bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pursuing coherence in software process assessment and improvement
Authors: Cattaneo F. , Fuggetta A. , Sciuto D. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe improvement of software development processes is certainly one of the top priorities of the IT industry. Software has become the most critical component in any modern product and service. All sectors of our society have been affected and influenced by the introduction of software and software‐based features. To support the improvement of software development processes, a number of process assessment and improvement techniques have been proposed and applied in a significant number of cases. However, the evaluation of the effects produced by the introduction of assessment and improvement methods and models is raising much controversy among researchers and practitioners. In particular, it is extremely difficult to evaluate if, under what circumstances, and to what extent an assessment approach (and the consequent improvement plan) has had a direct, significant and positive impact on the company performance. This paper reports our experiences in conducting process assessment/improvement initiatives in three companies. The assessments have been based on SEI's Capability Maturity Model for software (Software CMM). The main finding of this study is that effective process assessment (and consequently improvement) models/methods must necessarily pursue the coherent improvement of all the aspects of a company and not just of the engineering factors. In the paper we provide a detailed discussion of the case studies and of the motivations that justify our position. Also, as a synthesis of our experiences, we outline a strategy to software process assessment and improvement that takes into account the concerns and requirements we have identified in our work. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Findings from Phase 2 of the SPICE trials
Authors: Jung Ho‐Won , Hunter Robin , Goldenson Dennis R. , El‐Emam Khaled 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe international SPICE (Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination) project was set up to support the development of the ISO/IEC 15504 standard for software process assessment (SPA). The project mounted a set of trials to validate the emerging standard against the goals and requirements defined at the start of the SPICE project and to verify the consistency and usability of its component parts. A considerable number of empirical evaluation studies have been conducted during the Phase 2 SPICE Trials based on ISO/IEC PDTR 15504 (between September 1996 and June 1998). Such an exercise is unprecedented in the software engineering standards community and it provides a unique opportunity for empirical validation. The purpose of this paper is to present major parts of the findings of the empirical studies conducted as part of the SPICE Project during Phase 2 of the SPICE Trials. The topics covered in this paper include (i) investigation into reasons for performing SPAs, (ii) evaluation of the internal consistency of the capability dimension, (iii) use of interrater agreement as a measure of the reliability of assessments, (iv) evaluation of the predictive validity of process capability, (v) evaluation of an exemplar model (Part 5), (vi) identification of factors influencing assessor effort, and (vii) empirical comparison between ISO/IEC PDTR 15504 and ISO 9001. Major lessons learned as well as future research directions are summarized on the strengths and weaknesses of ISO/IEC 15505. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New regional community creation, medical and educational applications through video‐based information networks
Authors: Kodama Mitsuru 
Published: August 2002

AbstractAgainst the backdrop of recent developments in multimedia and information technology (IT), video‐based information networks being constructed on a platform chiefly composed of the two core technologies of video terminals and integrated services digital network (ISDN) are gaining worldwide recognition through the deployment of videophones, videoconferencing systems and digital network ISDN technology. New forms of virtual community based on interactive, virtual communication continue to be fashioned, particularly in relation to the promotion of IT in regions of Japan. The paper will point out that in the future video‐based information networks will be an important multimedia communication platform for creating new regional‐level virtual communities to further regional invigoration, and also point out that video IT will be able to create new virtual multimedia applications in medical and educational fields. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On Turing's carnal error: some guidelines for a contextual inquiry into the embodied mind
Authors: Neuman Yair 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMainstream cognitive science has usually adopted a disembodied conception of the mind, according to which we have a faculty of reason separate from our faculties of perception and bodily movement. In this paper, I present Lakoff and Johnson's elaborated theory of embodiment and criticize it for ignoring the cultural aspects as well as the recursive nature of the human mind. Finally, I present some guidelines for a contextual inquiry into the embodied mind by leaning on ideas from cybernetics and socio‐cultural psychology. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impaired preprodynorphin, but not preproenkephalin, mRNA induction in the striatum of mGluR1 mutant mice in response to acute administration of the full dopamine D1 agonist SKF‐82958
Authors: Mao Limin , Conquet François , Wang John Q. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMetabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) is highly expressed in striatonigral projection neurons of rat striatum. To define the role of mGluR1 in the regulation of striatal gene expression, the responsiveness of the three neuropeptide gene expression to a single injection of the dopamine D1 agonist SKF‐82958 was compared between mGluR1 mutant and wild‐type control mice. We found that acute injection of SKF‐82958 increased preprodynorphin (PPD), substance P (SP), and preproenkephalin (PPE) mRNAs in the dorsal and ventral striatum of mutant and wild‐type mice in a dose‐dependent manner (0.125, 0.5, and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) as revealed by quantitative in situ hybridization. However, the induction of PPD mRNA in both the dorsal and ventral striatum of mGluR1 −/− mice was significantly less than that of wild‐type +/+ mice in response to the two higher doses of SKF‐82958. In contrast to PPD, SP and PPE in the dorsal and ventral striatum of mGluR1 mutant mice were elevated to a similar level as that of wild‐type mice. There were no differences in basal levels and distribution patterns of all three mRNAs between the two genotypes of mice treated with saline. These results indicate that mGluR1 selectively participates in striatonigral PPD induction in response to D1 receptor stimulation. Synapse 44:86–93, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The SEI transition partner program for CMMISM
Authors: Vernick Judy A. , Jackson Purvis M. , Thomas William R. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe Software Engineering Institute's Transition Partner Program encourages the rapid adoption of software engineering innovations, while maintaining a consistent approach to instruction and ensuring high‐quality results. This article describes how the program works for Capability Maturity Model®IntegrationSM(CMMISM), including the reasons that organizations seek to become SEI‐authorized transition partners for CMMISM and the criteria and steps for becoming partners. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 5: 27–31, 2002; DOI 10.1002/sys.10010
Computer‐aided plant enterprise safety management system (CAPE‐SAFE)—design framework
Authors: Gabbar Hossam A. , Chung P.W.H. , Shimada Yukiyasu , Suzuki Kazuhiko 
Published: August 2002

AbstractRecent researches in the area of safety engineering highlighted the role of automated (computer‐aided) tools in managing plant enterprise safety activities. This research has been carried out as collaboration with industry to design a computer‐aided plant enterprise safety management system called CAPE‐SAFE. The solution has been proposed to fulfill the need for standard and integrated safety management system that covers all aspects of plant enterprise safety. The proposed solution is integrated with other systems and components within plant enterprise engineering environment (PEEE) to enable exchanging and sharing lifecycle information and knowledge. The information system structure of the proposed solution has been presented as well as the design framework of the system components and modules. Hydrodesulfurization (HDS) continuous plant is used as a case study to illustrate the mechanism of CAPE‐SAFE and to describe the interaction with other components within PEEE. The proposed solution will help in reducing the overall operating cost as well as the risk associated with plant operation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 5: 109–122, 2002
Elastic analysis of asymmetric tall building structures
Authors: Hoenderkamp J. C. D. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA simplified elastic hand method for estimating forces in asymmetric multi‐bent structures subjected to horizontal loading is presented. The structures may consist of combinations of coupled walls, rigid frames, braced frames and wall‐frames with shear walls. Results for structures that are uniform in height compare closely with results from stiffness matrix analysis. The method is developed from coupled‐wall deflection theory, which is expressed in nondimensional structural parameters. It accounts for bending deformations in all individual members as well as for axial deformations in the vertical members and is, therefore, more accurate for very tall structures. A closed solution of coupled differential equations for deflection and rotation gives the deflected shape along the height of the building. The proposed method of analysis offers a relatively simple and rapid means of comparing the shear forces and bending moments of different stability systems for a proposed tall building. The derivation of equations for analysis shown in this paper are for unisymmetric stability systems only, but the method is also applicable to general asymmetric structures. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sister chromatid exchange induced by several types of coffees in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Santa‐Maria A. , López A. , Díaz M.M. , Ortíz A.I. , Caballo C. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractDifferent brands of commercial caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees (roasted, high roast, blend ground, and instant coffees) were studied. These coffees were tested for their ability to induce sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in CHO‐K1 cells. Tests were performed in the presence and in the absence of a metabolic activation system (S‐9 mix). Results were compared to the roasting procedure because genotoxic products could be formed from these processes. Our results indicate that caffeinated instant coffees showed higher genotoxic activity than decaffeinated coffees. Non‐significant genotoxic activity was detected with the green coffee (unroasted). The highest increase of the frequency of SCE occurred when the caffeinated instant coffee was tested in the absence of metabolic activation system. The repeatability of the test was checked through three assays with the same sample. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 21:207–211, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the mutational specificity of DNA cross‐linking mutagens by the Lac+ reversion assay with Escherichia coli
Authors: Ohta Toshihiro , Ohmae Satoru , Yamaya Kaori , Kanemichi Yukari , Tokishita Shin‐ichi , Yamagata Hideo 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe mutational specificities of DNA cross‐linking compounds such as cisplatin, transplatin, carboplatin, mitomycin C, psoralen, and 8‐methoxypsoralen were investigated in lacZ reversion assay systems of Escherichia coli. Tester strains were constructed by introducing the six kinds of F′ plasmids (lacI–, lacZ461, and proAB+), each of which carries a different base‐substitution mutation within the lacZ gene. Each of the six possible base‐substitution mutations was assayed by Lac+ reversion. Cisplatin induced G·C→A·T transitions and G·C→T·A transversions, with the former predominating. Transplatin induced A·T→G·C transitions in addition to G·C→A·T transitions and G·C→T·A. Carboplatin weakly induced G·C→A·T transitions. On the other hand, mitomycin C induced only G·C→T·A transversions, while psoralen and 8‐methoxypsoralen reactivated with near‐UV irradiation induced A·T→G·C transitions preferentially. The Lac+ reversion system was very convenient for rapidly determining mutational spectra. Teratogenesis Carcinog. Mutagen. 21:275–282, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure‐disease continuum for 2‐chloro‐2′‐deoxyadenosine (2‐CdA), a prototype teratogen: Induction of lumbar hernia in the rat and species comparison for the teratogenic responses
Authors: Lau Christopher , Narotsky Michael G. , Lui Doris , Best Deborah , Setzer R. Woodrow , Mann Peter C. , Wubah Judith A. , Knudsen Thomas B. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundThe purine analog 2‐chloro‐2′‐deoxyadenosine (2‐CdA) caused ocular and limb defects in the mouse and rabbit. The current study examined the teratogenic potential of this drug in the rat and compared the adverse developmental outcomes with the other species.MethodsTimed‐pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of various doses of 2‐CdA ranging from 5–60 mg/kg, at gestational day (GD) 9.5 and GD 14. 2‐CdA concentrations in maternal serum and embryos were measured by HPLC and termed fetuses were prepared for teratological examination.ResultsFull‐litter resorption was seen in dams receiving 50 mg/kg of 2‐CdA at GD 9.5, whereas post‐implantation loss was significantly increased and fetal weights significantly reduced at 40 mg/kg. Gross examination of the surviving fetuses revealed microphthalmia, a shortened body trunk and lumbar hernia, manifested by a soft mass protrusion at the lumbar region on one or both sides of the spine. Incidence of these defects increased in a dose‐dependent fashion. Histological examination indicated that the hernia was associated with hypoplasia of the body wall, poorly developed skeletal muscle bundles surrounding the vertebral column in the lumbar region, and an absence of the lateral muscle groups that allowed protrusion of the abdominal viscera. The lumbar hernia was generally accompanied by spina bifida, deformed ribs and a wide spectrum of soft tissue‐abnormalities that included kidney, genitourinary and heart defects. At GD 14, exposure to 2‐CdA at 60 mg/kg produced oligodactyly in one of six litters.Conclusions2‐CdA produced similar ocular defects in the rat and mouse, although the incidence was much lower in the former species. In contrast, the drug‐induced lumbar hernia was only seen in the rat. These apparent disparities were not readily explained by species differences in pharmacokinetic parameters. the similarities between the teratological features of 2‐CdA‐induced lumbar hernia in the rat and the clinical description of lumbocostovertebral syndrome, however, may provide a key to unlock the etiology of this rare birth defect in humans. Teratology 66:6–18, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transplacental exposure to methylene blue initiates teratogenesis in the mouse: Preliminary evidence for a mechanistic implication of cyclic GMP pathway disruption
Authors: Tiboni Gian Mario , Lamonaca Debora 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundThe vital dye methylene blue (MB) has been shown to be teratogenic when injected into the amnion in the second trimester. On the other hand, the teratogenic potential of transplacental exposure to MB has not been determined.MethodsMB was administered subcutaneously to ICR (CD‐1) mice at 0, 35, 50, 60, or 70 mg/kg on gestation day 8 (plug day = day 0). Teratological assessments were carried out at term gestation, on gestation day 18. Since MB inhibits soluble guanylate cyclase enzyme activity, zaprinast (ZPN), a selective cGMP‐phosphodiesterase type V inhibitor, was administered to prevent developmental disorders initiated by MB at 50 mg/kg.ResultsThere was a dose‐dependent increment of embryolethality. MB treatment also produced axial skeleton and neural tube defects. Coadministration of ZPN (20 mg/kg per three times) abolished completely MB‐induced neural tube defects and reduced by one‐half the incidence of fetuses exhibiting axial skeletal defects. ZPN did not provide protection against the embryocidal effects of MB.ConclusionsThis study showed that transplacental exposure to MB is teratogenic in the mouse. Coadministration of ZPN prevented partly MB‐induced teratogenesis, which supports the hypothesis that imbalance of cGMP pathway accounts, in part, for the teratogenicity of MB. Teratology 64:213–220, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dysmorphology in the bible and the talmud
Authors: Wyszynski Diego F. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis article enumerates the congenital anomalies mentioned in the Bible and the Talmud, the two holiest and oldest texts in Judaism. Most of these conditions were described to regulate attributes that would disqualify a Priest from performing religious rituals in the Temple in Jerusalem. However, the cultural atmosphere in Biblical and Talmudical times was one in which physical deformity did not necessarily evoke a negative aesthetic reaction, an assumption of ill health, or the expectation of economic dependence. Teratology 64:221–225, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of VLA‐4 antagonists in rat whole embryo culture
Authors: Spence Stan , Vetter Christine , Hagmann William K. , Van Riper Gail , Williams Hollis , Mumford Richard A. , Lanza Thomas J. , Lin Linus S. , Schmidt John A. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackgroundPharmacological antagonism of VLA‐4 (Very Late Antigen 4, α4β1 integrin) has become an attractive target for the treatment of predominantly eosinophil mediated disease states such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Gene knockouts of the α4‐integrin subunit of VLA‐4 or its cell surface ligand, VCAM‐1, however, have been shown to result in embryo‐lethality in homozygous null mice due to defects in chorio‐allantoic or epi‐myocardial fusion. Although gene knockout phenotypes are not always manifested by pharmacological antagonism, those studies suggested that VLA‐4 antagonists might cause embryo‐lethality or drug‐induced malformations.MethodsTo test these concepts, early neurulating rat embryos were cultured by the methods of New ('78) after intra‐coelomic microinjection of a VLA‐4 blocking antibody or in the presence of small molecule VLA‐4 antagonists.ResultsDefects in chorio‐allantoic fusion were induced after microinjection of VLA4 blocking antibody and after continuous exposure to small molecule antagonists. In a minority of affected embryos chorio‐allantoic fusion was completely blocked whereas the majority of affected embryos had only superficial chorio‐allantoic fusion and the allantois was enlarged and edematous. Although the allantoic mesoderm covered the trophoblasts of the chorionic plate and contained blood vessels there was only minimal invasion of the trophoblasts by the allantoic mesoderm. The lowest observed effect level generally correlated with the IC∼95, as determined in 90% plasma.DiscussionBased on these data, VLA‐4 antagonism might represent a significant risk to the developing embryo/fetus. In vitro exposure, however, is “constant” and does not take into account the elimination phase of these xenobiotics in vivo. Given the high concentrations required to elicit an effect, therapeutic blood levels in vivo may be several fold lower than those that affect the conceptus, depending on the tissue penetration of the compound and the route of administration. VLA‐4 also exists in a range of conformations and activation states in vivo and the gene KOs and present studies do not define whether these developmental processes are dependent upon a particular activation state of VLA‐4. Therefore, state‐selective antagonists may have an improved embryonic safety profile. Additional studies will be required to determine potential effects of VLA‐4 antagonists on embryo/fetal development in vivo. Teratology 65:26–37, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Useful Properties of Exchange Rate Forecasts for Risk Management and Derivative Pricing
Authors: Benrud Erik 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe examine three useful properties of the yen/dollar exchange‐rate forecasts that are published in January and July in the Wall Street Journal. Those properties are the level of explanatory power, whether some forecasters are consistently better than others, and whether the dispersion of forecasts can predict the volatility of the exchange rates. The results show that the relative accuracy of the individual forecasts has not been random each period, and the evidence suggests that some forecasters are consistently better than others. The forecasts from the best forecasters explain about half of the variability in the semiannual exchange‐rate series. Finally, the dispersion of all the forecasts each period, as measured by the standard deviation, has predictive power with respect to the daily volatility of the forecasts for the three months following the survey. This final property has implications for the pricing and use of currency options. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the Practical Application of the Real Options Theory
Authors: Botteron Pascal 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis article aims to present and explain the potential of the real options theory. This theory can help solve many corporate problems in the field of investment strategies. It incorporates a wide range of internal and external factors that are playing a potential role in strategy outcome. The real options tool has already been applied in many industries and many divisions of their business. The main advantage of this methodology is that management is forced to develop a more structured thinking pad due to the fact that real options is based on a clear and accurate procedure. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Assessment of the contaminant concentration variability among Lake Geneva Arctic char using stable isotopic composition (δ15N and δ13C)
Authors: Dufour Elise , Gerdeaux Daniel , Corvi Claude , Khim‐Heang Sophal , Mariotti André 
Published: August 2002

AbstractMeasurements of organochlorine [polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyl‐dichloroethylene (DDE)] and Hg concentrations and nitrogen and carbon stable isotopic compositions (δ15N and δ13C) were performed on 63 Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from Lake Geneva. Fish exhibited a high interindividual variablity in pollutant concentrations. Since the accumulation of such persistent contaminants is obtained from food, the co‐occurrence of dietary differentiation leading to the contaminant interindividual variability was suspected. δ15N and δ13C were used for assessing trophic position and food source differences among Arctic char. The low ranges of δ15N and δ13C could not explain the interindividual variability in pollutant concentrations. The lack of relation between δ15N and contaminant concentration did not suggest a trophic level biomagnification of PCB, DDE, and Hg. Lake Geneva spatial variability in pollutants may be an important factor of variability within the Arctic char population. The bioaccumulation pattern occurring for Hg was not apparent for PCB and DDE. Organochlorines are hydrophobic contaminants, and their bioaccumulation pattern may be masked by seasonal variations in fish lipid content. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 185–191, 2001