bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disaster Preparedness and Response Capacity to Incidents of Fire among Residential Buildings in Selected Areas in Lagos and Akwa-Ibom
Authors: Ekong Akaninyene Edet, , Ogunbanwo Babatunde Michael, , Okeke Gerald Ndubuisi, , Esitikot Esang Lazarus,
Published: June 2024

Background: In Nigeria, fire incidents have grown to be a recurring issue. As such, its occurrence has been a key cause for concern for built environment stakeholders. The devastation brought forth by a fire disaster is multifaceted and can have effects that are just as intricate as the economy.
Research Objective: The study evaluated residential building disaster preparedness and firefighting capability in selected areas of Lagos and Akwa-Ibom State.
Methodology: The current research methodology was based on the research onion framework developed. The research philosophy, research approach, research strategy, methodological choice, time horizon, and technique/procedure layer are the six levels that make up the framework. The methodology chosen includes the positivist philosophy, the deductive approach, survey research technique, and quantitative research. Because of the nature of the research and the time constraints, the cross-sectional temporal horizon was chosen in this study. Convenience was used in the selection of a sample size of one hundred and fifty (150) people from both Lagos and Akwa-Ibom. A well-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to gather the data. The goodness-of-fit of the sociodemographic variables was tested using Chi-Square. For descriptive statistical analysis, the mean and median (cut-off point) were employed, whereas linear correlation was employed for testing hypotheses.
Result: There is no positive correlation between knowledge and attitude regarding fire disaster preparedness. Respondents have a good attitude toward fire events and fire safety; participants were unprepared for a fire disaster in terms of available and installed fire safety equipment, materials, and escape plan. The study recommended that the Nigerian government should first mandate all households to install certain firefighting equipment in their homes in order to ensure that individuals are equipped to combat fire.
Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility Practices in Listed Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria
Authors: Fasanmi Oluwatobi Oluwakayode , Esther Igbekoyi Olusola , Oluwatoyin Lanre-Jimoh Bejide
Published: June 2024

The increasing emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility and its potential impact on stakeholder’s satisfaction and financial performance have driven the need for this research. This study examined the relationship between corporate governance and corporate social responsibility (csr) practices among listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. Ex-post facto research design was employed. The population of the study comprised of the 15 deposit money banks in Nigeria listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) as at 31st December,2022, which formed the sample size using census sampling method. Data were obtained from the annual audited financial reports of the banks from the period 2011 to 2022. Data were analysed using the Panel Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) regression method. The findings revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between transparency measured by the transparency index and CSR practices, a significant positive relationship between environmental sustainability measured by the Dow jones sustainability indices and CSR, and stakeholders’ engagement measured by stakeholder’s feedback score has a positive but insignificant relationship with CSR practices. The study concluded that adherence to corporate governance codes, especially in areas of environmental sustainability and transparency, enhances csr practices. It recommended that Deposit money banks should pay keen attention to corporate governance practices, especially in environmental sustainability. Regulators are also advised to entrench stakeholders’ engagement committees in corporate governance codes to foster better stakeholder engagement.
Assessment of Growth Performance and Blood Profile of Rabbit Bucks Fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal
Authors: A. P. Nambeh, , T. Ahemen, , J. Ochefu, , T.T. Anongo, , O. Uza,
Published: June 2024

The study was conducted to assess growth performance and blood profile of rabbit bucks fed dietary inclusion levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MoLM). Thirty (30) rabbit bucks (739.83 to 805.17 g) were balanced for weight and allocated to five groups of 6 rabbits and replicated six times with a buck per replicate in a complete randomized design. Five diets were formulated with incorporation of MoLM at 0.0, 7.5, 15.0, 22.5 and 30.0% and denoted as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Results on growth performance parameters were not influenced by dietary treatment. Rabbits fed control diet, diets containing 7.5, 15.0 and 22.5% had highest and similar dress weight while those on diet containing 30.0% recorded the least dress weight. Heart weight was highest and similar for rabbit fed control diet, diets containing 7.5, 22.5 and 30.0% while those on diet containing 15.0% had the least heart weight. Rabbits on control diet had highest kidney fats while rabbits on diet containing 7.5 and 30.0% recorded the least and similar kidney fats weight. Bile, left kidney and liver weight were lower for rabbits fed 30.0%. Rabbits fed control diet, diets containing 7.5, 15.0 and 30.0% had highest and similar MCHC while rabbits on diet containing 22.5% recorded the least MCHC. Rabbits on control diet and diet containing 30.0% had the highest) and least lymphocytes, respectively. Rabbits fed control diet, diets containing 7.5 and 15.0% recorded highest and similar neutrophils while rabbits fed diet containing 30.00% had least neutrophils. Rabbits on control diet, diets containing 7.5 and 15.0% had highest and similar albumin while rabbits fed diets containing 22.5 and 30.0% recorded the least and similar albumin. Rabbits on control diet, diets containing 22.5 and 30.0% recorded highest and similar ALP while rabbits on diets containing 7.5 and 15.0% had the least and similar ALP.   It is concluded that inclusion MOLM up to 30% had no adverse effect on their growth performance, blood profile reduced kidney fat and liver weight kidney weight. It is therefore recommended that Moringa oleifera leaf meal can be included in the diets of rabbit bucks intended for breeding purposes up to 30.0%.
A Logistic Regression-based Model for Identifying Credit Card Fraudulent Transactions
Authors: Sani Abdulrashid , Hassan Zahriya Lawal , Balarabe Anas Tukur
Published: June 2024

The rapid evolution of technology has significantly transformed payment methods, with a notable shift towards online platforms. However, this transition has also witnessed a concurrent increase in fraudulent activities, particularly within online credit card transactions. In response to the escalating occurrences of fraudulent online credit card transactions, this study proposes the development of a robust fraud detection model utilizing machine learning algorithms implemented in Python. Leveraging credit card transaction data sourced from Kaggle, the research utilizes Logistic Regression for both training and testing datasets to identify fraudulent transactions. The efficacy of the model is evaluated using separate test data, resulting in an impressive accuracy rate of 99.87% in detecting previously unseen fraudulent transactions. Further scrutiny of the test data reaffirms this high accuracy, registering a similar rate of 99.8%, thus underscoring the model's adeptness in handling novel data instances. The findings are succinctly represented visually, elucidating the model's efficacy in bolstering online transaction security. By amalgamating advanced machine learning techniques with Python programming, this research contributes to the ongoing efforts aimed at enhancing security measures surrounding online credit card transactions by identifying legit and fraudulent transactions. Such endeavors are paramount in mitigating the adverse impacts of fraudulent activities on both financial stakeholders and consumers.
Gender Frames Portrayed in Television Series: Implications towards Women
Authors: Msofu Diana V , Britto Rajendran J
Published: June 2024

This study determined the gender frames portrayed in television series and their implications towards women. Two theoretical frameworks, framing theory and cultivation theory, and four research questions were used. Content analysis of one popular TV series and focus group discussions of 20 respondents were employed as data collection instruments. 20 episodes of the series were watched, and careful notes were taken; the researcher focused on narrating episodes from the series and stories and experiences shared by respondents (narrative analysis). The result showed unequal portrayal between men and women in TV series. The male gender is portrayed as educated, wealthy, smart, and providers who spend much time discussing business and development. The female gender is portrayed as weak, in a narrow range of roles as jobless, home stay mums and homemakers. More so, they are portrayed as emotional, dependent and gossipers who spend much of their time sharing their feelings and discussing people. 80% of male respondents perceive women as weak, sex vessels, and dependent. In reflection on cultivation theory, the implication of this kind of portrayal is that in real life, women are treated as weak, needy, and not involved in essential decisions because society sees them as weak and emotional. This further lowers the confidence and self-esteem of women in real life, which causes them to lose many opportunities and remain poor and dependent. It can be concluded that negative female gender frames portrayed in television series influence society's perception of women since the more people watch these series, the more they perceive the natural world as they see it in television series. This further minimizes women's capability and proficiency. The researcher recommends a more positive portrayal of gender frames in television series, especially female gender.
Evaluating the Compaction Behavior of Oil-contaminated Soils for Civil Engineering Applications
Authors: Udo Aniekan Daniel
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the impact of oil contamination on the compaction characteristics of soil, specifically lateritic soil samples from Bori Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria. The research focuses on understanding how varying degrees of oil pollution affect soil's compaction behavior, crucial for civil engineering applications. Compaction tests, including the standard Proctor test, were conducted on both uncontaminated and oil-contaminated soil samples. The results indicate that up to 2% oil addition improves compaction, reducing the optimum moisture content and increasing the maximum dry density. Beyond 4% oil content, no significant enhancement in compaction was observed, and higher oil percentages led to saturation and expulsion of oil, based on visual inspection it appears to negatively affect the soil strength. These findings are essential for engineering projects in oil spill regions, providing insights into effective soil compaction strategies and the potential use of oil-contaminated soils in construction.
Public Relations Marketing Strategy of SMP Negeri 4 Surakarta in Maintaining Good Communication with Stakeholders
Authors: Vanel Zon , Wijaya Lina Sinatra , Huwae George Nicholas
Published: June 2024

This study aims to find out the marketing strategy of the SMP Negri 4 Surakarta in maintaining good communication with the stakeholders. This descriptive qualitative research uses interviews and observations to gain the data. This research is also exploratory because it seeks to explore the right multimedia-based public relations strategy for managing information media at SMP Negeri 4 of Surakarta. Field findings show that a lack of human resource literacy in managing school information media causes problems in the less-than-optimal organizational system or management of school information media. Based on the first year of research findings, the Inflorescence Model describes the flow of school information media management. The researchers use purposive sampling to pick individuals who are knowledgeable about SMP Negeri 4 Surakarta's marketing strategy, digital media management, and public relations. School administrators, instructors, public relations officers, and other relevant stakeholders may be included. Researchers transcribed interviews, organized observation notes, and documented data before identifying reoccurring themes and patterns in the data. Researchers will code the data by methodically identifying and categorizing information relevant to the research aims. Researchers will examine the data after it has been coded, looking for relationships, connections, and insights. To assure the legitimacy and integrity of the outcomes, researchers may compare findings from different participants and data sources. The analysis's findings will be reported in a research paper or report arranged around main themes, findings, and conclusions. The result of this study is that the marketing public relations strategies in maintaining good communication with its stakeholders are preparing modules for teachers, school managers, and readers to build, develop, and promote the management of structured digital-based school media and fostering literacy rates in schools. Another strategy step is to implement an evaluation system from the information media to identify existing deficiencies and make improvements in the future. Push, Pull, and Pass strategy approaches and digital marketing tools are also used to implement the strategy and maintain good stakeholder communication.
Investigating the Impact: Financial Literacy, Socio-Economic Status, and Awareness on Investment Decisions with Moderation Factors
Authors: Pertiwi Dewi , Kusumawardhani Adhityawati , Pratama James Tan Kristiyanto , Paul Teripena Ika Sampurna
Published: June 2024

Investment decisions must be made appropriately so that investors are not trapped by investment scams.  But in fact, cases of investment scams are increasingly rampant in Indonesia.  The primary objective of this paper is to highlight the lack of financial literacy as one of the elements that might be responsible for Indonesia's substantial number of investment scam victims. To investigate the association between financial literacy, SES, awareness, and investment decisions, the model put out in this research employs logistic regression analysis. The results show that financial literacy has an impact on investment decisions, while SES has no influence on investment decisions. Awareness of fraudulent investments can moderate the relationship between financial literacy and investment decisions but cannot moderate SES on investment decisions. This study exhorts investors to base their investment choices on their financial literacy rather than on outside influences. Financial literacy training programs should be developed by the government, financial institutions, and educational institutions.
Financial Reporting Quality on Dividend Payout Policy During Pandemic COVID-19
Authors: Sampurno Kezia Gabrielle , Tejo Chindy Juventia , Soetanto Tessa Vanina
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the Indonesian business cycle and operations, leading to a stock market decline and reduced average dividend distribution as well as profitability, especially for manufacturing companies. This study investigates the pandemic’s influence on financial reporting quality in Indonesia and its relationship to dividend payout policy. We collected 455 observations from IDX-listed manufacturing companies (2016-2021) and processed them using descriptive statistics and logit regression with three models in Stata. Consistent with the outcome view, the logit regression results suggest that financial reporting quality is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the three models unanimously display that financial reporting quality has a significant effect on dividend policy. RM1 shows a negative relationship, aligning with financial reporting quality’s impact on mitigating free cash flow problems. Contrarywise, the third model, RM2 identifies a positive and significant relationship consequent to enhancing the company’s image and shareholder satisfaction.
Assessing the Impact of Pricing, Service, and Product Quality on Telkomsel Customer Loyalty
Authors: Atrisia Marchela Indah , Fatkar Budiastuti , Tiara Ana , Astuti Sherly
Published: June 2024

Amidst ongoing economic development and rapid technological progress, businesses face the challenge of not solely focusing on sales to ensure profitability. Internet service providers, in particular, Telkomsel, must deliver exceptional services to thrive in a competitive landscape and maximize profits. This study examines the influence of pricing, service quality, and product quality on customer loyalty towards Telkomsel products, focusing on 8th semester students of the Faculty of Economics and Business at Islamic University Sheikh - Yusuf Tangerang. Employing a descriptive quantitative approach, data were gathered from 80 respondents through purposive sampling and distributed via Google Forms. Multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to test the relationship between the variables, with further examination through t-test, F-test, and coefficient of determination analysis. The findings indicate a positive and significant relationship between price, service quality, product quality, and customer loyalty. Moreover, the coefficient of determination analysis confirms that these factors collectively contribute to customer loyalty. Thus, the study concludes that price, service quality, and product quality significantly influence customer loyalty toward Telkomsel products.
Supply Chain Performance Measurement at XYZ Company Distribution Center Using SCOR 12
Authors: Prasetya David , Utomo Anggoro Prasetyo , Setiawati Marla
Published: June 2024

Recognizing the limitations of their current, subjective evaluation system focused solely on delivery, XYZ Company seeks to implement a more standardized and comprehensive approach to supply chain performance measurement. This research aims to evaluate the performance of XYZ Company's Distribution Center (DC) supply chain using the well-established Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model. SCOR provides a validated set of performance indicators, which will be further weighted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to reflect their relative importance to XYZ Company's specific goals. The Snorm De Boer method will then be employed to normalize the final score for each indicator.  A traffic light system will visually represent performance gaps, highlighting areas requiring immediate improvement. This research will analyze data from 27 key metrics across 2022 and 2023, providing a holistic picture of DC performance. While preliminary results indicate an overall "average" to "good" performance (69.54 and 70.08, respectively), further analysis will identify specific areas for improvement based on SCOR Best Practices. This research will ultimately propose practical solutions to enhance XYZ Company's overall supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
The Effect of Cost Reduction as Part of Supply Chain Drivers’ Element and Customer Satisfaction on Purchasing and Logistics Performance
Authors: Kristanti Dwi Anna , Mranani Novelia Asita
Published: June 2024

Dynamic capabilities became a manufacturing industry benchmark for surviving and adapting to the dynamic environment change, including the COVID-19 pandemic. In a manufacturing company, supply chain management performance becomes the main activity that must be effective and efficient. Two supply chain drivers were observed in this study to perform optimal supply chain management, namely cost reduction and customer satisfaction, which became the company's drivers in establishing partnerships in purchasing and logistics, affecting the company's purchasing and logistics performance. This study investigated the effect of cost reduction and customer satisfaction on the partnerships in purchasing and logistics and purchasing and logistics performance. This study used a descriptive quantitative approach. The population comprised operational managers of food and beverage production in Indonesia, with 711 people. The sampling used a random sampling technique, and 50 respondents’ data was obtained. The data collection was performed by distributing online questionnaires. Data processing was performed with the Partial Least Square (PLS) method. The result found that cost reduction and customer satisfaction affect partnerships in purchasing and logistics, customer satisfaction and partnerships in purchasing and logistics affect purchasing and logistics performance, and cost reduction does not affect purchasing and logistics performance. Theoretical contribution of research to add enrichment to the resource-based view theory on competitiveness with supply chain performance.
Ethnic enclaves and niches
Authors: Zhou Min
Published: April 2012

Ethnic enclaves are urban neighborhoods in which immigrant groups or ethnic minorities are residentially concentrated, while ethnic niches are where particular types of businesses are disproportionately owned and/or staffed by ethnic minorities. Many ethnic enclaves seem to be unambiguously identified by the name associated with a sending country, such as Little Italy, Little Tokyo, Koreatown, Little India, and Thaitown, while others are known by the name of a neighborhood, such as Pico Union of Los Angeles (a Latino enclave) or New Orleans East (a Vietnamese enclave).
Family migration
Authors: Yeoh Brenda S. A. , Yi En Cheng
Published: April 2012

Usually understood as the movement of people across borders in the context of family‐related decisions, family migration is not a novel phenomenon, for permanent emigration and settlement in new lands has been part of human experience historically. For example, the English migration of members of the Puritan religious community to New England in the 17th century, and the Jewish emigration to escape pogroms in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, have largely involved the movement of intact families to less populous regions and in the process the transplantation of whole communities and cultures (Yeoh 2009).
Locus of Control as a Contributing Factor in the Relation Between Self‐Perception and Adolescent Aggression
Authors: Wallace Marion T. , Barry Christopher T. , Zeigler‐Hill Virgil , Green Bradley A.
Published: April 2012

Researchers continue to debate the role of self‐esteem in aggression, but research has shown a consistent association between narcissism and aggression in adults and adolescents [e.g., Barry et al., 2007; Bushman and Baumeister, 1998; Stucke, 2007]. The primary aim of the current study was to examine whether locus of control (LOC) moderated the relation between self‐perception variables (i.e., self‐esteem and narcissism) and aggression in adolescents. Participants were 174 youth (145 males, 26 females) between the ages of 16 and 19 who were enrolled in a voluntary residential program for youth who have dropped out of school. The results showed that LOC moderated the association between self‐esteem and aggression such that low self‐esteem was associated with higher levels of aggression for individuals with an external LOC. Contrary to expectations, LOC failed to moderate the narcissism–aggression relation. The implications of this study for understanding how self‐perception is related to adolescent aggression are discussed. Aggr. Behav. 38:213–221, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Composite adaptive disturbance observer‐based control for a class of nonlinear systems with multisource disturbance
Authors: Wei Xinjiang , Chen Nan , Li Wuquan
Published: April 2012

Antidisturbance control and estimation problem are introduced for a class of nonlinear system subject to multisource disturbances. The uncertain multisource disturbances consist of not only a single harmonic or constant disturbance but also another unexpected nonlinear signal described as a nonlinear function. The composite adaptive disturbance observers are constructed separately from the controller design to estimate the disturbance with partial known information. By integrating disturbance observer‐based controller with robust adaptive control, a novel type of composite adaptive disturbance observer‐based control scheme is presented for a class of nonlinear system with multisource disturbances. Simulations for a flight control system are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the results compared with the previous schemes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete‐time multivariable robust model reference adaptive control based on Kp = LDS factorization: an input–output approach
Authors: Li Jun‐Ling , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: April 2012

A direct scheme of robust model reference adaptive control is reinvestigated, in an input–output approach, for a large class of discrete‐time multivariable systems with unmodeled dynamics and bounded disturbances. Compared with the existing results, in virtue of a high‐frequency gain matrix factorization, the assumptions required in the scheme are further relaxed without overmuch complicating the controller structure, and a permissible range of the gain parameter in a modified adaptive algorithm is clearly specified. Moreover, paralleling the continuous‐time theoretic framework, robust stability and robust tracking performance are analyzed by using the multivariable versions of some important technical lemmas, such as an exponentially weighted norm‐relation lemma and two swapping lemmas. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Layer‐Controlled and Wafer‐Scale Synthesis of Uniform and High‐Quality Graphene Films on a Polycrystalline Nickel Catalyst
Authors: Gong Youpin , Zhang Xuemin , Liu Guangtong , Wu Liqiong , Geng Xiumei , Long Mingsheng , Cao Xiaohui , Guo Yufen , Li Weiwei , Xu Jianbao , Sun Mengtao , Lu Li , Liu Liwei
Published: April 2012

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) provides a synthesis route for large‐area and high‐quality graphene films. However, layer‐controlled synthesis remains a great challenge on polycrystalline metallic films. Here, a facile and viable synthesis of layer‐controlled and high‐quality graphene films on wafer‐scale Ni surface by the sequentially separated steps of gas carburization, hydrogen exposure, and segregation is developed. The layer numbers of graphene films with large domain sizes are controlled precisely at ambient pressure by modulating the simplified CVD process conditions and hydrogen exposure. The hydrogen exposure assisted with a Ni catalyst plays a critical role in promoting the preferential segregation through removing the carbon layers on the Ni surface and reducing carbon content in the Ni. Excellent electrical and transparent conductive performance, with a room‐temperature mobility of ≈3000 cm2 V−1 s−1 and a sheet resistance as low as ≈100 Ω per square at ≈90% transmittance, of the twisted few‐layer grapheme films grown on the Ni catalyst is demonstrated.
Myeloid microvesicles are a marker and therapeutic target for neuroinflammation
Authors: Verderio Claudia , Muzio Luca , Turola Elena , Bergami Alessandra , Novellino Luisa , Ruffini Francesca , Riganti Loredana , Corradini Irene , Francolini Maura , Garzetti Livia , Maiorino Chiara , Servida Federica , Vercelli Alessandro , Rocca Mara , Libera Dacia Dalla , Martinelli Vittorio , Comi Giancarlo , Martino Gianvito , Matteoli Michela , Furlan Roberto
Published: April 2012

Objective:

Microvesicles (MVs) have been indicated as important mediators of intercellular communication and are emerging as new biomarkers of tissue damage. Our previous data indicate that reactive microglia/macrophages release MVs in vitro. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether MVs are released by microglia/macrophages in vivo and whether their number varies in brain inflammatory conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:

Electron and fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to detect myeloid MVs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of healthy controls, MS patients, and rodents affected by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal model of MS.

Results:

Myeloid MVs were detected in CSF of healthy controls. In relapsing and remitting EAE mice, the concentration of myeloid MVs in the CSF was significantly increased and closely associated with disease course. Analysis of MVs in the CSF of 28 relapsing patients and 28 patients with clinical isolated syndrome from 2 independent cohorts revealed higher levels of myeloid MVs than in 13 age‐matched controls, indicating a clinical value of MVs as a companion tool to capture disease activity. Myeloid MVs were found to spread inflammatory signals both in vitro and in vivo at the site of administration; mice impaired in MV shedding were protected from EAE, suggesting a pathogenic role for MVs in the disease. Finally, FTY720, the first approved oral MS drug, significantly reduced the amount of MVs in the CSF of EAE‐treated mice.

Interpretation:

These findings identify myeloid MVs as a marker and therapeutic target of brain inflammation. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:610–624
Thermal stability and flammability of banana‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Biswal Manoranjan , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: April 2012

Banana‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene nanocomposites were prepared with a melt‐blending technique followed by compression molding. The thermal stability and fire retardancy of the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites was studied as a function of the variable weight percentages of fibers and nanoclays with both thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimetry measurements. The test results indicated char formation at relatively low loadings of the nanoclays, thereby indicating flame retardancy in the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites. The change in the degradation pathway of the polymer was observed with the incorporation of clay within the natural‐fiber‐reinforced composite, wherein the clay layers acted as barriers to mass transport that contributed to superheated conditions in the condensed phase. TGA thermograms also revealed improved thermal properties compared with the virgin matrix. Both the isothermal and nonisothermal degradation kinetics of the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites were also studied. Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed an increase in the melting and crystallization temperatures of PP in the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites. Furthermore, the morphology of the fiber‐reinforced nanocomposites was evaluated with X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
What We Learned from Proust: Psychological and Social Determinants of Snobbery and Prejudice
Authors: Richards Arlene Kramer , Spira Lucille
Published: April 2012

Proust's original contribution to understanding social exclusion is the focus of this paper. Proust's psycho‐logical novel, In Search of Lost Time is used to show how social exclusion is related to early feelings of exclusion from the parental couple in the family. Proust's addition shows how a child who wins his mother's attention by acting as a victim suffers from both guilt and humiliation which he may resolve by defending another victim or by excluding others if he identifies with the aggressor. This paper shows how excluding others from events, opportunities, and equality under the law can be an attempt to repair the humiliation of having been excluded. This expands Anna Freud's idea about identification with the aggressor. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceptions of anatomy: Critical components in the clinical setting
Authors: Lazarus Michelle D. , Chinchilli Vernon M. , Leong Shou Ling , Kauffman Gordon L.
Published: April 2012

The evolution in undergraduate medical school curricula has significantly impacted anatomy education. This study investigated the perceived role of clinical anatomy and evaluated perceptions of medical students' ability to apply anatomical knowledge in the clinic. The aim of this study was to develop a framework to enhance anatomical educational initiatives. Unlike previous work, multiple stakeholders (clinicians, medical students, and academic anatomists) in anatomy education were evaluated. Participants completed an eleven‐point Likert scale survey written by the investigators. Responses from both clinical educators and medical students at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and College of Medicine suggest that medical students are perceived as ill‐prepared to transfer anatomy to the clinic. Although some areas of patient management differ in relevancy to anatomical education, there are areas of clinical care which were uniformly ranked as relying heavily on anatomical knowledge (imaging and diagnostic studies, physical examination, and arrival at correct diagnosis) by a variety of clinical specialists. Our results suggest a need for advanced anatomy courses to be taught coincidental with medical students' clinical education. Development of these courses would optimally rely on input from both clinicians and academic anatomists, as both cohorts rated clinical anatomy similarly (P ≥ 0.05). Additionally, we hypothesize that preclinical students' application of anatomy would be enhanced if clinical context was derived from areas of clinical care which rely heavily on anatomy, whereas courses designed for advanced medical students will benefit from anatomical context focused on specialty specific aspects of clinical care identified in this study. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Improvement of expectation–maximization algorithm for phase‐type distributions with grouped and truncated data
Authors: Okamura Hiroyuki , Dohi Tadashi , Trivedi Kishor S.
Published: April 2012

This paper proposes an improved expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm for phase‐type (PH) distributions with grouped and truncated data. Olsson (1996) derived an EM algorithm for PH distributions under censored data, and the similar technique can be utilized to the PH fitting even under grouped and truncated data. However, it should be noted that Olsson's algorithm has a drawback in terms of computation speed. Because the time complexity of the algorithm is a cube of number of phases, it does not work well in the case where the number of phases is large. This paper proposes an improvement of the EM algorithm under grouped and truncated observations. By applying a uniformization‐based technique for continuous‐time Markov chains, it is shown that the time complexity of our algorithm can be reduced to the square of number of phases. In particular, when we consider the PH fitting using a canonical form of PH distributions, the time complexity is linear in the number of phases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of intrauterine tobacco exposure on the cerebral mass of the neonate based on the measurement of head circumference
Authors: Król Marzenna , Florek Ewa , Piekoszewski Wojciech , Bokiniec Renata , Kornacka Maria K.
Published: April 2012

The objective of the study was to assess cerebral mass, based on head circumference measurements in neonates exposed to tobacco smoke in utero, and to determine the relative proportions of the cerebral and body mass. The study included 147 neonates born in the period 2003–2004 at the Princess Anna Mazowiecka University Hospital and admitted to the Neonatal and Intensive Care Department of the Medical University in Warsaw. Subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of maternal status as active, passive, or nonsmokers determined by maternal urinary cotinine concentration and a questionnaire. Neonates whose mothers were active smokers throughout the whole period of pregnancy had a lower head circumference and in consequence a lower cerebral mass significantly more frequently when compared with those whose mothers were nonsmokers, P= 0.002. (Median difference in cerebral mass was 48.27 g.) The risk of lower cerebral mass was 3.9 (1.4–10.8, CI 95%) in the group of neonates whose mothers actively smoked cigarettes during pregnancy. A negative correlation was seen between cerebral mass and maternal urinary cotinine concentration (correlation coefficient r=−23, P= 0.006). The ratio of the cerebral to body mass was similar for neonates in all three groups. Active smoking during pregnancy had a negative effect on the cerebral mass of the neonate, however no such effect was observed in neonates whose mothers were passive smokers. The deficiency in cerebral mass increased with greater smoking intensity. Active smoking by the mother during pregnancy inhibits the growth of the brain as well as that of the body mass of the neonate.
New perspectives on the vitamin D binding protein
Authors: Chun Rene F.
Published: April 2012

The serum vitamin D binding protein (DBP), also known as GC‐globulin, is a multifunctional protein known for its role in the transport of vitamin D metabolites. DBP also binds fatty acids and actin monomers, preventing their polymerization that could be detrimental in the circulatory system. DBP may have immune functions independent of its role as a transporter of vitamin D. Because of the abundance of DBP, many aspects of its basic biochemistry were quickly established. Other features of vitamin D action, particularly transcriptional mechanisms of regulation, received greater focus and early interest in DBP centred on its value as a tool for population genetics because of its intriguing genetic variations. Nonetheless, knowledge of DBP mechanisms in physiology was obtained, and functions beyond vitamin D ligand binding were identified. With the recent increased attention regarding the benefits of vitamin D (bone health and immunological regulation), there has been a resurgence of interest in DBP. Because DBP is the primary transporter of vitamin D, it has a role in maintaining the total levels of vitamin D for the organism and in regulating the amounts of free (unbound) vitamin D available for specific tissues and cell types to utilize. This review will describe the findings on the basic biochemistry and molecular biology of DBP, the studies that elucidated its biological functions and highlight these results in light of the current renewed interest in vitamin D and human health, as well as the debate over what constitutes sufficient levels of vitamin D. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptable mri radiofrequency breast coil: Evaluation of size, coil diameter, and uniformity
Authors: Maillet Donald , Ruehle Anjuli , Reutens David C. , Vegh Viktor
Published: April 2012

Three quadrature transmit/receive radiofrequency magnetic resonance imaging breast coils were designed and built. The coils are geometrically equivalent but were scaled for different breast sizes. The coils were tested using a 4‐T Bruker/Siemens whole‐body scanner. We used different coil sizes to establish whether it is necessary to match coil size to load size. Moreover, our work investigated how the coil configuration can be changed to improve signal uniformity in the acquired images. We found that improvements can be gained by carefully matching the coil to the sample. In addition, we propose a coil layout that allows images quality to be improved, as measured by the signal‐to‐noise ratio and field uniformity of the coil. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 41B: 50–56, 2012
Managerial Ownership and Corporate Social Performance: Evidence from Privately Owned Chinese Firms' Response to the Sichuan Earthquake
Authors: Jia Ming , Zhang Zhe
Published: April 2012

This study seeks to understand the underlying relationship between managerial ownership and corporate social performance in privately owned Chinese firms. Agency theory predicts that corporate expenditure on social practices is merely a managerial expropriation in an ordinary business setting. However, the business context of natural disasters in China has been characterized by stakeholder pressure on corporate responsibility. We propose that in our context of study, corporate social performance constitutes an investment and managers who own significant parts of the company are more likely to promote corporate philanthropic actions. Using a hand‐collected database that includes firm‐level data on corporate contributions after the Sichuan Earthquake on 12 May 2008, we find that higher managerial ownership is associated with a significantly higher probability of donation and charity. Furthermore, we find that corporate board size and political ties with the government moderate this relationship. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Reconfigurable architecture of VDF filter for multidimensional data
Authors: Atitallah Ahmed Ben , Boudabous Anis , Khriji Lazhar , Masmoudi Nouri
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we present a hardware reconfigurable architecture of vector directional filter (VDF) and an experimental validation based on HW/SW implementation context. An FPGA with a Nios II processor combines the benefits of a programmable logic component as well as a microprocessor. VDF is very useful in multidimensional data (such as color images) for noise removal and details preservation. Comparative results between simulations of ANSI‐C and hardware implementation are given. An estimate method of nonlinear function is presented and serves as an approximation for the appropriate hardware implementation on FPGA. Finally, to verify the functionality of the implementation, a validation state using FPGA platform has been performed. This validation demonstrated that our implementation hardware system speeds up the filtering process as well as preserving a high data quality (image quality). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of frequency stabilizing scheme for integrating wind power generation into an isolated grid
Authors: Yamashita Koji , Sakamoto Orie , Kitauchi Yoshihiro , Nanahara Toshiya , Inoue Toshio , Shiohama Tomohiro , Fukuda Hitoshi
Published: April 2012

Integration of wind power generation into small islands has been one of the demonstration projects in Okinawa Prefecture. Since such integration could degrade power quality including frequency in an island grid, a frequency stabilizing system using flywheels has been installed into a small island. In order to establish a proper frequency stabilizing scheme for the small island, an accurate model of a diesel generator including governor is vital. Therefore, the model was developed based on the measured values of generator dump tests. A new frequency stabilizing scheme was also developed through time‐domain simulation of the island grid model, which consists of the above‐mentioned diesel generator model and an equivalent load change representing wind power variation. The proper parameters of the scheme were derived considering role sharing between the diesel generators and the flywheels. The developed stabilizing scheme was applied to the flywheels in the island grid and revealed excellent performance in mitigating frequency variation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 180(1): 24–35, 2012; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21277
Determination of stability constants of complexes of neutral analytes with charged cyclodextrins by affinity capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Beneš Martin , Zusková Iva , Svobodová Jana , Gaš Bohuslav
Published: April 2012

A novel procedure for the determination of stability constants in systems with neutral analytes and charged complexation agents by affinity capillary electrophoresis was established. This procedure involves all necessary corrections to achieve precise and reliable data. Temperature, ionic strength, and viscosity corrections were applied. Based on the conductivity measurements, the average temperature of the background electrolyte in the capillary was kept at the constant value of 25°C by decreasing the temperature of the cooling medium. The viscosity correction was performed using the viscosity ratio determined by an external viscosimeter. The electrophoretical measurements were performed, at first, at constant ionic strength. In this case, the increase of ionic strength caused by increasing complexation agent concentration was compensated by changing of the running buffer concentration. Subsequently the dependence of the analyte effective mobility on the complexation agent concentration was measured without the ionic strength compensation (at variable ionic strength). The new procedure for determination of the stability constants even from such data was established. These stability constants are in a very good agreement with those obtained at the constant ionic strength. The established procedure was applied for determination of the thermodynamic stability constants of (R, R)‐(+)‐ and (S, S)‐(‐)‐hydrobenzoin and R‐ and S‐(3‐bromo‐2‐methylpropan‐1‐ol) complexing with 6‐monodeoxy‐6‐mono(3‐hydroxy)propylamino‐β‐cyclodextrin hydrochloride.
High‐voltage power supplies to capillary and microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Blanes Lucas , Coltro Wendell Karlos Tomazelli , Saito Renata Mayumi , Van Gramberg Amanda , Lucio do Lago Claudimir , Doble Philip
Published: April 2012

Over the past years, the development of capillary electrophoresis (CE) and microchip electrophoresis (ME) systems has grown due to instrumental simplicity and wide application. In both CE and ME, the application of a high voltage (HV) is a crucial step in the electrokinetic (EK) injection and separation processes. Particularly on ME devices, EK injection is often performed with three different modes: gated, pinched, and unpinched. In all these cases, different potential values may be applied to one or multiple channels to control the injection of small sample volumes as well as the separation process. For this reason, the construction of reliable HV power supplies (HVPS) is required. This review covers the advances of the development of commercial and laboratory‐built HVPS for CE and ME. Moreover, it intends to be a guide for new developers of electrophoresis instrumentation.
Concentration cascade of leading electrolyte using bidirectional isotachophoresis
Authors: Bahga Supreet S. , Santiago Juan G.
Published: April 2012

We present a novel method of creating concentration cascade of leading electrolyte (LE) in isotachophoresis (ITP) by using bidirectional ITP. ITP establishes ion‐concentration shock waves between high‐mobility LE and low‐mobility trailing electrolyte (TE) ions. In bidirectional ITP, we set up simultaneous shock waves between anions and cations such that these waves approach each other and interact. The shock interaction causes a sudden decrease in LE concentration ahead of the focused anions and a corresponding decrease in analyte zone concentrations. This readjustment of analyte zone concentrations is accompanied by a corresponding increase in their zone lengths, in accordance to conservation laws. The method generates in situ gradient in the LE concentration, and therefore can be achieved in a single, straight channel simply by establishing the initial electrolyte chemistry. We have developed an analytical model useful in designing the process for maximum sensitivity and estimating increase in sample zone length due to shock interaction. We also illustrate the technique and evaluate its effectiveness in increasing detection sensitivity using transient simulations of species transport equations. We validated the theoretical predictions using experimental visualizations of bidirectional ITP zones for various electrolyte chemistries. Lastly, we use our technique to demonstrate a factor of 20 increase in the sensitivity of ITP‐based detection of 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol.