Customers
Authors: Lara-Rubio Juan , Martínez-Fiestas Myriam , Cortés-Romero Antonio M.
Published: September 2014

During the last decade, the national financial markets have shown a great transformation that has failed to reduce the high rate of existing banking in spite of the current financial crisis. This high level of competition makes financial institutions concerned about the loyalty of their customers to maintain or increase their market share and profitability. In this chapter, the authors propose a statistical model that measures the risk of customers dropping out of a Spanish financial institution, and this is a widespread method for the financial sector in general. The risk depends on socio-demographic and economic factors, as well as—most importantly—on the levels of satisfaction and trust that the bank produces in customers. Research shows that the proposed model can help institutions to know which customers have a greater risk of dropping out and, therefore, establish some recommendations for their loyalty.
Modeling the FX Market Traders' Behavior
Authors: Aloud Monira , Tsang Edward , Olsen Richard
Published: September 2014

In this chapter, the authors use an Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) approach to model trading behavior in the Foreign Exchange (FX) market. They establish statistical properties (stylized facts) of the traders' trading behavior in the FX market using a high-frequency dataset of anonymised OANDA individual traders' historical transactions on an account level spanning 2.25 years. Using the identified stylized facts of real FX market traders' behavior, the authors evaluate the collective behavior of the trading agents in resembling the collective behavior of the FX market traders. The study identifies the conditions under which the stylized facts of trading agents' collective behaviors resemble those for the real FX market traders' collective behavior. The authors perform an exploration of the market's features in order to identify the conditions under which the stylized facts emerge.
Enhancement of Efficiency and Effectiveness in Banking through CRM Systems
Authors: Gupta Priya , Singh Kanhaiya , Kainth Jyoti
Published: September 2014

Financial Services Industry in India is experiencing robust growth and intensity of competition unlimited by geographical operations and multiple methods of service delivery, witnessed by the ever dynamic and increasing role of Information Technology (IT). Relationship Marketing has replaced traditional Transactional Marketing and in this direction, the concept and tools of customer relationship management (CRM) have become significantly important. This research paper examines the multi-fold impact of CRM systems on the growth and efficiency of plethora of banking operations. This empirical study is based on descriptive research design using questionnaire as the key research instrument. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and Stepwise regression and chi-square were used to test the research hypotheses. Cross selling helps to retaining the customer and give more than one platform to engage with the client. It also gives employees an opportunity to learn various non-related products for their skill development for career progression. Banks can improve their efficiency by structured and scientific approach towards cross selling through implementation of CRM tools. Desired results can be obtained by training staff on various products and close tracking on sales process.
Monetary Policy Instruments and Bank Risks in China
Authors: Geng Zhongyuan , Zhai Xue
Published: September 2014

The authors use a panel data regression model to examine the effects of main monetary policy instruments on commercial bank risks in China from 1998 to 2011. The interest rate has a positive effect on bank risk while the interest rate margin, the reserve requirement ratio and open market operation have a negative effect. Among the three monetary policy instruments, the reserve requirement ratio has the greatest effect on bank risk, the interest rate (the interest rate margin) the second largest and the open market operation the weakest. Their findings provide guidance to the monetary authority and regulatory authorities in monetary policy and banking regulation in China.
ICT Investments and Management for Organizations
Authors: Angelou Georgios N. , Economides Anastasios A.
Published: September 2014

Developing the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) strategy that supports the overall organization's business strategy is critical for generating business value. Recognizing the inadequacy of traditional quantitative cost-benefits analysis for evaluating and managing ICT investments, researchers suggest multi-criteria analysis, integrating quantitative and qualitative modeling. This chapter introduces the Balance Scorecard (BS) decision analysis framework and combines it with Real Options (ROs) analysis, in a qualitative and quantitative perspective, for modeling the business flexibility as well as for evaluating and controlling the ICT investments strategy. The multi-criteria ROs modeling applies to all perspectives of the BS framework providing a holistic decision-making model for ICT business.
Multi-Agent Financial Network (MAFN) Model of US Collateralized Debt Obligations (CDO)
Authors: Markose Sheri M. , Oluwasegun Bewaji , Giansante Simone
Published: September 2014

A database driven multi-agent model has been developed with automated access to US bank level FDIC Call Reports that yield data on balance sheet and off balance sheet activity, respectively, in Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS) and Credit Default Swaps (CDS). The simultaneous accumulation of RMBS assets on US banks' balance sheets and also large counterparty exposures from CDS positions characterized the $2 trillion Collateralized Debt Obligation (CDO) market. The latter imploded at the end of 2007 with large scale systemic risk consequences. Based on US FDIC bank data, that could have been available to the regulator at the time, the authors investigate how a CDS negative carry trade combined with incentives provided by Basel II and its precursor in the US, the Joint Agencies Rule 66 Federal Regulation No. 56914, which became effective on January 1, 2002, on synthetic securitization and Credit Risk Transfer (CRT), led to the unsustainable trends and systemic risk. The resultant market structure with heavy concentration in CDS activity involving 5 US banks can be shown to present too interconnected to fail systemic risk outcomes. The simulation package can generate the financial network of obligations of the US banks in the CDS market. The authors aim to show how such a Multi-Agent Financial Network (MAFN) model is well suited to monitor bank activity and to stress test policy for perverse incentives on an ongoing basis.
Self-Service Technology Banking Preferences
Authors: Elgahwash Fouad Omran , Freeman Mark Bruce
Published: September 2014

Technology-enabled banking services are currently being implemented in developing countries. This research examines how citizens of developing countries adapt to these changes in their banking services. Technological expansion has been occurring in the Arabic region since the 1980s; however, the focus has been on trade and services offered by industries. The banking sector is an information intensive industry and should be at the forefront of advanced use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). The banking sector has started to utilize technology-enabled services through the Internet and mobile devices, with the goal of improving customer relationships by empowering customers. One common trend is increasing the use of self-service technologies, which are facilitated by ICTs. This study discusses how Libyan banks should focus their technology strategies to relate to customers, reduce costs and improve services, achieved through the use of a survey completed by customers who have become accustomed to technology-enabled banking services in the developed world. The current availability of technology-enabled banking services in Libya is limited. This paper presents a comparative review of the use of technology-enabled banking services by Libyans when they are in Libya and whilst they are in Australia (a foreign developed country where Libyans are furthering their education).
An Investigation of Greek Firms' Compliance to IFRS Mandatory Disclosure Requirements
Authors: Ballas Apostolos , Sykianakis Nicos , Tzovas Christos , Vassilakopoulos Constantinos
Published: September 2014

The paper investigates the compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements and ultimately the quality of financial statements. Using a checklist based on the IFRS disclosure requirements, a compliance score was calculated for a sample of 58 listed, non-finance, Greek firms for the 2006 and 2008 financial statements. Disclosure compliance was measured under the “dichotomous approach” and the “partial compliance unweighted method”. Subsequently, univariate tests and a multivariate regression model were used to investigate what firm characteristics are related with disclosure compliance. Closely-held firms exhibit higher compliance rate, while disclosure compliance is not associated with firms' profitability, leverage and size. There is a positive association between the engagement of a Big-4 international auditing firm and the compliance rate. This study can be of interest to accounting regulators who set disclosure requirements and capital market participants by providing indication regarding Greek firms' compliance with IFRS disclosure requirements. In addition, it examines the disclosure compliance with the important disclosure items of all IFRS rather than focusing in the disclosure items of specific IFRS. By adopting both approaches proposed in literature for measuring compliance, the authors enhance the robustness of the findings of this study, while the authors provide empirical evidence concerning the extent to which the two approaches provide significantly different results. The authors found that the two methods do not produce significantly different results.
Managing Customer Knowledge in Service Economy
Authors: Pandey Satyendra C. , Shukla Mahendra Kumar , Maurya Upendra K.
Published: September 2014

In the age of service and knowledge economy, firms have realized that obtaining, managing, and sharing customer knowledge can be a valuable resource to have advantages over their competitors. However, the review of the literature of Customer Knowledge Management (CKM) area suggests that firms often fail in applying the true notion of CKM, thinking it only as a new technological innovation related to IT. Moreover, the terms Knowledge Management (KM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and Customer Knowledge Management (CKM) are not well differentiated in the extant academic literature. This chapter aims to present a conceptual differentiation between these terms by analyzing and comparing the various components of KM, CRM, and CKM. The effort has been made in the chapter to map CKM practices in the Indian service market by presenting case studies of two Indian commercial banks. The authors also made an attempt to propose a conceptual framework of CKM, which can be applied in service firms to successfully implement CKM practices in their organizations.
Impact of Microfinance Bank Credit Scheme
Authors: Asogwa Benjamin Chijioke , Ater Peter Iorhon , Yakubu Sani Madi
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to examine impact of microfinance bank credit scheme on maize farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria, using data from 90 randomly sampled maize farmers in Gombe State. The study showed that majority of the respondents (53.33%) accessed amount of credit ranging between 30,000 and less than 50,000 Naira. Majority of the farmers (85.56%) used their credit for the purpose of farm production. Majority of respondents (58.89%) recorded in increase in maize output as result of the intervention of the microfinance credit scheme. Majority of the respondents (86.67%) repaid credit collected. The microfinance credit scheme intervention significantly improved the output and income of the respondents. Ineffective organizational structure of the credit institutions constituted the major constraint in accessing microfinance credits. Microfinance credit facilities extended to the farmers should be improved upon in both quantity and quality. The organizational structure of microfinance institutions should be reorganized to reduce bottlenecks in accessing credits.