bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La persistencia del efecto de agenda setting de la TV abierta : Análisis longitudinal agregado e individual del rol de los noticiarios en la percepción de los chilenos sobre los principales problemas del país entre 2001 y 2016
Authors:   , Grassau Daniela
Published: January 2024

A la luz de los postulados de la teoría de agenda setting (Mc Combs, Shaw y Weaver, 2014; McCombs y Valenzuela, 2021), esta tesis analiza de qué manera fluctuó durante los primeros 16 años del siglo XXI en Chile el impacto de la priorización temática de la televisión abierta sobre la jerarquización que la opinión pública realiza sobre los principales problemas del país, tanto a nivel agregado como a nivel individual. En otras palabras, se pregunta si el efecto de establecimiento de agenda de la TV chilena sobre la agenda del público disminuyó o no con el paso del tiempo en ese periodo y cuáles son los principales factores a nivel individual que se relacionan con una mayor/menor susceptibilidad a la TV. Siguiendo los principales trabajos sobre agenda setting a nivel mundial, la metodología utilizada combinó las dos técnicas clásicas utilizadas para medir la agenda de los medios y del público entre 2001 y 2016: análisis de contenido cuantitativo (base de datos de noticiarios centrales de TV abierta de la SECOM) y encuestas representativas (Encuesta CEP). Para analizar de manera agregada las tendencias se compararon las agendas de los medios y del público en los mismos períodos a través de correlaciones Spearman y series de tiempo (TSCS). A nivel individual se trabajó a partir de modelos de regresión multivariados. Si bien existentes antecedentes teóricos que hacen presuponer una disminución de la influencia de la TV en la población como fijador de agenda (Neumann et al., 2016, 2018), esta tesis plantea y demuestra que en el caso chileno –al menos hasta 2016– este se mantuvo estable y sostiene que lo anterior, se debe, entre otras cosas a la posición destacada que la población chilena da a la TV abierta como el principal medio para informarse (CNTV, 2016). Los datos dan cuenta de que, en el periodo estudiado pese al creciente aumento del uso de nuevos medios en Chile, existió una correlación positiva y relativamente estable y persistente entre ambas agendas. La magnitud y direccionalidad de la relación entre agendas, sin embargo, no es igual para todos los subgrupos de la población y se observan interesantes diferencias por edad, nivel socioeconómico y al distinguir por cohortes (según año de nacimiento). Adicionalmente a las variables sociodemográficas estudiadas, esta tesis analizó la influencia de variables de involucramiento político y, siguiendo la lógica planteada por Zaller (1992, 2014) concluyó que el impacto de la agenda de la TV disminuye en aquellos subgrupos que manifiestas comportamientos asociados a un mayor interés político. En ellos, su priorización temática no se ve significativamente influida por la agenda de la TV abierta.
Mismos caminos, diferentes destinos: interacciones entre dificultades económicas de infancia y trayectorias de comportamientos de salud en la vida adulta sobre la salud cardiovascular en la vejez
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Instituto de Sociología, Díaz Recart Federico
Published: January 2024

El presente estudio reconstruyó trayectorias de comportamientos de salud seguidos por individuos a lo largo de su vida adulta en los dominios de ejercicio físico, consumo de tabaco y alcohol, y estrés laboral y familiar para posteriormente evaluar cómo interactúan estas trayectorias con las condiciones económicas de infancia en su relación con la salud cardiovascular en la vejez. Se utilizó un conjunto robusto de datos de historias de vida y análisis de secuencia y regresión logística, analizando una cohorte de individuos nacida entre 1944 y 1954, representativa de Santiago de Chile. Los resultados indican que trayectorias de ejercicio físico constante a lo largo de la vida conducen a una mejor salud cardiovascular sólo en individuos que no experimentan dificultades económicas de infancia, mientras que en individuos que sí experimentan dificultades de infancia las trayectorias que se asocian a una mejor salud cardiovascular en la vejez son aquellas caracterizadas por un incremento de actividad física durante la adultez tardía. Además, un entorno familiar libre de estrés es un factor protector a los efectos nocivos del estrés laboral sólo en individuos que no experimentan dificultades económicas de infancia. Considerando que las estrategias de prevención de enfermedades cardiovasculares se focalizan en promover hábitos de vida sana, es importante considerar que las trayectorias de comportamientos de salud pueden variar en su relación con la salud cardiovascular según experiencias económicas de la vida temprana.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND US FOREIGN POLICY
Authors: GRUSZKO Katarzyna
Published: January 2024

Human rights are fundamental elements of the post–World War II world order, and in contemporary international relations. They constitute the moral base of the West, which, through the system of international institutions, has been implemented all over the world. Treated as universal, they constitute a bridge between the West – and, above all, the United States – and the rest of the world, in a moment of changes in the global order. The aim of this paper is not to analyze these changes, but to show how human rights happen to be politicized and what the consequences may be. The position and foreign policy of the United States as the architect of the liberal order after World War II, and its care for human rights in an era of global changes at the beginning of the 21st century, seem to be of key importance for international policy on the fate of humanity.
THE SECURITY OF A MINOR IN MEDIATION PROCEEDINGS ON FAMILY MATTERS
Authors: PURC-KUROWICKA Katarzyna
Published: January 2024

This article attempts to scientifically examine issues related to the safety of a minor participating in family mediation. The main part aims to present the benefits of a minor’s participation in mediation, and to analyze the arguments against this. The study also aims to assess whether Polish regulations regarding family mediation are appropriate and sufficient for adequate protection of the safety and rights of minors in mediation proceedings. Is it necessary and justified for a minor to participate in mediation proceedings to end a family dispute? When making decisions in this regard, not only is the age of the minor important, but also the fact that minors, due to their physical, mental, emotional, and intellectual immaturity, require special protection and treatment. For this reason, the article also describes the role the mediator should play in guaranteeing the minor’s rights, while satisfying their need for security in the family.
Hospital Waste Management and Disposal Methods: A Case Study of Federal Medical Center (FMC), Owo, Nigeria
Authors: Adekemi Olusa , Michael Oladele
Published: January 2024

Waste has been defined as any product or material that is not useful to the owner. Hospital waste has been categorized by (WHO) as infectious and non-infectious. Improper waste management  can deface the physical environment also another prominent issues that cannot be overlooked is the exposure of cleaners, health workers and patients to health risk such as hospital acquired infection, transfusion transmitted diseases, rising incidences of hepatitis B, and HIV, respiratory tract infection among others. Inadequate funding has led to shortage of facilities and human resources, poor land use planning and developmental control. This paper therefore assesses the hospital waste management and the disposal methods in the Federal Medical Centre, Owo with a view to suggesting measures to improve effective waste management that will promote safety and conducive physical environment. This study adopted survey research design, primary and secondary data were sourced, a total of 269 sets of questionnaires was distributed, while 260 were retrieved. The study revealed that the waste management practices in the study area were not satisfactory, as indiscriminate dumping of infectious wastes and poor handling were found in the study area Also findings reveals that average hospital waste generated for FMC Owo was 1.4-1.8kg waste per bed/day. Hazardous waste accounted for 21.7% waste generated in the study area. Most of the wastes generated in the study area are not properly segregated. This study recommends urgent need for raising awareness and education on hospital waste issues. Also, environmental health department are advised to make plans and introduce necessary policies for the proper collection and safe disposal of hospital waste.
Oral Hygiene Index in Children with Stainless Steel Crowns in the Permanent Molars
Authors: Karthik V. , Subramanian E. M. G
Published: January 2024

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the oral hygiene index in children with stainless steel crowns in the permanent molars.

Introduction: Dental caries is a common disease, especially in children. Stainless steel crowns are used for the rehabilitation of carious molars to restore form and function either after root canal treatment or when caries is multi surface. Plaque and debris accumulates around these crowns if children fail to maintain it properly. Oral Hygiene Index shows patient’s oral hygiene and the presence of plaque on the surface of the teeth.

Materials and Method: This was a retrospective study conducted in a private dental institution in Chennai. The data was collected from the digital archives information system. 100 patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. The data analysis was performed using SPSS software .The chi square test and pearson correlation was done. p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Result: 24 patients had the OHIS score of 1.5, 18 patients had the OHIS score of 2, 24 patients had the OHIS score of 2.5,18 patients had the OHIS score of 3, 16 patients had the OHIS score of 1. Boys had higher OHI scores compared to girls.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that 40% children had good oral hygiene scores. Girls had better oral hygiene scores compared to boys. Oral hygiene instructions should be given to children with stainless steel crowns to prevent the spread of caries and gingival diseases to adjacent teeth.
Application of Remote Sensing and GIS in Assessing Land Use Land Cover Changes in Morshi Taluk, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Sunil B. H.  , Dash Benukantha , Haokip Immanuel C. , Tiwari Gopal , Sudhakara N. R.
Published: January 2024

The rapid growth of the population and human activities on Earth is significantly altering the natural environment. Consequently, this paper endeavours to assess and delineate changes in Land Use/Land Cover in Morshi Taluk, Amravati District. The research was focused on application of remote sensing and GIS in assessing LULC changes in Morshi Taluk from the years 2014 to 2022. The LULC maps for these years were generated through supervised classification, employing both the maximum likelihood algorithm and a multi-sectoral supervised classification algorithm tailored to Landsat sensor data. The Extract by Mask tool was employed to isolate the desired location, followed by the application of image classification tools using various band combinations, such as false-colour composite (5,4,3). The classification scheme for LULC was executed based on Landsat 8 TM satellite images. Research found that major changes happened in urban area, water body, agriculture area and waste land. Here, in 2014, the built-up area constituted 1.67% of the total land, experiencing an increase of approximately 0.7% by 2022. Over the decade, the agricultural (crop land) area decreased by 2.98%, while waste land, representing 4.96% of the total area in 2014, increased by nearly 0.34% by 2022. The water body, constituting 3.94% of the total area, increased by almost 1.94% over the same period.  Analysis of LULC trend of Morshi will help to understand and take necessary action to the line department to reduce the impacts of LULC changes as well as provide change scenario and which will be help to appropriate land use planning and management of Morshi Taluk.
Perancangan Logo sebagai Bagian dari Brand Identity UMKM “Laris Rest Area” dengan Pendekatan Semiotika
Authors: Purnamasari Kartika Prasetya , Deta Raphael Ramanandha Putra , Fernandes Pedro , Prawiromaruto Ian Griffin
Published: January 2024

Beriringan dengan program pemerintah yang mendukung berkembangnya jiwa bisnis masyarakat, maka persaingan antar Usaha Mikro Kecil Menengah (UMKM) semakin kompetitif. Sehingga setiap UMKM perlu membangun identitas kuat dan jelas sebagai pembeda dengan merek lain. Sebagai UMKM di bidang kuliner yang baru saja dirintis, Laris Rest Area tentu memerlukan identitas merek yang mampu mengenalkan, membedakan, dan menanamkan citra pada calon konsumen. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan brand identity yang berfokus pada UMKM Laris Rest Area di Karanganyar, Jawa Tengah melalui perancangan logo. Perancangan logo dilakukan menggunakan pendekatan trikotomi bertingkat semiotika Charles Sanders Peirce. Trikotomi bertingkat menjadi sarana untuk menghasilkan strategi visual yang efektif sesuai dengan citra yang ingin disampaikan. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif: wawancara, observasi, literatur, dan focus group discussion. Dengan adanya penelitian ini maka dihasilkan logo UMKM Laris Rest Area yang dapat digunakan untuk menyampaikan citra brand yaitu tradisional Jawa, klasik, kebersamaan, hubungan yang erat. Identitas dan diferensiasi yang menonjol membuat UMKM Laris Rest Area menjadi lebih dikenal dan diingat dibanding UMKM lainnya di Mojosongo, Karanganyar yang tidak memiliki logo.
Perancangan E-Catalog Ardent Signature Sebagai Media Pemasaran Digital Produk Kursi Kantor Premium
Authors: Suminto Miftahul Adi , Arifianto Pungky Febi
Published: January 2024

Media pemasaran kini mengalami siklus perkembangan yang pesat sesuai dengan kebutuhan industri di beragam sektor dengan tujuan sebagai alat untuk mempromosikan produk-produk yang dimilikinya. Salah satu media pemasaran yang saat ini sangat dibutuhkan berupa produk pemasaran dengan berbasis digital terkait dengan informasi produk yang ingin dipasarkan dan kelengkapan jumlah produk yang dapat diketahui oleh audiens. Pada umumnya, media pemasaran merupakan suatu kolaborasi dalam bidang keilmuan menejemen dengan bidang desain komunikasi visual yang diharapkan mampu memberikan solusi terkait saluran pemasaran dengan berbasis digital yang mudah diakses, lengkap, dan menjawab permasalahan dari tim sales & marketing. Dalam alur penerapannya, metode perancangan design thinking digunakan guna mendukung berlangsungnya kegiatan perancangan ini. Metodologi design thinking yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan lima langkah, yaitu Emphasize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, dan Test/Implementation. Proses dalam design thinking menuntun desainer untuk mampu melaksanakan tahapan analisis, menuangkan ide, eksperimen pada pembuatan sebuah prototipe, hingga mengumpulkan feedback terhadap desain yang dibuat. Tujuan penelitian ini guna menghasilkan media pemasaran yang dapat berfungsi ganda, yaitu sebagai media informasi dan media promosi berbasis digital. Dengan demikian, dihasilkan desain buku katalog elektronik yang tepat guna dan sasaran, untuk kemudian dapat diterapkan sebagai media promosi oleh tim sales & marketing dari CV Ardent Furniture.
Sulphated tubers extract from the giant taro Alocasia macrorrhiza inhibits the carcinogenesis initiation and modulates macrophage functions
Authors: Gamal-Eldeen Amira M. , Amer Hassan , Raafat Eman M. , Alhuthalia Hayaa M. , Hawsawi Nahed
Published: January 2024

Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G. Don, Araceae, is a traditionally edible plant known as giant taro. This work aimed to prepare sulphatedpolysaccharide extract of A. macrorrhizos tubers (SAM) and to investigate its tumor anti-initiation and anti-promotion activities. Methods:Enzymatic, colorimetric, fluorometric, and cell-based assays were used throughout the study. Tumor anti-initiation activity was investigatedby estimation of SAM effect on cytochrome P450 1A1 (Cyp1A1) glutathione-S-transferases (GST), glutathione (GSH), epoxide hydrolase(mEH), and quinone reductase (QR), while Tumor anti-promotion activity was investigated by macrophage proliferation, nitric oxide (NO),and LPS binding to macrophages. SAM inhibited the carcinogen metabolizing enzyme Cyp1A1 and it induced, to variable extent, thedetoxification enzymes (GST, mEH and QR), especially mEH. Additionally, SAM showed anti-inflammatory property by inhibiting NO andit induced the affinity of macrophage to bind pathogens and neoplastic cells. Additionally, SAM was cytotoxic to colon HCT-116 cells.The findings suggested SAM as a promising inhibitor of the carcinogenesis initiation phase.Keywords: Alocasia macrorrhiza; sulphated; Tumor anti-initiation; Cyp1A1; Epoxide hydrolase; glutathione-S-transferases; quinonereductase; FITC-LPS; macrophage
Theoretical and Practical Approaches to Evaluate Suitable Primer Sets for the Analysis of Soil Fungal Communities
Authors: Hagn A. , Pritsch K. , Ludwig W. , Schloter M.
Published: December 2003

Six published fungal specific primer sets (NS1/NS2, SSU‐0817/SSU11‐96, SSU‐0817/SSU‐1536, EF4/EF3, EF4/fung5 and FR1/FF390) were examined for their applicability to the analysis of soil fungal communities using bioinformatic tools as well as real PCR systems. Virtual primer matching for EF4/EF3 and EF4/fung5 revealed good matching with zygomycetous, ascomycetous and basidiomycetous 18S rDNA database entries. Whereas primer EF4/EF3 had no cross matches in the rDNA databases for plant and invertebrate, primer EF4/fung5 gave one signal with the corresponding database. Similar results were obtained for the primer set SSU‐0817/SSU‐1536. Two matches with plant rDNAs and 22 or 12 matches with the invertebrate database could be identified for the primer sets SSU‐0817/SSU‐1196 and FR1/FF390, respectively. Primer pair NS1/NS2 showed only a 70% match with fungal 18S rDNA sequences, but a 75% to 90% match with non‐fungal sequences. Alignments of 2000 eukaryotic sequences using “ARB” confirmed that PCR fragments obtained by the primer sets EF4/EF3, EF4/fung5, SSU‐0817/SSU‐1536 and FR1/FF390 were supposed to include hypervariable regions (V4, V7, V9), whereas the others included regions which were more phylogenetically conserved. Practical PCR approaches affirmed fungal specificity as predicted by virtual primer matching for EF4/EF3, EF4/fung5 and FR1/FF390. However FR1/FF390 amplified only 60% of the fungal samples under investigation. All other primer sets amplified fungal as well as non‐fungal samples.
Optimal filtering, fault detection and isolation for linear discrete‐time systems in a noisy environment
Authors: Parlangeli Gianfranco , Elena Valcher Maria
Published: December 2003

In this paper the state observer design and the fault detection and isolation problems are investigated in the context of linear discrete‐time state‐space models whose state equations are affected by (actuator) faults and disturbances. Model as well as measurement errors, described as zero‐mean white Gaussian noise, are also assumed to act additively on the state and on the output equations, respectively. Upon introducing several deterministic and stochastic goals, that constitute the mathematical formalization of very natural and practical requirements, necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of an asymptotic state observer and an observer‐based fault detector and isolator, that achieve the above goals, are finally derived and a constructive procedure is described. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exponential convergence of the Kalman filter based parameter estimation algorithm
Authors: Cao Liyu , M. Schwartz Howard
Published: December 2003

In this paper we shall present a new method to analyse the convergence property of the Kalman filter based parameter estimation algorithms. This method for convergence analysis is mainly based on some matrix inequalities and is more simple than some of the existing approaches in the literature. This method can simultaneously provide both lower and upper bounds on the exponential convergence rate as the functions of bounds of the related matrices, such as the covariance matrices. A simulation example is provided to illustrate the convergence property of the Kalman filter based algorithms. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Convergence and synthesis issues in extremum seeking control
Authors: Banavar R. N. , Chichka D. F. , Speyer J. L.
Published: December 2003

Convergence and synthesis issues in an extremum seeking control scheme are addressed. The goal of an extremum seeking controller is to operate at a setpoint that represents the optimal value of a function being optimized in the feedback loop. The results presented here are basedsolelyon assumptions on the curvature of the function being optimized in the loop. We present a class ofgeneralizedPI compensators and a set of strictly proper and stable compensators. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Titelbild: Regulatory Strategies in the Complexation and Release of a Noncovalent Guest Trimer by a Self‐Assembled Molecular Cage (Angew. Chem. 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

Künstliche Enzyme und Viren? Das Titelbild zeigt die Molekülstruktur eines über Wasserstoffbrücken gebundenen trimeren Gasts, der von einer selbstorganisierten Proteinhülle umgeben ist, vor Einkristallen des Komplexes. Ein ähnliches Aufbauprinzip findet man auch in Viren und Enzymen. Der Rezeptor verfügt über primitive regulatorische Mechanismen, wie sie in vergleichbaren natürlichen Systemen vorkommen. Näheres entnehmen Sie der Zuschrift von D. N. Reinhoudt et al. auf S. 5895 ff.
Organotin(IV) complexes with various donor ligands and their cytotoxicity against tumour cell lines. Part(I): R2SnCl2 with Schiff bases; unusual CN bond cleavage of the bases and X‐ray structures of the ionic products formed
Authors: Al‐Allaf Talal A. K. , Rashan Luay J. , Stelzner Axel , Powell Douglas R.
Published: December 2003

Several Schiff bases derived from salicylaldehyde and aminopyridines were found to coordinate with Me2SnCl2 in 1:1 or 1:2 (tin:base) molar ratio in diethylether, depending on the nature of the Schiff base used, to form complexes of the general formula Me2SnCl2·L or Me2SnCl2·2L respectively. These Schiff bases coordinate with Ph2SnCl2 in a similar manner, but if the reaction is carried out in chloroform or if the product formed in ether is dissolved in chloroform then colourless to pale yellow crystals precipitated. The latter were analysed and found to be due to the ionic compounds [H2NpyN–H+]2 [Ph2SnCl4]2− which were formed as a result of an unusual cleavage of the CN bond of the Schiff bases. The Schiff bases, their Me2SnCl2 complexes and the ionic compounds were analyzed physicochemically and spectroscopically. The crystal structures of two of the ionic compounds showed that the cation [H2NpyN–H+] binds with the anion [Ph2SnCl4]2− via hydrogen bonds. The Schiff bases, their Me2SnCl2 complexes and the ionic compounds were screened against the three tumour cell lines, L929, K562 and HeLa, and the results were compared with those of the anticancer drugs, cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic and regioselective synthesis of gem‐ or trans‐α,β‐unsaturated amides by carbonylation of alkyl alkynes with aniline derivatives by palladium(II) and phosphine
Authors: El Ali Bassam , Tijani Jimoh
Published: December 2003

The reaction of carbonylative addition of alkyl alkynes to aniline derivatives has been successfully achieved by a catalytic system formed of Pd(OAc)2 and a suitable bidentate phosphine ligand. The reaction led mainly to gem‐α,β‐unsaturated amides (3) with Pd(OAc)2/1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphino)propane/p‐toluenesulfonic acid/CO as the catalytic system. However, the reaction catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2/1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphino)butane/H2/CO in CH2Cl2 as a solvent affords trans‐α,β‐unsaturated amides (4) as the major product. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of dichloroethylphenyltin(IV) and its phenanthroline adduct
Authors: Casas José S. , Castellano Eduardo E. , Ellena Javier , García‐Tasende María S. , Sánchez Agustín , Sordo José , Taboada Carmen , Vidarte María J.
Published: December 2003

The reaction of dichloroethylphenyltin(IV), Ph(Et)SnCl2, with phenanthroline monohydrate (phen·H2O) in chloroform, in 1:1 mole ratio, afforded [Ph(Et)SnCl2(phen)]. The crystal structures of dichloroethylphenyltin(IV) and its phenanthroline adduct were studied by X‐ray diffraction. In Ph(Et)SnCl2 the tin atom is in a distorted tetrahedral environment, the distortion probably being imposed by weak intermolecular Sn· · ·Cl interactions. In [Ph(Et)SnCl2(phen)] the tin atom is in an octahedral trans‐C2, cis‐Cl2, N2 environment and weak intermolecular C–H· · ·Cl interactions connect the molecules throughout the lattice. Spectroscopic studies in solution (1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR) were also carried out; the 1H and 13C NMR data in dimethylsulfoxide suggest that [Ph(Et)SnCl2(phen)] remains at least partially undissociated in this solvent. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallographic report: Dicyclopentyltin(IV) bis(2‐quinaldinate) methanol solvate
Authors: Dakternieks Dainis , Duthie Andrew , Smyth Douglas R. , Stapleton Clynton P. D. , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: December 2003

The tin atom in the title compound is in a skew‐trapezoidal bipyramidal geometry defined by two sets of nitrogen and oxygen donors derived from the carboxylate ligands and two carbon atoms from the tin‐bound cyclopentyl substituents; CSnC 153.38(16)°. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallographic report: a double chain coordination polymer: {[Zn(H2O)6][Zn(3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylate)H2O]·4H2O}n
Authors: Yang Yang‐Yi , Szeto Lap , Wong Wing‐Tak
Published: December 2003

The double‐chain coordination polymer, {[Zn(H2O)6][Zn(bbtc)H2O]·4H2O}n (bbtc = 3,3′, 4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylate), features two kinds of zinc center. One is octahedrally coordinated by six aqua ligands and the other is coordinated by four carboxylate oxygen atoms, derived from three bbtc ligands, and a water molecule, forming a geometry intermediate between square‐pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, psychotropic and anticancer activity of 2,2‐dimethyl‐5‐[5′‐trialkylgermyl(silyl)‐2′‐hetarylidene]‐1,3‐dioxane‐4,6‐diones and their analogues
Authors: Lukevics Edmunds , Ignatovich Luba , Shestakova Irina
Published: December 2003

A series of 2,2‐dimethyl‐5‐(5′‐R‐hetarylidene)‐1,3‐dioxane‐4,6‐diones has been synthesized for examing a structure–activity relationship. Furyl and thienyl derivatives of Meldrum's acid possess neurotropic activity comprising both depriming and activating components. Comparison of acute toxicity of carbon, silicon and germanium analogues in the furan series of the compounds has demonstrated that the germanium derivative is 11.5 times less toxic than the carbon analogue and four times less toxic than the silicon derivative. 2,2‐Dimethyl‐5‐(5′‐triethylsilyl‐2′‐thenylidene)‐1,3‐dioxane‐4,6‐dione has moderate toxicity with the highest neurotropic and cytotoxic activity Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional Bell Operating Company entry into long‐distance and non‐price discrimination against rival interexchange carriers: empirical evidence from panel data
Authors: Zimmerman Paul R.
Published: December 2003

The incentive of the Regional Bell Operating Companies (RBOCs) to degrade the quality of interstate access services, an essential input provided to rival long‐distance carriers, once they begin offering long‐distance services has been a controversial issue in the academic literature. Using a panel of state‐level data over the years 1996–2001, this paper investigates whether the RBOCs engage in such ‘non‐price discrimination’ upon entering the long‐distance market. The results suggest the RBOCs improve the quality of some of their interstate access service offerings before entering the interexchange market, but begin degrading the quality of these services immediately afterward. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiency measure, modelling and estimation in combined array designs
Authors: Mak Tak , Nebebe Fassil
Published: December 2003

In off‐line quality control, the settings that minimize the variance of a quality characteristic are unknown and must be determined based on an estimated dual response model of mean and variance. The present paper proposes a direct measure of the efficiency of any given design‐estimation procedure for variance minimization. This not only facilitates the comparison of different design‐estimation procedures, but may also provide a guideline for choosing a better solution when the estimated dual response model suggests multiple solutions. Motivated by the analysis of an industrial experiment on spray painting, the present paper also applies a class of link functions to model process variances in off‐line quality control. For model fitting, a parametric distribution is employed in updating the variance estimates used in an iteratively weighted least squares procedure for mean estimation. In analysing combined array experiments, Engel and Huele (Technometrics, 1996; 39:365) used log‐link to model process variances and considered an iteratively weighted least squares leading to the pseudo‐likelihood estimates of variances as discussed in Carroll and Ruppert (Transformation and Weighting in Regression, Chapman & Hall: New York). Their method is a special case of the approach considered in this paper. It is seen for the spray paint data that the log‐link may not be satisfactory and the class of link functions considered here improves substantially the fit to process variances. This conclusion is reached with a suggested method of comparing ‘empirical variances’ with the ‘theoretical variances’ based on the assumed model. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Focusing failures in competitive environments: explaining decision errors in the Monty Hall game, the Acquiring a Company problem, and multiparty ultimatums
Authors: Tor Avishalom , Bazerman Max H.
Published: December 2003

This paper offers a unifying conceptual explanation for failures in competitive decision making across three seemingly unrelated tasks: the Monty Hall game (Nalebuff, 1987), the Acquiring a Company problem (Samuelson & Bazerman, 1985), and multiparty ultimatums (Messick, Moore, & Bazerman, 1997). We argue that the failures observed in these three tasks have a common root. Specifically, due to a limited focus of attention, competitive decision makers fail properly to consider all of the information needed to solve the problem correctly. Using protocol analyses, we show that competitive decision makers tend to focus on their own goals, often to the exclusion of the decisions of the other parties, the rules of the game, and the interaction among the parties in light of these rules. In addition, we show that the failure to consider these effects explains common decision failures across all three games. Finally, we suggest that this systematic focusing error in competitive contexts can serve to explain and improve our understanding of many additional, seemingly disparate, competitive decision‐making failures. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grade expectations: the effects of expectations on fairness and satisfaction perceptions
Authors: Cherry Bennett , Ordóñez Lisa D. , Gilliland Stephen W.
Published: December 2003

Previous research has documented the impact of self‐‐derived expectations as reference points in the evaluation of outcomes (e.g. Ordóñez, Connolly, & Coughlan, 2000; van den Bos et al., 1998). In the present paper we extend these studies by investigating the effects of individuals' performance expectations on their subsequent evaluations of personally‐‐relevant outcomes. In three separate studies, both in the laboratory and in the field, students' actual grade outcomes fell short, met, or exceeded grade expectations. From this information, the students evaluated their fairness and satisfaction with the actual grade outcome. The studies provide complementary results that distinguish fairness and satisfaction as different constructs based on the impact of expectations on evaluations of actual outcomes. Results demonstrate that expectations are important to perceptions of fairness and are less important to perceptions of satisfaction. Fairness judgments appear to be governed by an expectation matching proposition; whereby if the expectation is met, the outcome is fair. Whereas, satisfaction judgments are determined by the value of the actual outcome to the individual. Participants also evaluate the fairness of outcomes differently using hypothetical scenarios than they do when they experience actual outcomes in natural contexts. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk preferences in young children: early evidence of individual differences in reaction to potential gains and losses
Authors: Levin Irwin P. , Hart Stephanie S.
Published: December 2003

New methods were developed for studying risky decision making in children as young as age five. Each child was given a block of ‘gain’ trials, for example, a choice between a sure gain of one prize and a 50:50 chance of gaining either two prizes or no prize, and a block of ‘loss’ trials, for example, a choice between a sure loss of one prize and a 50:50 chance of losing either two prizes or no prize. We were thus able to compare risky choice for gains and losses at the level of the individual child. In each of two experiments a variety of individual difference variables were measured, including in Experiment 2, the child's parent's scores on the same task. Across experiments, the preponderance of choices was of the risky option. However, most children and adults made more risky choices in the domain of losses than in the domain of gains. Predictors of individual differences in children included shyness, impulsivity, and the risk taking of the child's parent. We suggest that methods are now in place to encourage further studies of decision processes in young children. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A sensitive and selective determination method of histamine by HPLC with intramolecular excimer‐forming derivatization and ﬂuorescence detection
Authors: Yoshitake Takashi , Ichinose Fumio , Yoshida Hideyuki , Todoroki Ken‐ichiro , Kehr Jan , Inoue Osamu , Nohta Hitoshi , Yamaguchi Masatoshi
Published: December 2003

A highly sensitive, selective and simple method is described for the determination of histamine by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ﬂuorescence detection. The method is based on an intramolecular excimer‐forming ﬂuorescence derivatization of histamine with 4‐(1‐pyrene)butyric acid N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester (PSE), followed by reversed‐phase HPLC. Histamine, having two amino moieties in a molecule, was converted to the dipyrene‐labeled derivative by reaction with PSE. The derivative afforded intramolecular excimer ﬂuorescence (450–540 nm), which can clearly be discriminated from the monomer ﬂuorescence (370–420 nm) emitted from PSE. Typically, a 10 µL sample solution was mixed with 100 µL of derivatization reagent solution, which was a mixture of 0.5 mm PSE in acetonitrile and 0.5 mm potassium carbonate in water (8:2, v/v). The derivatization was carried out at 100°C for 90 min. The PSE derivative of histamine could be separated by reversed‐phase ODS column with isocratic elution using acetonitrile:water (82:18, v/v) containing 0.03% triethylamine. The detection limit (singnal‐to‐noise ratio = 3) of histamine was 0.5 fmol for a 30 µL injection. The method was successfully applied to the determination of histamine in human urine, and had enough selectivity and sensitivity for urinary histamine quantiﬁcation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HPLC determination of diltiazem in human plasma and its application to pharmacokinetics in humans
Authors: Li Ke , Zhang Xin , Zhao Feilang
Published: December 2003

A simple and sensitive reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatographic method (HPLC) has been developed and validated for the routine analysis of diltiazem in human plasma and the study of the pharmacokinetics of the drug in the human body. Diltiazem and diazepa (internal standard) were extracted with a mixed organic solution of hexane, chloroform and isopropanol (60:40:5, v/v/v), and then HPLC separation of the drugs was performed on an Spherisorb C18 column and detected by ultraviolet absorbance at 239 nm. The use of methanol–water solution (containing 2.8 mm triethylamine, 80:20, v/v) as the mobile phase at a ﬂow‐rate of 1.2 mL/min enables the baseline separation of the drugs free from interferences with isocratic elution. The method was linear in the clinical range 0–300 ng/mL and the lower limit of detection of diltiazem in plasma was 3 ng/mL. The range of percentage of relative standard deviation (%RSD) was from 3.5 to 6.8% for within‐day analyses and from 6.2 to 8.4% for between‐day analyses, respectively. The extraction recoveries of diltiazem from spiked human plasma (n = 5) at three concentrations were 91.4–104.0%. The method has been used to determine diltiazem in human plasma samples from eight volunteers who had taken diltiazem hydrochloride slow release tables and the data obtained was ﬁtted with a program on computer to study the pharmacokinetics. The results showed that the peak level in plasma approximately averaged 118.5 ± 14.3 ng/mL at 3.1 ± 0.4 h, and the areas under the drug concentration curves (AUC) was 793.1 ± 83.1 ng.h/mL. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of porphyrins of rat Harderian gland by thin layer chromatography and mass spectrometry: no evidence for a tricarboxylic acid porphyrin
Authors: Gorchein Abel
Published: December 2003

Reversed‐phase TLC systems using ion‐pairing reagents are described for the separation without prior derivatization of the porphyrins of rat Harderian gland. Porphyrins with Rf values greater than protoporphyrin but smaller than coproporphyrin, representing harderoporphyrin, were labile to 1 m NaOH, which converted them to protoporphyrin, inconsistent with the established literature that harderoporphyrin is a tricarboxylic acid porphyrin. It was conﬁrmed by HPLC/electrospray ionization MS that this ‘harderoporphyrin’ fraction consists of the recently characterized glycoconjugate, protoporphyrin‐1‐O‐acyl β‐xyloside, with trace amounts of protoporphyrin‐1‐O‐acyl β‐glucoside. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quest for effective use of computer technology in education: From natural sciences to medicine
Authors: Fazarinc Zvonko , Divjak Saša , Korošec Dean , Holobar Aleš , Divjak Matjaž , Zazula Damjan
Published: December 2003

Some of the reasons for relatively low impact of computer technology on university education are discussed. Promising approaches of the CoLoS (Conceptual Learning of Science) consortium 1 to teaching natural sciences are presented. Then some new tools that could further impact the efficiency of teaching in various domains are discussed. Finally the question is raised how to extend the application of computer technology into domains outside of natural sciences. Medical education, which still relies on in‐residence random opportunity training is singled out. An example of training on virtual patients that can be subjected to an unlimited number of critical illnesses is demonstrated. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 11: 116–131, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.10046
DNA Mismatch‐Specific Base Flipping by a Bisacridine Macrocycle
Authors: David Arnaud , Bleimling Nathalie , Beuck Christine , Lehn Jean‐Marie , Weinhold Elmar , Teulade‐Fichou Marie‐Paule
Published: December 2003

Most, if not all, enzymes that chemically modify nucleobases in DNA flip their target base from the inside of the double helix into an extrahelical position. This energetically unfavorable conformation is partly stabilized by specific binding of the apparent abasic site being formed. Thus, DNA base‐flipping enzymes, like DNA methyltransferases and DNA glycosylases, generally bind very strongly to DNA containing abasic sites or abasic‐site analogues. The macrocyclic bisacridine BisA has previously been shown to bind abasic sites. Herein we demonstrate that it is able to specifically recognize DNA base mismatches and most likely induces base flipping. Specific binding of BisA to DNA mismatches was studied by thermal denaturation experiments by using short duplex oligodeoxynucleotides containing central TT, TC, or TG mismatches or a TA match. In the presence of the macrocycle a strong increase in the melting temperature of up to 7.1 °C was observed for the mismatch‐containing duplexes, whereas the melting temperature of the fully matched duplex was unaffected. Furthermore, BisA binding induced an enhanced reactivity of the mispaired thymine residue in the DNA toward potassium permanganate oxidation. A comparable reactivity has previously been observed for a TT target base mismatch in the presence of DNA methyltransferase M⋅TaqI. This similarity to a known base‐flipping enzyme suggests that insertion of BisA into the DNA helix displaces the mispaired thymine residue into an extrahelical position, where it should be more prone to chemical oxidation. Thus, DNA base flipping does not appear to be limited to DNA‐modifying enzymes but it is likely to also be induced by a small synthetic molecule binding to a thermodynamically weakened site in DNA.
The Stability of the Adsorption of Some Anions on Chemical Manganese Dioxide
Authors: Aloko D.F. , Onifade K.R.
Published: December 2003

The stability of the adsorption of three anions (nitrate, bromide, and chloride) on chemical manganese dioxide (CMD) was studied using a two‐variable, two level factorial design. The two variables were the concentration and pH of the solutions of the sodium salt of the anions. The concentration CMD was varied from 1 M–0.001 M and the pH from 3.5–2.5. 84, 67, and 54 % variations in the adsorption of Br–, NO3–, and Cl– on CMD, respectively, were obtained. Independently, the concentration and pH affected the electric surface charge. However, their combined influence has a negative and low effect. The surface response plots of the model equations, which did not show the optimum values for concentration and pH, reinforced this observation. The highest stability of the anions was observed when concentration and pH were at their minimum values of 0.001 M and 2.5, respectively.
Fault Detection and Diagnosis in Chemical Plants Using Neural Agents
Authors: Neumann J. , Fahlenkamp H. , Schlüter S. , Deerberg G.
Published: December 2003

The suitability of pattern recognition for process monitoring of chemical plants is discussed. Experiments in a miniplant, a pilot plant and simulation studies are carried out. While selecting the required test series of process variables when training neural networks, it is tried to use generalized forms of description to illustrate the system under question. It is therefore possible to combine data records originating from various sources. Thus, on the one hand, nonconforming operating conditions have to be simulated in a laboratory or technical system. On the other hand, simulation results might also be used to provide training on neural nets. This combination within the utilized data material allows for a dispense of preparing new physicochemical models for each data‐driven model. The prepared tool is subsequently used as a prototype for hydrogenation in a production system.
Modeling and Measurement of the Dissolution Rate of Solid Particles in Aqueous Suspensions – Part II: Experimental Results and Validation
Authors: Allers T. , Luckas M. , Schmidt K.G.
Published: December 2003

The dissolution rate of limestone was measured by the pH‐stat method. In the measurements the influence of pH, particle size, kind of limestone, sparging and stirrer speed was first examined for particle fractions with narrow size distributions. Under the assumption that each particle size distribution is adequately represented by its mean particle size, the monodisperse model presented in Part I was adjusted to these data. The adjusted model was combined with the population balance and the three‐phase model described in Part I to a general simulation model for the dissolution of polydisperse solids.
Anisotropic Material Behavior in Dense, Cohesive‐Frictional Powders
Authors: Luding S. , Tykhoniuk R. , Tomas J.
Published: December 2003

The cohesion and anisotropy in dense, cohesive powders was studied by using a discrete element method for the simulation of a biaxial box deformation. The approach includes normal (repulsive/cohesive) as well as tangential forces. Reorganization of the contact network first leads to anisotropy and later to shear band formation and softening behavior from the macroscopic point of view. As an important result of this work it was found that the macroscopic cohesion of the material can be related to the maximal microscopic attractive adhesion force.
PLA2 and secondary metabolites of arachidonic acid control filopodial behavior in neuronal growth cones
Authors: Geddis Matthew S. , Tornieri Karine , Giesecke Astrid , Rehder Vincent
Published: December 2003

The neuronal growth cone provides the sensory and motor structure that guides neuronal processes to their target. The ability of a growth cone to navigate correctly depends on its filopodia, which sample the environment by continually extending and retracting as the growth cone advances. Several second messengers systems that are activated upon contact with extracellular cues have been reported to affect growth cone morphology by changing the length and number of filopodia. Because recent studies have suggested that guidance cues can signal via G‐protein coupled receptors to regulate phospholipases, we here investigated whether phospholipase A2 (PLA2) may control filopodial dynamics and could thereby affect neuronal pathfinding. Employing identified Helisoma neurons in vitro, we demonstrate that inhibition of PLA2 with 2 μM BPB caused a 40.3% increase in average filopodial length, as well as a 37.3% reduction in the number of filopodia on a growth cone. The effect of PLA2 inhibition on filopodial length was mimicked by the inhibition of G‐proteins with 500 ng/ml pertussis toxin and was partially blocked by the simultaneous activation of PLA2 with 50 nM melittin. We provide evidence that PLA2 acts via production of arachidonic acid (AA), because (1) the effect of inhibition of PLA2 could be counteracted by supplying AA exogenously, and (2) the inhibition of cyclooxygenase, which metabolizes AA into prostaglandins, also increased filopodial length. We conclude that filopodial contact with extracellular signals that alter the activity of PLA2 can control growth cone morphology and may affect neuronal pathfinding by regulating the sensory radius of navigating growth cones. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 57:53–67, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.