bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of Sports Activities on Increasing Student Confidence
Authors: Suardika I Kadek , Adelina Cindya
Published: May 2024

Background: Sports activities are not just physical exercise, but are also the key to opening the door to increasing self-confidence for high school students. This research explores the positive impact of sports activities on students' psychological aspects, especially self-confidence.
Methods: This research is a correlational descriptive study which aims to determine whether there are benefits of sports physical activity in increasing the self-confidence of high school students. The research involved a sample of 60 high school students using random sampling techniques. The research instruments are questionnaires and documentation. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 statistical software.
Results: The results of the analysis show that there is a positive relationship between learning achievement and emotional intelligence of high school students, with a significance value (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: In conclusion, our research has illuminated the profound positive impact of sports activities on enhancing student confidence across various domains. Through a comprehensive exploration of literature and empirical analysis, we have uncovered compelling evidence supporting the multifaceted benefits of sports participation in bolstering students' self-assurance and self-belief.
Analysis of Physical Activity Behavior and Motivation in Students
Authors: Salman Firdaus Rivky , Purnomo Eko
Published: May 2024

Background: Despite the many benefits of an active lifestyle, lack of physical activity is a significant health problem for students.
Objective: This research uses a descriptive research design. The purpose of this descriptive research is to determine the basic level of physical activity behavior, motivational factors, in order to develop tailored or targeted physical activity programs and interventions for students. This research consisted of 20 male students and 20 female students.
Method: The collection methods used in this research are: physical activity behavior using GLTEQ (Goding Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), physical activity motivation using EMI-2 (Exercise Motivation Inventory-2) and Ability to use Self three types (Task, Coping and scheduling).
Results: The results show that the physical activity of 28% of women and 45% of men from the entire sample participated in 20 minutes of vigorous activity, while only 17% of women and 10% of men from all participants participated in 30 minutes of less physical activity and for 5-day 13% female and 18% male of all students. The conclusion shows that students' physical activity behavior is lacking in physical activity behavior with low physical activity with a description of motivation and self-efficacy in maintaining health and physical fitness.
Conclusion: Recommendations for further research are that the parties concerned pay more attention to physical activity behavior, motivation and self-efficacy in students because the benefits of regular physical activity will make the body healthy and increase constructive physical activity behavior.
Anmeldelse af Giorgio Agamben, Stasis. Borgerkrigen som politisk paradigme
Authors: Fiedler Erik Sporon
Published: May 2024

Anmeldelse af Giorgio Agamben, Stasis. Borgerkrigen som politisk paradigme
W poszukiwaniu niekapitalistycznych paradygmatów rozwoju wsi: przykład turystyki na obszarach wiejskich województwa łódzkiego
Authors: Napierała Tomasz , Leśniewska-Napierała Katarzyna
Published: May 2024

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie założeń ontologicznych właścicieli i osób zarządzających różnymi rodzajami obiektów noclegowych na obszarach wiejskich; zróżnicowane ontologie otwierają obszary wiejskie o funkcji turystycznej na odmienne paradygmaty rozwoju. Przeprowadzone badania odpowiadają na dwa zasadnicze pytania badawcze, tj. 1) jakie paradygmaty rozwoju są identyfikowalne na obszarach wiejskich oraz 2) jakie jest znaczenie czynnika osobistego i społecznego dla rozwoju obszarów wiejskich w ramach zróżnicowanych ontologii rozwoju. Główną metodą jakościową zastosowaną na potrzeby niniejszego badania były strukturyzowane indywidualne wywiady pogłębione. Przeprowadzono je w 2019 r. z 14 właścicielami i osobami zarządzającymi obiektami noclegowymi zlokalizowanymi w województwie łódzkim. Zdefiniowanie pojęcia rozwoju dla uczestników badania nie było proste. Bezpośrednie odniesienia do neoliberalnego paradygmatu wzrostu gospodarczego (zwiększenie obłożenia, wzrost przychodów, zwiększenie liczby oferowanych miejsc noclegowych) pojawiły się w opiniach menedżerów obiektów hotelowych czy ośrodków szkoleniowo-wypoczynkowych. Właściciele gospodarstw agroturystycznych koncentrowali się natomiast na elementach takich jak jakość życia na wsi czy budowanie dobrych relacji z mieszkańcami i turystami. Nie znaczy to jednak, że wartości te były obce menedżerom obiektów komercyjnych. Zarówno oni, jak i właściciele obiektów noclegowych są „agentami zmiany”: odrzucają monofunkcyjny rozwój obszarów wiejskich, utożsamiają się często z niekapitalistycznymi paradygmatami rozwoju, pośredniczą w relacjach między turystami a lokalnymi społecznościami, umiejętnie korzystają z lokalnego kapitału ludzkiego i społecznego oraz przyczyniają się do jego rozwoju.
Jakość Internetu w Polsce na poziomie lokalnym w kontekście inteligentnego rozwoju wsi
Authors: Janc Krzysztof
Published: May 2024

Na obszarach wiejskich w Europie zachodzą intensywne procesy przemian, będące wynikiem rozwoju społeczeństwa opartego na usługach oraz gospodarki opartej na wiedzy. W rezultacie, znaczna część wsi doświadcza tzw. „kryzysu wiejskiego”. Jednym z proponowanych rozwiązań tego problemu jest koncepcja inteligentnego rozwoju (smart development), podkreślająca wzrastające znaczenie wiedzy i kluczową rolę technologii cyfrowych w procesach rozwoju. Celem artykułu jest identyfikacja kluczowych cech zróżnicowania przestrzennego jakości Internetu w Polsce oraz wskazanie współzależności tego zjawiska z poziomem rozwoju społeczno-ekonomicznego. Jakość Internetu (zarówno stałego, jak i mobilnego) została opisana na podstawie danych dotyczących prędkości Internetu na poziomie gminnym, a analizy przeprowadzono w kontekście koncepcji inteligentnego rozwoju obszarów wiejskich. W badaniu zastosowano metodę składowych głównych oraz analizę współczynników korelacji. W wyniku przeprowadzonej procedury badawczej ujawniono istotne różnice w jakości Internetu (stałego i mobilnego) pomiędzy gminami miejskimi a wiejskimi. Jednakże, rozkład przestrzenny zmiennych opisujących jakość Internetu wykazał również obszary o podobnej jakości połączenia, niezależnie od rodzaju gminy. Dodatkowo, analiza korelacji pozwoliła określić wzajemne zależności pomiędzy jakością Internetu a fundamentalnymi cechami opisującymi poziom rozwoju społeczno-ekonomicznego badanych obszarów.
Główne cechy i postulaty kaszubskiego ruchu regionalnego po 1989 r.
Authors: Kowalski Mariusz , Konopski Michał
Published: May 2024

Regionalizm jest spontanicznym ruchem społecznym dążącym do ochrony, zachowania oraz przekazywania cennych wartości kultury lokalnej i regionalnej. Pod tym względem Kaszubi zdecydowanie wyróżniają się spośród wszystkich ruchów regionalistycznych w Polsce. Uwarunkowania uformowały ich w wewnętrznie zintegrowaną i dobrze zorganizowaną społeczność zajmującą zwarty obszar osadniczy w północnej Polsce i cechującą się niekwestionowaną odrębnością etniczno-językową. Celem pracy było określenie podstaw, dążeń i przejawów działalności kaszubskich regionalistów po 1989 r. Badania składały się z trzech etapów. Pierwszy dotyczył analizy historii i obecnego stanu społeczności kaszubskiej oraz reprezentujących ją ruchów regionalnych. Drugi etap polegał na analizie jakościowej treści dokumentów organizacji regionalistycznych w latach 1991-2018. Zwieńczeniem badań było przeprowadzenie wywiadów eksperckich z czołowymi przedstawicielami wybranych organizacji kaszubskich. Po upadku systemu komunistycznego Kaszubi liczyli, że w wolnej Polsce będą mogli upomnieć się o swoje prawa jako wyodrębniająca się społeczność regionalna. Nosicielami tych postulatów stało się odrodzone Zrzeszenie Kaszubsko-Pomorskie oraz działacze kaszubscy w ramach ogólnopolskich partii politycznych o charakterze liberalnym i centro-prawicowym. Ograniczoność postulatów kaszubskich sprawiała, że mogli je realizować w ramach głównego nurtu polskiej polityki. Dobrze zorganizowani działacze kaszubscy mogli osiągnąć znacznie więcej, występując jako wpływowi działacze partii ogólnonarodowych niż jedynie jak członkowie ruchu kaszubskiego.
Exploring relations between community gardens and cultural institutions in terms of diverse governance models: A case study of Warsaw and Poznań, Poland
Authors: Maćkiewicz Barbara , Jeziorek Paulina
Published: May 2024

The ongoing academic debate shows that urban community gardening has diverse governance models with differing roles for governmental organizations, NGOs and local communities. However, the perspective of community gardens governed by the involvement of institutions is rarely explored in academic research. This paper use a two-case study approach to explore the relations between community gardens and cultural institutions. We first identify factors that promote and impede the functioning of community gardens in partnership with cultural institutions. Next, we recognize initial governance models for selected case studies. Finally, we try to identify any changes in these governance structures, depending on the different stages of garden development and determine the reasons behind them. The results show these gardens are characterized by a changing governance model, shifting towards a top-down model, in which community members have no influence on strategic decisions. The involvement of cultural institutions in running community gardens is not assessed in a solely positive light. Although it facilitates their longevity, at the same time it may disempower their viability.
Statistical significance misuse in public health research: an investigation of the current situation and possible solutions
Authors: Rovetta Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Background Despite the efforts of leading statistical authorities and experts worldwide, misuse of statistical significance remains a common, dangerous practice in public health research. There is an urgent need to quantify this phenomenon. Methods 200 studies were randomly selected within the PubMed database. An evaluation scale for the interpretation and presentation of statistical results (SRPS) was adopted. The maximum achievable score was 4 points. Abstracts (A) and full texts (FT) were compared to highlight any differences in presentation. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed in this scope. Results All studies failed to adopt P-values as continuous measures of compatibility between the data and the target hypothesis as assessed by the chosen test. The vast majority did not provide information on the model specification. However, in most cases, all findings were reported in full within the manuscripts. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a marked incompatibility of the null hypothesis of zero difference between A and FT scores with the data obtained in the survey: null P < .001 (as assessed by the model), r = 0.87 (standardized effect size). Additionally, the score difference (207.5 points for A vs. 441.5 points for FT) indicates a scenario consistent with a substantial disparity in the completeness of the outcomes reporting. Conclusion These findings align with the hypothesis of widespread and severe shortcomings in the use and interpretation of statistical significance within public health research during 2023. Therefore, it is essential for academic journals to compulsorily demand higher scientific quality standards. The suggestions provided in this study could be helpful for this purpose.
Innledning
Authors: Aspaas Per Pippin
Published: May 2024

Innledning til Ottar Vol 70 Nr. 1–2 (2024): Gamledagers forestillingsverden om det nordlige: Nordområdekart fra perioden 1480–1750.
Two Approaches to School Counseling as a Profession: From Boundaries to Core
Authors: Rubin Osnat
Published: May 2024

The literature on school counseling as a profession has emphasized the classic boundaries approach, which perceives the profession's jurisdiction as a product of a power struggle for a distinct uniqueness. This paper aims to provide an alternative approach, in line with current approaches to professions. The author establishes a core-characteristics approach, highlighting the profession's core character as its source of legitimacy, encouraging continuous education and adapting to dynamic contexts. This mixed-methods study investigated the perceptions of school counselors and teachers regarding the status and sources of the counselor's legitimacy. The findings show that school counselors were recognized as influential professionals, and their main source of legitimacy was deemed to be character attributes, more than knowledge and education. Differences in perceptions were found vis-à-vis the profession's multi-specialist contexts. Further examining the core characteristics of the profession may enhance its legitimacy and help it thrive.
Vocal complexity in the long calls of Bornean orangutans
Authors: Erb Wendy M. , Ross Whitney , Kazanecki Haley , Mitra Setia Tatang , Madhusudhana Shyam , Clink Dena J.
Published: May 2024

Vocal complexity is central to many evolutionary hypotheses about animal communication. Yet, quantifying and comparing complexity remains a challenge, particularly when vocal types are highly graded. Male Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii) produce complex and variable “long call” vocalizations comprising multiple sound types that vary within and among individuals. Previous studies described six distinct call (or pulse) types within these complex vocalizations, but none quantified their discreteness or the ability of human observers to reliably classify them. We studied the long calls of 13 individuals to: (1) evaluate and quantify the reliability of audio-visual classification by three well-trained observers, (2) distinguish among call types using supervised classification and unsupervised clustering, and (3) compare the performance of different feature sets. Using 46 acoustic features, we used machine learning (i.e., support vector machines, affinity propagation, and fuzzy c-means) to identify call types and assess their discreteness. We additionally used Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) to visualize the separation of pulses using both extracted features and spectrogram representations. Supervised approaches showed low inter-observer reliability and poor classification accuracy, indicating that pulse types were not discrete. We propose an updated pulse classification approach that is highly reproducible across observers and exhibits strong classification accuracy using support vector machines. Although the low number of call types suggests long calls are fairly simple, the continuous gradation of sounds seems to greatly boost the complexity of this system. This work responds to calls for more quantitative research to define call types and quantify gradedness in animal vocal systems and highlights the need for a more comprehensive framework for studying vocal complexity vis-à-vis graded repertoires.
Educação ambiental na prática: utilizando a avaliação da qualidade da água de um rio próximo à escola como ferramenta de aprendizagem para estudantes do ensino médio
Authors: Rocha Viviane Xavier , Silva Oswald Cezar Viana , Vendramel Simone Maria Ribas , Souza Ana Paula Nazar de
Published: May 2024

As ações humanas têm desencadeado uma crise ambiental cujas consequências podem muitas vezes não ser adequadamente mensuradas no dia a dia das pessoas. Diante desse cenário de crise, a educação ambiental emerge como uma poderosa ferramenta de transformação, estimulando alterações na mentalidade e comportamento dos indivíduos, especialmente entre os jovens. Este trabalho envolveu a participação ativa de estudantes do ensino médio para a promoção da educação ambiental a partir da integração de conteúdos teóricos e práticos no que concerne a qualidade da água e o saneamento básico. Por este projeto destacou-se a importância da adoção de metodologias ativas, pelas quais os alunos realizaram atividades práticas de determinação da qualidade da água de um canal urbano, por técnicas físico-químicas e analíticas. Para averiguar a aquisição do conhecimento e o envolvimento dos alunos participantes foi elaborada e aplicada uma pesquisa de opinião anterior e posterior a realização do projeto. A partir dos resultados desta pesquisa foi possível verificar uma maior sensibilização dos alunos em relação às questões ambientais, ou seja, alcançou-se o objetivo de promover educação ambiental. Ademais, foi possível apresentar a química de forma prática aos alunos.
Análise SWOT como ferramenta de gestão estratégica: caso em uma granja de suínos na cidade de Teresina – Piauí
Authors: Oliveira Rony Borges de , Machado Herus Orsano , Feitosa Aryadynna Santos , Ferreira Antônio Vinícius Oliveira , Ribeiro Irã Inácio , Araújo Michel Zahn , Nascimento Anderson Lopes , Sousa Elisângela Alves de
Published: May 2024

A análise SWOT é uma ferramenta de gestão que consiste na avaliação de forças, fraquezas, oportunidades e ameaças de uma organização auxiliando na identificação dos cenários internos e externos e possibilitando o desenvolvimento de estratégias para maximizar pontos fortes, minimizar fraquezas, aproveitar oportunidades e enfrentar ameaças. A presente pesquisa pretende estudar o posicionamento estratégico de uma granja de suínos localizada na cidade de Teresina - Piauí utilizando e apresentando a análise SWOT como ferramenta estratégica identificando suas forças, fraquezas, ameaças e oportunidades. Quanto à metodologia, a pesquisa é de abordagem qualitativa, classificada como exploratória e descritiva; e quanto aos meios, foi realizada uma pesquisa documental e de campo. A pesquisa de campo processou-se por observações diretas e entrevistas com gestores da organização estudada. Considerando os resultados da pesquisa, pode-se confirmar que é possível determinar um posicionamento estratégico claro, simples, flexível e aberto a alterações em um mercado volátil de modo que, se trabalhado com outras estratégias de gestão é possível chegar a resultados sustentáveis e processos continuamente flexíveis, mensuráveis com foco na geração de valor e identidade da marca.
Prevalence, Correlates and Trends in Tobacco Use among Youths: A Retrospective Secondary Data Analysis of Nationally Representative Surveys (NFHS-5) in India
Authors: Panda Sangram , Maharana Sabita , Mishra Ammlan , Kanyari S Suneeti , Rai Shreyans , Mehta Kedar
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Youths are the most vulnerable population to initiate tobacco use. It is the need of the hour to prevent tobacco addiction among young people to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with it. Therefore, there is a need for necessary data to build an appropriate strategy to combat this epidemic. Aim: To determine the prevalence and trends of tobacco use and to assess the factors associated with tobacco use among youths (age 15-24 years) in India. Materials and Methods: This retrospective secondary data analysis study was conducted at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, between January 2023 and June 2023, using data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 2019-2021, which was conducted across all states of India to estimate the prevalence of tobacco use among the 15-24 age group. Data were compared with NFHS 3 and 4 to observe the trends in tobacco use. The data were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 21.0). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the significant risk factors associated with tobacco use. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of smoking and smokeless tobacco use was 2109/14525 (14.52%) and 2237/14525 (15.40%) respectively among male youths aged 20-24 years, and it was 374/119043 (31%) and 119/119043 (1.53%) in females of similar age. For males, the prevalence has decreased from 40.07% in NFHS-3 to 27.31% in NFHS-4 and to 22.51% in NFHS-5. For females, the prevalence has decreased from 4.55% in NFHS-3 to 2.38% in NFHS-4 and to 1.33% in NFHS-5. Males and females belonging to the scheduled caste/scheduled tribe, having a poor wealth index, and in the married category had a higher prevalence of tobacco use. Youths residing in rural areas were using more smokeless tobacco. Conclusion: There was a declining trend of tobacco use among youths over NFHS-3 (2005-2006), NFHS-4 (2015-2016), and NFHS-5 (2019-2021). Male gender, higher age, rural area, the northeast region of India, poor wealth index, education upto primary level, being married, and other categories of marriage had higher adjusted odds of using both forms of tobacco. There is a need to implement and enforce evidence-based tobacco control strategies that can substantially improve the health of the young, hence securing India’s future.
Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Algorithms for Liver Disease Prediction: SVM, Logistic Regression, and Decision Tree
Authors: Modhugu Venugopal Reddy , Ponnusamy Sivakumar
Published: May 2024

This study compares Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression, and Decision Tree algorithms for liver disease prediction using a dataset sourced from Kaggle, comprising 20,000 training records and approximately 1,000 test records. The research evaluates the algorithms based on performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. SVM emerged as the most effective model with an accuracy of 85%, followed by Logistic Regression with 82% and Decision Tree with 79%. The findings underscore the significance of algorithm selection in healthcare applications and highlight SVM's potential for early detection and intervention in liver disease cases, paving the way for improved patient outcomes and healthcare management. Future work will focus on refining the algorithms and validating the results with larger and more diverse datasets to enhance predictive accuracy and robustness further.
Enhancing Nutritional Value of Urdbean (Vigna mungo L. hepper) Through Agronomic Biofortification with Zinc and Iron
Authors: Jejal Anand Dinesh , Giri Milind Dattatraya , Nagoshe Shirish Ganpat , Shaniware Yogesh Achyutrao , Bachhav Sujal Sanjay
Published: May 2024

Zn & Fe deficiencies are prevalent nutritional concerns globally, particularly in developing countries, leading to various health complications such as stunted growth, anaemia, and compromised immune function. Traditional methods of addressing these deficiencies, such as dietary supplementation, are often limited in effectiveness, especially in regions with resource constraints.
Biofortification emerges as a promising strategy to address iron and zinc deficiencies in populations with limited access to diverse diets. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of foliar applications of zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) at different growth stages of Urdbean (Vigna mungo) to enhance the concentration of these essential minerals in the grains. By utilizing agronomic practices, we aim to increase the nutritional value of urdbean grains, thereby contributing to the alleviation of malnutrition.
The study was conducted at the Research Farm of the Department of Agronomy, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The experimental design comprised a randomized block design with three replications. Ten treatments were evaluated, including various combinations of foliar applications of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 at flower and pod initiation stage, along with control treatments. Foliar sprays were applied plot-wise as per the designated treatments.
Among the treatments, T7, which involved the foliar application of both ZnSO4 and FeSO4 at flower and pod initiation stages, exhibited the highest increase in Zn & Fe concentration in urdbean seeds. Conversely, treatment T10, which received 100% RDF showed lesser improvements in nutrient concentration compared to other treatments.
Foliar applications of ZnSO4 and FeSO4 at specific growth stages effectively increased the concentration of Zn & Fe in urdbean grains along with yield. Further optimization of nutrient application rates and timing may be necessary to balance nutritional enhancement with yield considerations. Biofortification through agronomic practices holds promise as a sustainable approach to addressing nutritional deficiencies and promoting food security in resource-constrained regions.
Effect of Recommended dose of Fertilizer, Vermicompost and Zinc on Physico-chemical Properties of Soil, Growth and Yield of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) var. Supper Green
Authors: Chowdhury Bidisha , Swaroop Narendra , Thomas Tarence , Kumar Kamlendra , Thomas Ashima
Published: May 2024

The experiment's goal was to demonstrate how zinc and vermicompost along with recommended dose of fertilizer effected the yield characteristics of okra and the health of the soil. Three levels of vermicompost at 0, 50, and 100% ha-1, N,P,K at 100% ha-1 and three levels of zinc at 0, 50, and 100% ha-1, respectively, were applied in the 3x3 RBD design. Vermicompost in combination produced a small decrease in soil pH 7.00 and negligible change in EC 0.19 dS m-1, decrease in bulk density 1.40 Mg m-1, increase in particle density 2.64 Mg m-1, according to treatment T9 (Vermicompost @ 100% + Zn @ 100%+ Recommended dose of fertilizer). Following fertilizer application, observations showed a significant increase in pore space (48.83%), water holding capacity (43.22%), organic carbon (0.52%), and available Phosphorous 24.67 kg ha-1, Potassium 182.86 kg ha-1, and Zn 0.53mg kg-1and T7 has highest at Nitrogen content with 292.33 kg h-1. Among other treatments for okra cultivation, nitrogen kg ha-1 phosphorus kg ha-1, potassium kg ha-1, and zinc mg kg-1 were also found to be significant. With regard to plant height of 120.70 cm, number of fruit plants-1 30.33, and fruit yield of 141.33 q ha-1, the maximum yield exhibited the best qualities. At 141.33q ha-1, it produced the highest yield. Applying zinc along with organic manures was also found to be a superior source of fertilization than using fertilizers alone.
Impact of Different Sources of Phosphorus and Sulphur Levels on Growth, Yield Attributes and Performance of Chickpea under Light Textured Soil
Authors: Yadav Anuradha , Kumawat Amit , Meena Pooja Kumari , Yadav Suwa lal , Yadav Deepika , Choudhary Sampat , Khangarot Anju Kanwar
Published: May 2024

Background: Pulses are most important source of dietary protein, belonging to the family of Leguminosae and strictly harvested for their dried seeds. Phosphorus and sulphur nutrients play a vital role in quality production and nutritional values. Phosphorus rich organic manure (PROM) have potential to release organic acids to enhance native soil phosphorus mineralization.
Methods: This investigation was carried out at Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agriculture University, Bikaner during Rabi season of 2021-22 with the use of different levels of phosphorus and sulphur to investigate the growth rate, yield parameters and performances of chickpea. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design comprising three phosphorus sources with a certain amount of 32 kg P ha-1 through di ammonium phosphate (DAP), single super phosphate (SSP) and PROM and four sulphur levels (control, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1) and it was replicated thrice.
Results: The application of 32 kg P2O5 ha-1 through PROM significantly increase higher growth parameters, yield attributes and yield in comparison to 32 kg P2O5 ha-1 through DAP and SSP. Among sulphur levels, upto 40 kg S ha-1 showed significantly higher growth rate and yield characters. The PROM can be a better strategy for the improvement of growth and yield characters.
Die Konzernsteuerquote — Eine empirische Untersuchung auf Grundlage der DAX- und MDAX-Unternehmen für die Jahre 2016 – 2022
Authors: Jungen André , Liesenhoff Jana , Neumann Sina , Pottebaum Deike
Published: May 2024

Die Konzernsteuerquote gilt als bedeutsame Kennzahl und wird als relevantes Instrument der Steuerplanung als Teilbereich des Steuercontrollings angesehen. Insbesondere im Zusammenhang mit multinationalen Konzernen wird die Relevanz der Konzernsteuerquote immer wieder herausgestellt. Gleichzeitig sieht sich die Kennzahl jedoch auch Kritik gegenüber. So wird z.B. betont, die Konzernsteuerquote sei aufgrund ihrer Vergangenheitsorientierung und Einperiodenbetrachtung wenig aussagekräftig. Dennoch zeigt sich, dass die Konzernsteuerquote ein beliebtes Untersuchungsobjekt darstellt. Zahlreiche Untersuchungen analysieren Zusammenhänge zwischen der Höhe der Konzernsteuerquote und verschiedenen anderen Parametern, um Rückschlüsse und Abhängigkeiten zu eruieren. Bislang besteht jedoch kaum Einigkeit darüber, inwiefern die Konzernsteuerquote als Beurteilungsinstrument tatsächlich nützlich sein kann. Die Studie untersucht deshalb - aufbauend auf bereits existierenden Untersuchungen - die Konzernsteuerquoten der DAX- und MDAXUnternehmen, um - basierend auf den Unternehmensdaten im Zeitraum 2016 bis einschließlich 2022 - einen aktuellen Beitrag zur Relevanz der Konzernsteuerquote zu leisten. Mithilfe der Programmiersprache Python werden Beziehungen und Zusammenhänge zwischen der Konzernsteuerquote und verschiedenen Kriterien untersucht, um potentielle Systematiken und Muster zu erkennen. Es wird sich u.a. zeigen, dass die Zugehörigkeit zu einer bestimmten Branche einen Einfluss darauf hat, ob die Konzernsteuerquote niedrig oder hoch ausfällt. Zudem unterstützen die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung die Kapitalmarktrelevanz der Konzernsteuerquote.
Das Dienstwagen“privileg“ – Darstellung, Kritik und Reformoptionen
Authors: Steinhoff Anna Sophia
Published: May 2024

Zussamenfassung

Die derzeitige Ausgestaltung der Dienstwagenbesteuerung ist ein viel diskutiertes Thema. Dabei ist von den beiden möglichen Ermittlungsmethoden der Bemessungsgrundlage vor allem die Pauschalierung gem. § 8 Abs. 2 S. 2, 3, 5 EStG i.V.m. § 6 Abs. 1 Nr. 4 S. 2 EStG häufig das Zentrum der Diskussion. So sehen die einen in der Pauschalierung eine einkommensteuerliche Privilegierung der Dienstwagennutzer und bezeichnen sie als sog. „Dienstwagenprivileg“. Sogar die OECD hat am 2.5.2024 der deutschen Bundesregierung empfohlen, zur Schaffung finanzieller Spielräume die Dienstwagenbegünstigung ersatzlos zu streichen (Handelsblatt online v. 2.5.2024 Konjunktur). Andere wiederum halten sie lediglich für eine zulässige Vereinfachung. Um eine eigene Einschätzung zu diesen Thesen treffen zu können, ist es erforderlich, sich genauer mit der derzeitigen Ausgestaltung der Besteuerung der außerbetrieblichen Nutzung von Dienstwagen zu beschäftigen. Dazu stellt dieser Beitrag zunächst die beiden Ermittlungsmethoden der Bemessungsgrundlage dar. Daran anschließend wird die Kritik an der derzeitigen Ausgestaltung der Pauschalierung aufgezeigt. Abschließend werden verschiedene Reformoptionen diskutiert, die der vorgebrachten Kritik an der pauschalen Ermittlungsmethode entgegenwirken könnten.
Was treibt Steuerkomplexität in Deutschland? — Eine Analyse für die Jahre 2016 bis 2022
Authors: Siegel Felix , Schanz Deborah
Published: May 2024

Welche gesetzlichen, aber auch darüberhinausgehenden Entwicklungen haben in den vergangenen Jahren die Steuerkomplexität aus Sicht multinational operierender Unternehmen in Deutschland getrieben? Zur Beantwortung dieser Frage vergleicht der vorliegende Beitrag die Entwicklung der wahrgenommenen Komplexität steuerlicher Regelungen und Rahmenbedingungen von 2016 bis 2022, basierend auf den Daten des Global MNC Tax Complexity Survey, mit während dieser Zeit faktisch geschehenen Änderungen. Die faktischen Änderungen umfassen etwa neu verabschiedete Gesetze, Richtlinien oder internationale Leitlinien sowie quantitative Daten zur Ausstattung bzw. Arbeitsweise der Finanzverwaltung. Es werden zwei große Trends sichtbar: Erstens zeigt sich, dass die Komplexität der Steuergesetze zwar generell gestiegen ist, aber neue Gesetze im Einzelnen nicht notwendigerweise die Komplexität erhöhen, sondern sogar reduzieren können. Neben einem konstanten Absinken der Komplexität von Verrechnungspreisregeln, vermutlich durch ein Angleichen dieser an internationale Leitlinien, lässt sich insbesondere bei steuerlichen Regelungen zu Umstrukturierungsvorgängen ein starker Komplexitätsrückgang beobachten, der mit dem Körperschaftsteuermodernisierungsgesetz in Zusammenhang steht. Zweitens zeigt sich, dass steuerliche Rahmenbedingungen in Deutschland im weltweiten Vergleich komplexer werden. Getrieben wird dieser Anstieg vor allem vom Fehlen spezialisierter Mitarbeiter zur Bearbeitung von Einsprüchen in der Finanzverwaltung sowie einem Rückgang der von der Finanzverwaltung gegebenen Auskünfte.
Modeling the Relaxation Mechanisms of Amorphous Shape Memory Polymers
Authors: Nguyen Thao. D. , Yakacki Christopher M. , Brahmbhatt Parth D. , Chambers Matthew L.
Published: July 2010

In this progress report, we review two common approaches to constitutive modeling of thermally activated shape memory polymers, then focus on a recent thermoviscoelastic model that incorporates the time‐dependent effects of structural and stress relaxation mechanisms of amorphous networks. An extension of the model is presented that incorporates the effects of multiple discrete structural and stress relaxation processes to more accurately describe the time‐dependent behavior. In addition, a procedure is developed to determine the model parameters from standard thermomechanical experiments. The thermoviscoelastic model was applied to simulate the unconstrained recovery response of a family of (meth)acrylate‐based networks with different weight fractions of the crosslinking agent. Results showed significant improvement in predicting the temperature‐dependent strain recovery response.
Global stabilization of partially linear composite systems using homogeneous method
Authors: Ding Shihong , Li Shihua , Li Qi
Published: July 2010

A linear feedback control scheme to globally stabilize a class of partially linear composite systems is proposed from the point view of homogeneity. Assume that the global stability of the zero dynamics of the nonlinear subsystem can be tested by using a homogeneous Lyapunov function. It is shown that the stabilization of the linear controllable subsystem from its own states equals to the stabilization of the whole systems if the nonlinearities satisfy a homogeneous inequality condition. Then we assume that the states are not measurable and also extend the method developed for state‐feedback control to the output‐feedback case.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
β‐Galactosidase fromLactobacillus pentosus: Purification, characterization and formation of galacto‐oligosaccharides
Authors: Maischberger Thomas , Leitner Elisabeth , Nitisinprasert Sunee , Juajun Onladda , Yamabhai Montarop , Nguyen Thu‐Ha , Haltrich Dietmar
Published: July 2010

A novel heterodimeric β‐galactosidase with a molecular mass of 105 kDa was purified from crude cell extracts of the soil isolateLactobacillus pentosusKUB‐ST10‐1 using ammonium sulphate fractionation followed by hydrophobic interaction and affinity chromatography. The electrophoretically homogenous enzyme has a specific activity of 97 UoNPG/mg protein. The Km, kcatand kcat/Kmvalues for lactose ando‐nitrophenyl‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (oNPG) were 38 mM, 20 s‐1, 530 M‐1·s‐1and 1.67 mM, 540 s‐1, 325 000 M‐1·s‐1, respectively. The temperature optimum of β‐galactosidase activity was 60–65°C for a 10‐min assay, which is considerably higher than the values reported for other lactobacillal β‐galactosidases. Mg2+ions enhanced both activity and stability significantly.L. pentosusβ‐galactosidase was used for the production of prebiotic galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) from lactose. A maximum yield of 31% GOS of total sugars was obtained at 78% lactose conversion. The enzyme showed a strong preference for the formation of β‐(1→3) and β‐(1→6) linkages, and the main transgalactosylation products identified were the disaccharides β‐D‐Galp‐(1→6)‐D‐Glc, β‐D‐Galp‐(1→3)‐D‐Glc, β‐D‐Galp‐(1→6)‐D‐Gal, β‐D‐Galp‐(1→3)‐D‐Gal, and the trisaccharides β‐D‐Galp‐(1→3)‐D‐Lac, β‐D‐Galp‐(1→6)‐D‐Lac.
Biotemplates in the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Krishnan , Nalini S. P. Kamala
Published: July 2010

This article recapitulates the scientific advancement towards the greener synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Applications of noble metals have increased throughout human civilization, and the uses for nano‐sized particles are even more remarkable. “Green” nanoparticle synthesis has been achieved using environmentally acceptable solvent systems and eco‐friendly reducing and capping agents. Numerous microorganisms and plant extracts have been applied to synthesize inorganic nanostructures either intracellularly or extracellularly. The use of nanoparticles derived from noble metals has spread to many areas including jewelery, medical fields, electronics, water treatment and sport utilities, thus improving the longevity and comfort in human life. The application of nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for bactericidal agents represents a new paradigm in the design of antibacterial therapeutics. Orientation, size and physical properties of nanoparticles influences the performance and reproducibility of a potential device, thus making the synthesis and assembly of shape‐ and size‐controlled nanocrystals an essential component for any practical application. This need has motivated researchers to explore different synthesis protocols.
Continued chemotherapy after complete response to primary therapy among women with advanced ovarian cancer
Authors: Hess Lisa M. , Rong Nan , Monahan Patrick O. , Gupta Paridha , Thomaskutty Champ , Matei Daniela
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is associated with a >75% risk of recurrence after completion of primary therapy. Several clinical trials have explored the role of continued therapy after complete response to primary adjuvant therapy to reduce the risk of recurrence; however, these trials have largely been underpowered, leading to inconclusive results.

METHODS.

A systematic search strategy was initiated to identify all clinical trials involving consolidation or maintenance therapy regimens for OC in first complete remission. A meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate toxicity and progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS.

There were 37 publications meeting all eligibility criteria, representing 20 consolidation and 9 maintenance therapy trials. Consolidation and maintenance therapies were associated with improved PFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79 [P = .003] and HR, 0.82 [P = .02], respectively) and OS (HR, 0.68 [P = .0008] and HR, 0.68 [P = .007], respectively). This relationship remained statistically significant when the analysis was limited to randomized trials and across other sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS.

Although individual studies have not yet convincingly shown a survival advantage with maintenance chemotherapy in OC, this meta‐analysis demonstrates that continued chemotherapy after completion of primary therapy for OC improves PFS and OS. Benefits are greatest in patients with advanced stage OC who reach complete clinical or pathologic response after primary therapy. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Pre‐LNA smart soft antenna selection for MIMO spatial multiplexing/diversity system when amplifier/sky noise dominates
Authors: Ahmadi‐Shokouh J. , Jamali S. H. , Safavi‐Naeini S.
Published: July 2010

Due to a beamforming capability, Soft Antenna Selection (SAS) techniques have shown great performance improvements over the traditional antenna sub‐set selection schemes for Multi‐Input and Multi‐Output (MIMO) communication systems. A SAS method is basically defined by a pre‐processing matrix which is located in RF domain, either before or after the Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). In this paper, we propose a pre‐LNA SAS module which is adaptively tuned to maximise the mutual information or the Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) gain for spatial multiplexing or diversity transmissions, respectively. The SAS optimality is discussed for the two practical cases where either the sky noise or the amplifier noise dominates. We analytically show that the pre‐LNA SAS method even outperforms the full‐complexity MIMO system for when the number of receive Radio Frequency (RF) chains is greater than or equal to the number of the transmit RF chains. The simulation results verify this claim and also superiority of the proposed scheme to the post‐LNA SAS. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A genetic variant in a PP2A regulatory subunit encoded by the PPP2R2B gene associates with altered breast cancer risk and recurrence
Authors: Vazquez Alexei , Kulkarni Diptee , Grochola Lukasz F. , Bond Gareth L. , Barnard Nicola , Toppmeyer Deborah , Levine Arnold J. , Hirshfield Kim M.
Published: July 2010

A recent candidate gene association study identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the PPP2R2B gene (rs319217, A/G) that manifests allelic differences in the cellular responses to treatment with chemotherapeutic agents (Vazquez et al., Nat Rev Drug Discov 2008;7:979‐87). This gene encodes a regulatory subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), one of the major Ser/Thr phosphatases implicated in the negative control of cell growth and division. Given the tumor suppressor activities of PP2A, here we evaluate whether this genetic variant associates with the age of diagnosis and recurrence of breast cancer in women. To investigate the linkage disequilibrium in the vicinity of this SNP, PPP2R2B haplotypes were analyzed using HapMap data for 90 Caucasians. It is found that the A variant of rs319217 tags a haplotype that appears to be under positive selection in the Caucasian population, implying that this SNP is functional. Subsequently, associations with cellular responses were investigated using data reported by the NCI anticancer drug screen and associations with breast cancer clinical variables were analyzed in a cohort of 819 Caucasian women. The A allele associates with a better response of tumor derived cell lines, lower risk of breast cancer recurrence, later time to recurrence, and later age of diagnosis of breast cancer in Caucasian women. Taken together these results indicate that the A variant of the rs319217 SNP is a marker of better prognosis in breast cancer.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis of neuroblastic tumors reveals clinically relevant epigenetic events and large‐scale epigenomic alterations localized to telomeric regions
Authors: Buckley Patrick G. , Das Sudipto , Bryan Kenneth , Watters Karen M. , Alcock Leah , Koster Jan , Versteeg Rogier , Stallings Raymond L.
Published: July 2010

The downregulation of specific genes through DNA hypermethylation is a major hallmark of cancer, although the extent and genomic distribution of hypermethylation occurring within cancer genomes is poorly understood. We report on the first genome‐wide analysis of DNA methylation alterations in different neuroblastic tumor subtypes and cell lines, revealing higher order organization and clinically relevant alterations of the epigenome. The methylation status of 33,485 discrete loci representing all annotated CpG islands and RefSeq gene promoters was assessed in primary neuroblastic tumors and cell lines. A comparison of genes that were hypermethylated exclusively in the clinically favorable ganglioneuroma/ganglioneuroblastoma tumors revealed that nine genes were associated with poor clinical outcome when overexpressed in the unfavorable neuroblastoma (NB) tumors. Moreover, an integrated DNA methylation and copy number analysis identified 80 genes that were recurrently concomitantly deleted and hypermethylated in NB, with 37 reactivated by 5‐aza‐deoxycytidine. Lower expression of four of these genes was correlated with poor clinical outcome, further implicating their inactivation in aggressive disease pathogenesis. Analysis of genome‐wide hypermethylation patterns revealed 70 recurrent large‐scale blocks of contiguously hypermethylated promoters/CpG islands, up to 590 kb in length, with a distribution bias toward telomeric regions. Genome‐wide hypermethylation events in neuroblastic tumors are extensive and frequently occur in large‐scale blocks with a significant bias toward telomeric regions, indicating that some methylation alterations have occurred in a coordinated manner. Our results indicate that methylation contributes toward the clinicopathological features of neuroblastic tumors, revealing numerous genes associated with poor patient survival in NB.
Research priorities in land use and land‐cover change for the Earth system and integrated assessment modelling
Authors: Hibbard Kathy , Janetos Anthony , van Vuuren Detlef P. , Pongratz Julia , Rose Steven K. , Betts Richard , Herold Martin , Feddema Johannes J.
Published: July 2010

This special issue has highlighted recent and innovative methods and results that integrate observations and modelling analyses of regional to global aspect of biophysical and biogeochemical interactions of land‐cover change with the climate system. Both the Earth System and the Integrated Assessment modeling communities recognize the importance of an accurate representation of land use and land‐cover change to understand and quantify the interactions and feedbacks with the climate and socio‐economic systems, respectively. To date, cooperation between these communities has been limited. Based on common interests, this work discusses research priorities in representing land use and land‐cover change for improved collaboration across modelling, observing and measurement communities. Major research topics in land use and land‐cover change are those that help us better understand (1) the interaction of land use and land cover with the climate system (e.g. carbon cycle feedbacks), (2) the provision of goods and ecosystem services by terrestrial (natural and anthropogenic) land‐cover types (e.g. food production), (3) land use and management decisions and (4) opportunities and limitations for managing climate change (for both mitigation and adaptation strategies). Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society and Crown Copyright.
Climate change impact on the hydrological balance of the Itaipu Basin
Authors: Rivarola Sosa J. M. , Brandani Giada , Dibari Camilla , Moriondo Marco , Ferrise Roberto , Trombi Giacomo , Bindi Marco
Published: July 2010

This study aimed at carrying out an assessment of the impact of climate change on water availability for the Itaipu hydrological basin, located on the frontier between Brazil and Paraguay, with particular reference to river runoff and hydropower. Climate data for the SRES future scenario A2 were generated for the Paraná hydrological basin (which includes the Itaipu hydrological basin) and hydrological impacts were studied. Present and future rainfall data were downscaled from the Canadian General Circulation Model (CGCM) for the A2 SRES scenario (periods 2010–2040 and 2070–2100) on a local meteorological network covering the Itaipu hydrologic basin and used as driving parameters for the Sacramento hydrological model to estimate the river runoff. The results of this analysis for the first period have shown an unchanged average annual runoff as the effect of an asymmetric impact on a seasonal scale. Climate change resulted in a higher runoff in summer–spring, whilst runoff in winter–autumn was lower with respect to the baseline. The second period resulted in a general decrease in runoff on both seasonal and annual scales. Possible impacts on hydropower production are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society