bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
İşletmeler ve Vergi Stratejileri: Maliyet Azaltma ve Vergi Optimizasyonu
Authors: GEZER Murat
Published: March 2024

Bu makalenin amacı, işletmelerin vergi stratejilerine odaklanarak maliyet azaltma ve vergi optimizasyonu konularını ele almaktır. Vergi stratejileri, işletmelerin vergi maliyetlerini minimize ederek benimsedikleri yöntemlerdir. Makalede, vergi stratejilerinin işletmeler üzerindeki etkileri incelenirken, maliyet azaltma ve vergi optimizasyonu stratejileri ayrıntılı olarak tartışılmaktadır.

Bu kapsamda, vergi maliyetlerini etkileyen faktörler açıklanmaktadır. Bu stratejiler arasında gider optimizasyonu, vergi avantajlarından yararlanma, vergi teşviklerini kullanma ve vergi avantajlı bölgelere yatırım yapma gibi unsurlar yer almaktadır. Ayrıca, bu stratejilerin işletme performansına olan etkileri de değerlendirilmektedir.

Vergi optimizasyonu stratejileri ise işletmelerin vergi yükünü en aza indirgemeyi hedefler. Makalede, vergi optimizasyonunun önemi ve izlenmesi gereken adımlar ele alınmaktadır. Bununla birlikte, vergi optimizasyonu stratejilerinin yasal ve etik boyutları da tartışılmaktadır.

Sonuç olarak, bu makale işletmelerin vergi stratejileri üzerinde odaklanarak maliyet azaltma ve vergi optimizasyonunun önemini vurgulamaktadır. İşletmelerin doğru stratejileri benimseyerek vergi maliyetlerini azaltmaları ve vergi avantajlarından maksimum düzeyde yararlanmaları, rekabetçiliklerini artırmalarına ve sürdürülebilir başarı elde etmelerine yardımcı olacaktır.
Compound odontoma in the primary dentition
Authors: Zürcher Andrea , Filippi Andreas
Published: March 2024

Odontomas are odontogenic tumors with a time-limited growth. They are divided clinically and histopathologically into compound odontomas and complex odontomas. A malformation with local tissue excess is caused by a disturbance in embryonic tooth germ development.
The Relationship Between a Green, Low-carbon and Recycling Economy, Economic Policy and Industrial Structure Development
Authors:   University of Bristol, Beacon House, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1QU, United Kingdom., Guo Qing
Published: March 2024

This article critically examines Charles Bonnet’s seminal contributions to experimental science, particularly through his influential work, ‘Research on the Use of Leaves.’ The primary objective is to delineate the functions and forms of natural experimentation as they were understood and practiced in the mid-18th century. During this period, scientists esteemed experimentation as the zenith of scientific proof, acutely cognizant of its multifaceted functional and typological aspects. Their methodology was characterized by a detailed narration of research methodologies, fostering a ‘rhetoric of transparency’ in scientific discourse. Nevertheless, the advent of new norms in scientific discourse during the 19th century, coupled with a paradigmatic philosophical shift in the 20th century, resulted in the marginalization of empirical practices of the Enlightenment era. Contemporary historians are now endeavoring to reconcile significant terminological discrepancies and to recontextualize the divergent methodologies among natural historians of that epoch. This involves a critical distinction between exploratory and demonstrative (or discriminant) forms of experimentation. Bonnet’s systematic preference for discriminant experimentation serves as a quintessential example of the logical approach in natural history. However, this perspective does not wholly represent the 18th-century ‘art of observation,’ which embraced a plethora of methodologies including taxonomy, anatomical dissection, chemical analysis, and physical measurements.
Resource Allocation Scheduling Optimization Based on Internet of Things under Cloud Platforms
Authors:   Minxi Vocational & Technical College, Longyan, Fujian, 364021, China., Xie Ying
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we explore how to optimize IoT-based resource allocation and scheduling in a cloud platform environment, focusing on improving computing resource utilization and quality of service, while reducing latency and packet loss. a model is adopted, which contains a number of edge servers and randomly generated computational tasks, taking into account the network conditions between the servers and the tasks. an objective function is established, aiming to maximize the computational resource utilization and QoS, and the corresponding constraints are proposed. Simulations are conducted using CloudSim, and the experimental results show that the total number of VoCS increases from 243.63 to 1397.71 when the scheduling demand is increased from 8 to 64, demonstrating the adaptability and efficiency of the algorithm under different demands. In addition, the algorithm is effective in dealing with both small-scale (200 tasks) and large-scale (6000 tasks) tasks. In addition, the algorithm demonstrates low load imbalance and short task completion time when dealing with both small-scale (200 tasks) and large-scale (6000 tasks) task sets, which proves its effectiveness. Ultimately, the scheduling method proposed in this study not only improves resource utilization and quality of service, but also reduces task completion time and cost.
Optimization of Personalized Mass Customization Building Portfolio by Integrating BIM and NSGA Algorithms
Authors:   School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, 471000, China., Zhang Han , Ping Hongming ,   Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA.
Published: March 2024

The objective of this study is to optimize the personalized mass customization building portfolio by using BIM and NSGA algorithms to achieve the desired balance between cost and efficiency. The study uses BIM software for cost simulation, and NSGA-II algorithm for multi-objective optimization. The mathematical model of building cost and duration is constructed and the multi-objective optimization algorithm is applied to achieve optimization under multiple objectives. The results of the study show that after 20,000 generations of iterations, 191 Pareto solutions are determined to be valid, and the stability and uniform distribution of the optimization objectives are verified, with the percentage of valid solutions reaching 92\%. In the conducted VIKOR scenario analysis, three different cost-effective optimization schemes are proposed depending on user preferences. The method of integrating BIM and NSGA algorithm can effectively improve the cost-effectiveness of building design, and provides a feasible and efficient optimization path for personalized mass-customized buildings.
Knowledge and perception of healthcare workers towards the adoption of artificial intelligence in healthcare service delivery in Nigeria
Authors: Ogolodom Michael Promise , Daniel Ochong Anna , Brownson Egop Egop , Ugwem Jeremiah Catherine , Kenneth Madume Anelechi , Nyenke Clement U. , Dambele Musa Y. , Joseph Dlama Zira , Bakre Abdul Fatai K. , Balogun Elizabeth O. , Alazigha Nengi , Okeji Mark C. , Ordu Kenneth S. , Hyacienth Uche Chiegwu Hyacienth Uche Chiegwu , Johnson Joy , Mbaba Awajimijan Nathaniel Mbaba , Kelechi Nwodo Victor
Published: March 2024

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is seen as the machine that replaces human labour to work for men with a more effective and speedier result. There is a paucity of data on the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers regarding AI technology. This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception of healthcare workers towards the application of AI in healthcare services in Nigeria. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey designed was used to achieve the aim of this study. Both electronic (Google form) and hardcopy version of the questionnaire were distributed to healthcare workers in Nigeria and their responses were retrieved and statistically analyzed. Results: Out of 263 respondents, most 51.3% (n=135) were females. Greater percentage 25.5% (n=67) of the respondents were radiographers, followed by medical consultants 14.8% (n=39) and the least 1.5 %(n=4) were pharmacists. Greater proportion 61 %(n=160) of the respondents has the opinion that AI can be incorporated into all medical specialties. Out of 263 respondents, 51.7% (n=136) had good knowledge of AI and the least 6.4% (n=16) had very poor knowledge of AI. Greater proportion 78.7% (n=207) of the respondents, agreed that AI can help to reduce the number of medical errors. Majority 29.3% (n=77) of the respondents agreed that human specialists will be replaced by AI in the near future. A large proportion 40.3% (n=106) of the respondents agreed that some employers may prefer AI to human specialists because AI has no emotional exhaustion or physical limitation. Conclusion: The respondents in this study showed good knowledge of both the medical areas of applications of AI as well as the benefits of AI application in healthcare services. However, most of the respondents were afraid that their jobs would be taken over by AI in the near future
Slow-resolving pneumonia, case report
Authors: Pérez Lazo Lázaro Noel , Pita Perez Darilys Pita Perez , Valido García Mayda Nemecia
Published: March 2024

Respiratory infections are one of the main causes of consultation and hospitalization in primary health care, including pneumonia. We present the case of a 3-year-old preschooler who came to the health services for presenting frequent wet cough and fever of up to 39 degrees Celsius of 8 days of evolution, who was previously treated with oral Amoxacillin in his health area without resolution of the symptoms. On physical examination, the patient was found to be in good general condition, where only the presence of crackling rales in the right lung base was positive; antimicrobial therapy was started, showing clinical improvement and cessation of the febrile symptoms. On the fifth day of evolution the febrile symptoms reappeared with peaks of up to 39 degrees Celsius. Physical and radiological examination showed worsening of the symptoms. Results of nasopharyngeal exudate were received, which showed Klebsiella pneumophila. An evolutionary chest X-ray was indicated, resulting in a denser and more homogeneous opacity with radiolucent areolar images towards its upper contour that kept occupied upper and middle segments of the right lung field, showing a phase of hepatization of the process with images suggestive of pneumatoceles. Antimicrobial spectrum was extended with Meropenen associated to Vancomycin according to antibiogram and possible sensitivity according to the most frequent etiology according to age, with satisfactory resolution of the picture. Atypical etiologies, including Klebsiella pneumophila, should be suspected in the case of slowly resolving pneumonia
Metode Inquiry-Discovery Learning dalam Pembelajaran Shorof untuk Siswa-siswi MTs Nurul Ummah
Authors: Achmad Choirul Umam
Published: March 2024

Ilmu shorof merupakan intrumen fundamental agar dapat mengeja kosa kata bahasa Arab, yang mana keseluruhan kosa kata bentuk fi’il bersifat qiyasi. Artinya bentuk kata fi’il selalu memiliki wazan yang menjadi patokan dalam ejaanya. Wazan adalah intrumen penting dalam mengasah, merangkai, mengeja dan membaca kata-kata bahasa Arab yang berupa fi’il. Fi’il ada tiga macam, fi’il madli, fi’il mudlori’ dan fi’il amr. Metode pembelajaran inquiry-discovery memberi dampak positif bagi anak yang memiliki kemapuan rata-rata atau diatas rata-rata. Sedangkankan peserta didik yang memiliki kemampuan dibawah rata-rata mengalami kesusahan dalam mendalami objek materi dengan metode tersebut.
Pengembangan Potensi Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Siti Ratnawati
Published: March 2024

Konsep pembangunan sumber daya manusia (SDM) di negara-negara maju dilaksanakan mulai dari pendidikan anak usia dini. Negara yang kehidupan ekonominya sudah mapan seperti Singapura, Jepang serta Korea Selatan hampir semua anak-anak usia dini telah terlayani dalam pendidikan  PAUD. Apabila tingkat perhatian tinggi terhadap pendidikan tentulah akan menghasilkan sumber daya manusia (SDM) yang berkualitas. Berkaca pada hal tesebut tentunya Indonesia perlu mengejar pencapaian layanan pendidikan Anak usia Dini di seluruh lapisan masyarakat. Pendidikan pada anak usia dini harus dimaknai secara luas, bukan hanya pemberian pengalaman belajar, namun harus berfungsi untuk mengembangkan seluruh potensi  anak secara optimal. Dalam sebuah penelitian dibidang neurologi menunjukan bahwa ketika bayi lahir struktur otak secara genetis (potensial) telah disediakan dan memiliki 100 sampai 200 milyar neuron sel otak yang siap mengelola bertrilyun-trilyun informasi. Perkembangan kecerdasan otak anak terjadi sangat pesat  sekitar  50 persen otak anak berkembang seperti otak orang dewasa , inilah yang sering dikenal dengan sebutan usia emas (the golden Age) yaitu usia 0-8 tahun dan masa ini hanya terjadi satu kali dalam kehidupan seseorang. Selanjutnya di usia 8 tahun kecedasan otak akan bertambah 30 persen lagi (menjadi 80 persen). Pekembangan kecerdasan anak akan mencapai  titik kulmiasi pada usia 18 tahun (remaja) berkembang sekitar 20 persennya.Disinilah tugas para orang tua atau pendidik dalam membesarkan dan mendidik anak-anak agar semua potensi yang dimiliki anak bisa berkembang secara optimal. Pengalaman selama ini menunjukan bahwa upaya layanan pendidikan yang dilakukan pada anak usia dini secara parsial kurang efektif dan efisien.
Pelatihan Pengelolaan Media Digital sebagai Media Promosi dan Penjualan pada Kampung Manggis Kecamatan Pauh Kota Padang
Authors: Erianda Aldo , Rasyidah  , Prayama Deddy , Rozi Fazrol
Published: March 2024

Dalam rangka mencapai pertumbuhan ekonomi yang inklusif dan penurunan angka kemiskinan maka Pemerintah Kota Padang mencanangkan program unggulan membangungun kampung tamatik disetiap kecamatan di Kota Padang. Hal ini dituangkan dalam keputusan Walikota Padang Nomor 286 Tahun 2021 tentang Lokasi dan Tema Kampung Tematik Kota Padang Tahun 2021-2024. Salah satu isi keputusan tersebut adalah mentepakan Kampung Manggis sebagai kampung tematik di Kecamatan Pauh. Seperti namanya, Kampung Manggis merupakan kampung yang ditumbuhi Pohon Manggis pada area lebih dari 200 Ha. Hasil produksi Buah Manggis pertahun diperkirakan sebanyak 11.575 ton /tahun. Republik Rakyat Tiongkok (RRT) merupakan tujuan ekspor untuk buah dengan grade terbaik. Potensi penjualan dan pembudidayaan Buah Manggis yang cukup besar ini juga didukung oleh pemerintah dengan penambahan 1.400 bibit Manggis. Namun masih terdapat kendala dalam proses produksi Buah Manggis saat ini, salah satunya belum terdapat pasar untuk Buah Manggis yang tidak lolos seleksi ekspor. Dari permasalahan tersebut diperlukan sebuah solusi untuk menciptakan kesempatan petani Manggis mempromosikan dan menjual hasil panen sisa ekspor. Maka perlu diperlukan pelatihan mengelola “Website Promosi” untuk membuka peluang pasar baru dan dikenal oleh audien yang lebih luas. Kegiatan ini dilakukan selama enam bulan dengan metode kegiatan yaitu pembangunan website, pelatihan, dan pendampingan. Peserta yang akan dilatih adalah petani, anak petani, dan pemuda Kampung Manggis. Hasil dari kegiatan ini adalah peserta mampu mengelola website sebagai media promosi dan penjualan Buah Manggis
Survei Kelayakan Pemasangan PLTS untuk Pengoperasian Pompa Air Sebagai Salah Satu Sumber Air untuk Irigasi Sawah Nagari Batu Taba
Authors: Asrul Junaidi , Fitriadi Fitriadi , Firmansyah Firmansyah , Yondri Surfa , Ramadhan Fajrian
Published: March 2024

The simultaneous rice planting pattern in Nagari Batu Taba has the impact of increasing rice yields. Implementation of this method requires a good irrigation system and sufficient water availability to serve all agricultural land in Nagari Batu Taba. In the drought water availability is insufficient to meet the water needs of all agricultural land. Through service activities, we are looking for solutions to overcome the problem of lack of water sources for agricultural land in Nagari Batu Taba. The results of several studies show that the water level in rice fields for rice plants ranges from 6.39-10.37 mm and the highest water requirement is only during land preparation until planting and then when entering the rice grain filling phase. So a water discharge of 70-100 m3/day/ha is required, this is equivalent to 0.8-1.0 liter/s. To provide the water requirement of 1.0 liters/s by drilling a well with a depth of approximately 20 m then increasing the water using a pump with a capacity of 1.2 m3/s with an electric power consumption of 900 VA/ha
Scientific Substantiation of the Work Shift Structure Correction of Granite Quarry Workers
Authors:   Department of Ecology and Economics of the Natural Environment, Technical University “Metinvest Polytechnic” LLC, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Kruzhilko Oleg , Volodchenkova Natalia ,   Department of Ecology and Economics of the Natural Environment, Technical University “Metinvest Polytechnic” LLC, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Polukarov Oleksii ,   Department of Labour Protection, National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute”, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: March 2024

In Ukraine, more than 70 % of mining operations are carried out in quarries. The mining industry has negative impacts on society, especially workers in the industry. The International Labour Organization states that the mining sector is one of the most dangerous sectors in the world. The current study was designed to understand the occupational safety and health situation in the mining industry at the granite quarries in Ukraine, because the exceeding accepted standards for factors of the production environment and labour process contributes to the development of occupational diseases. The study aimed to improve the working conditions of mining workers by adjusting the work shift structure. The main task was to plan an hourly work shift schedule that takes into account the influence of harmful production factors without compromising production efficiency. The study found that the influence of all four factors was reduced to acceptable limits after changing the work shift schedule. For the dust factor, the danger level was reduced from 4 to 1.25, for vibration – from 5.94 to 2.05, for noise – from 91 to 88, for severity of work – from 2.06 to 1.86. The achieved effect is explained by a reduction in the time an employee spends in hazardous conditions. Similar studies should be carried out for each profession in the extractive industry.
Construction and validation of a nomogram model to predict the poor prognosis in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis
Authors: Tan Xiaoli , Zhang Yingqing , Zhou Jianying , Chen Wenyu , Zhou Hua
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients with poor prognosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis (PC) are prone to other complications such as meningeal infection, recurrence or even death. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influencing factors in the poor prognosis of patients with PC, so as to build a predictive nomograph model of poor prognosis of PC, and verify the predictive performance of the model.

Methods

This retrospective study included 410 patients (78.1%) with improved prognosis of PC and 115 patients (21.9%) with poor prognosis of PC. The 525 patients with PC were randomly divided into the training set and validation set according to the ratio of 7:3. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to screen the demographic information, including clinical characteristics, laboratory test indicators, comorbidity and treatment methods of patients, and other independent factors that affect the prognosis of PC. These factors were included in the multivariable logistic regression model to build a predictive nomograph. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to verify the accuracy and application value of the model.

Results

It was finally confirmed that psychological symptoms, cytotoxic drugs, white blood cell count, hematocrit, platelet count, CRP, PCT, albumin, and CD4/CD8 were independent predictors of poor prognosis of PC patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of the predictive model for poor prognosis in the training set and validation set were 0.851 (95% CI: 0.818-0.881) and 0.949, respectively. At the same time, calibration curve and DCA results confirmed the excellent performance of the nomogram in predicting poor prognosis of PC.

Conclusion

The nomograph model for predicting the poor prognosis of PC constructed in this study has good prediction ability, which is helpful for improving the prognosis of PC and further optimizing the clinical management strategy.
Ayurvedic Management of Vicharchika vis-à-vis Atopic Dermatitis: A Case Report
Authors: Chitmulwar Vaibhavi , Deshmukh Sourabh
Published: March 2024

In this fast-paced developing world, regular day-to-day activities like diet and sleep are neglected, leading to various skin disorders (Kushtha). Kushtha is a generalised term used for all skin diseases in Ayurveda. It is mainly divided into two types: Maha kushtha and Kshudra kushtha. Vicharchika is a type of Kshudra kushtha characterised by symptoms like blackish discolouration (Shyava varnata), vesicles (Pidika), discharge (Strava), and itching (Kandu), which can be correlated to atopic dermatitis/eczema. There is no adequate treatment to cure the root cause in contemporary medicine other than topical steroids and antihistaminic agents. The main treatment protocol according to Ayurveda involves the use of both purification (Shodhana) and palliative treatment (Shaman chikitsa). A 21-year-old female patient presented with small blackish papules on both upper limbs, oosing, and itching on the lesions. She was given medication for both internal use and external application, resulting in significant improvement in symptoms. The patches resolved, and the discharge, itching, and vesicles disappeared.
Immunoglobulin G4-related Disease: A Series of Four Cases
Authors: Thomas Chandni , Divya S , Augustine Joy
Published: March 2024

Immunoglobulin G4-related Disease (IgG4-RD) is an immune-mediated fibroinflammatory disease that affects multiple organs, resulting in tumefactive lesions and/or organ dysfunction. This chronic, multiorgan inflammatory process is characterised by the infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells and has a variable clinical presentation depending on the organ involved. The present case series discusses four cases (two males and two females) of IgG4-RD involving different sites in patients presented to present Institution. The authors reviewed four cases of IgG4-RD, including clinical details, biochemical, radiological, and histopathological features. The case series includes IgG4-RD masquerading as meningioma, IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis, IgG4-RD of the thyroid gland, and IgG4-RD of the lacrimal gland. Since IgG4-RD has non specific clinical features, histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry play a pivotal role in diagnosis. Despite its diagnostic difficulties, earlier recognition is crucial to prevent significant morbidity and extensive fibrosis leading to organ failure.
A Study on Agri-preneurial Behaviour of Kalanamak Rice Growers in Siddharth Nagar and Sant Kabir Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Suraj , Mourya Pradumn Kumar , Singh Jatin Kumar , Chaudhary Amrendra Kumar , Upadhyay Vikas , Islam Alimul
Published: March 2024

Kalanamak rice, hailed for its nutritional potency and health benefits, presents a promising avenue for alleviating these challenges. This study, titled “A Study on Agri- preneurial Behaviour of Kalanamak Rice Growers in Siddharth Nagar and Sant Kabir Nagar District of Uttar Pradesh, India,” delves into this potential within the precincts of Siddharth Nagar and Sant Kabir Nagar district. The investigation hones in on two blocks – Birdpur in Siddharth Nagar, and Santha in Sant Kabir Nagar. Methodologically rigorous, the study selected six villages from each block and engaged with a total of 120 Kalanamak growers. Data collection unfurled through personalized interviews, facilitated by a meticulously crafted questionnaire. To unravel patterns and nuances, statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation orchestrated the classification of data. The coefficient of correlation `r` was invoked to fathom the interplay between Kalanamak growers` attributes, their knowledge, and their adoption of Kalanamak rice. Analysis of the respondent demographics spotlighted several noteworthy trends. A preponderance (70.83%) emerged from the middle age group, with educational attainments peaking at the middle school (34.17%). In terms of occupation, 45% were engaged in agriculture, The agrarian landscape was marked by a significant representation from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category (49.17%), Landholding skewed towards the smaller end (49.17%), Family dynamics, as reflected in size and structure, were characterized by medium level (64.17% and 90.83%, respectively).
Exploring the Role of Dimensionality Reduction in Enhancing Machine Learning Algorithm Performance
Authors: Mutinda John Kamwele , Langat Amos Kipkorir
Published: March 2024

In this study, we delve into the pivotal role of dimension reduction techniques in influencing the performance of machine learning algorithms for heart disease prediction. Through a comprehensive exploration of a dataset encompassing crucial features such as age, sex, chest pain type, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and more, we investigate the impact of different techniques—namely, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA), and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) on classification algorithm effectiveness. The classification algorithms considered were Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Naive Bayes, and Deep Neural Network (DNN). We used K-fold cross validation to train and validate the classification algorithms. The performance of these algorithms was assessed using a range of key metrics including accuracy, F1-score, precision, recall, and specificity. The results reveals that Linear Discriminant Analysis consistently emerged as a potent method, remarkably enhancing algorithm performance across all assessed metrics. We also identified Naive Bayes and Logistic Regression as standout algorithms, demonstrating remarkable resilience and reliability across diverse scenarios. These findings collectively shed light on the intricate interplay between dimension reduction techniques and algorithm selection, offering critical insights for crafting more accurate and robust strategies in the prediction of heart disease.
A Comprehensive Mapping of the Coconut Value Chain Actors in Western Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Kalidas K. , Mahendran K.
Published: March 2024

The coconut industry in Western Tamil Nadu, India, epitomizes the intricate interplay of actors and activities within the agricultural value chain. Despite India's prominent stature as the leading coconut producer globally, challenges persist, including price disparities and limited value addition. This study investigates the coconut value chain in Western Tamil Nadu, mapping its actors and activities to elucidate opportunities for enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Employing a multi-stage sampling technique, data were collected from 300 coconut farmers and various stakeholders. Six value chains were identified, encompassing domestic, processing, and export markets. Primary actors, including farmers, harvest contractors, commission agents, wholesalers, retailers, processors, farmer producer companies (FPCs), and exporters, were analyzed in terms of their roles and activities. Results highlight the significance of value chain mapping in understanding market dynamics and optimizing resource allocation. Channel III, facilitated by FPCs, emerged as a promising avenue for reducing costs and enhancing market efficiency. This study emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and strategic interventions for fostering a sustainable and vibrant coconut industry in Western Tamil Nadu and beyond.
Solitary Breast Human Cysticercosis Simulating Benign Tumor in a Young Female
Authors: Shukla Prakriti
Published: March 2024

Cysticercosis is a Zoonotic disease contracted by ingesting Taenia solium eggs contained in contaminated food and water. It is a major health problem of many developing countries where the disease spreads expeditiously due to poor sanitation practice and where pigs roam freely and eat human excreta. Neurocysticercosis has been well established worldwide but localization of infective larval form in various other tissues like skeletal muscles, subcutis and eye have also been documented lately. We, herein, describe a rare case of solitary breast cysticercosis in a young vegetarian female from northern part of India.
The Impact of Finance, Infrastructure and Training on the Performance of SMEs in Pakistan
Authors: Jamal Ferdos , Zhijun Yan , Khan Usman Ullah , Zubair Muhammad , Ahmad Salman , Sultan Farhad , Ullah Ibad
Published: March 2024

Aims: The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of infrastructure, finance and training on the performance of Pakistani SMEs, using micro level data.

Study Design: Quantitative descriptive

Place and Duration of Study: World Bank Enterprise survey of 1247 Pakistani manufacturing SMEs is used.

Methodology: To test the hypothesis of this study, descriptive and regression analysis is used to regress firm performance variable on finance, infrastructure and training.

Results: The principle finding of this paper shows that finance is highly significant and positive relationship with SMEs performance. In comparison, infrastructure and training did not significant impact on performance of SMEs.

Conclusion: Through infrastructure, finance and training, SMEs can achieve better performance.
Adaptive motion/force tracking control of holonomic constrained mechanical systems: a unified viewpoint
Authors: Chiu Chian‐Song , Lian Kuang‐Yow
Published: October 2006

This paper proposes a robust adaptive motion/force tracking controller for holonomic constrained mechanical systems with parametric uncertainties and disturbances. First, two types of well‐known holonomic systems are reformulated as a unified control model. Based on the unified control model, an adaptive scheme is then developed in the presence of pure parametric uncertainty. The proposed controller guarantees asymptotic motion and force tracking without the need of extra conditions. Next, when considering external disturbances, control gains are designed by solving a linear matrix inequality (LMI) problem to achieve prescribed robust performance criterion. Indeed, arbitrary disturbance/parametric error attenuation with respect to both motion and force errors along with control input penalty are ensured in theL2‐gain sense. Finally, applications are carried out on a two‐link constrained robot and two planar robots transporting a common object. Numerical simulation results show the expected performances. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protonated Titanates and TiO2 Nanostructured Materials: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Bavykin D. V. , Friedrich J. M. , Walsh F. C.
Published: October 2006

Tubular and fibrous nanostructures of titanates have recently been synthesized and characterized. Three general approaches (template assisted, anodic oxidation, and alkaline hydrothermal) for the preparation of nanostructured titanate and TiO2 are reviewed. The crystal structures, morphologies, and mechanism of formation of nanostructured titanates produced by the alkaline hydrothermal method are critically discussed. The physicochemical properties of nanostructured titanates are highlighted and the links between properties and applications are emphasized. Examples of early applications of nanostructured titanates in catalysis, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, lithium batteries, hydrogen storage, and solar‐cell technologies are reviewed. The stability of titanate nanotubes at elevated temperatures and in acid media is considered.
Inside Front Cover: Efficient Top‐Gate, Ambipolar, Light‐Emitting Field‐Effect Transistors Based on a Green‐Light‐Emitting Polyfluorene (Adv. Mater. 20/2006)
Authors: Zaumseil J. , Donley C. L. , Kim J.‐S. , Friend R. H. , Sirringhaus H.
Published: October 2006

The inside cover shows light emission from within the channel of an ambipolar field‐effect transistor based on the green‐light‐emitting conjugated polymer F8BT in a bottom contact/top gate structure, as reported by Sirringhaus and co‐workers on p. 2708. It visually demonstrates the formation of separate electron and hole accumulation layers in ambipolar transistors and radiative recombination of charge carriers where the two layers meet (schematic), which is controlled by the applied voltages.
Kinetic investigation of chemical vapor deposition of B4C on tungsten substrate
Authors: Karaman Mustafa , Sezgi N. Aslı , Doğu Timur , Özbelge H. Önder
Published: October 2006

Production of β‐rhombohedral boron carbide (B4C) on a tungsten substrate by the chemical vapor deposition from a BCl3–H2–CH4 gas mixture was achieved. An impinging‐jet reactor was used to minimize the mass‐transfer limitations on the reaction kinetics, which made a detailed kinetic investigation possible. Results of the XRD and XPS analyses showed that the solid product formed on the substrate is a rhombohedral B4C phase. Both dichloroborane and boron carbide formation rates were found to increase with an increase in the inlet molar fraction of BCl3. The formation rate of boron carbide increased with an increase in the inlet molar fraction of CH4. However, no effect on the formation rate of dichloroborane was observed with an increase in the inlet molar fraction of methane. The activation energy of the boron carbide formation reaction was ascertained to be 56.1 ± 4.0 kJ/mol. The boron carbide formation reaction was proportional with the 0.34 ± 0.055 power of the initial boron trichloride concentration and 0.64 ± 0.084 power of the initial methane concentration. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
Persistence problem in schizophrenia and mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Doi Nagafumi , Hoshi Yoko
Published: October 2006

Schizophrenia, a major psychosis with a strong genetic component, persists over generations despite a clearly reduced reproductive fitness of the patients. This ‘persistence’ problem has puzzled scientists for long years. A hypothesis of ‘balanced polymorphism’ proposed by Huxley et al. that the incidence could be sustained by a higher fertility in the siblings of the patients has not been supported by most epidemiological studies. Multiple‐genes model, which most geneticists today accept, explains that the loss of susceptibility alleles resulting from the lower fertility of the patients would have a negligible effect on the overall gene pool in the population. We carefully examined the multiple‐genes model and proved it cannot account for the persistence problem without unrealistic assumptions and hence the contribution of multiple genes in the nuclear DNA to the heredity of schizophrenia should be considerably limited. We demonstrated a pathogenic gene with a low penetrance, if located in the mitochondrial DNA, could be sustained given a higher fertility of the ‘female’ siblings and/or a decreased male–female ratio in the offspring of the susceptible females. This hypothesis, coupled with the report which suggests mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia, may encourage a new direction in genetic study of this puzzling disorder. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Palau early psychosis study: Distribution of cases by level of genetic risk
Authors: Myles‐Worsley Marina , Blailes Francisca , Ord Lisa M. , Weaver Starla , Dever Gregory , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: October 2006

The Palau Early Psychosis Study (PEPS) was designed to examine the pathogenesis of early psychosis in a high‐risk population isolate. This paper describes the characteristics of our community‐based, non‐help seeking sample of 404 Palauan adolescents and quantifies the presence of early psychosis by level of genetic risk. The sample included 53 offspring of a schizophrenic parent designated as “Genetically Highest Risk” (GHR+) and 68 nieces/nephews of sib‐pairs/trios, designated as “Genetically High Risk” (GHR). The remaining subjects were recruited through a high school survey that identified 62 “Genetically Moderate Risk” (GMR) adolescents with an affected second or third degree relative and 221 “Genetically Low Risk” (GLR) subjects with no close affected relatives. The GLR adolescents included 117 symptomatic or “Clinically High Risk” (CHR) adolescents and 104 asymptomatic normal controls. Based on a modified K‐SADS‐PL assessment, we identified 221 adolescents with early psychosis, 62 or 28% of whom had already transitioned to a psychotic disorder. Together, the two highest risk groups contributed 31% of the adolescent‐onset psychosis cases and 27% of the prodromals. More than half of the early psychosis cases (53%) were GLR adolescents. The mean age of onset for DSM‐IV psychosis was 12.9 years, and males transitioned at an earlier age than females. Our results indicate that Palauan adolescents, even GLR adolescents with no close affected relatives, have elevated rates of early psychosis. These young subjects can contribute valuable information about the familial transmission of schizophrenia, the developmental course of the illness, and rates of transition to frank psychosis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Titelbild: A Melt Approach to the Synthesis of catena‐Phosphorus Dications To Access Derivatives of [P6Ph4R4]2+ (Angew. Chem. 40/2006)
Authors: Weigand Jan J. , Burford Neil , Lumsden Michael D. , Decken Andreas
Published: October 2006

Ein Schmelzprozess ermöglichte die Synthese der ersten catena‐Hexaphosphor‐Dikationen, die N. Burford, J. J. Weigand et al. in ihrer Zuschrift auf S. 6885 ff. beschreiben. Das Titelbild (von Jared MacPherson) zeigt ein Photo der Reaktionsschmelze aus 4/5 (PhP)5, 2 Ph2PCl und 2 GaCl3 bei 100 °C, die bei weiterem Erhitzen unter quantitativer Bildung von [P6Ph8][GaCl4]2 erstarrt. Derartige Kationen repräsentieren eine neue Richtung in der Phosphorchemie: die Suche nach einer Parallele zur (organischen) catena‐Kohlenstoff‐Chemie.
The Open Grid Computing Environments collaboration: portlets and services for science gateways
Authors: Alameda Jay , Christie Marcus , Fox Geoffrey , Futrelle Joe , Gannon Dennis , Hategan Mihael , Kandaswamy Gopi , von Laszewski Gregor , Nacar Mehmet A. , Pierce Marlon , Roberts Eric , Severance Charles , Thomas Mary
Published: October 2006

We review the efforts of the Open Grid Computing Environments collaboration. By adopting a general three‐tiered architecture based on common standards for portlets and Grid Web services, we can deliver numerous capabilities to science gateways from our diverse constituent efforts. In this paper, we discuss our support for standards‐based Grid portlets using the Velocity development environment. Our Grid portlets are based on abstraction layers provided by the Java CoG kit, which hide the differences of different Grid toolkits. Sophisticated services are decoupled from the portal container using Web service strategies. We describe advance information, semantic data, collaboration, and science application services developed by our consortium. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enabling community access to TeraGrid visualization resources
Authors: Binns Justin , DiCarlo Jonathan , Insley Joseph A. , Leggett Ti , Lueninghoener Cory , Navarro John‐Paul , Papka Michael E.
Published: October 2006

Visualization is an important part of the data analysis process. Many researchers, however, do not have access to the resources required to do visualization effectively for large datasets. This problem is illustrated through several user scenarios. To remedy this problem, we propose a Visualization Gateway that provides simplified access to such resources to a broad population of users. The current implementation of this gateway is described, including the technology used and the services made available. In particular, a detailed description of a ParaView portlet is included. A proposed design for enabling access to community users is discussed. Technology as well as policy issues that were raised, including security and data management, are covered, as are methods for providing additional services, scaling to include additional resources, and other areas of future development. The paper concludes with a summary of the topics covered. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Science gateways made easy: the In‐VIGO approach
Authors: Matsunaga Andréa M. , Tsugawa Maurício O. , Adabala Sumalatha , Figueiredo Renato J. , Lam Herman , Fortes José A. B.
Published: October 2006

Science gateways require the easy enabling of legacy scientific applications on computing Grids and the generation of user‐friendly interfaces that hide the complexity of the Grid from the user. This paper presents the In‐VIGO approach to the creation and management of science gateways. First, we discuss the virtualization of machines, networks and data to facilitate the dynamic creation of secure execution environments that meet application requirements. Then we discuss the virtualization of applications, i.e. the execution on shared resources of multiple isolated application instances with customized behavior, in the context of In‐VIGO. A Virtual Application Service (VAS) architecture for automatically generating, customizing, deploying, and using virtual applications as Grid services is then described. Starting with a grammar‐based description of the command‐line syntax, the automated process generates the VAS description and the VAS implementation (code for application encapsulation and data binding) that is deployed and made available through a Web interface. A VAS can be customized on a per‐user basis by restricting the capabilities of the original application or by adding to it features such as parameter sweeping. This is a scalable approach to the integration of scientific applications as services into Grids and can be applied to any tool with an arbitrarily complex command‐line syntax. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
e‐Business applications on the Grid: a toolkit for centralized workload prediction and access
Authors: Dolkas Konstantinos , Kyriazis Dimosthenis , Menychtas Andreas , Varvarigou Theodora
Published: October 2006

Enabling e‐Business applications on Grid computing has been an important topic of research as the beneficial perspective of Grids lies on solving computational intensive problems by large‐scale distributed resources. In this paper we present a toolkit for centralized workload prediction and access, in order to meet the requirements of execution of commercial business processes on Grid infrastructures as well as to take advantage of their cost‐effective capability for industrial users. The implementation of centralized workload prediction is achieved with an artificial neural network—available in the toolkit—each time a user completes a job execution. This approach has been adopted and validated within the framework of a GRIA IST project for aspecific industrial application, namely 3D image rendering, which meets the e‐Business application's standards. The accuracy of the prediction showed promising results and in combination with the centralized access capability makes e‐Business applications feasible on Grids. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tripodands with Phenyl and Thiophenyl Rings and Nitrogen Bridgehead Atoms
Authors: Baier Martin , Gleiter Rolf , Rominger Frank
Published: October 2006

The flexible tripodands 7–9 and 15 with phenyl and thiophenyl rings as “legs” and nitrogen as bridgehead atoms have been synthesized by three‐component condensation reactions of the corresponding amine with the aryl halide. The more rigid species 10–14 and 17 were built up from the podands 7–9 as well as from their iodine substitution products 33–35 by a sequence of ethynylation and C–C coupling reactions. Podand 16 was prepared from tris‐iodide 36 by Sonogashira coupling with phenylacetylene. In the cases of 7, 12, 15–17, 22, 24, 35, 36, and 41 the structural parameters were determined by X‐ray studies. With the exception of 7, 12, and 17, all structures show either close intermolecular contacts between heteroatoms (15, 22, 24, 35, and 36), C–H···N hydrogen bonding (41), or are closely packed as a result of π···π stacking (16). We were able to isolate silver triflate complexes of 9, 10, and 16, and in the case of 9 we obtained crystals suitable for X‐ray diffraction studies. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Benzimidazole‐pyrrolidine/H+ (BIP/H+), a Highly Reactive Organocatalyst for Asymmetric Processes
Authors: Lacoste Eric , Vaique Emilie , Berlande Muriel , Pianet Isabelle , Vincent Jean‐Marc , Landais Yannick
Published: October 2006

A new chiral benzimidazole‐pyrrolidine has been devised, which exhibits excellent activities in aminocatalyzed aldol reactions, leading to aldol products in high yields and enantioselectivities in the presence of an equimolar amount of a Brönsted acid. This organocatalyst has demonstrated remarkable reactivities in aldol processes even with equimolar amounts of aldehyde and ketone in THF. A discussion of the role of the Brönsted acid as a co‐catalyst is provided along with some applications of this new class of organocatalyst in Robinson annelation and α‐amination processes. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Judgments of voluntary and physical causes in causal chains: probabilistic and social functionalist criteria for attributions
Authors: McClure John , Hilton Denis J. , Sutton Robbie M.
Published: October 2006

Four experiments investigated judgments about voluntary human actions and physical causes that were embedded in causal chains ending in negative outcomes (e.g., a forest fire). Causes were judged for their explanatory quality, their effect on the probability of the outcome, and the extent to which they could be socially controlled. Results supported legal theorists' claim that voluntary actions are judged better explanations than physical causes. Indices derived from theories of probability change generally failed to predict the preference for voluntary actions. In contrast, this preference was mediated by the perceived extent to which voluntary versus physical causes may be brought under social control. These results suggest that causal explanation, at least within causal chains, is not driven solely by changes in the probability of an outcome when a cause is added, and that observers recognize the potential social function of explanations in drawing attention to socially controllable causes. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eating disorders and attachment: the effects of hidden family processes on eating disorders
Authors: Ringer Francoise , Crittenden Patricia McKinsey
Published: October 2006

Aim

This study examined pattern of attachment in cohort of women with an eating disorder to determine what types of self‐protective strategies they used, and further whether there was a specific relationship between strategy and diagnosis.

Method

The participants were 62 young women with an eating disorder (19 with anorexia nervosa, 26 with bulimia nervosa and 17 with bulimic anorexia). Attachment was assessed using the Adult attachment interview (AAI), classified using Crittenden's Dynamic‐Maturational Method.

Results

The results indicated that all women with an eating disorder were anxiously attached. About half used an extreme coercive Type C strategy while most of the others combined coercion with an extreme dismissing Type A strategy. The content of the AAIs suggested lack of resolution of trauma or loss among the mothers and also of hidden family conflict between the parents. This in turn elicited extreme strategies for generating parent–child contingency from the daughters.

Conclusions

Central in almost all cases was the women's confusion regarding how parental behaviour was tied causally to their own behaviour. Questions are raised regarding the focus of treatment. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.