bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biogenic amines in red wine: The impact of technological processing of grape and wine
Authors: KOŠMERL Tatjana , ŠUĆUR Sanja , PROSEN Helena
Published: December 2023

The knowledge of the biogenic amines present in wine is important to consumers in terms of their potential threats of toxicity to human and to wine producers as a result of market impact. In the scientific field, biogenic amines have the potential to be applied as indicators of food spoilage. Biogenic amines are essential at low concentrations for metabolic and physiological functions in animals, plants, and microorganisms, but at high concentrations can induce adverse reactions in susceptible individuals. Despite the intensive research aimed at determining and reduction of biogenic amines, our current knowledge remains far from complete. However, a number of factors that influence the biogenic amines concentration in red wine have been already described. Most of them are related to the winemaking conditions in the cellars and some of them are environmental factors. During winemaking it is important to consider all factors beginning from viticulture practices, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation and physiochemical composition of wine, as well as, aging and storage of wine. This paper reviews changes of the concentration of biogenic amines depending on technological processing of grape and wine.
Biological Control of Root-Knot Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): Microbes against the Pests
Authors: LAMOVŠEK Janja , UREK Gregor , TRDAN Stanislav
Published: December 2023

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are important pests of many cultivated plants. Recently, the most efficient chemical control products (e.g. methyl bromide) have now been restricted due to their toxic characteristics. Research on agents that work against root-knot nematodes and do not have a detrimental impact on the environment is becoming increasingly important. Advances in the last decades produced quite a number of biocontrol products that are already marketed. Some of the well-accepted commercial products contain bacteria Bacillus firmus and Pasteuria penetrans, and fungus Purpureocillium lilacinus. In this review we summarize the antagonistic activity of bacteria and fungi, with their advantages and limitations in biocontrol of root-knot nematodes.
Ohranjanje semena vrste Brassica napus L. v talni semenski banki
Authors: PIPAN Barbara , ŠUŠTAR-VOZLIČ Jelka , MEGLIČ Vladimir
Published: December 2023

Najbolj razširjena oblika vrste Brassica napus L. je oljna ogrščica, njeno seme pa je zaradi svojih fizikalnih lastnosti zelo mobilno in zato nagnjeno k raztrosu. Nenadzorovane izgube semena predstavljajo potencial za pojavljanje samosevnih in podivjanih populacij te vrste znotraj in zunaj pridelovalnih površin, saj se njeno seme ohranja in ostaja viabilno v tleh tudi več let. Dinamika pojavnosti teh rastlin je odvisna od potenciala talne semenske banke in kompleksih interaktivnih lastnosti genotipa semena ter pedoloških in agro-klimatskih dejavnikov. Prisotnost nedefiniranih opraševalnih virov, ki izvirajo iz talne semenske banke, pa v naravi predstavlja potencial za spontane intra- in inter-speciesne oprašitve vrste B. napus, kar vpliva na spremembe v njeni genetski strukturi.
Assessing the thermo-tolerance potentials of five commercial layer chicken genotypes under long-term heat stress environment as measured by their performance traits
Authors: MELESSE Aberra , MAAK Stefan , PINGEL Heinz , LENGERKEN Gerhard von
Published: December 2023

This study was conducted to test the thermo-tolerance ability of five commercial chicken genotypes (Lohmann Brown, LB; Lohmann White, LW; New Hampshire, NH; White Leghorn selected for low feed expenditure, WL-FE and White Leghorn with sex-linked dwarf gene, WL-dw) under long-term heat exposure. Two-hundred forty female chickens were assigned to a completely randomized design in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangements (five genetic groups and two ambient temperatures [thermo-neutral, 18–20 °C; heat stress, 30–32 °C]). Individual eggs were collected on daily basis while egg weight and feed intake were determined on individual and group basis at 28-days intervals, respectively. Shell quality traits were determined at 25, 40 and 56 weeks age. No Genotype × ambient temperature interactions were found except for body weight and egg deformation. Chickens at thermo-neutral temperature produced significantly heavier eggs than those of heat-exposed (60 g vs. 54 g). Hen-housed egg production of chickens in thermo-neutral temperature was significantly higher than those of heat-stressed (76.8 % vs. 66.2 %). Daily egg mass production at thermo-neutral and heat stressed chickens was 46 g and 35.8 g, respectively. Feed consumption in heat-stressed and thermo-neutral chickens was 109 and 80.8 g, respectively. Shell thickness, breaking strength and Haugh unit values were significantly reduced in heat-stressed chickens. Among heat-exposed chickens, the NH had the highest body weight while the LW produced 10 % more eggs than the group average. The heat-induced effect on shell quality traits was lowest in LW chickens. The results indicated that the magnitude of heat stress was breed dependent in which the LB showed poor adaptability to heat stress while both NH and LW genotypes demonstrated better thermo-tolerance ability.
Analysis of maternal mortality in Berlin, Germany – discrepancy between reported maternal mortality and comprehensive death certificate exploration
Authors: Callaghan Julia , Dudenhausen Joachim , Paulson Lars , Hellmeyer Lars , Vetter Klaus , Ziegert Martina , Braun Thorsten , Koenigbauer Josefine Theresia
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates an average maternal mortality rate (MMR) of around 3.4 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births for 2019–2021, based on relevant diagnoses on death certificates. However, Germany does not currently have a registry for recording the number of maternal deaths. The aim of this study is to identify the actual number of maternal deaths in Berlin between 2019 and 2022, as well as sources of underreporting and causes of death.

Methods

Potential maternal mortality cases were identified through a search at the Berlin Central Archive for Death Certificates, inquiring women aged 15–50 years with indications of present or recent pregnancy on the death certificate. To cross match the database, an additional search at the Charité University Hospital Berlin was carried out, checking each individual file for pregnancy-association.

Results

The data search resulted in 2,316 women, 18 of which presented an association to pregnancy. Of these, 12 could be classified as maternal mortality cases (MMR 7.8/100,000). The additional search in a university setting revealed two further maternal mortality cases without prior indication of pregnancy on the death certificate. This results in a total MMR of 9.1/100,000 live births, which is over double the official estimate by the OECD.

Conclusions

Based on our findings in Berlin, it can be estimated that there is significant underreporting regarding maternal death cases in Germany. A more comprehensive recording system is needed to more accurately portray maternal mortality.
Geldmenge und Inflation
Authors: Schnabel Isabel
Published: December 2023

Dieser Beitrag spiegelt die in englischer Sprache gehaltene Thünen-Vorlesung Isabel Schnabels auf der Jahrestagung des Vereins für Socialpolitik am 25. September 2023 in Regensburg unter dem Titel „Money and inflation“ wider. Ohne die Abbildungen und Fußnoten erschien der vorliegende deutschsprachige Artikel parallel zur Jahrestagung unter dem Titel „Die Geldmenge lieber nicht ausblenden“ am 26. September 2023 in der Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung. Ausgehend von der Quantitätstheorie des Geldes lotet die Ökonomin, seit 2020 Mitglied im Direktorium der Europäischen Zentralbank (EZB), die Bedeutung des Anstiegs der Geldmenge nach dem Ausbruch der Coronapandemie für die Inflationsentwicklung im Euroraum in den vergangenen Jahren aus. Sie warnt davor, die Geldmenge als Indikator für Preisstabilitätsrisiken auszublenden.
Organic and inorganic pollutants removal from tannery effluent using electrocoagulation technique
Authors: Muthukrishnaraj Appusamy , Kalaivani Semmedu Selvaraj , Visagamani Arularasu M. , Ayyar Manikandan , Kosiha Arumugam , Dinesh Ayyar , Padmapriya Govindaswamy , Rathinavel Subramanian , Padmavathi Kandasamy , Hashem Mohamed , Fouad Hassan , Ansari AbuZar
Published: December 2023

Electrocoagulation is an efficient treatment for the concurrent elimination organic and inorganic contaminants from tannery wastewater. The batch electrocoagulation investigations were carried out using mild steel and aluminium as sacrificial anodes and stainless steel as the cathode. Various operating constraints, such as the electrolyte pH, realistic current density, electrolysis time, effluent concentration and supporting electrolyte concentration were appraised to study their effects on electro-coagulation efficiency. The maximum Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal has been observed was 90 % and 77 % under optimum operating conditions, and the maximum chromium removal has been recorded was 99 % and 90 % using mild steel and aluminium anodes respectively. The experimental data was also fitted with the first order kinetic model. The experimental data were investigated with the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. The result shows that the experimental data fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model, with a rate of confidence of 0.98, using mild steel as an anode. The solid sludge and the liquid samples were characterized using the SEM (scanning electron microscopy) EDX (energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry), FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectrometer) and UV–Visible (Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy) analyses. All experimental results show that mild steel was an efficient anode, for the instantaneous elimination of organic and inorganic contaminants from tannery wastewater.
Large-scale, collaborative imagery survey in archaeology: the Geospatial Platform for Andean Culture, History and Archaeology (GeoPACHA)
Authors: Wernke Steven A. , Van Valkenburgh Parker , Zimmer-Dauphinee James , Whitlock Bethany , Spence Morrow Giles , Smith Ryan , Smit Douglas , Roque Ortega Grecia , Ricci Jara Kevin , Plekhov Daniel , Oré Menéndez Gabriela , Norman Scotti , Marcone Giancarlo , Mamani Calloapaza Manuel , Kohut Lauren , Hernández Garavito Carla , Chacaltana-Cortez Sofia , Arkush Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Imagery-based survey is capable of producing archaeological datasets that complement those collected through field-based survey methods, widening the scope of analysis beyond regions. The Geospatial Platform for Andean Culture, History and Archaeology (GeoPACHA) enables systematic registry of imagery survey data through a ‘federated’ approach. Using GeoPACHA, teams pursue problem-specific research questions through a common data schema and interface that allows for inter-project comparisons, analyses and syntheses. The authors present an overview of the platform's rationale and functionality, as well as a summary of results from the first survey campaign, which was carried out by six projects distributed across the central Andes, five of which are represented here.
The Global Dynamics of Inequality (GINI) project: analysing archaeological housing data
Authors: Bogaard Amy , Ortman Scott , Birch Jennifer , Cervantes Quequezana Gabriela , Chirikure Shadreck , Crema Enrico R. , Cruz Pablo , Feinman Gary , Fochesato Mattia , Green Adam S. , Gronenborn Detlef , Hamerow Helena , Jin Guiyun , Kerig Tim , Lawrence Dan , McCoy Mark D. , Munson Jessica , Roscoe Paul , Rosenstock Eva , Thompson Amy , Petrie Cameron A. , Kohler Timothy A.
Published: December 2023

The GINI project investigates the dynamics of inequality among populations over the long term by synthesising global archaeological housing data. This project brings archaeologists together from around the world to assess hypotheses concerning the causes and consequences of inequality that are of relevance to contemporary societies globally.
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy as the initial presenting feature of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ranathunga Ishara , Idampitiya Chandima
Published: December 2023

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder caused by the destruction of the pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin. Individuals with T1DM usually require at least 3-5 years to develop microvascular complications in comparison to people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), who may develop complications even before the diagnosis of diabetes. We discuss a patient who presented with proliferative diabetic retinopathy subsequently diagnosed with T1DM and diabetic neuropathy following investigations. Diabetic retinopathy or other microvascular complications as the presenting feature of T1DM is rarely known or reported in the literature. A 33-year-old healthcare worker had been seen by the opticians due to 1-week history of blurred vision. The ophthalmology assessment had confirmed proliferative retinopathy in the right eye and severe non-proliferative retinopathy in the left eye with bilateral clinically significant macular oedema. His BMI was 24.9 kg/m2. The nervous system examination revealed bilateral stocking type peripheral neuropathy. The random venous glucose was 24.9 mmol/L. Plasma ketones were 0.7 mmol/L and HbA1c was 137 mmol/mol. On further evaluation, the anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody was positive, confirming the diagnosis of T1DM. He was started on aflibercept injections in both eyes, followed by panretinal photocoagulation. Subsequent nerve conduction studies confirmed the presence of symmetrical polyneuropathy. The pathogenesis of the development of microvascular complications in T1DM is multifactorial. Usually, the development of complications is seen at least a few years following the diagnosis. The occurrence of microvascular complications at presentation is rare. This makes the management challenging and extremely important in preventing the progression of the disease.

Learning points

The pathogenesis of the development of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus is multifactorial.

The development of complications is seen at least a few years following the diagnosis.

Occurrence of microvascular complications at presentation is rare.

This makes the management challenging and extremely important to prevent the progression of the disease.
Lactobacillus amylovorus KU4 induces adipose browning in obese mice by regulating PP4C
Authors: Yang Garam , Hong Eunjeong , Oh Sejong , Kim Eungseok
Published: December 2023

We previously reported that Lactobacillus amylovorus KU4 (LKU4) promotes adipocyte browning in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD mice) in part by remodeling the PPARγ transcription complex. However, the mechanism through which LKU4 enables PPARγ to drive adipocyte browning remains elusive. Here, we report that LKU4 inhibits the expression of PP4C in inguinal white adipose tissue of HFD mice and in insulin-resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes, which promotes SIRT1-dependent PPARγ deacetylation by activating AMPK, leading to the browning of adipocytes. Consistently, the silencing of PP4C further enhances this pathway. Furthermore, we observed that lactate, a key LKU4 metabolite, reduces insulin-induced PP4C expression and suppresses PP4C inhibition of PPARγ deacetylation and transcriptional activity via AMPK–SIRT1, thereby facilitating the browning of adipocytes. Together, these data demonstrate that LKU4 promotes the AMPK–SIRT1–PPARγ pathway by inhibiting PP4C, thereby facilitating adipocyte browning in HFD mice.
Solid-state fermentation for gossypol detoxification and nutritive enrichment of cottonseed cake: A scale-up of batch fermentation process
Authors: Mageshwaran Vellaichamy , Satankar Varsha , Paul Surinder
Published: December 2023

Gossypol, a toxic polyphenolic compound, limits the use of cottonseed cake (CSC) in animal feed. Different approaches have been employed to detoxify gossypol and improve the nutritive properties of feed. Microbial fermentation improves the nutritive quality of CSC by increasing lysine content and reducing free and bound gossypol. In this study, microbial fermentation was scaled up under batch conditions using a prototype device at the capacity of 40 kg per day. The mixed fungal culture C. tropicalis + S. cerevisiae was used for fermentation. An industrial trial was taken to ascertain the gossypol detoxification efficiency. The fermented CSC obtained under scale-up process had 60 to 80% and 40 to 60% reduction of free and bound gossypol, respectively, compared with raw CSC. The fermented CSC demonstrated an increase in crude protein (4 to 12%) and lysine (0.3 to 0.4%) and decrease in crude fibre (3 to 11%). The fermented CSC met the standards of US Food and Drug Administration in terms of its nutritional property. Thus, the simple method described in this study could be adopted for the production of detoxified CSC for use in the animal feed industry.
Prognostic Analysis of Driving Style: The Significance of Demographic and Cognitive Factors
Authors: Slavinskienė Justina , Endriulaitienė Auksė
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to compare four driving styles among professional and non-professional Lithuanian drivers and to assess the significance of demographic and cognitive factors in predicting investigated driving styles. The study included data from 446 nonprofessional drivers (mean of age 32.6 years) and 200 professional drivers (mean of age 47.7 years) in Lithuania. The research questionnaire comprised demographic data and self-report instruments for driving styles road risk perception and driving skills (perceptual-motor and safety) assessment. An interactive, video-based hazard prediction test was used to evaluate road hazard perception skills. The study results showed that professional drivers possess a more aggressive and more careless driving style, while nonprofessional drivers exhibited a more anxious driving style. It was found that longer driving experience, better self-assessed perceptual-motor skills, but poorer self-reported safety driving skills, were significant predictors for a driving style associated with a careless as well as with aggression, demonstrated among younger drivers. A poorer self-assessment of perceptual-motor driving skills was significantly associated with an anxious driving style among both professional and nonprofessional drivers with more driving experience. Finally, this study revealed that a safe driving style is significantly predicted by greater self-assessed perceptual-motor and safety driving skills.
Kognityvinės semiotikos pagrindimas ženklų ir reikšmių fenomenologija
Authors: Sonesson Göran
Published: December 2023

Kognityvinė semiotika, pastaruoju metu įvairiose terpėse pristatoma kaip nauja humanitarinių ir socialinių mokslų paradigma, siekia sujungti kognityvinius mokslus su semiotika. Išplėsdami kognicijos sąvoką taip, kad ji aprėptų didžiąją dalį psichinio gyvenimo (o kartais – ir daugelį „subasmeninių“ [subpersonal] aspektų), kognityviniai mokslai ne kažin kiek vietos paskyrė reikšmės fenomenams ir jų savitumui. Kita vertus, semiotika ar bent jau kai kurios jos apraiškos, ypač įkvėptosios Peirce’o, turi polinkį bene viską aiškinti kaip ženklų konsteliacijas. Abi šios tendencijos veda į konceptualinę miglą ir sąmyšį. Epistemologiniu požiūriu, kognityvinės semiotikos užduotis – susieti šiuodvi vieno ir to paties akiračio tendencijas, sąmonę [mind] padedant ten, kur jai ir vieta, o ženklus – į jiems skirtą vietą. Šio straipsnio pirmoje dalyje aptariamas fenomenologinis metodas ir jo taikymas suvokimui [perception]. Konkrečiai aptarsime, ar ir kokia apimtimi galima sakyti, kad suvokime esama propozicijų [propositions]. Antroje dalyje bus pristatomas ženklas kaip elementari kognityvinės semiotikos sąvoka, didžiąja dalimi išvesta iš aprezentacijos apibrėžties fenomenologijoje, bet taip pat sudaroma pasinaudojant kai kuriomis [Jeano] Piaget idėjomis. Užuot visas reikšmės prieigas [vehicles] tapatinus su ženklais, šiame straipsnyje ženklo sąvoka susiaurinama iki labai konkrečių reikšmės atvejų, kurie skiriasi nuo kitokių reikšmės tipų, kai reikšmė labiau tiesiogiai duota suvokime. Galiausiai trečioje dalyje imsimės neograisiškos [neo-Gricean] reikšmės analizės ir tvirtinsime, kad įprasčiausiais atvejais šio pobūdžio reikšmę apims ženklo sąvoka, tačiau kai kuriais atskirais atvejais ir tam tikruose kontekstuose vis tiek prireiks graisiško tipo reikšmės sąvokos.
THE SPECIFIC URANIUM-LEAD ISOTOPIC SYSTEM OF MONAZITE FROM THE LEUCOCRATE GNEISS OF PRIAZOVIA
Authors:   M.P. Semenenko Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Ore Formation of the National Academy of Sciences of  Ukraine, Stepanyuk L.M. , Dovbush T.I. ,   M.P. Semenenko Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Ore Formation of the National Academy of Sciences of  Ukraine, Vysotsky O.B. ,   M.P. Semenenko Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Ore Formation of the National Academy of Sciences of  Ukraine, Kovalenko N.O. ,   M.P. Semenenko Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Ore Formation of the National Academy of Sciences of  Ukraine
Published: December 2023

The uranium-lead isotopic system of monazites from leucocratic gneiss (Pryazovsky megablock) was studied and the age of their formation was determined. Monazites from leucocratic gneiss are characterized by significant discordance, which is obviously due to the radiogenic component of impurity lead. In our case, the reverse discordance is to a large extent obviously due to the addition of radiogenic lead, which was captured by monazite during crystallization and is a component of impurity (abnormal composition) of lead. Calculating the age of monazite using a concordia diagram (Arens-Wetherill method) gave the following results: at the upper intersection of the regression line, the age was 2029 ± 145 and 1106 ± 337 Ma, at the lower one MSWD = 35. Taking into account the rather large contents of ordinary lead in the monazite samples studied and the significant dependence of the isotopic age determination results on the adequately introduced correction for ordinary (impurity lead), the isotopic composition of which may not correspond to the isotopic composition of ordinary lead according to Stacey and Kramers, calculated the relationship between numerical age values obtained from the 207Pb/206Pb isotopic ratio and the 206Pb/204Pb ratio, which sufficiently characterizes the content of ordinary lead. Therefore, the numerical values of the age, calculated using different models, according to the obtained analytical data, are quite different: 2027 Ma, 2037 ± 18, 2029 ± 145, and 2099 Ma. In our opinion, the isotopic date, 2037 ± 18 Ma, calculated by the isotopic composition of lead, taking into account the errors in the determination of lead isotopic ratios, corresponds to the time of monazite crystallization to a greater extent. Within the margin of error, it coincides with the date of 2029 ± 145 Ma, obtained from the upper intersection of the discordia with the concordia in the coordinates of the Ahrens-Weatherill method.
STRUCTURAL AND LITHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF ZIRCON-ILMENITE PLASTERS FROM THE MOKRI-YALY GROUP
Authors:   Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ganzha O.A. , Kroshko Yu. V. ,   Institute of Geological Sciences of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Okholina T.V.
Published: December 2023

The article presents the general geological characteristics and paleogeographic conditions of the formation of the Mokri- Yaly group of zircon-ilmenite placers. The studied region is characterized by a complex geological structure and polyfacies composition. The deposits are located in the area of Precambrian folding, that had been complicated by young tectonic shifts. The Tatarske, Manuilske and Zlatoustivske deposits belong to the most promising placers of this group. They represent alluvial and coastal-marine sandy deposits (Oligocene-Miocene). The main placer minerals are ilmenite (17.5—18.2 kg/m3) and zircon (3.3—5.2 kg/m3). The distribution map of ilmenite and zircon over the area of the Tatarske, Manuilske and Zlatoustivske deposits were constracted by modern GIS-technologies. This maps are included: relief of the bottom surface, sole and roof of the ore deposit of the Mokri-Yaly depression, maps of the planar distribution of the contents of ilmenite, zircon, and the thickness of the ore stratum, distribution columns of ilmenite and zircon in the vertical cross section of the wells of each of the deposits. General ore-bearing characteristic of Tatarske deposit are layer thickness — 5 m, overburden thickness — 7.2 m, zircon content 4.2 kg/m3, ilmenite — 15.1 kg/m3; Manuilske deposit are layer thickness — 10 m, overburden thickness — to 20 m, zircon content 5.5 kg/m3, ilmenite — 26 kg/m3; Manuilske deposit are layer thickness — 3.8 m, overburden thickness — 7.2 m, zircon content 3.8 kg/m3, ilmenite — 18.4 kg/m3. The structural (structure of the reservoir, hypsometry of the deposit, relief of the modern surface, tectonic conditions, etc.) and lithological (granulometric and mineralogical features, lithofacies, distribution of ore components, etc.) characteristics were discribed (as the Mokri-Yaly group in general , as specifically the Tatarske, Manuilske and Zlatoustivske zircon-ilmenite deposits).
Influence of some additives on burning rate of KNO3-based compositions
Authors: Tuan Nguyen Duy , A. P. Denisuyk , Khai Doan Minh , V. A. Sizov
Published: December 2023

In this article effect of some additives on combustion behaviour of high energetic compositions based on KNO3 was studied. The KNO3-based samples were made by mixing, rolling, and pressing. Investigated additives were: copper salicylate, nickel salicylate, copper-lead phthalate, nickel-lead phthalate, soot and carbon nanotubes. Burning rate was determined by the pressure increasing by using modification of the corner point method. It is shown that individual additives insignificantly effect on the burning rate of studied samples. The carbon nanotubes brand TMD with specific surface area ~270 m2/g and copper salicylate are the most effective additives on the burning rate. It should be noted that copper salicylate with carbon nanotubes have a significantly greater effect on the burning rate than individual additives or the catalyst with soot.
Powerful wind kills hundreds of birds
Authors: Tippett Ryan M , Underhill Les G
Published: December 2023

Extreme weather events are predicted to occur with increasing frequency as a result of global climate change. These extremes take multiple forms. This note reports an abnormal weather event in which winds, apparently Force 10 on the Beaufort Scale (90-100 km/hour), killed hundreds of birds at a farmhouse in the Karoo, South Africa. The wind was so strong that it removed birds from their roosts in trees and flung them against the walls of the farmhouse with such force that it killed them. There are no published accounts of comparable events in southern Africa.
Effectiveness Assessment of Tax Benefits in Terms of Reduced Rates of Insurance Contributions for IT-companies in Russia
Authors:   Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy, Moscow, Russia, Drobyshevsky Sergey M. ,   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russia, Korytin Andrew V. ,   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russia, Kostrykina Natalya S. ,   Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy, Moscow, Russia,   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2023

The relevance of the research topic is determined by new changes to the taxation treatment of IT companies, applied by the Russia Federation in 2021, which are called the IT maneuver. Previously, in 2010, IT organizations benefited in terms of reduced rates of insurance contributions to the pension, medical and social insurance funds. To make informed decisions on further stimulation of the IT industry, it is important to determine the effectiveness of tax benefits already provided. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the economic effect of IT benefits on the economic performance of IT companies. The hypothesis of the study means that IT companies using this support get an incentive for development and demonstrate better economic performance compared to other businesses in the industry. The business that has received additional financial resources due to savings on insurance contributions can use them to increase employee remuneration, expand its business (resulting in growth in the number of employees and revenues) or, at least, achieve greater profitability. The methodology of the study is as follows. The enterprises applying the insurance benefit were identified according to the sample of enterprises in the IT sector. Further, a comparison was made in respect of economic indicators of the benefit recipients and indicators of companies from the same industry having no benefits. Main findings of the quantitative analysis show a significant outperformance of economic growth for companies applying the IT benefit compared to those companies having no benefit. Practical relevance of the obtained findings means that the benefit on insurance contributions for software developers is a significant factor in the development of Russian IT-industry as a whole. The scientific impact of the conducted research involves the creation and application of a methodology for reliable determination of the insurance benefit among the enterprises of the IT sector.
Analytical Review of Tax Compliance Studies in the SMEs Sector: A Bibliometric Approach
Authors:   Universitas Terbuka, Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia, Thaha Abdurrahman Rahim , Antoro Aji Fajar Suryo ,   Universitas Terbuka, Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia, Muhtarom H. ,   Universitas Terbuka, Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia
Published: December 2023

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in fostering economic growth; however, they often face challenges in meeting their tax obligations due to limited resources and understanding. This bibliometric study explores the relationship between taxes and SMEs, exploring aspects such as compliance, the impact of tax burdens, and the effectiveness of incentives. The analysis of 783 Scopus documents reveals a growing interest in research, with consistent annual publications and significant citation rates. Among the fields, Business, Management, and Accounting lead in publications, closely followed by Economics, Econometrics, and Finance, also Social Sciences. Geographically, the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, and Malaysia stand out as major contributors, underscoring the global nature of this engagement. Thematic analysis uncovers emerging and declining themes, including the cost of tax compliance, supply chain management, and country-specific SME issues. Niche themes focus on Russia’s business environment, tax avoidance, and access to finance in India. Basic themes cover SME growth, the impact of taxation, and responses to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Motor themes emphasize innovation in SMEs, Malaysia’s capital structure, and challenges related to tax compliance, also tax evasion. The research underscores the intricate relationship between taxes and SMEs, underscoring their global significance and the necessity for targeted policies. Despite limitations such as database representation, temporal constraints, and language bias, this study advocates for ongoing research and policy strategies. These should aim to support fair and sustainable tax obligations for SMEs, ensuring their continued growth and valuable contribution to the economy.
Real Earnings Management Sine Qua Non Book-Tax Differences in Tax Avoidance of Mining Sector Companies in Indonesia
Authors:   Ma Chung University, Malang, Indonesia, Lembut Putu Indrajaya , Oktariani Fitri ,   Ma Chung University, Malang, Indonesia
Published: December 2023

This study aims to prove the effect of book income that can be manipulated through real earnings management activities on book-tax differences that appear to be interrelated but have not been widely studied. Researchers want to prove the coupling relationship (sine qua non) between real earnings management and book-tax differences based on rational choice theory as the main theory. Tests were conducted on 43 sample companies in the mining sector listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2018–2021. The analytical method used is panel data regression with the help of EViews (Econometric Views) version 12. The results prove that there is an effect of abnormal cash flow and abnormal discretionary expenses on book-tax differences, while abnormal production costs have no effect. Furthermore, the same result is also obtained when the reverse test is conducted, namely book-tax differences in real earnings management. The reciprocal test gives the result that book-tax differences affect abnormal operating cash flows and abnormal discretionary expenses but do not affect abnormal production cots. Meanwhile, the alignment of the reciprocal relationship between abnormal cash flow operations and abnormal discretionary expenses to book-tax differences shows the relationship (sine qua non) between real earnings management and book-tax differences. The contribution of this research proves that book-tax differences are the output of real earnings management, so the amount can be used as an indicator if a company manipulates earnings. Therefore, it is important for the government, especially the Directorate General of Taxes as a policymaker to start considering the amount of book-tax differences in a certain range that is permitted for companies. In addition, it can be followed up by issuing additional tax regulations if needed to minimize tax avoidance.
CEO Skills in Preventing Tax Avoidance Activities and Reducing the Risk of Stock Price Crashes in Indonesia
Authors:   Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia, Winedar Mustika , Harymawan Iman ,   Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
Published: December 2023

The market bubble phenomenon has hit the capital markets, including in Indonesia. This occurs when a company’s cash flow is lower than investors’ expectations. Even the literature on stock price crash risk, which considers managers’ motives to disguise negative information, identifies that tax avoidance has been used as a mask by managers to cover up poor performance. This study aims to determine the effect of high CEO capability on the relationship between tax avoidance and stock price crash risk in Indonesia. This research method uses a quantitative approach with 436 observations of companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the period 2015–2019. Data was obtained through the official website of the Indonesia Stock Exchange indexed by Kompas 100. The data was tested using ordinary least squares regression model. The results of this study found that, first, tax evasion has a positive effect on the risk of decreasing the share price of companies incorporated in the Kompas 100 index on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Second, that a highly skilled CEO can weaken the relationship between tax evasion and the risk of falling stock prices. This finding supports the agency theory perspective, where tax evasion is used by opportunistic managers to disguise financial information, thereby increasing the risk of future stock price crash. This study enriches the literature by demonstrating the role of highly skilled CEOs in influencing the intensity of the relationship between tax avoidance and stock price crash risk. Second, this study demonstrates the uniqueness of incorporating the human aspect, in the form of CEO characteristics, into the model linking tax avoidance with stock price crash risk.
Association of Grip Strength with All-Cause Mortality among Korean Adults with Disabilities
Authors: Yim Sang Hun
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE: This study utilized data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging to investigate the association between grip strength and all-cause mortality rates in adults with disabilities aged ≥ 45 years in Korea.METHODS: The study included 430 adults with disabilities without missing values in the mortality variable and no history of cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, or cardiovascular diseases (mean age 63.2 ± 10.0 years) for analysis. Data from the first to seventh waves were used in the analysis. Grip strength was measured using a dynamometer, and mortality status and date were recorded. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the association between grip strength and all-cause mortality rates to calculate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs), considering potential confounding variables. Finally, a joint association between grip strength, obesity, and all-cause mortality was assessed.RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 9.09 ± 3.73 years, 135 adults with disabilities died. After adjusting all possible confounding variables, the HR of the group with the highest grip strength was significantly lower (HR: .36; 95% CI: .20-.65) than that of the group with the lowest grip strength. In the joint analysis, compared to the “weak and non-obese” group, the HRs (95% CIs) of all-cause mortality were .32 (.17-.62) and .27 (.10-.71) in the “strong and non-obese” and “strong and obese” groups, respectively.CONCLUSION: High grip strength in Korean adults with disabilities aged ≥45 years was significantly associated with a lower all-cause mortality risk, independent of obesity. Hence, grip strength may be a simple indicator of mortality risk; however, additional research using large-scale survey data is required.
How to Measure Mitochondrial Oxygen Respiration
Authors: Heo Jun-Won , Cho Eun-Jeong , Choi Youngju , Seo Dae Yun , Han Jin , Park Dong-Ho , Kang Ju-Hee , Kwak Hyo-Bum
Published: December 2023

PURPOSE: With the widespread of mitochondrial function, the need to accurately quantify and comprehend mitochondrial O2 respiration has gained prominence within the physiological and pathological spheres. Various in situ, in vitro, and in vivo approaches have been available to investigate numerous aspects of mitochondrial O2 consumption. This review aims to provide a specific method for researchers to consider in examining mitochondrial O2 respiration using permeabilized or homogenized tissues. These techniques allow direct access to mitochondrial O2 respiration, facilitating an exploration of mitochondrial bioenergetics under well-defined substrate conditions.METHODS: Here, we present a method for measuring mitochondrial O2 consumption in permeabilized or homogenized tissues using high-resolution respirometry (Oroboros Oxygraph-2K, Oroboros Instrument).RESULTS: A high-resolution respirometry provides the most direct way to assess mitochondrial O2 respiration with interpretations based on specific modeling approaches.CONCLUSIONS: As many diseases are closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, ongoing advancements in this methodology may provide researchers with exciting and novel opportunities for finding the potential role of mitochondria in the etiology and treatment of various diseases.
Value extraction, crowding out, and instability of the financial sector on Colombian productive development
Authors: MORA GONZALO COMBITA
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT This research aims to illustrate how, under the scenario of global financialization, Colombia’s productive model changed and now is led by finance which extracted value, creating instability, and provoking a crowding out effect on real sector embodied here by the manufacture share of GDP. The above became evident in the 1990s thanks to free-market reforms implemented. The research uses heterodox theory to empirically verify the hypotheses by creating variables representing the proposed phenomena and exposing them through descriptive analysis and a VARX model.
The “National Champions” strategy in Brazil. Insights from JBS, VALE and AB-INBEV’ internationalization process (2003-2018)
Authors: CLEMENTE DARIO
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT A staple of the PT governments’ new economic policy in Brazil has been the pursue of the internationalization of a selected group of domestic firms. From 2003 to 2013, the Brazilian State has promoted the globalization of such firms through various public policies, with the main goal being to position the most of them in the upper echelon of their respective industry globally. At the same time, internationalization had been a primary “defensive” strategy adopted by leading Brazilian firms since the ‘90s, turned in a truly “global strategy” in the last 20 years to deal with deeply transformative trends at world level. Here we look specifically at the internationalization path followed by JBS, VALE and AB-INBEV, highlighting common patterns such as undertaking expansive trajectories characterized by distinctive and cumulative phases of consolidation; penetrating rapidly concentrating world industries; a common tendency to dispersion of shareholding control, foreign takeover and delocalization of central activities in major markets; growing financialization of business; emergency of China as main market of reference. We conclude that the internationalization trajectories of JBS, VALE and AB-INBEV show some shortcomings in the “National Champions” strategy. Nonetheless, we warn against the temptation of regarding the mixed results of this strategy as simply a “failure” of the new industrial policy as a whole.
YOUTH AND ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION: ON THE NON-PLACE OF THE PREPARATORY COURSE STUDENT
Authors: SENKEVICS ADRIANO SOUZA , CARVALHO MARÍLIA PINTO DE
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: The text aims to understand the challenges and perspectives of young people from working-class backgrounds about the transition to higher education. It is based on fieldwork carried out in Brasilia/Federal District in 2018 that draws on the application of more than two hundred questionnaires in community-based preparatory courses and interviews with twenty youngsters. The results indicate the existence of a non-place of a preparatory course student characterized by the absence of links between individuals and educational or work institutions. There is a friction between logics of action that contradictorily meet and combine in the statements of the interviewees: sometimes they perceive higher education as a vocation to be claimed through effort, sometimes as one among other opportunities to “chase after.” On one hand, meritocratic perspectives stimulate them to invest in options of programs, careers, and institutions that are more daring, allegedly related to their personal vocation; on the other hand, the successive failures in the transition attempts or the previous difficulties in their school trajectories force them to opt for more pragmatic paths, reproducing logics of “knowing how to get by” that mark their experiences beyond the educational field. This discussion elucidates how the expansion process of higher education has responded to a change in the way that access to education itself is understood.
Selection of Acacia mearnsii for mini-cutting propagation
Authors: Gazzana Denise , Avinio Renata Smith , Tonetto Thaíse da Silva , Malheiros Angélica Costa , Lencina Kelen Haygert , Bisognin Dilson Antônio
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: Acacia mearnsii De Wild. (Black wattle) is a forest species with great social and economical importance for the southern region of Brazil. This species has multifunctional characteristics, being cultivated to produce tannin, cellulose and energy. This research identified black wattle genotypes with competence for adventitious rooting for mini-cutting propagation. Single-bud mini-cuttings were treated with IBA at a concentration of 2000 mg L-1. After 30 days of cultivation in a humid chamber, the mini-cuttings were evaluated for percentages of survival, rooting, number of roots, average length of the three largest roots, and the number of mini-cuttings rooted per mini-stump. The identification of the best genotypes was performed with the Selegen REML/BLUP software. Selection between and within black wattle progenies can be performed based on the number of rooted mini-cuttings, making it possible to select genotypes with high competence for adventitious rooting while maintaining genetic variability for new selection cycles to develop clones for vegetative propagation by mini-cutting.
Generational succession in agriculture: academic debate and scientific trends
Authors: Boscardin Mariele , Breitenbach Raquel , Vaz Fabiano Nunes
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: The present study, detailed a survey of the academic debate and scientific trends regarding generational succession in agriculture. Hence this study is categorized under quantitative and qualitative bibliometric research. For this research, the Scopus database was accessed to identify scientific articles from publications between the years 2010 and 2021. The search, which included keywords like “successors” and “farm*”, resulted in 57 relevant articles. For the study, eleven thematic categories were selected, viz., Factors that influence generational succession; Gender issues in generational succession; Educational aspects in succession; Coping strategies in relation to the future of rural properties and utilization of agricultural land; Succession planning; Issues related to the dairy farming activity and the presence of successors; The role of rural youth in the succession; Socioeconomic effects on rural properties from the presence of successors; Agricultural transfers to “new” farmers; Emotional and belonging aspects in generational transfer; and Relationships and perceptions of non-successors with respect to rural property and succession. However, the factors that affect generational renewal and gender issues in generational succession are the themes that recur most often in the research. Europe is in the forefront in terms of research on succession, and reveals new research pathways and is on the frontline for the development of public policies on generational succession in agriculture. Finally, the other emerging themes were observed to be those which dealt with the relationship that exists between the emotional aspects and succession, as well as agricultural transfers to “new” farmers.
Visual analysis of Chinese and international green manure research based on bibliometrics
Authors: Ma Xueting , Liao Jiean , Zhao Jinfei
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: To investigate the development and dynamics of green manure research, we collected 802 and 4588 papers on green manure research from China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WoS) between 1992 and 2021, respectively, and conducted quantitative and visual analyses based on bibliometric methods on the annual number of publications, authors and institutions, keywords, and emergent words. The main research hotspots in the field of green manure are discussed and summarized based on the results of the visualization analysis and the important publications explored by the results of the visualization analysis. The results showed that: the overall number of publications on green manure research exhibits an increasing trend, and research in this field is receiving more and more attention; the United States is the core country in this research field, with a great influence; although, the number of Chinese publications is large, the intermediary centrality value is small and the level of scientific research needs to be improved; the research characteristics in the field of green manure research mainly focus on green manure cultivation technology, the effects on soil and crops, and the effects on pests and diseases. The study was conducted based on CiteSpace, a visualization tool of bibliometrics, with comprehensive literature information and intuitive results, providing important references for relevant researchers to understand the extent of research in this field, academic communication, and grasp research dynamics.