bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Måling af flydende læsning med øjenbevægelser i skolen
Authors: Klerke Sigrid , Fuglsang Engmose Stine
Published: February 2024

Eye-tracking-teknologien er blevet tilgængelig for måling af elevers læsning i skolen. I en skolehverdag skal eye-tracking-data kunne omsættes til pålidelige mål med praktisk relevans, fx til undervisningsevaluering. Dette studie præsenterer øjenbevægelsesmålet fokusord, der er udviklet til at opmærke nedbrud i elevers flydende læsning og dermed et forsøg på at oversætte eye-tracking-data til læsefaglig indsigt. Studiet er designet til at validere målets pålidelighed som læse-/ stave-indikator og endvidere målemetodens robusthed. 84 elever fra fem 4.-klasser deltog, hvoraf data fra 68 elever indgår. Udover elevernes eksisterende resultater i læse-/stavetest, optog vi deres øjenbevægelser under selvstændig højtlæsning. Vi finder stærke korrelationer mellem øjenbevægelser og læse-/stavetestresultater, som indikerer målemetodens robusthed. Videre korrelerer fokusord med klassiske øjenbevægelsesmål, hvilket er tegn på samstemmende validitet. Endelig forklarer fokusordene unik variation i elevernes læseforståelseseffektivitet og stavefærdighed ud over, hvad det stærkest korrelerede klassiske mål, fikseringstid, forklarer. Resultaterne understøtter, at fokusordsprocent er robust og tæt forbundet med læse- og stavefærdigheder.
Between the clicks
Authors: Gissel Stig Toke , Jørnø Rasmus Leth
Published: February 2024

Adaptive learning technology has the potential to tailor learning to suit individual students’ needs, desires and competence level. However, qualitative close up studies of students’ interaction with adaptive technology are rare. This study explores 4th grade mathematics students’ use of adaptive learning technology through screen recordings supplemented with analysis of data generated and tagged by the adaptive engine. The study explores how different types of students, i.e. students with varying mathematical competence levels, motivation and self-efficacy towards mathematics, interact with an adaptive learning material, what learning paths emerge for different types of students in their interaction with the adaptive learning resource and how student self-efficacy is affected by the interaction. Implications for both future design and teacher use of adaptive learning materials are discussed.
Nabosprogsundervisning i læreruddannelsen via tværsproglighed og praksisforankring
Authors: Andersen Line Krogager , Hjarnø Gitte , Kjærbæk Laila
Published: February 2024

Artiklen undersøger, hvad det betyder for lærerstuderendes forståelse af og tilgang til nabosprogsdidaktik i danskfaget, når de tilegner sig nabosprogsdidaktikken via et flerfaset udviklingsforløb baseret på en tværsproglig og undersøgende tilgang til sprog. Undersøgelsen udspringer af et toårigt forsknings- og udviklingsprojekt med deltagelse af alle landets læreruddannelser, der havde til formål at undersøge, hvordan tværsproglig didaktik kan bidrage til at skabe kvalitet i læreruddannelsens sprogfag. Projekt Tværsproglighed i Læreruddannelsen bygger bro mellem læreruddannelse og grundskole og er udformet som en kaskade: (1) viden om tværsproglighed målrettes undervisere på læreruddannelsen, som (2) didaktiserer den tværsproglige didaktik til læreruddannelsen, hvorefter (3) lærerstuderende redidaktiserer nabosprogsdidaktikken til grundskolen. Denne undersøgelse bygger på underviseres og studerendes didaktiske designs, fokusgruppeinterview og studerendes evalueringer. Artiklen tager udgangspunkt i teoretisk og empirisk forskningsviden om sprogtilegnelse og i en bred forståelse af tværsproglige og flersprogethedsdidaktiske undervisningstilgange, og den fokuserer på nabosprogsdidaktik, fordi nabosprogene norsk og svensk er nært beslægtede med dansk, og fordi netop disse sprog indgår i læreplanen for danskfaget.
Noticing
Authors: Moe Christa Berner , Hjarnø Gitte
Published: February 2024

Vi undersøger lærerstuderendes udvikling af noticing-kompetence i arbejde med videooptaget undervisning fra folkeskolen (Seidel & Sturmer, 2014). Tidligere undersøgelse viser, at lærerstuderende primært fokuserer på elevers relationelle og psykologiske trivsel i arbejdet med videooptaget undervisning (Slot et al., 2022). Derfor har vi udviklet et design, der skal motivere lærerstuderendes fagdidaktiske noticing. Forskningsspørgsmålet lyder: Hvordan udvikler lærerstuderende noticing-kompetence knyttet til danskfaglige begreber gennem analyse af videooptaget undervisning, når læreruddanneren har valgt et danskfagligt fokus og inviterer til dialog? Vi undersøger empiri fra undervisning med 28 lærerstuderende, som i to år har deltaget i et forsknings- og udviklingsprojekt. I undersøgelsen er shaping (van Es & Sherin, 2021) et centralt begreb, idet det tilbyder et interaktionsperspektiv i noticing-tilgangen. De studerende i undersøgelsen viser reflekteret fagdidaktisk stillingtagen. Vi bidrager derfor med viden om de lærerstuderendes udvikling af lærer-noticing.
A multi-model study of extracellular vesicles in bowel cancer invasion and metastasis
Authors:   , Guarnerio Sonia
Published: February 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has one of the highest rates of cancer mortality worldwide. Despite progress in improving screening rates, approximately 35% of CRC patients are diagnosed with stage IV (metastatic) disease which has poor prognosis. In vitro 3D models have been developed which provide useful platforms to explore biomolecular processes in pre-clinical studies of cancer and metastasis, enabling the characterisation of mechanisms which can then be applied to the improvement of diagnosis, prognosis and disease treatment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are now known to play a critical role in cancer progression. Not only do they support cancer progression towards metastasis, but as carriers of bioactive cargo, they also show promise as potential cancer biomarkers. In this study, organotypic 3D models mimicking cancer invasion and pre-metastatic niche (PMN) in lung were developed to explore the role of EVs in advanced CRC stages and to evaluate their potential as prognostic markers. After validating a transwell system as an effective 3D model, this work establishes that CRC EVs induce the invasion of cancer cells in a stage-dependent manner, with metastatic SW620 EVs driving a more aggressive phenotype than SW480 EVs. Proteomic profiling of the PMN showed differences in protein content upon treatment and a list of potential m/z signals able to distinguish between SW480 and SW620 EV treatment was obtained by multivariate analysis. CRC EVs also induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in fibroblasts, demonstrating activation of fibroblasts in the 3D model. Expression and activity of TG2, a multifunctional enzyme involved in cancer progression, was increased after CRC EVs treatment in the 3D model of invasion. This led to the exploration of the cell-specific expression of TG2 in a cancer cells/fibroblasts co-culture, which showed an EV-mediated increase of TG2 on the surface of cancer cells and a non-EV mediated decrease of TG2 expression in the fibroblast surface. TG2 activity was further explored in hepatic stellate cells, crucial cellular components of liver metastasis. Finally, a pilot biomarker study on a small cohort of patients was performed, using multivariate analysis of cell responses to plasma-derived EVs and was able to separate patients according to disease stage. The 3D models established and validated provided biomolecular information about the complex milieu of factors involved in CRC progression, including EVs, thus confirming the importance of 3D culture modelling in pre-clinical research. Moreover, this study was able to demonstrate key roles of cancer EVs on cellular activities which could then be translated for the development of alternative screening and prognostic approaches which may have application in improving the early diagnosis of patients with CRC.
Récit de pratique : contexte d’émergence et obstacles au développement de l’Association québécoise des travailleuses sociales et travailleurs sociaux
Authors: Troude Gaelle , Doiron Marie-Michèle , Gilbert Angie , Levesque Amélie , Sauvé Guylaine
Published: February 2024

Sous forme de récit de pratique, le présent article décrit le processus ayant mené à la création de l’Association québécoise des travailleuses sociales et travailleurs sociaux (AQTS). Les auteures, dont les efforts ont permis la fondation de cet organisme, sont membres du comité de travail et du premier conseil d’administration de l’AQTS. Par le partage de leur expérience, elles souhaitent illustrer que le contexte ayant généré la motivation de créer l’AQTS est également responsable des obstacles ayant nui à sa création. Afin d’assurer son existence future, des gestes concrets et créatifs doivent être posés.
La réforme Barrette et sa mise en oeuvre dans les services sociaux : perceptions des travailleuses sociales
Authors: Bourque Mélanie , Barbe Mylène , Leroux Maxime O. , Grenier Josée , St-Amour Nathalie
Published: February 2024

Cet article vise à partager les résultats préliminaires du projet de recherche « Les travailleuses sociales cinq ans après l’implantation de la réforme Barrette : standardisation de la pratique ou nouvelles normes locales des établissements? ». Ce projet de recherche a pour but de mieux comprendre la mise en oeuvre de la réforme du système de santé et des services sociaux de 2015 au Québec. De juin à décembre 2022, près de 60 personnes participantes ont accepté de répondre à un entretien semi-dirigé. La très grande majorité d’entre elles détiennent plus de dix ans d’expérience, ce qui permet de comprendre l’avant et l’après réforme Barrette et de saisir les effets de cette réforme sur les équipes de travail, mais aussi sur la prestation des services fournis à la population. L’analyse initiale des données met en lumière la poursuite, voire l’accentuation, de la perspective descendante (top down) du processus décisionnel, de la reddition de comptes par le biais de mesures quantitatives et de l’harmonisation des services s’illustrant en standardisation des pratiques, en dépit des particularités territoriales inhérentes aux différentes régions du Québec. Par rapport à notre recherche précédente, force est de constater que les méthodes de la nouvelle gestion publique se sont accentuées au sein du réseau de la santé et des services sociaux, qualifié de « maison des fous » par plusieurs personnes participantes.
Human promoter directionality is determined by transcriptional initiation and the opposing activities of INTS11 and CDK9
Authors: Eaton Joshua D , Board Jessica , Davidson Lee , Estell Chris , West Steven
Published: February 2024

RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription initiates bidirectionally at many human protein-coding genes. Sense transcription usually dominates and leads to messenger RNA production, whereas antisense transcription rapidly terminates. The basis for this directionality is not fully understood. Here, we show that sense transcriptional initiation is more efficient than in the antisense direction, which provides initial directionality. After transcription begins, the opposing functions of Integrator (INTS11) and cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) maintain directionality. INTS11 terminates antisense transcription, whereas sense transcription is protected from INTS11-dependent attenuation by CDK9. INTS11 terminates transcription in both directions upon CDK9 inhibition, and the engineered recruitment of CDK9 prevents attenuation by INTS11. Therefore, transcriptional initiation and the opposing activities of CDK9 and INTS11 explain the attenuation of antisense transcription, the more extensive nature of sense transcription, and promoter directionality.
Human dynein-dynactin is a fast processive motor in living cells
Authors: Verma Vikash , Wadsworth Patricia , Maresca Thomas J.
Published: February 2024

Minus-end directed transport along microtubules in eukaryotes is primarily mediated by cytoplasmic dynein and its cofactor dynactin. Significant advances have been made in recent years characterizing human dynein-dynactin structure and function using in vitro assays, however, there is limited knowledge about the motile properties and functional organization of dynein-dynactin in living human cells. Total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRFM) of CRISPR-engineered human cells is employed here to visualize fluorescently tagged dynein heavy chain (DHC) and p50 with high spatio-temporal resolution. We find that p50 and DHC exhibit indistinguishable motility properties in their velocities, run lengths, and run times. The dynein-dynactin complexes are fast (∼1.2 μm/s) and typically run for several microns (∼2.7 μm). Quantification of the fluorescence intensities of motile puncta reveals that dynein-dynactin runs are mediated by at least one DHC dimer while the velocity is consistent with that measured for double dynein (two DHC dimers) complexes in vitro.
Different roles of Ca2+ and chitohexose in peanut (Arachis Hypogaea) photosynthetic responses to PAMP-immunity
Authors: Wang Quan , Zhang Ye , Cui Li , Meng Jingjing , Yang Sha , Li Xinguo , Wan Shubo
Published: February 2024

Background

During active infections, plants prevent further spread of pathogenic microorganisms by inducing the rapid programmed death of cells around the infection point. This phenomenon is called the hypersensitive response and is a common feature of plant immune responses. Plants recognize conserved structures of pathogenic microorganisms, called pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), e.g., flagellin 22 (flg22) and chitohexose, which bind to receptors on plant cells to induce various immune-response pathways. Although abiotic stresses are known to alter photosynthesis, the different effects of flg22 and chitohexose, which are involved into PAMP-induced signaling, on photosynthesis needs further study.

Methods

In the present study, we assessed the role of PAMPs in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) photosynthesis, particularly, the interaction between PAMPs and Ca2+ signal transduction pathway.

Results

Both flg22 and chitohexose significantly promoted the expression of the pathogenesis-related genes PR-4 and PR-10, as did Ca2+. We found that Ca2+ is involved in downregulating the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center activity induced by the flg22 immune response, but the role of chitohexose is not obvious. Additionally, Ca2+ significantly reduced the non-photochemical energy dissipation in the flg22- and chitohexose-induced immune response.

Conclusion

These results indicated that flg22 and chitohexose can trigger peanut immune pathways through the Ca2+ signaling pathway, but they differ in their regulation of the activity of the PSII reaction center.
Climatic and soil characteristics account for the genetic structure of the invasive cactus moth Cactoblastis cactorum, in its native range in Argentina
Authors: Andraca-Gómez Guadalupe , Ordano Mariano , Lira-Noriega Andrés , Osorio-Olvera Luis , Domínguez César A. , Fornoni Juan
Published: February 2024

Background

Knowledge of the physical and environmental conditions that may limit the migration of invasive species is crucial to assess the potential for expansion outside their native ranges. The cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, is native to South America (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil) and has been introduced and invaded the Caribbean and southern United States, among other regions. In North America there is an ongoing process of range expansion threatening cacti biodiversity of the genus Opuntia and the commercial profits of domesticated Opuntia ficus-indica.

Methods

To further understand what influences the distribution and genetic structure of this otherwise important threat to native and managed ecosystems, in the present study we combined ecological niche modeling and population genetic analyses to identify potential environmental barriers in the native region of Argentina. Samples were collected on the host with the wider distribution range, O. ficus-indica.

Results

Significant genetic structure was detected using 10 nuclear microsatellites and 24 sampling sites. At least six genetic groups delimited by mountain ranges, salt flats and wetlands were mainly located to the west of the Dry Chaco ecoregion. Niche modeling supports that this region has high environmental suitability where the upper soil temperature and humidity, soil carbon content and precipitation were the main environmental factors that explain the presence of the moth. Environmental filters such as the upper soil layer may be critical for pupal survival and consequently for the establishment of populations in new habitats, whereas the presence of available hosts is a necessary conditions for insect survival, upper soil and climatic characteristics will determine the opportunities for a successful establishment.
Serum Leptin-adiponectin Ratio in Patients With and Without Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Rammuana HL , Hijam Davina , Devi Maharabam Purnima , Devi Mairembam Jamuna , Ashem Florida
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is one of the most significant global public health concerns. Leptin, adiponectin, and the Leptin-adiponectin (LA) ratio have been shown to be informative biomarkers for obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). Many contributing factors, such as Insulin Resistance (IR), adipose tissue dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and genetic factors, are proposed to be the aetiological factors of MetS. Leptin and adiponectin have opposite effects on IR, so the combined use of these adipokines may serve as a better biomarker in MetS. Aim: To determine serum leptin levels, adiponectin levels, and the LA ratio in patients with and without MetS. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry and Medicine at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, Manipur, India, from January 2021 to October 2022. The study included 50 diagnosed cases of MetS and 50 individuals without MetS. Leptin, adiponectin, and parameters of MetS {Body Mass Index (BMI), weight, Waist Circumference (WC), skinfold thickness, High-density Lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides (TG), and Blood Pressure (BP)} were assessed in the study. The data were statistically analysed using Independent Sample t-test and Pearson’s correlation test. Results: There were 23 males and 27 females in the study group. The mean age was found to be 61.10±12.52 years in cases and 57.08±10.67 years in controls. Leptin levels were significantly higher in cases (26.58±14.6 ng/mL) compared to controls (12.99±8.59 ng/mL). However, adiponectin levels were significantly decreased in cases (7.16±4.19 μg/mL) compared to controls (12.18±9.4 μg/mL). The LA ratio was found to be higher in cases (5.38±4.71 ng/μg) than in the controls (1.84±1.99 ng/ μg). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the LA ratio was strongly associated with MetS among Leptin, Adiponectin, and the LA ratio (p<0.05). Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome was strongly associated with an increased LA ratio, leptin, and decreased adiponectin levels. The LA ratio can better discriminate the risk of MetS than leptin and adiponectin alone and may be used as a sensitive clinical surrogate biomarker of MetS.
CG-MS, Radical Scavenging, Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, Antifungal and Molecular Docking Studies of Essential Oil from the Leaves of Tapirira guianensis Aubl
Authors: Oliveira Daniel P. de , Frota Lucas S. , Barbosa Sara I. C. Gomes , Lopes Francisco F. S. , Neto José R. G. , Marinho Marcia M. , Marinho Emmanuel S. , Silva Jacilene , Prado Júlio César S. , Fontenelle Raquel Oliveira dos S. , Morais Selene M. de
Published: February 2024

The species Tapirira guianensis Aubl is used in folk medicine to treat leprosy, diarrhea, and syphilis. The present study aims to evaluate the chemical composition and the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antifungal potential of the essential oil from T. guianensis leaves. The plant material was collected at Arco Estadual do Cocó, with prior authorization from the Municipal Environment Department. The essential oil was extracted through the hydrodistillation process with a Clevenger-type apparatus, and the constituents were evaluated through Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant potential was assessed through free radicals: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS+ (2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) in a 96-well plate. Antifungal activity was evaluated using the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute - M38-A protocol (CLSI, 2018). Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed the presence of constituents such as eugenol (59.00%), α-copaene (0.40%), β-caryophyllene (29.91%), α-humulene in T. guianensis. The essential oil demonstrated very promising antioxidant and anticholinesterase potential in In vitro studies. Molecular docking regarding acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition revealed that α-copaene has superior action compared to the drug physostigmine. The results of molecular docking for Candida albicans showed that α-copaene and α-humulene interacted in the same binding region as the PepA inhibitor against SAP5. This indicates their action is similar to the aspartic protease inhibitor, in addition to the possibility of a synergistic effect with the drug fluconazole. This is the first study of the biological potential of the essential oil from T. guianensis leaves, thus revealing its high potential for future studies in the scientific community. Therefore, we can infer that the essential oil of T. guianensis is a source of antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antifungal constituents, with promising therapeutic potential in the management of Alzheimer's disease and Candida infections.
Prevalence of Rice Sheath Blight Disease in Cauvery Command Area of Karnataka, India
Authors: Reddy Kumar A. V.  , Kumar N. Kiran , Kumar V. B. Sanath , Yogananda S. B. , Vijaykumar L. , Yashwanth Gowda K. V.
Published: February 2024

Among the various disease of rice, sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn has become one of the major fungal diseases covering different rice growing ecosystem of Cauvery command area of Karnataka. Roving disease survey was conducted during Kharif-2022 to know the occurrence and spread of sheath blight disease in Cauvery command area of Karnataka i.e. Mandya, Hassan, Mysuru and Chamarajnagara. Among the four districts surveyed, disease severity (%) was found highest in Hassan district with a mean disease severity of 22.86% which is followed by Mandya (19.90%), Mysuru (19.39%) and least disease severity was recorded in Chamarajnagara (12.54%). The high severity of sheath blight might be due to the highly favourable factors like high relative humidity, less temperature and water stagnation in these locations during the period of survey. Large scale cultivation of susceptible varieties as mono crop continuously on the same field might have increased the possibility of perpetuating the pathogen in the crop debris. This study can serve as basic to evaluate location specific integrated disease management strategy against sheath blight disease of rice.
Soil and Roots Nematodes of Banana (Musa sapientum L.) in Otuoke Community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Oluchi Ezenwaka, Chinonye , Green Ekine, Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Banana (Musa sapientum L.) cultivation in rural communities creates job opportunities and generates income. Soil nematodes, a major pest, can lead to yield loss and financial loss. To ensure sustainable production and food security, it's crucial to survey potential threats and identify incumbent nematode species. Identifying these species can help develop effective pest management strategies. A survey was carried out to determine the potential nematode species of threat to banana production in Otuoke community, Bayelsa State. The random sampling technique was employed and soil and roots from two banana mono-cultured vegetations were tested. The modified sieve plate technique was used for nematode extraction and nematode pictorial key was employed for nematode identification to genera level. A total of 438 nematodes representing 8 genera were identified, among which 51.4% occurred in farm 1 and 48.6% were reported from farm 2. Nematodes of significant economic interest reported in this survey were Meloidogyne species (23.1%), Pratylenchus species (18.5%), Ditylenchus species (15.3%), Helicotylenchus species (10.0%), Hemicyclophora species (9.8%), Rotylenchus species (9.1%), Radopholus species (8.4%) and Paratylenchus species (5.7%). The occurrence of nematodes against farm types displayed disparities which was indicative that nematodes survival strategy depends on the prevailing field conditions. The study revealed that nematodes compose a prominent pest group infesting banana in Otuoke and should be checked to ameliorate food security.
Fostering Expertise: Designing and Standardizing a Knowledge Test for Agricultural Scientists
Authors: Kamar Aaysha , Helen S.
Published: February 2024

The study adheres to a methodology for creating and standardizing test items designed to assess the knowledge of Agricultural scientists. Initially, 75 test items were identified through literature review. Subsequently, through consultation with experts, a refined set of 60 items emerged after screening, enhancement, and editing processes. These items underwent item analysis, including item difficulty index and discrimination index based on ratings from a panel of 60 experts. Thirty-four test items were retained for the standardization phase from the initial 60 items. To assess the validity of the test items, point biserial correlation was conducted, resulting in the final selection of 30 items for the knowledge test. The reliability of the test items was evaluated using the Spearman Brown split-half coefficient, yielding a value of 0.911, indicating high reliability and fairness for the study. Consequently, the standardized items proved the suitability for measuring the knowledge of Agricultural scientists.
Public Sector Employees’ Arrangement and Plans Towards Retirement in Ghana
Authors: Azaare Bertha Akuta , Kuranchie Alfred , Affum Prince Kwame
Published: February 2024

As a saying goes, if one fails to plan, that individual plans to fail. This well-known saying holds true relative to retirement that formal sector employees experience at a point in their life time. It is also a truism that effective and efficient retirement planning by employees is contingent on the information about retirement they receive. Although myriad of studies have been conducted on retirement experiences of formal sector employees, the specific activities that employees do for their retirement had attracted less research attention. The study aimed to close the gap identified, which is quintessential for the information, education and action of employees, employers, psychologists and counsellors. The study focused on employees of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and Ghana Education Service (GES) in two municipalities. Stratified and simple random sampling procedures were adopted to select the employees to participate in the study. To garner the requisite data to achieve the study objectives, a questionnaire was designed, pre-tested and used. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistical tools. It emerged from the study that the employees’ principal sources of information on retirement are the media, private insurance companies, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), friends and relatives. It also emanated from the study that most of the employees were doing the following for their retirement: investment in shares, bonds, treasury bills and insurance policies; savings and standing orders. Stakeholders of the two services need to do more to help their employees to prepare well for an enhanced livelihood during retirement.
Effect of Organic Farming Practices on Soil Chemical Properties
Authors: Bhanuvally Manjunatha , Sunitha N. H.  , Sharanabasava  , Ravi S.  , Mahadevaswamy
Published: February 2024

A survey was conducted in the Bellary district Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka (zone-3). Only those farmers who had been practicing it for more than five years were selected and information on the type and quantity of organics used by them in different cropping systems viz., Groundnut, Ragi, Onion, Drumstick and Maize was collected, Soil samples from the selected 30 organic farms and the neighboring conventional farms under the same cropping system were also collected. The results revealed that organic farming approaches enhance the chemical composition of soil, augment the availability of macro and micronutrients, and elevate the soil's organic carbon status—all of which are critical for sustainable crop yields. It is possible to draw the conclusion that organic agricultural practices positively impact soil characteristics and sustainable yield, hence improving soil health.
Early Depression Prediction among Nigerian University Students Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS)
Authors: Robinson Samuel A. , Udoh Akanimoh E. , Dan Emmanuel A. , Ejodamen Pius U. , Joseph Kingsley U. , Asuquo Doris G.
Published: February 2024

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a sad mood, irritability, anger, agitations, loss of interest or pleasure, reduced energy, feelings of guilt, low self-esteem, troubled sleep, appetite loss, and poor attentiveness. The effects of late diagnosis of depression in Nigerian students have posed threats to the academic performance of the students, economic growth, and security threats. To address this challenge, an ANFIS model for early detection of depression among Nigerian Students is proposed. This aids in the reduction and possible elimination of prevalent cases of depression-related dangers among students in tertiary institutions. ANFIS is utilized because of its transparency and ability to classify and identify hidden symptoms of depression, and its tendency for reduced memorization errors for users. The database was developed to hold user data, symptoms, and prescriptions and linked to the ANFIS framework to enable the diagnosis of early-phase depression. Data was collected from the University of Uyo primary health care center, and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH). The ANFIS model implementation was implemented in MATLAB while the application forming the input interface was implemented with JAVA. The dataset for training was passed through ANFIS for 10 epochs and upon completion the system had a training error of 6.0138e-0.5 and an average testing error of 4.6648 on the test data, these results indicate that the system possessed 95% classification accuracy in the detection of early depression in Nigerian students.
Butterfly-shaped Pattern Dystrophy : Findings of Retinal Imaging
Authors: Bezza Houda , Mounsif Amine , Algouti Zineb , Bennouk Youssef , Lhaj Houssaine Ait , Kriet Mohamed , Elasri Fouad
Published: February 2024

Butterfly shaped pattern dystophy (BPD) is a inherited macular disease which is characterized by the accumulation of pigment/lipofuscin in the retinal pigment epithelium, it might be misdiagnosed as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Retinal imaging is a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of pattern dystrophy. In this report, we describe a 64 year old man presented metamorphopsia and reduced visual acuity in both eyes. Fundus examination showed an area of depigmentation delimited resembling a butterfly. The OCT revealed a subfoveal hyperreflective deposit above the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) while fundus autofluorescence (FAF) shows hypoautofluorescent areas outlined by a lipofuscin deposits as hyperautofluorescent Finally, fluoroscein angiography (FFA) revealed early macular hyperfluorescence.
The Impact of Career Development on Job Performance: An Analytical Study at the University of Dhi Qar
Authors: Jabbar Akram Ali , Kareem Mahmood Dakhil Abdul
Published: February 2024

The main objective of the research is to analyze the role of career development as an independent variable in job performance as a dependent variable. The researcher chose the government colleges at the University of Dhi-Qar, which included College of (Medicine, Administration and Economics, Education for Sciences (Humanity), Education for Science (Pure), Arts, College of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Engineering, Science, Science Computers and Mathematics, Agriculture, Law, Islamic, Mass Communication, Archeology, Nursing, Presidency of Dhi-Qar University) a spatial sample to conduct the research in a sample of 107 deans, assistant deans and heads of departments in these colleges, and the study tried Answering many questions that formed the research problem, perhaps the most prominent of which is the main question that stipulated whether it is possible to develop a career path to predict the job performance of working individuals. The consideration by those departments with regard to the variables studied, in their quest to achieve outstanding levels of performance, or their will, similar to the scientifically sound universities. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, which included revealing the nature of the relationship and influences between the variables of the study, the researcher adopted three groups of hypotheses: correlation hypotheses, direct influence hypotheses, and indirect influence. Descriptive analytical to reach the objectives of the study and find answers to its questions and to test the hypotheses of the study, the researcher used many statistical methods, including the correlation coefficient (Pearson), structural equation modeling, and path analysis through statistical programs (AMOS V.26)), (SPSS V 26). The study reached a number of conclusions, the most important of which is the important role that career development plays in improving job performance. The study came out with a set of recommendations that were built according to the theoretical and applied frameworks of the study, the most important of which was the necessity of adopting the career path development of the subjective and objective concept as well as the clear interest
The Role of e-tourism Marketing in Creating Perceived Value for the Customer
Authors: Hassoon Abbas Elaibi , Al-Saedi Mohammad Ali Hussein , Al-Musawi Mohammed Raoof Mhmood
Published: February 2024

The objective of this research is to know and define the role and contribution of electronic tourism marketing with its various elements in the perceived customer value achieved in the services and facilities provided by the various tourism companies in Baghdad, scale of (48) items was used in order to reveal the relationship and determine the role, and arithmetic means, standard deviation and values(one-simple-t test) were used to answer the questions for the purpose of proving the hypotheses for this study. The examine was performed on (25) tourist groups in Baghdad. The pattern become chosen from (55) personnel in those groups, and the research has confirmed that there's a statistically good sized correlation among digital tourism advertising and the perceived cost of the consumer, as well as the presence of a significant statistical effect of electronic tourism marketing on the perceived value of the customer. The research showed that the surveyed tourism companies use marketing-related means this is due to the availability of sufficient capabilities of devices, means of communication, promotion and human resources with high technology skills
FTIR analysis of crosslinked cotton fabric using a ZnSe–universal attenuated total reflectance
Authors: Abidi Noureddine , Hequet Eric , Turner Chris , Sari‐Sarraf Hamed
Published: February 2005

Two cotton fabrics were treated with increasing amounts of a textile‐finishing agent (1,3‐dimethyl‐4,5‐dihydroxy‐2‐imidazolidinone) to impart durable press properties. The Universal Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared (UATR–FTIR) with a ZnSe–Diamond composite crystal was used to determine the amount of the crosslinking agent effectively linked to the cellulose after the required laundering cycles. Textile performance testing conducted on treated and untreated fabrics demonstrated the effectiveness of the treatment applied. The results obtained showed very good correlation between AATCC grading, automatic image analysis of fabric smoothness, textile performance testing, and the amount of finish as evaluated by the UATR–FTIR. The ZnSe–Diamond composite FTIR accessory was proven to be a fast and precise nondestructive technique to evaluate the amount of the crosslinking agent linked to the cellulose macromolecules. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 392–399, 2005
Using the solubility parameter to explain disperse dye sorption on polylactide
Authors: Karst David , Yang Yiqi
Published: February 2005

The solubility parameters of polylactide (PLA), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and various disperse dyes calculated according to the group contribution method were used to explain the low sorption of some disperse dyes on PLA but the high sorption of the same dyes on PET. It was found that the dyes with high sorption on PLA tended to have solubility parameters near that of PLA, which has a lower solubility parameter than that of PET. It was also found that the solubility parameter, which was calculated based on cohesive energy and molar volume at 25°C, was more appropriate for explaining dyeings at lower temperature, 100 and 110°C, than those at higher temperature, 130°C. Based on the finding that dyes with solubility parameters near that of PLA tend to have high sorption on PLA, general structures for disperse dye that may have high sorption on PLA were proposed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 416–422, 2005
Probabilistic question answering on the Web
Authors: Radev Dragomir , Fan Weiguo , Qi Hong , Wu Harris , Grewal Amardeep
Published: February 2005

Web‐based search engines such as Google and NorthernLight return documents that are relevant to a user query, not answers to user questions. We have developed an architecture that augments existing search engines so that they support natural language question answering. The process entails five steps: query modulation, document retrieval, passage extraction, phrase extraction, and answer ranking. In this article, we describe some probabilistic approaches to the last three of these stages. We show how our techniques apply to a number of existing search engines, and we also present results contrasting three different methods for question answering. Our algorithm, probabilistic phrase reranking (PPR), uses proximity and question type features and achieves a total reciprocal document rank of .20 on the TREC8 corpus. Our techniques have been implemented as a Web‐accessible system, called NSIR.
Molecular Rotation as a Tool for Exploring Specific Solute–Solvent Interactions
Authors: Dutt G. B.
Published: February 2005

Solute–solvent interactions play an important role in determining the physicochemical properties of liquids and solutions. As a consequence, understanding these interactions has been one of the long‐standing problems in physical chemistry. This Minireview describes our approach towards attaining this goal, which is to investigate rotational relaxation of a pair of closely related, medium‐sized nondipolar solutes in a set of appropriately chosen solvents. Our studies indicate that solute–solvent hydrogen bonding significantly hinders solute rotation. We have also examined the role of solvent size both in the absence and presence of specific interactions and it has been observed that the size of the solvent has a bearing on solute rotation especially in the absence of specific interactions. Our results point to the fact that only strong solute–solvent hydrogen bonds have the ability to impede the rotation of the solute molecule because, in such a scenario, hydrogen‐bonding dynamics and rotational dynamics transpire on comparable time scales. This aspect has been substantiated by measuring the reorientation times of the chosen solutes in solvents such as ethanol and trifluoroethanol, which have distinct hydrogen‐bond donating and accepting abilities, and correlating them with solute–solvent interaction strengths. As an alternative treatment, it has been shown that specific interactions between the solute and the solvent can be modeled as dielectric friction with the extended charge distribution model. This approach is not unrealistic considering the fact that specific as well as nonspecific interactions are electrostatic by nature and the differences between them are subtle.
Drosophila Lipid Storage Droplet 2 gene (Lsd‐2) is expressed and controls lipid storage in wing imaginal discs
Authors: Fauny Jean Daniel , Silber Joël , Zider Alain
Published: February 2005

Lipid droplets are the major neutral lipid storage organelles in higher eukaryotes. The PAT domain proteins (Perilipin, ADRP [adipose differentiation related protein], and TIP47 [tail‐interacting 47‐kDa protein]) are associated with these structures. Perilipin and ADRP are involved in the regulation of lipid storage and metabolism in mammals. Two genes encoding PAT proteins, Drosophila Lipid Storage Droplet 2 Gene (Lsd‐2) and Lsd‐2, have been identified in Drosophila. Lsd‐2 is expressed in fat bodies and in the female germ line and is involved in lipid storage in these tissues. We showed that Lsd‐2 is expressed in third‐instar wing imaginal discs in Drosophila, with higher levels in the wing pouch, which corresponds to the presumptive wing region of the wing disc. This specific expression pattern is correlated with a high level of neutral lipid accumulation. We also showed that neutral lipid deposition in the wing disc is severely reduced in an Lsd‐2 mutant and is increased with Lsd‐2 overexpression. Finally, we showed that overexpression of the vestigial (vg) pro‐wing gene induces Lsd‐2 expression, suggesting that Lsd‐2 mediates a vg role during wing formation. Our results suggest that Lsd‐2 function is not restricted to tissues directly involved in lipid storage and could play additional roles during development. Developmental Dynamics 232:725–732, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Functions and mechanisms of receptor tyrosine kinase Torso signaling: Lessons from Drosophila embryonic terminal development
Authors: Li Willis X.
Published: February 2005

The Torso receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is required for cell fate specification in the terminal regions (head and tail) of the early Drosophila embryo. Torso contains a split tyrosine kinase domain and belongs to the type III subgroup of the RTK superfamily that also includes the platelet‐derived growth factor receptors, stem cell or steel factor receptor c‐Kit proto‐oncoprotein, colony‐stimulating factor‐1 receptor, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. The Torso pathway has been a model system for studying RTK signal transduction. Genetic and biochemical studies of Torso signaling have provided valuable insights into the biological functions and mechanisms of RTK signaling during early Drosophila embryogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 232:656–672, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
One‐Pot Preparation of [n]Ladderanes by [2π + 2π] Photocycloaddition
Authors: Hopf Henning , Greiving Helmut , Beck Christian , Dix Ina , Jones Peter G. , Desvergne Jean‐Pierre , Bouas‐Laurent Henri
Published: February 2005

A new method for the preparation of [n]ladderanes is presented, based on a one‐pot [2π+2π] photocycloaddition of [2.2]paracyclophane pseudo‐gem bis(polyene) precursors. [3]‐ and [5]ladderanes could be isolated and were fully characterized, including their X‐ray structure analysis. The overall chemical yields from [2.2]paracyclophane as starting material were found to be 53 % ([3]ladderane) and 38 % ([5]ladderane). Preliminary investigations of their photochromic properties (reversible change from yellow or red to colourless forms) are described. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Cover Picture: Synthesis of Novel Dendrimeric Systems Containing NLO Ligands (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 3/2005)
Authors: Brouwer Arwin J. , Liskamp Rob M. J.
Published: February 2005

The cover picture shows a photograph of lightning branching itself from the sky to the earth. This is one of many examples in Nature where branching leads to special events. In the dendrimer‐to‐dendrimer system shown, one branch serves as the starting point for a new dendrimer system, one of whose branches continues again, similar to the traveling of lightning. This elongated dendrimer‐to‐dendrimer system may provide additional organization of dendrimeric (NLO) ligands. We thank Dr. Edwin van den Worm for providing us with this strike‐of‐lightning idea. Details of the synthesis are described in the article by A. J. Brouwer and R. M. J. Liskamp on p. 487 ff.
Effects of Fe(III) on floc characteristics of activated sludge
Authors: Li Jiuyi
Published: February 2005

The effects of Fe(III) on floc characteristics of activated sludge were investigated in nine parallel sequencing batch reactors (SBRs). The results showed that Fe(III) improved the quality of organic matters in the effluent of reactors. Concentrations of Fe(III) up to 23.8 mg dm−3 decreased suspended solids and turbidity in effluent but overdosage resulted in deterioration of these parameters. Activated sludge floc size measurements indicated that Fe(III) led to a shift in the size distribution from large to small flocs. Concentrations of Fe(III) less than 23.8mg dm−3 did not significantly change the proportion of larger flocs, but overdosage of Fe(III) markedly decreased the fraction of larger flocs and produced a large number of smaller flocs, which may be responsible for the deterioration of effluent suspended solids and turbidity. Scanning electronic microscopic (SEM) observation suggested high Fe(III) concentrations lead to significant changes in floc morphology and reduction of filamentous microorganisms available for the formation of large aggregates. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
A kinetic evaluation of the anaerobic digestion of two‐phase olive mill effluent in batch reactors
Authors: Raposo Francisco , Borja Rafael , Sánchez Enrique , Martín Antonio
Published: February 2005

A comparative kinetic study was carried out on the anaerobic digestion of two‐phase olive mill effluent (TPOME) using three 1‐dm3 volume stirred tank reactors, one with freely suspended biomass (control), and the other two with biomass supported on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and bentonite (aluminium silicate), respectively. The reactors were batch fed at mesophilic temperature (35 °C) using volumes of TPOME of between 50 and 600 cm3, corresponding to chemical oxygen demand (COD) loadings in the range of 1.02–14.22 g, respectively. The process followed first‐order kinetics and the specific rate constants, K0, were calculated. The K0 values decreased considerably from 2.59 to 0.14 d−1, from 1.93 to 0.23 d−1 and from 1.52 to 0.17 d−1 for the reactors with suspended biomass (control) and biomass immobilized on PVC and bentonite, respectively, when the COD loadings increased from 1.02 to 14.22 g; this showed an inhibition phenomenon in the three reactors studied. The values of the critical inhibitory substrate concentration (S*), theoretical kinetic constant without inhibition (KA) and the inhibition coefficient or inhibitory parameter for each reactor (n) were determined using the Levenspiel model. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry