bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive maintenance in Industry 4.0: a survey of planning models and machine learning techniques
Authors: Hector Ida , Panjanathan Rukmani
Published: May 2024

Equipment downtime resulting from maintenance in various sectors around the globe has become a major concern. The effectiveness of conventional reactive maintenance methods in addressing interruptions and enhancing operational efficiency has become inadequate. Therefore, acknowledging the constraints associated with reactive maintenance and the growing need for proactive approaches to proactively detect possible breakdowns is necessary. The need for optimisation of asset management and reduction of costly downtime emerges from the demand for industries. The work highlights the use of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled Predictive Maintenance (PdM) as a revolutionary strategy across many sectors. This article presents a picture of a future in which the use of IoT technology and sophisticated analytics will enable the prediction and proactive mitigation of probable equipment failures. This literature study has great importance as it thoroughly explores the complex steps and techniques necessary for the development and implementation of efficient PdM solutions. The study offers useful insights into the optimisation of maintenance methods and the enhancement of operational efficiency by analysing current information and approaches. The article outlines essential stages in the application of PdM, encompassing underlying design factors, data preparation, feature selection, and decision modelling. Additionally, the study discusses a range of ML models and methodologies for monitoring conditions. In order to enhance maintenance plans, it is necessary to prioritise ongoing study and improvement in the field of PdM. The potential for boosting PdM skills and guaranteeing the competitiveness of companies in the global economy is significant through the incorporation of IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advanced analytics.
Spatio-temporal characterisation and compensation method based on CNN and LSTM for residential travel data
Authors: Alhudhaif Adi , Polat Kemal
Published: May 2024

Currently, most traffic simulations require residents’ travel plans as input data; however, in real scenarios, it is difficult to obtain real residents’ travel behavior data for various reasons, such as a large amount of data and the protection of residents’ privacy. This study proposes a method combining a convolutional neural network (CNN) and a long short-term memory network (LSTM) for analyzing and compensating spatiotemporal features in residents’ travel data. By exploiting the spatial feature extraction capability of CNNs and the advantages of LSTMs in processing time-series data, the aim is to achieve a traffic simulation close to a real scenario using limited data by modeling travel time and space. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this article is closer to the real data in terms of the average traveling distance compared with the use of the modulation method and the statistical estimation method. The new strategy we propose can significantly reduce the deviation of the model from the original data, thereby significantly reducing the basic error rate by about 50%.
Var3PPred: variant prediction based on 3-D structure and sequence analyses of protein-protein interactions on autoinflammatory diseases
Authors: Bülbül Alper , Timucin Emel , Timuçin Ahmet Can , Sezerman Osman Uğur , Tahir Turanli Eda
Published: May 2024

We developed a pathogenicity classifier, named Var3PPred, for identifying pathogenic variants in genes associated with autoinflammatory disorders. Our comprehensive approach integrates protein-protein interaction analysis and 3D structural information. Initially, we collected a dataset of 702 missense disease-associated variants from 35 genes linked to systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs). This dataset, sourced from the Infevers database, served as the training and test sets. We used the SMOTE algorithm to balance the dataset comprising 130 benign and 572 pathogenic variations. Our approach included 3D docking analysis of protein-protein interactions, utilizing data from the STRING and Intact databases. We weighted ZDOCK and SPRINT values in accordance with HGPEC gene rank scores for robustness. Additionally, we integrated sequential and structural features, such as changes in folding free energies (ΔΔ G), accessible surface area, volume, per residue local distance difference test (pLDDT) scores, and position specific independent count (PSIC) scores. These features, calculated using PyRosetta and AF2 computed structures, provided insights into amino acid conservation at variant positions and the impact of variants on protein structure and stability. Through extensive hyperparameter tuning of six machine learning algorithms, we found the random forest classifier to be the most effective, yielding an AUROC of 99% on the test set. Var3PPred outperformed three other classifiers, SIFT, PolyPhen, and CADD, on an unseen test set of a SAID-related gene. This demonstrates its capacity for pathogenicity classification of SAID variations. The source code for Var3PPred and the predictions for all 420 missense variants of uncertain significance from the Infevers database are available on GitHub: (https://github.com/alperbulbul1/Var3PPred).
Similar and divergent responses to salinity stress of jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels) genotypes
Authors: Singh Anshuman , Kumar Ashwani , Prakash Jai , Verma Arvind Kumar
Published: May 2024

Background

Genetic variation for salt tolerance remains elusive in jamun (Syzygium cumini).

Methods

Effects of gradually increased salinity (2.0–12.0 dS/m) were examined in 20 monoembryonic and 28 polyembryonic genotypes of jamun. Six genotypes were additionally assessed for understanding salt-induced changes in gas exchange attributes and antioxidant enzymes.

Results

Salt-induced reductions in leaf, stem, root and plant dry mass (PDM) were relatively greater in mono- than in poly-embryonic types. Reductions in PDM relative to control implied more adverse impacts of salinity on genotypes CSJ-28, CSJ-31, CSJ-43 and CSJ-47 (mono) and CSJ-1, CSJ-24, CSJ-26 and CSJ-27 (poly). Comparably, some mono- (CSJ-5, CSJ-18) and poly-embryonic (CSJ-7, CSJ-8, CSJ-14, CSJ-19) genotypes exhibited least reductions in PDM following salt treatment. Most polyembryonic genotypes showed lower reductions in root than in shoot mass, indicating that they may be more adept at absorbing water and nutrients when exposed to salt. The majority of genotypes did not exhibit leaf tip burn and marginal scorch despite significant increases in Na+ and Cl−, suggesting that tissue tolerance existed for storing excess Na+ and Cl− in vacuoles. Jamun genotypes were likely more efficient in Cl− exclusion because leaf, stem and root Cl− levels were consistently lower than those of Na+ under salt treatment. Leaf K+ was particularly little affected in genotypes with high leaf Na+. Lack of discernible differences in leaf, stem and root Ca2+ and Mg2+ contents between control and salt treatments was likely due to their preferential uptake. Correlation analysis suggested that Na+ probably had a greater inhibitory effect on biomass in both mono- and poly-embryonic types. Discriminant analysis revealed that while stem and root Cl− probably accounted for shared responses, root Na+, leaf K+ and leaf Cl− explained divergent responses to salt stress of mono- and poly-embryonic types. Genotypes CSJ-18 and CSJ-19 seemed efficient in fending off oxidative damage caused by salt because of their stronger antioxidant defences.

Conclusions

Polyembryonic genotypes CSJ-7, CSJ-8, CSJ-14 and CSJ-19, which showed least reductions in biomass even after prolonged exposure to salinity stress, may be used as salt-tolerant rootstocks. The biochemical and molecular underpinnings of tissue tolerance to excess Na+ and Cl− as well as preferential uptake of K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+ need to be elucidated.
A comprehensive analysis of the oncogenic and prognostic role of TBC1Ds in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Pei , Zhu Lei , Pan Xiaodong
Published: May 2024

Backgrounds

TBC1D family members (TBC1Ds) are a group of proteins that contain the Tre2-Bub2-Cdc16 (TBC) domain. Recent studies have shown that TBC1Ds are involved in tumor growth, but no analysis has been done of expression patterns and prognostic values of TBC1Ds in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The expression levels of TBC1Ds were evaluated in HCC using the TIMER, UALCN and Protein Atlas databases. The correlation between the mRNA levels of TBC1Ds and the prognosis of patients with HCC in the GEPIA database was then analyzed. An enrichment analysis then revealed genes that potentially interact with TBC1Ds. The correlation between levels of TBC1Ds and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in HCC were studied using the TIMER 2.0 database. Finally, a series of in vitro assays verified the role of TBC1Ds in HCC progression.

Results

This study revealed the upregulated expression of TBC1Ds in HCC and the strong positive correlation between the mRNA levels of TBC1Ds and poor prognosis of patients with HCC. The functions of TBC1Ds were mainly related to autophagy and the AMPK pathway. There was also a significant correlation between level of TBC1Ds and tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in HCC. The promoting role of TBC1Ds in HCC progression was verified in vitro assays.

Conclusion

The results of this analysis indicate that TBC1Ds may serve as new biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
Arsenic disulfide promoted the demethylation of PTPL1 in diffuse large B cell lymphoma cells
Authors: Chen Chen , Wang Ling , Liu Yan , Du Shenghong , Teng Qingliang
Published: May 2024

Background

Promoter hypermethylation of the tumor suppressor gene is one of the well-studied causes of cancer development. The drugs that reverse the process by driving demethylation could be a candidate for anticancer therapy. This study was designed to investigate the effects of arsenic disulfide on PTPL1 methylation in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Methods

We knocked down the expression of PTPL1 in two DLBCL cell lines (i.e., DB and SU-DHL-4 cells) using siRNA. Then the DLBCL proliferation was determined in the presence of PTPL1 knockdown. The methylation of PTPL1 in DLBCL cells was analyzed by methylation specific PCR (MSPCR). The effect of arsenic disulfide on the PTPL1 methylation was determined in DLBCL cell lines in the presence of different concentrations of arsenic disulfide (5 µM, 10 µM and 20 µM), respectively. To investigate the potential mechanism on the arsenic disulfide-mediated methylation, the mRNA expression of DNMT1, DNMT3B and MBD2 was determined.

Results

PTPL1 functioned as a tumor suppressor gene in DLBCL cells, which was featured by the fact that PTPL1 knockdown promoted the proliferation of DLBCL cells. PTPL1 was found hypermethylated in DLBCL cells. Arsenic disulfide promoted the PTPL1 demethylation in a dose-dependent manner, which was related to the inhibition of DNMTs and the increase of MBD2.

Conclusion

Experimental evidence shows that PTPL1 functions as a tumor suppressor gene in DLBCL progression. PTPL1 hyper-methylation could be reversed by arsenic disulfide in a dose-dependent manner.
A Commercial Speaker-Transformed Vibrational Energy Harvesting Device-Conceptual Study and Laboratory Trial on a Model Bridge
Authors: Chang K. C. , Nishino T. , Onishi M. , Murata W. , Sugihara K. , Onodera T. , Okada S. , Tanigawa H.
Published: May 2024

Advanced structural health monitoring is essential for infrastructure maintenance and management in developing a smart city and could contribute to a carbon-neutral smart city. For long-term bridge health monitoring (BHM), to power various types of wireless sensors, developing a stand-alone sustainable power supply system is of great engineering interest. Solar and wind energy harvesting techniques have been introduced into the long-term BHM field, but they could hardly work well on some monitoring targets that are closed, shadowed, or little sunlight or wind available. Vibrational energy harvesting could be an alternative energy harvesting technique, since almost all bridges vibrate when they are excited by external dynamic forces. This study focused on developing a vibrational energy harvesting device transformed from a commercial speaker, which is tailored for practical long-term BHM and characterized by simple structure, durability, commercial availability, and low cost. To develop this device, first the theoretical background on the vehicle-induced bridge vibrations and speaker principles were reviewed, then the fundamental concept of the commercial speaker-transformed vibrational energy harvesting device was presented. The basic idea was to transform a commercial speaker into a vibrational energy harvester that can convert the kinematic energy of low-frequency bridge vibrations into electric energy to charge batteries or to power sensor nodes. This concept was verified in a laboratory experiment on a model bridge loaded by a moving model vehicle. In this experiment, the current energy harvester could output a maximum voltage of 2.49 mV and an Root Mean Squared (RMS) voltage of 0.14 mV from the bridge vibrations of a maximum acceleration 0.3 m/s2 and an RMS acceleration 0.04 m/s2. Also, it was observed that the energy harvester’s output voltage was negatively correlated to bridge displacement but positively correlated to bridge acceleration. It suggests that, to harvest more energy from the bridge vibrations using the present device, any means that could excite the bridge with larger acceleration amplitudes might help, e.g., letting vehicles run faster.
Custom Fit Non-Invasive Ventilation Mask with Microclimate Monitor: Preliminary Study
Authors: Morad S. , Lindsay S.
Published: May 2024

Mask and interface design have been emphasized in previous research in relation to Non-invasive Ventilation (NIV) and pressure ulcer prevention. A number of variables contribute to necrosis, but critical research has shown that the skin-mask interface is the most important. The goal of this study is to determine whether preexisting ventilation mask designs can be modified in order to improve clinical outcomes. A Custom-Fit ventilation Mask (CFM) was created using 3D scanning and printer technology. A disposable, custom-fit cushion has been fabricated in order to integrate with a pre-existing mask. A mask is equipped with embedded sensors that measure the microclimate between the skin and the mask as precisely as possible. Real-time data is plotted and monitored for critical conditions and to identify other key features. A preliminary Temperature-Humidity (T-H) monitoring of the skin-mask interface shows fluctuation trends that could potentially induce PUs. However, there is a less sensitive reaction in the original mask test.
Juventude, política e fake news: metaestudo das produções acadêmicas em periódicos científicos entre os anos 2009 e 2019
Authors: Cristo Hélio Souza de , Nascimento Filho Aloísio Santos , Aragão José Wellington Marinho de , Saba Hugo
Published: May 2024

Este trabalho teve como objetivo mapear discutindo o estado do conhecimento da    produção científica sobre juventude, fake news, formação política e participação política publicada em periódicos entre 2009 e 2019. Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica sistemática, utilizando a Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes), o Scopus, o  Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) e o Google Acadêmico como base de dados. Para inventariar os estudos correlatos às categorias analisadas, o metaestudo se constitui a ferramenta e caminho metodológicos à integração, análise e síntese do conhecimento científico produzido. 18 artigos foram selecionados e classificados de acordo com os conceitos e as perspectivas teóricas que apresentam, e seus estudos foram agrupados em 05 temas por problemáticas convergentes. Os resultados apontam a inexistência de publicações que articulem juventude, formação política, participação política e fake news; assim como a compreensão que a participação política juvenil não ocorre num vazio histórico e cultural.
Gestão e qualidade da rede geodésica local da Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz
Authors: Teixeira Niel Nascimento , Silva Jocielle Rodrigues da , Sousa Graziela Santos , Cruz Júnior Dionísio Costa
Published: May 2024

Uma Rede Geodésica é definida como sendo um conjunto de pontos materializados no terreno, e posicionados de tal forma a possuírem, coordenadas tridimensionais com alta precisão. A etapa final da implantação da Rede Geodésica é a execução das medidas da confiabilidade, interna e externa, que representam ferramentas valiosíssimas na gestão e análise da qualidade destas redes, pois além de estimar a menor parte do erro presente na observação que pode ser identificada com uma certa probabilidade, avalia também o impacto dos erros não detectáveis nas coordenadas dos pontos. Tradicionalmente, a gestão e análise de qualidade de uma rede geodésica tem sido descrita pelas medidas de precisão de coordenada, as quais são obtidas com as quantidades da matriz de covariâncias das coordenadas estimadas. No entanto, as quantidades contidas nesta matriz não possibilitam a detecção de erros grosseiros nas observações e a estimação dos efeitos destes erros nas coordenadas estimadas. Deste modo, a gestão da rede geodésica feita por meio das medidas de confiabilidade, realiza a tarefa de detectar tais erros a um nível de confiança (1-ɑ) e poder de teste (1-ß), bem como estimam suas influências nas coordenadas a partir de matrizes oriundas do Ajustamento da Rede pelo MMQ. O propósito desta pesquisa foi aplicar estes procedimentos de gestão e análise de qualidade na Rede Geodésica Tridimensional da UESC, cujos resultados mostraram promissores, uma vez que detectaram inconsistências na componente horizontal da rede, que não foram apontados em outros procedimentos estatísticos.
Improving Safety Performance in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry: A Comparative Risk Model Analysis
Authors: Zacchaeus Mgbowaji , Ugbebor John Nwenearizi , Agbagwa Ikechukwu Ozoemenam , Ntesat Unyeawaji Brownson
Published: May 2024

This study examined a risk-based model for the enhancement of safety performance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling method was adopted to consider the selected five oil and gas companies in operations within this study area. A quantitative approach was employed using a comprehensive hazard checklist developed based on industry standards and expert insights, utilizing a structured questionnaire to collect data from industry experts, workers, and stakeholders on hazard likelihood and severity. The 392-sample size used was selected purposively to represent the total population of oil and gas workers in these companies. 392 copies of the questionnaire were administered, and 357 copies were used for the study, with a response rate of 91.07%. The analysis revealed key risk factors for oil and gas offshore operations, such as structural failure due to poor design, valve and seal failures, security threats, fire/ explosions, blowouts, and oil spills. Modelling the risk score against the likelihood showed a good model fit (R2 = 0.831), indicating that the model explains 83.1% of the variance, and the likelihood coefficient was positive and significant. Modelling the risk score against the severity also showed a reasonably good fit (R2 = 0.676), with the severity coefficient being positive and significant. However, modelling the risk score against both likelihood and severity showed excellent fit (R2 = 0.994), explaining 99.4% of the variance. The likelihood and severity coefficients were positive and highly significant; this indicated that an increase in either factor would lead to an increase in the risk score. These models provide a quantitative way to assess risk in the oil and gas industry based on the key factors of likelihood and severity of potential hazards. This study bridged theoretical risk management concepts with practical applications and provided actionable recommendations for policymakers, significantly enhancing safety performance in a crucial economic sector.
Prevalence of Schistosomiasis among Pupils of Umunya Central School, Oyi Local Government, Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: G. C. Esiaba, , J. I. Chikwendu, , I. C. Obinwa , F.C. Okoye,
Published: May 2024

Background: Schistosomiasis is a disease of medical importance caused by the parasitic worm Schistosoma haematobium. It is responsible for morbidities such as blood and protein deficiency in those infected. The study on the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis and contributory risk factors was carried out among pupils of Umunya Central School, Oyi Local Government, Anambra State between November and December, 2021.
Methods: The children were between the ages of 4-15 years. One hundred and twenty respondents of children were selected and their urine samples were collected and examined for the presence of haematuria and proteinuria using a combi 9 strip before the filtration technique was used to detect the presence of the parasite. Pupils data were collected using Google Forms researcher’s questionnaire.
Results: Out of the 120 (62 males and 58 females) children examined, a total prevalence of 0% was gotten. The pupils had a good source of water although a few of them (8%) still drank from the rivers in the community which could predispose them to the disease. Knowledge of the disease was very little among the children and many of them visited the rivers for different activities (78%).
Conclusion: Health education of the children and residents for improved perception of the behavioural and socio-economic activities associated with the disease will help reduce the burden of disease transmission.
Influence of Various Organic Manures on the Growth and Yield of Radish at Different Growth Stages (Raphanus sativus L.)
Authors: Supriya M. E. , Bhagyalakshmi T. , Yogananda S. B. , Yogesh G. S. , Chandrappa .
Published: May 2024

Applying organic manures is crucial for optimal radish growth and yield due to their rich nutrient content, soil-enriching properties and ability to foster beneficial microbial activity, all of which contribute to healthier plants and improved harvests. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of different liquid organic manures on growth and yield of radish (Raphanus sativus) at organic farming block of Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V. C. Farm, Mandya during late Kharif 2020. The experiment was laid in Randomized Complete Block Design with nine treatments and three replications. The experiment consisted of nine treatments of three different levels of nitrogen was applied through FYM and different times of application of Panchagavya and Jeevamrutha. A significant variation was observed among the treatments. The 75% RDN through FYM + two time application of Panchagavya significantly increased the growth and yield attributes at 15, 30, 45 DAS and at harvest viz., plant height (8.39,  18.25, 28.16 and 33.06 cm), number of leaves per plant (6.22, 9.11, 16.04 and 18.43), leaf area index (0.08, 0.46, 0.70 and 1.01), root diameter (5.43cm at harvest), fresh shoot weight (8.53, 51.31, 115.29 and 132.43 g plant-1), fresh root weight (2.99, 61.19, 161.08 and 213.08 g plant-1), dry shoot weight (1.11, 10.76, 22.01 and 30.49 g plant-1), dry root weight (0.90, 13.13, 26.74 and 43.28 g plant-1),  root yield (38.38 t ha-1)  and shoot yield (30.26 t ha-1). In total, the results suggested that 75 per cent recommended dosage of nitrogen was applied through FYM with two times application of panchagavya is proved to be conducive for radish cultivation.
Unlocking the Secrets of Soil Health: Exploring the Influence of Natural and Synthetic Nutrients on Soil Organic Carbon and Active & Passive Carbon Pool in Vertisols
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Bangar K.S. , Parmar B.B. , Bangre Jyoti , Kumar Kishan , Yadav Brajesh
Published: May 2024

The experiment carried out in this field study was between 2022 and 2023 at the (AICRP) research farm in the outward-bound farm of the College of Agriculture, Indore. Indore is a small city in the western part of Madhya Pradesh, Central India, situated on the Malwa Plateau.  An experiment was conducted with three replication by using different combination of N, P levels and crop residues in RBD design. Experiment field was medium to black soil with pH of 7.63 and medium in organic carbon 0.58%. The soil was low in available nitrogen (208.0 kg/ha) medium in available phosphorus (21.0 kg/ha) and high in potassium (585 kg/ha) and divided   into gross plot size of 10 x 7.2 m2 and a net plot size of 9 x 6.4 m2, respectively.  During crop harvest four different depths were used to gather the soil samples: 0–10, 10–20, 20–30, and 30–40 cm.  All the collected samples are examined separated for soil organic carbon, active (highly labile, labile SOC), and passive (non-labile, less labile SOC) carbon pools. The finding showed that maximum soil organic carbon (%) was observed with the application of treatment T6 treatment (FYM 6 t ha-1 + N20 P13. Similar trend was found with active (very labile, labile) and passive carbon (less labile, non-labile) pools of soil.
Influence of Sulphur and Liquid Organic Nutrient on Growth and Yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.)
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Debbarma Victor , Pareek Dinesh , Karnot Magendra Karan
Published: May 2024

A field experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2023 at Crop Research Farm Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology. The experiment was laid out in RBD (Randomized Block Design) with 10 treatments each replicated thrice. To determine the “Influence of Sulphur and Liquid Organic Nutrient on Growth and Yield of Groundnut.’’ The result revealed that treatment 9 [sulphur (40 kg/ha) + seaweed (3%)] recorded significantly higher plant height (37.36 cm), maximum number of nodules/plant (18.66), higher plant dry weight (25.38 g), maximum number of pod/plant (24.92), higher number of kernels/pod (2.60), higher seed index (41.92 g), higher seed yield (2.72 t/ha), higher haulm yield (6.33t/ha) and higher harvest index (30.01%).
Performance of Different Hybrids of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica L.) in Terms of Growth, Yield and Quality, Under Prayagraj Agro-Climatic Condition
Authors: Verma Suchita , Topno Samir E. , Bahadur Vijay
Published: May 2024

The present experiment was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the year 2023-24 with a view to check the performance of different hybrids of sponge gourd in terms of growth, yield and quality under Prayagrajagro climatic condition. The experiment was laid in a randomized block design having 8 hybrids with three replications. Hybrids comprised of AVT-II 2020/SPGHYB-1, AVT-II 2020/SPGHYB-2, AVT-II 2020/SPGHYB-3, AVT-II 2020/SPGHYB-4, AVT-II 2020/SPGHYB-5, AVT-II 2020/SPGHYB-6, AVT-II 2020/SPGHYB-7 and GENNEXT Ayushi. The result from the present investigation revealed that among the different hybrids GENNEXT Ayushi performs superior in terms of growth parameters like early germination, maximum vine length also best in flowering parameters like earliness in flowering and maturity, maximum numbers of female flowers, maximum length of fruit, highest fruit yield/ha, quality parameters like high vit-c content, high TSS (Total Soluble Solid) content having dark green colour of fruit. In terms of economics, the best benefit cost ratio was also obtained by GENNEXT Ayushi hybrid with high returns.
Influence of Different Level of NPK and Rhizobium on Physico Chemical Properties of Soil, Growth and Yield Attribute of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) Var: Shekhar-2
Authors: Gavel Pratibha , Swaroop Narendra , Thomas Tarence , Sehra Vivek , Thomas Ashima
Published: May 2024

An experiment was conducted “to determine the influence of different level of NPK and Rhizobium on physico-chemical properties of soil, growth and yield attribute to black gram (Vigna mungo L. var. Shekhar-2) during Zaid season 2023-2024 at the Research farm Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Naini Agriculture Institute , SHUATS, Prayagraj The design applied was 3x3 factorial randomized complete block design having three levels of NPK @ 0, 50 and 100% ha-1 and three levels of Rhizobium @ 0, 50 and 100% ha-1 respectively. The soil samples from experimental site before conducting research operation, revealed that, soil is of sandy loam texture with neutral to alkaline in reaction and significantly highest in treatment T1. The result shows that application of different levels combination of inorganic fertilizers and improved soil chemical properties of black gram.
Data Act: Datenzugang und Geschäftsgeheimnisschutz — Zwei Antipoden und das Ende des Geheimnisses?
Authors: Grützmacher Malte
Published: May 2024

Nach einem mehrjährigen Gesetzgebungsprozess ist am 11.1.2024 der Data Act (DA) in Kraft getreten. Nun läuft die Zeit, sich auf diesen einzustellen; denn er gilt in seinen wesentlichen Teilen ab dem 12.9.2025 (und zwar mit einer gewissen Rückwirkung). Eine zentrale Baustelle des Data Acts wie auch der unternehmensinternen Vorbereitung auf dessen Regulatorik ist dabei das Thema des Geheimnisschutzes, auf den sich im Anwendungsbereich nur gut vorbereitete Unternehmen berufen werden können. Stellen die Datenzugangsverpflichtungen und -ansprüche unter dem Data Act eine Gefahr für Geschäftsgeheimnisse oder stellen Geschäftsgeheimnisse ein Hindernis für diesen Datenzugang dar? Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Überblick und entwickelt einen Ansatz dafür, wie dieses zentrale Dilemma aufgelöst werden kann.
Bereitstellung von Daten an Behörden nach dem Data Act
Authors: Redeker Helmut
Published: May 2024

Kapitel V des Data Act enthält Regelungen dazu, (i) wann, (ii) wie und (iii) in welchem Umfang Verwaltungsbehörden von privaten Dateninhabern, in erster Linie natürlich von Unternehmen, verlangen können, die bei ihnen vorhandenen Daten der jeweiligen Behörde zur Verfügung zu stellen. Der Beitrag stellt diese verwaltungsrechtlichen Art. 14-22 Data Act vor und konzentriert sich auf die Konstellation, dass eine deutsche Behörde die Datenbereitstellung von einem deutschen Dateninhaber verlangt.
Wie kann man einen virtuellen Gegenstand in einem Metaverse erwerben? — Eine Neubetrachtung des Sachbegriffs i.S.v. § 90 BGB im Kontext des „Metaverse“
Authors: Söbbing Thomas , Schwarz Alexander
Published: May 2024

Nach Künstlicher Intelligenz wird das nächste „Big Thing“ das Metaversum sein. Dabei sind zahlreiche rechtliche Fragen für diese Welten noch gar nicht betrachtet worden. So z.B. die entscheidende Frage, wie virtuelle Gegenstände in einem Metaversum erworben werden. Dazu gesellt sich die Frage, ob es im Metaversum „Sachen“ geben wird, so wie wir sie heute unter § 90 BGB verstehen. Natürlich kann man diese Frage allzu leicht und voreilig mit einem „Nein“ beantworten. Aber es lohnt sich diese Frage genauer zu betrachten, insbesondere wenn man den Sachbegriff i.S.v. § 90 BGB bejaht, wird dies weitreichende Folgen für die rechtliche Beurteilung des Metaverse unter Aspekten v.a. des BGB, aber auch des UrhG haben.
Die fiskalische Wirkung von Steuersatzsenkungen, Abschreibungsvergünstigungen und Investitionsprämien in Krisenzeiten — Eine quantitative Analyse in Bezug auf deutsche Kapitalgesellschaften
Authors: Boie-Wegener Matti , Koch Reinald , Oestreicher Andreas , Schön Lena
Published: May 2024

Wir zeigen, wie sich die fiskalischen Wirkungen einer Steuersatzsenkung, Abschreibungsvergünstigung und Investitionsprämie über einen Zeitraum, der durch eine Ergebniskrise geprägt ist, voneinander unterscheiden. Deutlich wird, dass eine Körperschaftsteuersenkung um fünf Prozentpunkte die finanziellen Entlastungswirkungen der Einführung einer degressiven Abschreibung oder der im Barwert zur Abschreibungsvergünstigung äquivalenten Investitionsprämie um ein Mehrfaches übersteigt. Im Vergleich zur Entlastungswirkung, die die Einführung einer Abschreibungsvergünstigung mit sich bringt, treten die Entlastungswirkungen einer Investitionsprämie schneller ein und wirken sich auch auf Verlustunternehmen aus, während die Wirkungen einer Steuersatzsenkung und Abschreibungsvergünstigung von den Regelungen der interperiodischen Verlustverrechnung abhängig sind. Die Abstände zwischen der Steuersatzsenkung, Abschreibungsvergünstigung und Investitionsprämie verkürzen sich, wenn die Investitionswirkungen berücksichtigt werden, die mit diesen Entlastungsmaßnahmen verbunden sind. Dabei hängt die Investitionswirkung einer Investitionsprämie von ihrer Ausgestaltung ab. Wird sie durch eine Kürzung der Anschaffungs- oder Herstellungskosten finanziert, sind die Investitionswirkungen einer im Barwert äquivalenten Investitionsprämie mit denen der degressiven Abschreibung weitgehend deckungsgleich, wenngleich letztere auch bei Verlustunternehmen Wirkung entfaltet. Wird die Investitionsprämie in Form eines Nettozuschusses geleistet, hat die Investitionsprämie eine über den Begünstigungszeitraum nachhaltigere Wirkung.
Was hat der Tankrabatt gebracht? — Zur Inzidenz einer temporären Senkung der Energiesteuer auf Kraftstoffe durch das Energiesteuersenkungsgesetz
Authors: Hechtner Frank , Katzlmayr Patrick
Published: May 2024

Mit dem Angriffskrieg Russlands auf die Ukraine kam es zu Verwerfungen an den Energiemärkten, so dass hierdurch u.a. starke Preisanstiege bei den Kraftstoffen Benzin und Diesel zu beobachten waren. Der Gesetzgeber reagierte hierauf mit der Verabschiedung des Energiesteuersenkungsgesetzes vom 24.5.2022. Dieses bewirkte eine temporäre Absenkung der Energiesteuer auf Kraftstoffe für den Zeitraum 1.6.2022 bis 31.8.2022. Eine solche temporäre Senkung der Energiesteuerbelastung hätte theoretisch eine Preisreduktion pro Liter Kraftstoff für Benzin von 35,16 Cent und für Diesel von 16,71 Cent bei den Konsumenten bewirken müssen, wenn eine volle Überwälzung des Tankrabatts, wie vom Gesetzgeber angenommen, eingetreten wäre. Unter Anwendung der Synthetic Control Method bestimmen wir die Inzidenz des Tankrabatts. Hierzu werden die Kraftstoffpreise des Weekly Oil Bulletins für unterschiedliche europäische Länder verwendet, um hieraus ein synthetisches Deutschland abzuleiten, welches in der zeitlichen Struktur der Kraftstoffpreisverläufe in Deutschland entspricht. Anhand des Vergleichs von synthetischem und realem Deutschland kann dann die Inzidenz des Tankrabatts für die unterschiedlichen Kraftstoffe Benzin und Diesel ermittelt werden. Es zeigt sich, dass der Tankrabatt in Deutschland überwiegend nicht vollständig an die Konsumenten weitergegeben wurde. Lediglich zu Beginn der Intervention kann für den Kraftstoff Benzin eine volle Überwälzung des Tankrabatts für eine Zeitspanne von drei Wochen abgeleitet werden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen weiterhin, dass der Tankrabatt für beide Kraftstoffe deutlich vor Ende der Maßnahme bereits langsam ausgeschlichen wurde. Für Diesel lässt sich z.B. innerhalb der letzten drei Wochen vor Auslaufen des Tankrabatts ein solcher nicht mehr feststellen. Im Mittelwert beträgt die Weitergabe des Tankrabatts für den dreimonatigen Zeitraum bei Benzin 85,0 % und bei Diesel 48,5 %. Unterschiedliche Heterogenitätsanalysen belegen, dass der Tankrabatt und strategische Preissetzungen sich wohl nicht gegenseitig beeinflusst haben. Nach einer groben Schätzung belaufen sich die fiskalischen Effizienzverluste aus einer nicht vollständigen Weiterleitung des Tankrabatts an die Konsumenten auf ca. 1,5 Mrd. € der eingesetzten Steuermittel.
Verdeckte Zuwendungen bei Vereinen und Stiftungen
Authors: Maciejewski Tim
Published: May 2024

Bei der Besteuerung von Kapitalgesellschaften muss häufig zwischen einer Leistungsbeziehung mit einem Gesellschafter und gesellschaftsrechtlich veranlassten verdeckten Gewinnausschüttungen oder verdeckten Einlagen abgegrenzt werden: Erträge und Aufwendungen aus einer Leistungsbeziehung sind bei der Ermittlung des Einkommens zu berücksichtigen. Verdeckte Gewinnausschüttungen oder verdeckte Einlagen dürfen hingegen das Einkommen der Körperschaft nicht verändern. Der Beitrag zeigt, dass bei Vereinen und Stiftungen im Ausgangspunkt nichts anderes gelten kann. Denn die Abgrenzung zwischen einer steuerlichen anzuerkennenden Leistungsbeziehung und verdeckten Zuwendungen beruht auf zwei zentralen Prinzipien des Körperschaftsteuerrechts: Dem Trennungsprinzip und dem Fremdvergleich als bereichsspezifischer Konkretisierung des Veranlassungsgrundsatzes. Sodann werden die Folgefragen untersucht, die sich für verdeckte Zuwendungen bei Vereinen und Stiftungen ergeben. Beide Körperschaften unterscheiden sich (jedenfalls nach der herrschenden Meinung) von Kapitalgesellschaften dadurch, dass sie auch über eine außersteuerliche Sphäre verfügen. Die Abgrenzung zwischen Leistungsbeziehung und verdeckter Zuwendung ist Teil der Grenzziehung zwischen steuerlicher und außersteuerlicher Sphäre. Bei Vereinen muss insbesondere zu steuerfreien Mitgliedsbeiträgen abgegrenzt werden. Bei Stiftungen, die sich gerade durch das Fehlen von Mitgliedern auszeichnen, stellen sich die Abgrenzungsfragen unter leicht veränderten dogmatischen Vorzeichen und mit teilweise anderen normativen Anknüpfungen. Schließlich geht der Beitrag auf Besonderheiten bei gemeinnützigen Vereinen und Stiftungen ein. Bei diesen sind verdeckte Gewinnausschüttungen und verdeckte Einlagen nicht nur von steuerwirksamen Erträgen und Aufwendungen, sondern auch von abzugsfähigen Zuwendungen abzugrenzen. Der Beitrag arbeitet die aktuellen Rechtsprechungslinien des Bundesfinanzhofs heraus und zeigt Gestaltungsspielraum de lege lata und de lege ferenda auf.
Capture–recapture analysis with a latent class model allowing for local dependence and observed heterogeneity
Authors: Thandrayen Joanne , Wang Yan
Published: July 2010

In epidemiology, capture–recapture models are commonly used to estimate the size of an unknown population based on several incomplete lists of individuals. The method operates under two main assumptions: independence between the lists (local independence) and homogeneity of capture probabilities of individuals. In practice, these assumptions are rarely satisfied. We introduce a multinomial latent class model that can account for both list dependence and heterogeneity. Parameter estimation is performed by maximizing the conditional likelihood function with the use of the EM algorithm. In addition, a new approach for evaluating the standard errors of the parameter estimates is discussed, which considerably reduces the computational burden associated with the evaluation of the variance of the population size estimate.
Developmental dyslexia and explicit long‐term memory
Authors: Menghini Deny , Carlesimo Giovanni Augusto , Marotta Luigi , Finzi Alessandra , Vicari Stefano
Published: July 2010

The reduced verbal long‐term memory capacities often reported in dyslexics are generally interpreted as a consequence of their deficit in phonological coding.

The present study was aimed at evaluating whether the learning deficit exhibited by dyslexics was restricted only to the verbal component of the long‐term memory abilities or also involved visual‐object and visual‐spatial domain. A further goal of the present study was to investigate the predictive value of non‐verbal long‐term memory abilities with respect to word and non‐word reading in dyslexic children.

In accordance with these aims, performances of 60 dyslexic children were compared with that of 65 age‐matched normal readers on verbal, visual‐spatial and visual‐object task.

Results documented a generalized impairment of episodic long‐term memory capacities in dyslexic children and the results did not vary as a function of children's age.

Furthermore, in addition to verbal measures, also individual differences in non‐verbal long‐term memory tasks turn out to be good predictors of reading difficulties in dyslexics.

Our findings indicate that the long‐term memory deficit in dyslexia is not limited to the dysfunction of phonological components but also involves visual‐object and visual‐spatial aspect, thus suggesting that dyslexia is associated to multiple cognitive deficits. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Aggregation Properties of Dansylated Glycerol‐Based Amphiphilic Polyether Dendrons
Authors: Vuram Prasanna K. , Subuddhi Usharani , Krishnaji Subrahmanian Tarakkad , Chadha Anju , Mishra Ashok Kumar
Published: July 2010

Glycerol‐based amphiphilic polyether mono azide third‐generation dendrons were synthesized through a divergent strategy. A repetitive synthetic sequence of O‐alkylation and isopropylidene deprotection reaction was adopted for the synthesis, pentamethylene was used as spacer. Dansyl chloride was attached to the focal point as a fluorophore. The photophysical property in aqueous solution of the protected dendrons showed self‐association behaviour from second generation onwards even at a very low concentration (1 × 10–8 M). A hypsochromic shift of around 60 nm in the emission maximum, significant increase in fluorescence intensity, almost ten‐fold increase in the fluorescence anisotropy and a fourfold increase in average fluorescence lifetime of dansyl moiety were observed on going from first generation dendron to higher generation dendrons in aqueous medium. The absence of such behavior in the corresponding unprotected, relatively hydrophilic dendritic units clearly indicated that the aggregation is due to the presence of hydrophobic isopropylidene end groups. Quenching studies of the dendrimersin aqueous solution using a hydrophilic quencher Ag+ revealed that the dansyl moiety in protected higher generations dendritic units is significantly shielded from the surroundings, which further rendered support to the fact that higher order dendrons undergo aggregation in aqueous medium.
A delta‐method technique in the wavelet domain to determine statistical quantities of the response of electromagnetic devices with uncertain parameters
Authors: Barmada Sami , Musolino Antonino , Raugi Marco , Tucci Mauro
Published: July 2010

In this paper a method to determine the mean value and the variance of the response of a system with uncertain parameters is proposed. With the term ‘response of a system’ we indicate either the value of a single parameter that represents a figure of merit of a device (e.g. the efficiency of a transmission system or the band width of a communication channel) or a characteristic function of the system (e.g. the impulse or the frequency response). In the latter case we estimate the mean value and the variance at every sample of the response. The estimate is performed by using the delta method, a technique for approximating expected values of functions of random variables when the direct evaluation is not feasible. Two examples of the application of the proposed procedure are reported and the results are compared with simulations performed by a Monte Carlo analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charitable giving and cognitive ability
Authors: James Russell N.
Published: July 2010

This paper presents the first detailed examination of the relationship between cognitive ability and charitable giving using both cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis. Data from a nationally representative, longitudinal survey of U.S. adults over age 50 indicated that higher cognitive ability—measured through a variety of cognitive tests—was associated with a higher probability of charitable giving, even after controlling for such intervening mechanisms as age, income, wealth, health, and education. This was true in comparisons both across different people at one point in time and within the same persons at different points in time. Understanding this relationship may affect the content and timing of appropriate charitable marketing approaches and help to explain other associations found in previous research on charitable giving.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A 10-year assessment of Asian Houbara Bustard populations: trends in Kazakhstan reveal important regional differences
Authors: RIOU SAMUEL , JUDAS JACKY , LAWRENCE MARK , POLE SERGUEI , COMBREAU OLIVIER
Published: July 2010

A sharp decline in the numbers of Asian Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii towards the end of the 20th century raised concerns about the conservation status of this species. Yet due to its large breeding range in the remote steppes and deserts of Central Asia and to its cryptic behaviour, it has been difficult to obtain enough comparable data to make reliable estimates of population trends. Here, we present the results of 10 years of extensive biannual surveys throughout southern Kazakhstan, considered to host the majority of the breeding birds in Asia, and we discuss trends in the Kazakh populations for the first decade of this century. The breeding Houbara population has generally declined over the greater part of Kazakhstan between 2000 and 2009 but with important regional differences. A steep decline was observed in north-east Caspian and Karakum, and a sharp drop followed by a stabilisation occurred in Kyzylkum. Over the same period, estimated densities were stable or increased in the area surrounding Lake Balkash, and increased in the Betpak-Dala region of central Kazakhstan. Autumn surveys showed more variability and revealed little decline overall. It was also clear that Betpak-Dala and Balkash regions hosted the largest populations. Our findings suggest that it is a complex undertaking to assign a level of vulnerability for this species as a whole. Highly variable population trends between regions indicate that threats and pressures are to a considerable extent region-specific, and that conservation measures need to be adjusted locally.
Development of an H215O Steady-State Method Combining a Bolus and Slow Increasing Injection with a Multiprogramming Syringe Pump
Authors: Kobayashi Masato , Kiyono Yasushi , Maruyama Rikiya , Mori Tetsuya , Kawai Keiichi , Okazawa Hidehiko
Published: July 2010

An 15O-labeled water (H215O) steady-state method for quantitative measurement of cerebral blood flow ( CBF), which is less stressful to small animals with a few point blood sampling, was developed. After a simulation using a dose meter to achieve stable H215O radioactivity in the blood with a multiprogramming syringe pump programmed for slowly increasing injection volume, 10 rats were studied with the injection method. Arterial blood was sampled every minute during 6-minute positron emission tomography (PET) scans. After the PET scan, N-isopropyl- p-[125I]-iodoamphetamine (125I-IMP) was injected into the same rat to measure CBF using the autoradiography method based on a microsphere model. Regions of interest were placed on the whole brain in H215O-PET and 125I-IMP-autoradiography images, and CBF values calculated from both methods were compared. Radioactivity in the dose meter achieved equilibrium ~1 minute after starting the H215O injection. In rat studies, radioactivity in the blood and brain rapidly achieved equilibrium at 2 minutes after administration. The correlation of CBF values of H215O PET (49.2 ± 5.4 mL per 100 g per minute) and those of 125I-IMP autoradiography (49.1 ± 5.2 mL per 100 g per minute) was excellent ( y = 1.01 x −0.37, r2 = 0.97). The H215O steady-state method with a continuously increasing injection is useful for CBF measurement in small animal studies, especially when multiple scans are required in the same animal.