bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A institucionalização da câmara dos deputados dos Estados Unidos
Authors: Polsby Nelson W.
Published: November 2008

O artigo analisa como se deu a institucionalização da Câmara dos Deputados dos Estados Unidos, desde seu início, no final do século XVIII, até meados do século XX. Esse processo é analisado a partir de três variáveis fundamentais: 1) a delimitação funcional em relação a outras organizações, particularmente políticas; 2) a relativa complexidade da instituição, ou seja, até que ponto suas funções são internamente separadas em alguma base regular e explícita; 3) o universalismo e o automatismo nos procedimentos adotados para conduzir seus diversos assuntos internos. Cada uma dessas variáveis é sucessivamente examinada do ponto de vista histórico ao longo do artigo; a título de conclusão, apresentam-se algumas observações especulativas sobre causas, conseqüências e possíveis lições que se pode tirar da institucionalização da Câmara.
Isaiah Berlin: afirmação e limitação da liberdade
Authors: Casarin Júlio César
Published: November 2008

Este texto propõe-se a oferecer uma análise crítica da liberdade liberal tal como formulada por Isaiah Berlin, e entendida substancialmente como liberdade negativa. Tal entendimento da liberdade, em diversas de suas formulações, segue sendo hegemônico no debate contemporâneo sobre liberdade, direitos e suas circunstâncias. Com base nessas considerações, tentamos demonstrar que a liberdade negativa não é capaz de promover a autonomia individual -bem cuja proteção é a sua sempre alegada razão de ser-sem recorrer a um projeto de justiça distributiva que leve em conta elementos da crítica de inspiração socialista ao liberalismo.
As orientações estratégicas da inovação em produtos populares
Authors: Nascimento Paulo Tromboni de Souza , Yu Abraham Sin Oih , Sobral Maria Cecília
Published: November 2008

Em mercados afluentes, a literatura de gestão do desenvolvimento de produtos recomenda agregar valor e tecnologia, diferenciar produtos e lançá-los rapidamente. E nos mercados de baixa renda individual? Essa pesquisa exploratória buscou conceituar produtos populares, dimensionar e caracterizar os seus mercados no Brasil e identificar as orientações estratégicas da inovação nestes mercados. Os resultados apontam que são outras as orientações estratégicas efetivas: identificar e atender às funcionalidades mais essenciais do público alvo; padronizar produtos baratos; aumentar a escala de produção; aumentar o conteúdo de auto-serviço; estender a vida do produto; repensar toda a estratégia de embalagens; recorrer a canais de distribuição e marketing convenientes; construir imagens de produtos adequadas ao mercado popular; alongar financiamentos com prestações baixas. A metodologia adotada recorreu à análise conceitual, para precisar a noção de produto popular, e dados secundários (a POF da FIPE para um perfil do consumo popular). O recurso à mídia impressa permitiu identificar casos interessantes de empresas e suas estratégias de inovação. E estudos de caso permitiram explorar os caminhos sugeridos pela literatura e pela mídia impressa.
Fatores críticos de sucesso para a criação de um processo inovador sustentável de reciclagem: um estudo de caso
Authors: Giovannini Fabrizio , Kruglianskas Isak
Published: November 2008

O objetivo deste trabalho é mostrar os fatores críticos de sucesso para a criação de um processo sustentável de reciclagem que envolve a coordenação de muitos agentes econômicos e sociais. Isso é feito através de um estudo exploratório de um caso excepcional que trouxe ganhos para todos os stakeholders, em especial para a sociedade. O trabalho evidencia as barreiras encontradas, como foram superadas e extrai evidências sobre os fatores críticos de sucesso, que são os seguintes: visão estratégica e comprometimento da alta administração, estrutura de logística reversa adequada e estrutura de negócio que garante resultados econômicos e sua adequada distribuição.
Capacitação tecnológica dos laboratórios farmacêuticos oficiais
Authors: Oliveira Eduardo Rangel de , Martins José Vitor Bomtempo , Quental Cristiane
Published: November 2008

Este artigo estuda a capacitação tecnológica dos Laboratórios Farmacêuticos Oficiais [LFO] do Brasil. A análise da capacitação tecnológica pode iluminar ações próprias e governamentais para um melhor desempenho das funções básicas dos LFO, assim como para a incorporação de novas funções, em particular em gestão da inovação. O estudo inspira-se em pesquisas realizadas por Figueiredo (2000, 2003a, 2003b) e Figueiredo e Ariffin (2003) para construir uma grade de análise adaptada às peculiaridades da indústria farmacêutica e à legislação sanitária vigente. A grade permite mapear, nas diferentes dimensões da capacitação tecnológica (instalações, processos, produtos, equipamentos, capacidade organizacional e gestão do conhecimento), o grau de desenvolvimento alcançado pelos LFO (rotineiro ou inovador). Os LFO apresentam capacitação tecnológica rotineira desenvolvida especialmente em Produtos e Processos. Encontram-se diferenças significativas nas demais dimensões. Quanto às capacitações inovadoras, os LFO pouco avançaram. O principal problema de curto prazo reside na dispersão dos esforços de capacitação. Em razão da base atual e dos esforços, as perspectivas em Instalações, Processos e Capacidade Organizacional são positivas. Entretanto, o menor investimento em Produtos e Gestão do Conhecimento pode colocar em risco essas capacitações no futuro.
Comprometimento e lealdade: dois conceitos ou duas dimensões de um único conceito? Uma resposta a Prado e Santos (2003)
Authors: Vieira Valter Afonso , Slongo Luiz Antonio
Published: November 2008

Alguns pesquisadores utilizam os conceitos de lealdade e comprometimento como construtos distintos em seus modelos. Outros, como Prado e Santos (2003), argumentam que eles são de fato um único conceito. A literatura a respeito de tal distinção por vezes é confusa. Nesse contexto, este trabalho visa analisar a relação entre comprometimento e lealdade no ambiente virtual, especificamente no processo de compra pela Internet. Os resultados indicaram que ambos os construtos convergem fortemente para um mesmo conceito. Adicionalmente, a validade discriminante sugerida por Fornell e Larcker (1981) foi realizada e os resultados demonstraram que não existe distinção entre ambos os conceitos. Considerações finais e limitações da pesquisa finalizam o artigo.
Determinantes de risco de liquidez em cooperativas de crédito: uma abordagem a partir do modelo logit multinomial
Authors: Gonçalves Rosiane Maria Lima , Braga Marcelo José
Published: November 2008

O risco de liquidez nas instituições financeiras está associado ao desequilíbrio entre os ativos negociáveis e passivos exigíveis. Outros fatores também afetam a liquidez das cooperativas de crédito, como a maior utilização da cooperativa para empréstimos do que para depósitos e a incapacidade em promover a diversificação geográfica e de produtos. Nesse sentido, este estudo objetivou verificar, a partir de indicadores financeiros, qual é o risco de liquidez das cooperativas de economia e crédito mútuo de Minas Gerais e quais os determinantes desse risco. Foi utilizado o modelo de regressão logit multinomial, sendo as cooperativas classificadas em muito baixo, baixo, médio, alto e muito alto risco de liquidez. Os resultados analisados indicaram que valores menores dos indicadores utilização de capital de terceiros e provisionamento e valores maiores dos indicadores depósito total/operações de crédito e logaritmo do total de ativos tornam essas instituições mais líquidas.
Anatomia do valor de empresas
Authors: Martins Vinícius Aversari , Carvalho Luiz Nelson Guedes de , Assaf Neto Alexandre
Published: November 2008

As proposições seminais de Modigliani e Miller iniciaram um campo novo de estudos na moderna teoria de finanças. Com o passar do tempo, suas premissas básicas foram sendo relaxadas, de tal sorte que atualmente são raras as situações em que podem ser aplicadas plenamente, obtendo resultados satisfatórios e consistentes. Por outro lado, pelo fato de esse conjunto simples de proposições ter-se tornado mundialmente conhecido e de fácil aplicação, acabou sendo adotado como receita geral para a avaliação de empresas. Todavia, em situações em que não existe viés de metodologia, os valores resultantes de avaliação de empresa por metodologias tradicionais são herméticos, não possibilitando a análise e administração dos elementos individuais que compõem o valor da firma e do capital próprio. Para se evitar esse tipo de hermetismo na avaliação de empresas, metodologia alternativa de avaliação de empresa é aqui deduzida analiticamente, em que é possível a identificação do valor dos ativos, independentemente da sua forma de financiamento; além disso, são identificados o valor do ganho que a dívida pode proporcionar para o acionista, o benefício fiscal da dívida e a perda de valor do ativo e do benefício fiscal da dívida pelo acréscimo de risco do capital próprio em função de estrutura de capital alavancada. Portanto esse trabalho é teórico.
Racionalidade e organização: as múltiplas faces do enigma
Authors: Silveira Victor Natanael Schwetter
Published: November 2008

Este artigo estabelece uma discussão teórica acerca do conceito de racionalidade e seus impactos no campo da teoria das organizações. Inicialmente, são abordadas algumas influências filosóficas sobre as idéias de razão e racionalidade, a partir de um breve resgate histórico e filosófico da dualidade entre as concepções de lógica (pensamento) e pragmática (ação). Em seguida a racionalidade é discutida com base na perspectiva weberiana, e sua teoria burocrática. São considerados depois os limites cognitivos da racionalidade e na seção final do texto são brevemente discutidas as relações entre racionalidade, legitimidade e institucionalização. Finalmente, a racionalidade é abordada a partir da perspectiva da Teoria Crítica, com autores como Habermas (1987a) Horkheimer (2002) e Marcuse (1975). Essa discussão busca apontar a abrangência e os múltiplos aspectos da racionalidade implicados na relação indivíduo-organização, fornecendo subsídios para avançar o debate sobre a noção de racionalidade no campo da teoria organizacional.
Characterization of Preferential Flow Pathways through Paddy Bunds with Dye Tracer Tests
Authors: Janssen Manon , Lennartz Bernd
Published: November 2008

In terraced paddy landscapes, water losses through the bunds surrounding paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields may significantly reduce water use efficiency. The objective of this research was to identify the dominant pathways active for water flow and solute transport in bunds, and to detect differences between the bunds and adjacent field areas. Two earthen bunds aged 20 and 100 yr were investigated by means of dye tracer experiments in Jiangxi Province, China. Most prominently, the bunds were shown to be distinctly more vulnerable to preferential transport of solutes toward the groundwater than the actual paddy fields. The younger bund showed greater water losses than the old one, caused by a greater macroporosity, lower bulk density, and a less effective hard pan. Three successively operating transport processes could be distinguished: (i) dye solution infiltrated vertically into the field and laterally into the bund; (ii) the plow pan underneath the field and the hard pan in the bund then acted as flow barriers, and horizontal spreading occurred on top of the hard pan toward the outer bund and cross‐flow to the adjacent field was observed; and (iii) macropore flow occurred through the hard pan and partly in the subsoil down to the groundwater level, initiated on top of the saturated hard pan and routed through earthworm burrows and root channels as well as shrinkage cracks in the younger bund. In conclusion, compaction of a bund may significantly reduce infiltration rates but does not prevent preferential solute losses.
State of the art in drinking water treatment by MF/UF in Germany—a survey among MF/UF plants
Authors: Lipp P.
Published: November 2008

Membrane filtration is increasingly used for treatment in drinking water supply in Germany. MF and UF are applied processes to remove particles from raw waters of different origin. In the frame of a research project founded by the German Gas-and Waterworks Association (DVGW), a survey has been undertaken among a number of 83 plants that were put into operation until the end of 2006. The aim of the project was to gather technical data and practical experience in a database which should help in the design of future MF/UF plants. In the present paper the most important outcome of this project will be described.
Artificial neural networks for cost optimization of coagulation, sedimentation and filtration in drinking water treatment
Authors: Mälzer H.-J. , Strugholtz S.
Published: November 2008

The applicability of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for process and costs optimization in drinking water treatment by coagulation, sedimentation and rapid filtration was investigated. The results showed that besides a considerable cost reduction, an improvement of process safety and stability can be expected. For further testing, the ANN will be installed at a water treatment plant for online coagulation control and process optimization.
Dissolved organic carbon and potential for disinfection byproducts in Kranji, Pandan and Tengah reservoirs in Singapore
Authors: Chidambara Raj C. B. , Kwong Tan Ee , Shi Sharon , Num Puah Aik
Published: November 2008

Fresh water from three western reservoirs of Singapore was assessed for the formation of trihalomethanes and the removal of precursors in a pilot-scale study. Raw water was processed through flocculation-sedimentation modules in a pilot plant with a capacity of 45 m3/day. Alum was the primary coagulant. Normal coagulation removed 10–60% of THM precursors. Kranji Reservoir, which has a watershed with thick vegetation, had relatively higher levels of dissolved organic matter with correspondingly higher potential for the formation of THM than Pandan Reservoir; Pandan is largely an urban catchment. Land-use pattern and proximity to seashore seem to influence THM formation. UV254 and SUVA were found to be better surrogates than DOC for THM. A benchmark criterion (UV254<0.08 cm−1) for on-line monitoring of THM was deduced from SDS-THM data and this criterion would vary slightly among the water works.
Towards Attractive and Cost-Efficient State Space: Political Geography of the Production of State Transformation in Finland
Authors: Moisio Sami
Published: November 2008

Fundamental state restructuring has taken place in Finland over the past fifteen years and this transformation is increasingly revolving around the spatial dimension of statehood. The nation-state as the primary scale of political regulation and articulation from the 1960s onwards is increasingly challenged in contemporary political action concerning the "survival of Finland." The analysis discloses a new discursive field which structures and regulates political thinking about the Finnish state and which has surfaced during the past decade. This new discursive field includes four key dimensions: 1) the national question is purely global in nature, 2) the national question is based on continuous change, 3) nations and states are competing in world markets similarly to the way corporations do, and 4) global competition between states manifests itself in the locational preferences of national and international firms and creative class. The welfare spatiality which is based on social compromise and a particular decentralized settlement structure is increasingly challenged in pro-business argumentation which emphasizes the need to create economically effective, centralized as well as internationally attractive state space. The paper therefore argues that in Finland the key dimension of the current debate on state transformation especially touches upon the issue of getting out of the Keynesian welfare state tradition that evolved during the past decades. Three conclusions follow from the empirical analysis. First, the role of state territory is increasingly re-imagined in most of the neoliberal arguments of state space. Secondly, the Keynesian spatial fixes still cause a significant inertia regarding the construction of a state that would be based on pure economic engineering. Thirdly, the discrepancy between Keynesian spatial compromise and Schumpeterian economic reasoning will most obviously lead to growing tensions in the field of regional politics and planning.
A Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism in a Methylatable Foxa2 Binding Site of the G6PC2 Promoter Is Associated With Insulin Secretion In Vivo and Increased Promoter Activity In Vitro
Authors: Dos Santos Christine , Bougnères Pierre , Fradin Delphine
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE—The G6PC2 gene encoding islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase related protein (IGRP) has a common promoter variant, rs573225 (−231G/A), located within a Foxa binding site. We tested the cis-regulatory effects of rs573225 on promoter activity and its association with insulin response to oral glucose.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Functional effects of rs573225 were explored in transfected INS-1 and HIT-T β-cell lines. A total of 734 young obese subjects of European ancestry were genotyped for rs573225. Insulin and glucose levels were measured in response to oral glucose, and the insulinogenic index (IGI) of insulin secretion was calculated.

RESULTS—In vitro, the G allele showed a higher affinity for binding Foxa2 transcription factor and increased G6PC2 promoter activity. Foxa2 binding is modified if the C adjacent to the G allele is methylated. IGI was associated with rs573225 by linear regression analysis and was 30% greater in AA or AG than in GG obese children. rs573225 was also associated with fasting glucose.

CONCLUSIONS—rs573225 is a functional cis-regulatory (epi)-single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of G6PC2 associated with glucose-insulin homeostasis in obese children, likely to explain the results of recent genome-wide association studies in nondiabetic adults.
Somatostatin Secreted by Islet δ-Cells Fulfills Multiple Roles as a Paracrine Regulator of Islet Function
Authors: Hauge-Evans Astrid C. , King Aileen J. , Carmignac Danielle , Richardson Carolyn C. , Robinson Iain C.A.F. , Low Malcolm J. , Christie Michael R. , Persaud Shanta J. , Jones Peter M.
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVE— Somatostatin (SST) is secreted by islet δ-cells and by extraislet neuroendocrine cells. SST receptors have been identified on α- and β-cells, and exogenous SST inhibits insulin and glucagon secretion, consistent with a role for SST in regulating α- and β-cell function. However, the specific intraislet function of δ-cell SST remains uncertain. We have used Sst−/− mice to investigate the role of δ-cell SST in the regulation of insulin and glucagon secretion in vitro and in vivo.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Islet morphology was assessed by histological analysis. Hormone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in control and Sst−/− mice in vivo and from isolated islets in vitro.

RESULTS— Islet size and organization did not differ between Sst−/− and control islets, nor did islet glucagon or insulin content. Sst−/− mice showed enhanced insulin and glucagon secretory responses in vivo. In vitro stimulus-induced insulin and glucagon secretion was enhanced from perifused Sst−/− islets compared with control islets and was inhibited by exogenous SST in Sst−/− but not control islets. No difference in the switch-off rate of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was observed between genotypes, but the cholinergic agonist carbamylcholine enhanced glucose-induced insulin secretion to a lesser extent in Sst−/− islets compared with controls. Glucose suppressed glucagon secretion from control but not Sst−/− islets.

CONCLUSIONS— We suggest that δ-cell SST exerts a tonic inhibitory influence on insulin and glucagon secretion, which may facilitate the islet response to cholinergic activation. In addition, δ-cell SST is implicated in the nutrient-induced suppression of glucagon secretion.
Fuhrmanolepis dubinskyi n. sp. (Cestoda: Dilepididae) from woodcock Scolopax rusticola (L.) (Aves, Charadriiformes) in Slovakia
Authors: Macko J. , Hanzelová V. , Dudiňák V.
Published: November 2008

Dilepidid cestode Fuhrmanolepis dubinskyi n. sp. from woodcock, Scolopax rusticola L. in Slovakia is described on the basis of light microscope observations. The new taxon is characterised by medium sized strobila, single crown of ten, 47–53 μm long “diorchid” (wrench-shaped) rostellar hooks. Genital pores alternate irregularly. Number of testes is 20–30 and measurements of cirrus-sac and evaginated cirrus reach 176 − 217 × 18 − 31 and 38 − 56 × 16 − 21 μm, respectively. The uterus is reticular and eggs possess spiny embryophore. F. dubinskyi is differentiated from closely related congeneric species and some other morphologically similar dilepidids.
Detection of Toxocara canis larvae by PCR in the liver of experimentally infected Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)
Authors: Borecka A. , Gawor J. , Niedworok M. , Sordyl B.
Published: November 2008

Toxocariasis is a common human zoonosis, which induces a clinically unapparent course of infection. Diagnosis is difficult and relies upon serological testing (searching of specific IgG antibodies by ELISA), laboratory abnormalities and clinical manifestations. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was adapted for the detection of Toxocara canis larvae in a host tissue. Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were used as an animal model for human toxocariasis. 8 animals were inoculated with 1000 T. canis eggs, four uninfected were used as control. At 3, 5, 7, and 14 days post-infection, 2 infected and 1 control gerbil were killed and their livers were used for molecular analysis. Specific primer in the PCR reaction allowed identification of T. canis larvae, with the parasite gDNA found in the liver of all infected gerbils. The results indicate that the PCR method has a potential as a supporting technique for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis.
Polymer and Colloid Chemistry in Switzerland
Authors: Quellet Christian
Published: November 2008

On the occasion of the creation of the new Polymers and Colloids Division of the Swiss Chemical Society, the author, formerly President of the Swiss Group of Colloid and Interface Science (1996–1999) and President of the Polymer Group of Switzerland (2004–2007), presents
some aspects of the development of polymer and colloid chemistry in Switzerland in the last fifty years.
Biofunctional and Biomimetic Polymer Brushes Prepared via Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Authors: Lavanant Laurent , Klok Harm-Anton
Published: November 2008

Surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization is a powerful strategy to tailor the chemical and physical surface properties of materials. This article highlights recent work from the author's laboratory in which surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization is used to
generate biofunctional and biomimetic surface coatings. Three examples will be discussed. The first two examples are based on the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and (polyethylene glycol) methacrylate, which generates a polymer brush that
suppresses non-specific adhesion of proteins and cells. These non-fouling brushes have been used to generate protein microarrays and to produce coatings that can promote endothelialization of implantable biomaterials. The third example describes the use of polyelectrolyte brushes as matrices
to direct the mineralization of calcium carbonate.
Soft Nanotechnology – from Colloid Physics to Nanostructured Functional Materials
Authors: Dietsch Hervé , Stradner Anna , Scheffold Frank , Cardinaux Frédéric , Gibaud Thomas , Saric Mirko , Shalkevich Andrey , Dagallier Camille , Reufer Mathias , Malik Vikash , Schurtenberger Peter
Published: November 2008

We demonstrate how we can tune the size, shape, surface functionality and properties of nanoparticles and use them as ideal model systems for fundamental investigations as well as for materials applications. In particular we describe ways to create functionalized core-shell particles
with various degree of anisotropy and interesting magnetic properties. We show how we can use these particles in order to study the equilibrium and non-equilibrium phase behavior of colloidal suspensions with different interaction potentials and summarize our current understanding of the phenomenon
of dynamical arrest, i.e. gel and glass formation. While different nanoparticles are vital for fundamental studies of various aspects of soft condensed matter, they also offer fascinating possibilities in materials science. We will demonstrate this with the example of nanocomposites
made through an in situ polymerization reaction.
Coatings and Aerogels Based on Sol-Gel Processes
Authors: Siegmann Konstantin , Hirayama Martina
Published: November 2008

This article summarizes applications of sol-gel coatings to modify surface properties, and the process is illustrated with several examples. The use of azobenzene-modified silanes leads to a photoswitchable coating displaying light-controlled wettability. Silane coupling reactions are
used to coat surfaces with polymers, in order to hinder the ice crystal growth on surfaces. Liquid-like coatings based on poly(ethylene glycol) show anti-adhesive properties to lime. The preparation of aerogels could be improved by selecting proper silanes as coupling agents to the inner surface
of the pores. These examples illustrate that sol-gel processes based on silianation reactons are most promising for industrial applications.
Modulating the Reactivity of Electrode Surfaces by Electrostatic Assembly of Metal Nanoparticles and Quantum Dots
Authors: Bradbury Christopher R. , Bünzli Christa , Zhao Jianjun , Carrara Michel , Kissling Gabriela P. , Aslan-Guerel Evren , Fermín David J.
Published: November 2008

Charge transport phenomena in opto-electronic devices featuring functional polymers and nanostructured materials critically depend on the electronic communication between the building blocks and the metal contacts. The generation of ordered multilayer structures at electrode surfaces
is often a key requirement to avoid electrically isolated (inactive) areas in the devices. This issue is particularly crucial in hybrid photovoltaic, light emitting and electrochromic systems. In the present contribution, the properties of electrode surfaces modified by electrostatic layer-by-layer
methods are highlighted as a versatile approach for generating two- and three-dimensional assemblies of nanostructures. The connectivity between the nanoparticles and the electrode surface is probed by a variety of techniques including Kelvin probe, electrostatic force microscopy and electrochemical
methods. The main characteristics of electrode surfaces modified by electrostatic self-assembly are illustrated with several examples involving metal nanostructures and CdTe quantum dots.
The Odyssey of a Polymer Chemist in Switzerland
Authors: Roth Martin
Published: November 2008

A personal survey of some of the polymer-related work which I had the chance to carry out in Ciba-Geigy's Central Research and in the polymer departments of Ciba SC, Vantico and Huntsman is given, including a few short comments on the eventful history of the former Ciba-Geigy Central
Research and Polymer Division. In the early 1970s, high-temperature-stable aromatic [polyamide – polyimide] block copolymers and the relatively easy processable bismaleimides as high-temperature thermoset materials were the dominant theme. Work on photocrosslinkable DMI polymers which
ultimately led to the development of a non-silver graphic film and a presensitized negative offset printing plate was pursued at the Centre de Recherche Marly. In the field of epoxy resin chemistry, 'latent' hardeners, featuring a relatively long pot-life at room temperature and a short
cure cycle at the processing temperature, were devised in the form of benzyl-sulfonium salts and imidazole-functionalized microgels. Ciba-Geigy's polymer division has pioneered the development of liquid, photoimageable soldermasks with it's Probimer® range of products. Here binderpolymers
constitute the main components of the complex formulation recipes. High molecular weight polymers carrying acryloyl and carboxyl functional groups were synthesized for this purpose and have found commercial application in new soldermask generations.
Thierry Chappuis, nouveau professeur de génie chimique à l'Ecole d'Ingénieurs et d'Architectes de Fribourg (EIA-FR)
Authors: Chappuis Thierry
Published: November 2008

Thierry Chappuis is a new professor of chemical engineering at the University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland in Fribourg (EIA-FR). His main fields of interest are thermal safety of chemical processes and advanced optimization techniques (chemometrics, neural networks or genetic
algorithms) applied to process intensification. He joined the industrial chemistry team at EIA-FR in February 2008, where the main research goal is to develop innovative optimization strategies targeting the chemical industry and sustainable process development. This article briefly presents
the roles he plans to play in the EIA-FR R&D dynamics.
Öko-Physiologische und phylogenetische Grundlagen der Verbreitung der Coniferen auf der Erde. Dargestellt am Beispiel der Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) in den südlichen Anden
Authors: Golte Winfried
Published: November 2008

Working from an analysis of the locational demands of the south Andean relict conifer Fitzroya cupressoides and a comparison with its north American counterpart Sequoia sempervirens, it is shown that the recent expansion of coniferous forest over the earth's surface has taken place in line with laws which can be derived from the organisational stage reached in phylogenetic development. This is significantly demonstrated by the fact that, in contrast to the angiosperms, they only have a vascular conducting system (Tracheids) of low efficiency. If one takes account, with H. Walter, of the fact that the living substance protoplasm can only be physiologically active in a strongly hydratised situation, and that transpiration is an indispensable partner to gas exchange, we can deduce from the low efficiency of their vascular conducting system that conifers will find their optimal site conditions in places where, on the one hand, they have during the growing season easily absorbable soil moisture and, on the other hand, transpiration-reducing atmospheric conditions occur with sufficient frequency. In addition, their assimilation optimum occurs at relatively low temperatures. In consequence of these characteristics, conifers show a decided affinity to interference in thermal and hygrial seasons typical of warm to moderately cold climates and of particular parts of the tropics. It is maintained that these regularities can serve as the key to understanding the fossil distribution of conifers. Conifers differ ecologically from their phylogenetic predecessors, the Pteridophytes, in their adaptation to a seasonal worsening of environmental conditions and a periodicity in growth.
Effect of potassium napthenate on yield attributing characters and seed yield of cowpea cv. Bari falon-1 (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) grown under early Rabi season
Authors: Ullah Md Jafar , Fattah Quazi Abdul , Hossain Feroza
Published: November 2008

An experiment was carried out during 2001-2002 on the effect of different concentrations of potassium naphthenate (KNap), applied as foliar spray on yield and yield attributing characters of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) grown in early Rabi season. Results indicated that the four concentrations of KNap had significatly positive effects on almost all reproductive parameters. 1500 KNap gave higher values than three other concentrations. Â Â  Key words: Cowpea, Vigna unguiculata, Potassium napthenate, Yield attributes, Yield doi:10.3329/bjb.v36i1.1546 Bangladesh J. Bot. 36(1): 29-32, 2007 (June)
Morphogenetic and diurnal variation of total phenols in some Hypericum species from Turkey during their phenological cycles
Authors: Ayan Ali Kemal , Yanar Pgizjam , Cirak Cuneyt , Bilgener Mahmut
Published: November 2008

The genus Hypericum has attracted scientific interest worldwide in recent years, since it is a source of a variety of biologically active compounds including the phenolics. The present study was to determine ontogenetic, morphogenetic and diurnal variation of the total phenol contents in some Hypericum species growing in Turkey namely, H. nummularioides, H. hyssopifolium, H. pruinatum and H. scabrum. Plants were separated into stem, leaf and reproductive tissues, which were dried separately, and subsequently assayed for total phenol contents. Among different tissues, leaves had higher phenol contents and the highest content reached at noon in all species tested. But, ontogenetic change in the total phenol contents of whole plants varied among the species. It reached the highest level at floral budding in H. hyssopifolium and H. scabrum, at full flowering in H. pruinatum and at fresh fruiting in H. nummularioides. Â  Key words: Hypericum sp., Diurnal variation, Total phenols, Phenological cycles doi:10.3329/bjb.v36i1.1547 Bangladesh J. Bot. 36(1): 39-46, 2007 (June)
Analysis of molecular and morphological characteristics of plants transformed with antifungal gene
Authors: Islam Aparna , Hassairi Afif , Reddy Vanga S
Published: November 2008

A defensin gene isolated from chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), Ca-AFP in the background of pCAMBIA1301 was transferred into tobacco (Nicotiana tabaccum L. var. petit havana) genome following transformation using Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404. Although all the explants showed GUS activity after co-cultivation, transgenic tobacco shoots were regenerated only from those explants cultured in presence of bacteriostatic antibiotic carbenicillin under hygromycin selection. Presence of the antifungal gene in the regenerated plants was confirmed by PCR, while integration of the whole T-DNA was demonstrated by southern blot hybridization. Furthermore, southern blot hybridization revealed that most of the transgenics contained single copy of the T-DNA while few were found to have multiple copies. Expression of the GUS and Ca-AFP genes in the transgenic plants was observed. Morphological analysis demonstrated that presence of the transgenes produced no morphological abnormality or yield discrepancy in the transgenics. Â  Key words: Ca-AFP, Tobacco, Chickpea, Defensin peptide, Bacteriostatic antibiotics doi:10.3329/bjb.v36i1.1548 Bangladesh J. Bot. 36(1): 47-52, 2007 (June)
Bacteria and actinomycetes growing on floppy and compact discs under ambient conditions
Authors: Khan Mahbubar Rahman , Saha Mihir Lal , Zuha Sanjida Binte
Published: November 2008

Floppy and compact discs gradually loose their quality. On closer examination deteriorated discs showed diverse microbial growth on their surfaces. Among the associated organisms 15 actinomycetes and 12 bacterial isolates were selected for detailed studies. The selected actinomycetes were Streptomyces diastaticus, S. rimosus, S. cyaneus, S. olivaceoviridis, S. halstedii, S. fulvissimus, S. albidoflavus, S. exfoliates and S. griseoflavus and the bacterial strains were Bacillus lentus, B. circulans, B. badius, B. laterosporus, B. larvae and B. thuringiensis. In addition, Micrococcus sedentarius was also isolated. Utilization of crushed disc materials was observed during this study, which was indicative of deterioration of floppy and compact discs. Â  Key words: Compact disc, Floppy disc, Microorganisms, Recalcitrant doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1557 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 7-14, 2008 (June)
Algal flora of Madhabkunda waterfall area in Maulvi Bazar, Bangladesh. III. New records of blue-greens and greens
Authors: Aziz Abdul
Published: November 2008

Examination of samples from Madhabkunda waterfall area at Maulvi Bazar, Bangladesh revealed the presence of Aphanocapsa montana Cramer, Oscillatoria acuiformis Skuja, Oscillatoria redeckii Van Goor, Gloeotrichia natans (Hedwig) Rabenh., Nostochopsis lobatus Wood em Geitler, Schizochlamys gelatinosa A. Br. and Kirchneriella dianae (Bohl.) Coms var. dianae Bohl., Oscillatoria redeckii Van Goor is a new records for this Subcontinent. Aphanocapsa montana Cramer, Oscillatoria acuiformis Skuja, Nostochopsis lobatus Wood em Geitler and Kirchneriella dianae (Bohl.) Coms var. dianae Bohl. are new records for Bangladesh. Key words: Blue-green algae, Cyanobacteria, Green algae, Waterfall, Bangladesh doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1562 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 43-48, 2008 (June)
Glandular and eglandular hairs of Salvia recognita Fisch. & Mey. (Lamiaceae) in Turkey
Authors: Özkan Mustafa
Published: November 2008

Distribution of glandular and eglandular hairs on the aerial organs of Salvia recognita Fisch. & Mey. has been investigated. Glandular hairs of S. recognita have consisted of capitate and peltate hairs. Capitate hairs were present abundantly on all aerial parts of S. recognita while peltate hairs were only present on stem, leaf, bract and calyx. Eglandular hairs were also widespread on all aerial parts. Key words: Salvia recognita, Lamiaceae, Glandular hairs, Eglandular hairs, Endemic doi:10.3329/bjb.v37i1.1571 Bangladesh J. Bot. 37(1): 93-95, 2008 (June)
La categorización de contenidos y medios en la descripción bibliográfica: la designación general de material (DGM) y su pasado, presente y futuro en la era digital
Authors: Salamanca Chiverto Daniel
Published: November 2008

En el presente trabajo se estudian los orígenes, naturaleza funcional e historia de la designación general de material (DGM) como elemento de la descripción bibliográfica destinado a la identificación de los materiales no librarios. Se muestra su aparición y evolución en el código AACR y en las normas ISBD. Se analiza la problemática generada en torno a la interpretación y uso de la DGM, centrada en la ausencia de una definición formal del concepto de clase de material, la emergencia de recursos con características múltiples y la confusión terminológica. Se exponen los factores concurrentes en la transformación actual de la DGM, situados en el contexto de la revisión de las AACR2 y la aparición del modelo conceptual FRBR. Finalmente, se presentan las iniciativas en curso relacionadas con la redefinición de la DGM y su adaptación al entorno digital, desarrolladas por la IFLA, el IME-ICC, y el JSC, responsable del estándar RDAResource Description and Access.
Estudio de la accesibilidad de los documentos científicos en soporte digital
Authors: Térmens Graells Miquel , Barrios Cerrejón Maite , Díaz Boladeras Marta , Guasch Murillo Daniel , Ponsa Asensio Pere , Ribera Turró Mireia
Published: November 2008

El artículo analiza los problemas de accesibilidad que actualmente presentan los artículos científicos en soporte digital. El estudio se centra en los aspectos de facilidad de uso del contenido de los documentos digitales según la forma en que se publiquen, sin entrar en el estudio de los distintos sistemas de recuperación. Se analizan los dos formatos más utilizados para la publicación de artículos científicos en soporte digital: HTML y PDF, estudiando el desempeño lector en relación a la presencia de sumarios o de tablas internas o vinculadas. El estudio se ha realizado con dos colectivos: 30 sujetos ciegos, usuarios de Jaws, contactados gracias a la mediación de la Fundación ONCE, y 30 sujetos no ciegos, profesores del Departamento de Biblioteconomía y Documentación de la Universidad de Barcelona. El estudio muestra que la localización de los datos contenidos en tablas se ve facilitada en documentos HTML por la inclusión de un sumario que vincule con la tabla, así como la inclusión de tablas completas en el cuerpo del documento HTML facilita la actividad lectora por parte de los usuarios ciegos. A nivel metodológico la presente investigación aporta dos novedades relevantes respecto a la literatura existente en los estudios de usabilidad con ciegos: estudia la usabilidad del formato PDF y es un test de usabilidad cuantitativo; este último hecho dificulta su comparación con la mayoría de artículos publicados.
Impacto internacional de la investigación y la colaboración científica de las Universidades de Cataluña. 2000-2004
Authors: Olmeda-Gómez Carlos , Ovalle-Perandones Mª Antonia , Perianes-Rodríguez Antonio , De Moya-Anegón Félix
Published: November 2008

El objetivo del estudio es el análisis de la producción científica de las universidades catalanas en el período 2000-2004. Se presentan indicadores de actividad científica, visibilidad, impacto, potencial investigador, citación, autocitación, colaboración nacional e internacional, por universidad. Las evidencias empíricas muestran un sistema universitario estratificado, sin un perfil de especialización en sus actividades de investigación. Se ha dibujado gráficamente la red de colaboración internacional por países de todas las universidades catalanas. Las universidades en su conjunto prefieren colaborar con Estados Unidos, el Reino Unido, Francia, Alemania e Italia y obtienen mejor visibilidad cuando firman sus trabajos con autores de lengua inglesa.
Electron–Hole Recombination in Uniaxially Aligned Semiconducting Polymers
Authors: Zaumseil Jana , Groves Chris , Winfield Jessica M. , Greenham Neil C. , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: November 2008

A promising, general strategy for improving performance of optoelectronic devices based on conjugated polymer semiconductors is to make better use of the fast intrachain transport along the covalently bonded polymer backbone. Little is known, however, about how the recombination rate between electrons and holes would be affected in device structures in which current flow is primarily along the polymer chain. Here a light‐emitting field effect transistor (LFET) structure with a uniaxially aligned semiconducting polymer is used to show that the width and shape of the recombination zone depend strongly on polymer alignment. For alignment of the polymer parallel to the current the emission zone is 5–10 times wider than for perpendicular alignment. 2D drift‐diffusion modeling is used to show that such significant widening of the recombination zone in the case of parallel alignment implies that the recombination rate constant is more than 100 times lower than expected for standard Langevin recombination. On the basis of Monte Carlo modeling it is proposed that such unexpected weak recombination is a result of the significant mobility anisotropy of the aligned polymer. These results provide new fundamental insight into the recombination physics of polymer semiconductors.
Data linkage using probabilistic decision rules: A primer
Authors: Mason Craig Alan , Tu Shihfen
Published: November 2008

Electronic data linkage is increasingly being used by researchers and health professionals in the birth defects field as a tool for enhancing both research and service/care. However, in many cases, a common pre‐existing ID number does not exist across different datasets, and common identifiers, such as names or dates of birth, which could be used to match records, may be known to contain errors or even legitimate differences over time. In such situations, probabilistic matching, which does not require that all identifying fields exactly agree in order for one to conclude that two records belong to the same individual, can be a valuable tool for improving data linkage. However, probabilistic matching is computationally complex and demanding, and not well understood by many who may wish to apply it in their work. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide an overview of one approach to probabilistic matching, including the step‐by‐step procedures involved in the calculation of indices corresponding to the likelihood that two records are a correct match. In addition, the use of multiple iterative protocols, in which several different matching strategies are used in order to maximize the number of linked records, is discussed. Finally, issues related to deduplication and verification of internal‐consistency in the linked data set are also reviewed. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in Texas, 1999–2002
Authors: Wang Jing , Waller D. Kim , Hwang Lu‐Yu , Taylor Lockwood G. , Canfield Mark A.
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: The cause of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is poorly understood. This descriptive study of IHPS focuses on the effect of maternal nativity, maternal Hispanic ethnicity, subtypes of maternal Asian ethnicity, and the timing of the infant's surgery, that is, pyloromyotomy. METHODS: All cases of IHPS born in Texas from 1999 through 2002 were retrieved from the Texas Birth Defects Registry. Crude prevalence ratios and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS: IHPS occurred predominantly in boys (aPR 4.21; 95% CI: 3.81, 4.65) compared with girls. Compared with Whites, there was a lower prevalence among Blacks (aPR 0.36; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.43), foreign‐born Hispanics (aPR 0.61; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.69), Chinese (aPR 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.78), Vietnamese (aPR 0.17; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.46), Asian Indians (aPR 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.75), and Filipinos (aPR 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.91). In aggregate, foreign born Asians had a decreased risk of IHPS (aPR 0.20; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.37) compared to Whites. We observed no decrease in the risk of IHPS among US‐born Asians (in aggregate) or US‐born Hispanics. The strength of these risk factors did not vary according to the timing of the pyloromyotomy. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed previous findings that female infants and Black infants have a lower rate of IHPS. Large decreases in rates of IHPS were observed among foreign‐born Hispanics and foreign‐born Asians, but not among their US‐born counterparts. These findings may be explained by differences in the frequency of behavioral risk factors for IHPS or differences in the frequency of ascertainment of mild cases of IHPS by ethnicity or nativity. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intervalent Bis(μ‐aziridinato)MIIMI Complexes (M=Rh, Ir): Delocalized Metallo‐Radicals or Delocalized Aminyl Radicals?
Authors: Tejel Cristina , Ciriano Miguel A. , Passarelli Vincenzo , López José A. , de Bruin Bas
Published: October 2008

Reactions of the methoxo complexes [{M(μ‐OMe)(cod)}2] (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, M=Rh, Ir) with 2,2‐dimethylaziridine (Haz) give the mixed‐bridged complexes [{M2(μ‐az)(μ‐OMe)(cod)2}] [(M=Rh, 1; M=Ir, 2). These compounds are isolated intermediates in the stereospecific synthesis of the amido‐bridged complexes [{M(μ‐az)(cod)}2] (M=Rh, 3; M=Ir, 4). The electrochemical behavior of 3 and 4 in CH2Cl2 and CH3CN is greatly influenced by the solvent. On a preparative scale, the chemical oxidation of 3 and 4 with [FeCp2]+ gives the paramagnetic cationic species [{M(μ‐az)(cod)}2]+ (M=Rh, [3]+; M=Ir, [4]+). The Rh complex [3]+ is stable in dichloromethane, whereas the Ir complex [4]+ transforms slowly, but quantitatively, into a 1:1 mixture of the allyl compound [(η3,η2‐C8H11)Ir(μ‐az)2Ir(cod)] ([5]+) and the hydride compound [(cod)(H)Ir(μ‐az)2Ir(cod)] ([6]+). Addition of small amounts of acetonitrile to dichloromethane solutions of [3]+ and [4]+ triggers a fast disproportionation reaction in both cases to produce equimolecular amounts of the starting materials 3 and 4 and metalmetal bonded MIIMII species. These new compounds are isolated by oxidation of 3 and 4 with [FeCp2]+ in acetonitrile as the mixed‐ligand complexes [(MeCN)3M(μ‐az)2M(NCMe)(cod)](PF6)2 (M=Rh, [8]2+; M=Ir, [9]2+). The electronic structures of [3]+ and [4]+ have been elucidated through EPR measurements and DFT calculations showing that their unpaired electron is primarily delocalized over the two metal centers, with minor spin densities at the two bridging amido nitrogen groups. The HOMO of 3 and 4 and the SOMO of [3]+ and [4]+ are essentially MM d–d σ*‐antibonding orbitals, explaining the formation of a net bonding interaction between the metals upon oxidation of 3 and 4. Mechanisms for the observed allylic H‐atom abstraction reactions from the paramagnetic (radical) complexes are proposed.