bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Penggunaan Model Pembelajaran Inquiry Terhadap Hasil Belajar pada Mata Pelajaran IPA Siswa Kelas IV SD Negeri 2 Wonomarto
Authors: Lubis Syamsiah Larasati , Elizar Elizar , Rohmani Rohmani
Published: August 2024

Science lesson concepts are composed of the simplest concepts to the most difficult so they require understanding to master the material. This can cause students to have difficulty understanding science lessons and can cause student learning outcomes to be low. The aim of this research is to determine whether or not there is an influence of using the inquiry learning model on learning outcomes in science subjects for class IV students at SD Negeri 2 Wonomarto for the 2023/2024 academic year. The Inquiry learning model produces students actively asking questions and looking for their own solutions so that their curiosity can help develop critical thinking skills and discover students' potential. This type of research is classified as quantitative research. The design used in quantitative research is the Quasi Experimental Design type. Using 10 essay questions that have been validated. The results of the posttest showed that learning outcome data was 96.42% above the KKM, namely 72. Student learning outcomes were measured. Based on the results of the analysis, the posttest hypothesis was tested, tcount = 5.388 and ttable(0.05)(53) = 2.0075 because tcount > ttable So there is an influence of using the inquiry learning model on learning outcomes in science subjects for class IV students at SD Negeri 2 Wonomarto for the 2023/2024 academic.
Telaah Deskriptif Motivasi Berprestasi Mahasiswa Penerima Beasiswa Kartu Indonesia Pintar Kuliah (KIP-K)
Authors: Marita Tria , Prayogi Arditya
Published: August 2024

Motivation is the basic urge that moves someone to behave. Motivation will help direct individuals to achieve what they want. Providing motivation is very important for someone who is pursuing their education. One thing that can trigger motivation is the provision of scholarships, one of which is the Smart Indonesia-College Card (KIP-K) scholarship. This article aims to provide an overview of student achievement motivation and what are the driving and inhibiting factors for achievement motivation of PAI study program students receiving KIP-K scholarships Class of 2020, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training, UIN K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan. This article was written using a descriptive qualitative approach using interview and documentation methods, and analyzed using a qualitative analysis model in the form of data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. From the results of the study, it was found that the achievement motivation of PAI study program students who received KIP-K scholarships at UIN K.H Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan was shown in the form of responsibility, courage to take risks, creative and innovative, good at managing time, and hard work. Apart from that, the factors driving motivation are high enthusiasm, encouragement from the family, and demands from the KIP Kuliah program. Meanwhile, the factors inhibiting student achievement motivation are difficulty dividing time, laziness, social environment and family economy.
Violencias, pandemia y trabajo en salud. El caso de la Residencia de Trabajo Social
Authors: Lenta Malena , Longo Roxana
Published: August 2024

Desde la psicología social comunitaria y la salud colectiva, esta investigación tuvo el objetivo de elucidar el abordaje de las afectaciones del trabajo vivo en acto de un colectivo de trabajadoras sociales en un hospital de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina, durante la pandemia del COVID-19, en un escenario especialmente marcado por la violencia laboral en el sistema de salud. A partir de un diseño de estudio de caso conformado por la Residencia de Trabajo Social de un hospital del segundo nivel de atención, se desarrolló un proceso de monitoreo estratégico participativo en el marco de una estrategia de investigación acción participativa. Se trabajó con grupos de discusión con 12 trabajadoras sociales integrantes de dicha Residencia. Los hallazgos permitieron describir el proceso de victimización y revictimización producto de la violencia laboral ejercidas directa e indirectamente en base a la intersección de las jerarquías disciplinares, de género y generacionales. También se observó el reconocimiento de las afectaciones colectivas fundamentalmente emocionales, como la ira, la bronca y el enojo, asociadas a las violencias vividas por el equipo de salud. Y, finalmente, se delimitaron las estrategias de afrontamiento colectivas centradas en las estrategias de red y exigibilidad de derechos.
Violencias, género e identidades diversas. Apología de las drags Queen
Authors: Robles Mendoza Alba Luz , Soriano Valtierra Danae
Published: August 2024

La violencia en razón de género es una expresión de desigualdad y poder permeada de mitos y creencias, la cual recae en las expresiones de las sexualidades diversas, como una violencia estructural y de violación de derechos humanos. Conocer los procesos identitarios de drags Queen y su relación con las experiencias violentas que viven en su ámbito laboral. Estudio cualitativo de tipo exploratorio consistente en entrevistas semiestructuradas a Drags Queen, elegidas por método de bola de nieve. Se hicieron categorías y analizaron desde una perspectiva de género. La identidad femenina de drags Queen está fincada en roles atribuidos a cuerpos femeninos construidos por la familia y la sociedad, siendo así un cuerpo político y sexuado. El miedo a ser golpeadas o asesinadas es parte de sus experiencias en ámbitos laborales, adoptando roles de pasividad y huida. Buscan el apoyo de sus compañeras para reafirmar su rol femenino frente a esta violencia. La violencia en razón de género produce emociones en drags Queen similares a las percibidas por las mujeres Cis, ejemplificando patrones de hegemonía masculina hacia lo femenino. Las políticas públicas en pro de los derechos de las sexualidades diversas son esenciales en este tema.
Spildidaktik i fremmedsprogsundervisning: En designbaseret tilgang
Authors: Schartau Andersen Nicolai , Oldenburg Lauta Kirsten , Kim Löbl Stephanie
Published: August 2024

Artiklen Spildidaktik i fremmedsprogsundervisning: En designbaseret tilgang, af Nicolai Schar-tau Andersen, Kirsten Oldenburg Lauta og Stephanie Kim Löbl, handler om spilaktiviteter i under-visningen i engelsk, tysk og fransk. Forfatterne introducerer en designmodel for spildidaktik der er udviklet og afprøvet med lærerstuderende i de tre fag. Modellen er en cirkelmodel der omfatter seks faser hvor de studerende arbejder ud fra allerede eksisterende spil og foreslår hvordan det pågældende spil kan ændres så det imødekommer specifikke udfordringer i sproglæringen, udfordringer som de studerende selv har defineret på forhånd. Forfatterne overvejer også om man kan inddrage elever i designprocessen: Kan elever være med til at udvikle spil mens de lærer målsproget?
Sproglig opmærksomhed i rammen af en flersprogethedsdidaktik
Authors: Daryai-Hansen Petra , Drachmann Natascha Drachmann , Krogager Andersen Line
Published: August 2024

Sproglig opmærksomhed i rammen af en flersprogethedsdidaktik – en konceptualisering på tværs af uddannelsesniveauer, af Petra Daryai-Hansen, Natascha Drachmann og Line Krog-ager Andersen, beskriver og forklarer en model over de mange dimensioner af flersprogethedsdidaktik. Modellen skelner mellem integreret sprogdidaktik, interkomprehensionsdidaktik og sproglig bevidstheds- og anerkendelsesdidaktik. Den skelner desuden mellem praktisk sproglig opmærksomhed, metasproglig opmærksomhed og kritisk sproglig opmærksomhed. Forfatterne illustrerer modellen med nogle udskrifter fra 1. og 9. klasse, og de peger på hvordan modellen kan bruges i analyser af læreplaner og læremidler.
Prediction of Taxi-in Time and Analysis of Influencing Factors for Arrival Flights at Airport with a Decentralised Terminal Layout
Authors: TANG Xiaowei , YE Mengfan , ZHANG Shengrun , FUELLHART Kurt
Published: August 2024

Accurately predicting taxi-in times for arrival flights is crucial for efficient ground handling resource allocation, impacting flight departure timeliness. This study investigates terminal layout characteristics, specifically decentralised layouts, to predict and analyse arrival flight taxi-in times. We develop a surface traffic flow calculation method considering arrival and departure flights, eliminating fixed thresholds. We introduce runway-crossing operations for decentralised airports, creating new prediction variables. We consider factors like runway, aircraft type, airline, taxi distance, and time periods. Gradient Boosting Regression Tree predicts taxi-in times, while Lasso analyses factor impact. Our approach yields highly accurate predictions for decentralised airports, with Surface traffic flow and Runway-crossing variables significantly influencing taxi-in times. This research informs airport managers in decentralised layouts, enabling tailored management strategies.
Obstacle Avoidance Path Planning Strategy for Autonomous Vehicles Based on Genetic Algorithm
Authors: WENG Xiaofeng , LIU Fei , ZHOU Sheng , MAI Jiacheng , FENG Shaoxiang
Published: August 2024

In order to enhance the driving ability of autonomous vehicles on structured roads and enable them to plan safe and comfortable paths, we propose an obstacle avoidance path strategy for autonomous vehicles based on genetic algorithm. The use of Frenet-Serret enhances the adaptability of the algorithm in complex environments. In order to improve the generation and optimisation of obstacle avoidance trajectory, we establish an anti-collision model. When the vehicle faces a potential collision with an obstacle, the genetic algorithm quickly iterates and selects the first nine genes to generate the rough solution and convex space of the path. Combined with convex space, the quadratic programming method will numerically optimise the generated rough solution to generate an accurate path that satisfies the constraints. In addition, in order to ensure the safety and comfort in the process of obstacle avoidance, based on the dynamic constraints of the vehicle, the speed planning is used to determine the speed curve. We simulate in various scenarios involving moving obstacles. The real-time simulation based on the HIL platform proves that the proposed path planning strategy is effective in various driving scenarios.
Data Source Importance Evaluation for Highway Networks: A Complex Network-Based Approach
Authors: HUANG Huangqin , GUO Jianhua , SHI Xiangyu , SHEN Leixiao
Published: August 2024

Data collection technologies or data sources are critical for highway network management. However, due to the limitations on available management resources, determining the importance of these data sources is necessary to allocate these resources reasonably. This study proposes a complex network based method for evaluating the importance of multiple data sources in highway networks. This method includes mainly three steps. First, the business-data source relation will be identified and formulated for the highway network. Second, a business data source complex network is built from the previously identified business-data relationship. Third, an entropy weight method is used to compute and rank the importance of data source nodes by combining three indexes of degree centrality (DC), closeness centrality (CC) and structural holes (SC) computed based on the complex network. The proposed method is applied and illustrated using the highway network of Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. The results show that among the data sources, the most important data source is the continuous traffic survey station, followed by an automatic gantry-based station and vehicle detectors-based system. Discussions on the limitations, applications and future studies are provided for the proposed approach.
The Drosophila hematopoietic niche assembles through collective cell migration controlled by neighbor tissues and Slit-Robo signaling
Authors: Nelson Kara A , Lenhart Kari F , Anllo Lauren , DiNardo Stephen
Published: August 2024

Niches are often found in specific positions in tissues relative to the stem cells they support. Consistency of niche position suggests that placement is important for niche function. However, the complexity of most niches has precluded a thorough understanding of how their proper placement is established. To address this, we investigated the formation of a genetically tractable niche, the
Drosophila
Posterior Signaling Center (PSC), the assembly of which had not been previously explored. This niche controls hematopoietic progenitors of the lymph gland (LG). PSC cells were previously shown to be specified laterally in the embryo, but ultimately reside dorsally, at the LG posterior. Here, using live-imaging, we show that PSC cells migrate as a tight collective and associate with multiple tissues during their trajectory to the LG posterior. We find that Slit emanating from two extrinsic sources, visceral mesoderm and cardioblasts, is required for the PSC to remain a collective, and for its attachment to cardioblasts during migration. Without proper Slit-Robo signaling, PSC cells disperse, form aberrant contacts, and ultimately fail to reach their stereotypical position near progenitors. Our work characterizes a novel example of niche formation and identifies an extrinsic signaling relay that controls precise niche positioning.
Epigenetic insights into GABAergic development in Dravet Syndrome iPSC and therapeutic implications
Authors: Schuster Jens , Lu Xi , Dang Yonglong , Klar Joakim , Wenz Amelie , Dahl Niklas , Chen Xingqi
Published: August 2024

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a devastating early-onset refractory epilepsy syndrome caused by variants in the SCN1A gene. A disturbed GABAergic interneuron function is implicated in the progression to DS but the underlying developmental and pathophysiological mechanisms remain elusive, in particularly at the chromatin level. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from DS cases and healthy donors were used to model disease-associated epigenetic abnormalities of GABAergic development. Chromatin accessibility was assessed at multiple time points (Day 0, Day 19, Day 35, and Day 65) of GABAergic differentiation. Additionally, the effects of the commonly used anti-seizure drug valproic acid (VPA) on chromatin accessibility were elucidated in GABAergic cells. The distinct dynamics in the chromatin profile of DS iPSC predicted accelerated early GABAergic development, evident at D19, and diverged further from the pattern in control iPSC with continued differentiation, indicating a disrupted GABAergic maturation. Exposure to VPA at D65 reshaped the chromatin landscape at a variable extent in different iPSC-lines and rescued the observed dysfunctional development of some DS iPSC-GABA. The comprehensive investigation on the chromatin landscape of GABAergic differentiation in DS-patient iPSC offers valuable insights into the epigenetic dysregulations associated with interneuronal dysfunction in DS. Moreover, the detailed analysis of the chromatin changes induced by VPA in iPSC-GABA holds the potential to improve the development of personalized and targeted anti-epileptic therapies.
Spatiotemporal brain complexity quantifies consciousness outside of perturbation paradigms
Authors: Breyton Martin , Fousek Jan , Rabuffo Giovanni , Sorrentino Pierpaolo , Kusch Lionel , Massimini Marcello , Petkoski Spase , Jirsa Viktor
Published: August 2024

Signatures of consciousness are found in spectral and temporal properties of neuronal activity. Among these, spatiotemporal complexity after a perturbation has recently emerged as a robust metric to infer levels of consciousness. Perturbation paradigms remain, however, difficult to perform routinely. To discover alternative paradigms and metrics we systematically explore brain stimulation and resting-state activity in a digital brain twin model. We find that perturbational complexity only occurs when the brain model operates within a specific dynamical regime, in which spontaneous activity produces a large degree of functional network reorganizations referred to as being fluid. The regime of high brain fluidity is characterized by a small battery of metrics drawn from dynamical systems theory and predicts the impact of consciousness altering drugs (Xenon, Propofol and Ketamine). We validate the predictions in a cohort of 15 subjects at various stages of consciousness and demonstrate their agreement with previously reported perturbational complexity, but in a more accessible paradigm. Beyond the facilitation in clinical use, the metrics highlights complexity properties of brain dynamics in support of emergence of consciousness.
Sensorimotor delays constrain robust locomotion in a 3D kinematic model of fly walking
Authors: Karashchuk Lili , Li Jing Shuang (Lisa) , Chou Grant M , Walling-Bell Sarah , Brunton Steven L , Tuthill John C , Brunton Bingni W
Published: August 2024

Walking animals must maintain stability in the presence of external perturbations, despite significant temporal delays in neural signaling and muscle actuation. Here, we develop a 3D kinematic model with a layered control architecture to investigate how sensorimotor delays constrain robustness of walking behavior in the fruit fly,
Drosophila
. Motivated by the anatomical architecture of insect locomotor control circuits, our model consists of three component layers: a neural network that generates realistic 3D joint kinematics for each leg, an optimal controller that executes the joint kinematics while accounting for delays, and an inter-leg coordinator. The model generates realistic simulated walking that matches real fly walking kinematics and sustains walking even when subjected to unexpected perturbations, generalizing beyond its training data. However, we found that the model’s robustness to perturbations deteriorates when sensorimotor delay parameters exceed the physiological range. These results suggest that fly sensorimotor control circuits operate close to the temporal limit at which they can detect and respond to external perturbations. More broadly, we show how a modular, layered model architecture can be used to investigate physiological constraints on animal behavior.
Different treatment durations of loperamide in preventing pyrotinib-induced diarrhea: A randomized, parallel-group sub-study of the phase II PHAEDRA trial
Authors: Wang Changjun , Lin Yan , Xu Ying , Mao Feng , Guan Jinghong , Wang Xuejing , Zhang Yanna , Zhang Xiaohui , Shen Songjie , Zhong Ying , Pan Bo , Peng Li , Huang Xin , Cao Xi , Yao Ru , Zhou Xintong , He Zecheng , Liu Yuhan , Lang Jie , Li Chenggang , Zhou Yidong , Sun Qiang
Published: August 2024

Pyrotinib, a pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, demonstrates efficacy in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. However, the frequent occurrence of treatment-emergent diarrhea necessitating discontinuation, impacts patient outcomes.In this multicenter, open-label, phase II PHAEDRA study enrolling early stage HER2-positive patients for postoperative treatment with nab-paclitaxel and pyrotinib, 120 patients were included for a sub-study and randomly divided into two groups to receive 21 days and 42 days of loperamide for primary prophylaxis of diarrhea, followed by as-needed usage. The primary outcome was the incidence of grade ≥3 diarrhea.Fifty-eight patients in the 21-day group and 59 patients in the 42-day group received at least one dose of pyrotinib. With a median follow-up of 12.1 months, all patients experienced diarrhea of any grade, with grade ≥3 events in 39.7% of the 21-day group and 42.4% of the 42-day group (relative risk: 0.94; 95% confidence interval: 0.61-1.45). The most common treatment-emergent adverse events, other than diarrhea, were hypoesthesia, vomiting, nausea, and rash, mostly grade 1-2, except for one case of grade ≥3 decreased neutrophil count in each group.No significant differences were observed between 21-day and 42-day loperamide durations in preventing grade ≥3 diarrhea. Considering the economic cost and patient compliance, 21-day loperamide prophylaxis might represent a more pragmatic and appropriate approach for clinical application.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04659499
Aberrant Auditory Prediction Patterns Robustly Characterize Tinnitus
Authors: Reisinger Lisa , Demarchi Gianpaolo , Obleser Jonas , Sedley William , Partyka Marta , Schubert Juliane , Gehmacher Quirin , Roesch Sebastian , Suess Nina , Trinka Eugen , Schlee Winfried , Weisz Nathan
Published: August 2024

Phantom perceptions like tinnitus occur without any identifiable environmental or bodily source. The mechanisms and key drivers behind tinnitus are poorly understood. The dominant framework, suggesting that tinnitus results from neural hyperactivity in the auditory pathway following hearing damage, has been difficult to investigate in humans and has reached explanatory limits. As a result, researchers have tried to explain perceptual and potential neural aberrations in tinnitus within a more parsimonious predictive-coding framework. In two independent magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies, participants passively listened to sequences of pure tones with varying levels of regularity (i.e. predictability) ranging from random to ordered. Aside from being a replication of the first study, the pre-registered second study, including 80 participants, ensured rigorous matching of hearing status, as well as age, sex, and hearing loss, between individuals with and without tinnitus. Despite some changes in the details of the paradigm, both studies equivalently reveal a group difference in neural representation, based on multivariate pattern analysis, of upcoming stimuli before their onset. These data strongly suggest that individuals with tinnitus engage anticipatory auditory predictions differently to controls. While the observation of different predictive processes is robust and replicable, the precise neurocognitive mechanism underlying it calls for further, ideally longitudinal, studies to establish its role as a potential contributor to, and/or consequence of, tinnitus.
fmo-4 promotes longevity and stress resistance via ER to mitochondria calcium regulation in C. elegans
Authors: Tuckowski Angela M , Beydoun Safa , Kitto Elizabeth S , Bhat Ajay , Howington Marshall B , Sridhar Aditya , Bhandari Mira , Chambers Kelly , Leiser Scott F
Published: August 2024

Flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) are a conserved family of xenobiotic enzymes upregulated in multiple longevity interventions, including nematode and mouse models. Previous work supports that C. elegans fmo-2 promotes longevity, stress resistance, and healthspan by rewiring endogenous metabolism. However, there are five C. elegans FMOs and five mammalian FMOs, and it is not known whether promoting longevity and health benefits is a conserved role of this gene family. Here, we report that expression of C. elegans fmo-4 promotes lifespan extension and paraquat stress resistance downstream of both dietary restriction and inhibition of mTOR. We find that overexpression of fmo-4 in just the hypodermis is sufficient for these benefits, and that this expression significantly modifies the transcriptome. By analyzing changes in gene expression, we find that genes related to calcium signaling are significantly altered downstream of fmo-4 expression. Highlighting the importance of calcium homeostasis in this pathway, fmo-4 overexpressing animals are sensitive to thapsigargin, an ER stressor that inhibits calcium flux from the cytosol to the ER lumen. This calcium/fmo-4 interaction is solidified by data showing that modulating intracellular calcium with either small molecules or genetics can change expression of fmo-4 and/or interact with fmo-4 to affect lifespan and stress resistance. Further analysis supports a pathway where fmo-4 modulates calcium homeostasis downstream of activating transcription factor-6 (atf-6), whose knockdown induces and requires fmo-4 expression. Together, our data identify fmo-4 as a longevity-promoting gene whose actions interact with known longevity pathways and calcium homeostasis.
fmo-4 promotes longevity and stress resistance via ER to mitochondria calcium regulation in C. elegans
Authors: Tuckowski Angela M , Beydoun Safa , Kitto Elizabeth S , Bhat Ajay , Howington Marshall B , Sridhar Aditya , Bhandari Mira , Chambers Kelly , Leiser Scott F
Published: August 2024

Flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMOs) are a conserved family of xenobiotic enzymes upregulated in multiple longevity interventions, including nematode and mouse models. Previous work supports that
C. elegans fmo-2
promotes longevity, stress resistance, and healthspan by rewiring endogenous metabolism. However, there are five
C. elegans
FMOs and five mammalian FMOs, and it is not known whether promoting longevity and health benefits is a conserved role of this gene family. Here, we report that expression of
C. elegans fmo-4
promotes lifespan extension and paraquat stress resistance downstream of both dietary restriction and inhibition of mTOR. We find that overexpression of
fmo-4
in just the hypodermis is sufficient for these benefits, and that this expression significantly modifies the transcriptome. By analyzing changes in gene expression, we find that genes related to calcium signaling are significantly altered downstream of
fmo-4
expression. Highlighting the importance of calcium homeostasis in this pathway,
fmo-4
overexpressing animals are sensitive to thapsigargin, an ER stressor that inhibits calcium flux from the cytosol to the ER lumen. This calcium/
fmo-4
interaction is solidified by data showing that modulating intracellular calcium with either small molecules or genetics can change expression of
fmo-4
and/or interact with
fmo-4
to affect lifespan and stress resistance. Further analysis supports a pathway where
fmo-4
modulates calcium homeostasis downstream of activating transcription factor-6 (
atf-6
), whose knockdown induces and requires
fmo-4
expression. Together, our data identify
fmo-4
as a longevity- promoting gene whose actions interact with known longevity pathways and calcium homeostasis.
Fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 in infants born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers: a pilot study
Authors: Blaufus Dylan K.P. , Kalanetra Karen M. , Pesavento Rosa , Garlapati Pranav , Baikie Brittany C. , Kuhn-Riordon Kara M. , Underwood Mark A. , Taft Diana H.
Published: August 2024

Background

Fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 occurs during infection, particularly in pediatric populations. The gut microbiota are associated with resistance to enteric pathogens. COVID-19 is associated with alterations to the gut microbiome. We hypothesized that the gut microbiome of infants born to SARS-CoV-2+ mothers differs between infants with and without fecal shedding of the virus.

Methods

We enrolled 10 infants born to SARS-CoV-2+ mothers. We used qPCR on fecal RNA to test for SARS-CoV-2 and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4 region to assess the gut microbiome. Infant SARS-CoV-2 status from nasal swabs was abstracted from medical records.

Results

Of the 10 included infants, nine were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by nasal swab with 1 testing positive. Four infants, including the nasal swab positive infant, had at least one sample with detectable levels of SARS-CoV-2 fecal shedding. Detection of both SARS-CoV-2 genes in feces was associated with increased gut alpha diversity compared to no detection by a linear mixed effects model (p < 0.001). Detection of both SARS-CoV-2 genes was associated with increased levels Erysipelotrichaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Ruminococceae by MaAsLin2.

Conclusion

Fecal shedding of SARS-CoV-2 occurs in infants who test negative on nasal swabs and is associated with differences in the gut microbiome.
Biochar-Enriched Sheep Manure for Sustainable Maize Production: Increased Yield and Water Savings
Authors: Burezq Hana'a Adel , Khalil Fatin
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to boost maize crop production by utilizing animal manure enriched with biochar derived from date palm fronds. Two field experiments were conducted, featuring two treatments: Treatment 1 (T1) used standard manure from female Naeemi sheep fed only a basal diet, while Treatment 2 (T2) involved manure from Naeemi sheep fed a biochar-supplemented diet. Maize was grown using manure from both treatments, applied at rates of 5.0, 7.5, and 10 tons/hectare, with two irrigation levels: 60% and 100% of the crop’s evapotranspiration (ETc). The results indicated that manure from T2 had significantly higher levels of phosphorus (15.6%), total organic carbon (16.4%), nitrogen (11.4%), and potassium (23.3%) compared to T1. Furthermore, applying 10 tons/hectare of T1 manure led to a 40% reduction in water usage and an 18.2% increase in fresh biomass compared to the control (60% ETc). In contrast, using 10 tons/hectare of T2 manure resulted in a 40% water saving and a significant 345.5% increase in fresh biomass compared to the control (60% ETc). In conclusion, applying T2 manure at rates of 5.0, 7.5, and 10 tons/hectare under deficit irrigation significantly (P<0.0001) enhanced fresh biomass production, with increases of 227.27%, 245.5%, and 345.5%, respectively, compared to T1 under similar irrigation conditions. The improved soil composition resulting from the incorporation of T2 manure could also support the growth of other crops, particularly in arid regions like Kuwait.
Klimaschutz als Leitungspflicht? — Zu den Vorschlägen, die Berücksichtigung von Nachhaltigkeitszielen als gesetzliche Organpflicht festzuschreiben
Authors: Schockenhoff Martin
Published: August 2024

Klimaschutz als globaler „Megatrend“ macht auch vor dem Unternehmensrecht nicht halt. Kapitalgesellschaften müssen in ihre nichtfinanzielle Erklärung Umweltbelange aufnehmen (§ 289c Abs.2 Nr.1 HGB), das Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz begründet für Unternehmen größenabhängige umweltbezogene Sorgfaltspflichten. Auf der Grundlage des Klimaschutzgesetzes können Regierung und Behörden für die verschiedenen Sektoren der Wirtschaft Grenzwerte festlegen und sonstige Ge- und Verbote erlassen. All diese Bestimmungen müssen von den Leitungsorganen der Unternehmen aufgrund ihrer Legalitätspflicht beachtet werden. In den letzten Jahren gab es wiederholt rechtspolitische Vorschläge, die Vorstände von Aktiengesellschaften darüber hinaus zu verpflichten, im Rahmen ihres unternehmerischen Leitungsermessens Umweltgesichtspunkte, insbesondere den Klimaschutz, zu berücksichtigen. Nach diesen Vorschlägen sollen die Vorstände nicht nur verpflichtet sein, die für alle vergleichbaren Unternehmen geltenden Gesetze zu beachten (externe Bindung), sondern darüber hinaus auch im Rahmen ihres unternehmerischen Ermessens den Klimaschutz zu berücksichtigen. Erst kürzlich wurde von einem Arbeitskreis der Gesellschaftsrechtlichen Vereinigung (VGR) ein konkreter Gesetzgebungsvorschlag hierzu vorgelegt. Demgegenüber plädiert Weller in seinem aktuellen Gutachten für den 74. Deutschen Juristentag dafür, den Vorständen konkrete klimabezogene Vorgaben zu machen. Der Verfasser analysiert und würdigt diese Vorschläge.
Zur Rechtmäßigkeit der Grundsteuerwertfeststellung im sog. Bundesmodell
Authors: Titgemeyer Marion
Published: August 2024

Der BFH hat sich kürzlich mit der neuen Grundsteuer befasst. Die beiden inhaltsgleichen AdV-Beschlüsse vom 27.5.2024 beschäftigen sich mit der Grundsteuerwertfeststellung im sog. Bundesmodell. Das oberste deutsche Steuergericht zweifelt an der Rechtmäßigkeit der streitigen Wertfeststellungen und gewährt in den zwei zugrunde liegenden Fällen eine Aussetzung der Vollziehung. Steuerpflichtigen müsse laut BFH die Möglichkeit zum Nachweis eines deutlich unter dem vom Finanzamt festgestellten Wertes eingeräumt werden. Eine Aussage über die Verfassungsmäßigkeit des neuen Bewertungsrechtes ist (noch) nicht getroffen worden. Allerdings ist mit einer Vorlage an das BVerfG im Zuge des Hauptsacheverfahrens zu rechnen. Die Entscheidung des BVerfG bleibt also abzuwarten. Der vorliegende Beitrag greift zunächst die aktuelle Situation nach der Grundsteuerreform auf, erläutert, in welchem Rahmen Typisierungen und Pauschalierungen zulässig sind und setzt sich intensiv mit den o.g. BFHBeschlüssen auseinander.
Die neue BFH-Rechtsprechung zu Earn-Out-Klauseln bei Veräußerung von Mitunternehmeranteilen — Kritische Würdigung und praktische Implikationen
Authors: Nowak Benjamin
Published: August 2024

Der BFH hatte jüngst erstmals die Gelegenheit, ausführlich zu gewinnabhängigen Earn-Out-Klauseln Stellung zu beziehen. Bedauerlicherweise weisen seine Ausführungen einige steuersystematische Verwerfungen auf. Zudem unterließ es der BFH, betriebswirtschaftliche Einflussfaktoren zu berücksichtigen, obwohl er selbst eine wirtschaftliche Betrachtungsweise postuliert. Hieraus könnten sich deutlich differenziertere Auslegungen ergeben. Weiterhin ließ der BFH offen, wie mit Begünstigungsnormen (§ 16 Abs. 4 EStG, § 34 EStG) zu verfahren ist und ob die Urteilsgrundsätze auf alternative Ausgestaltungen Anwendung finden. Dieser Beitrag würdigt die betreffende Entscheidung umfassend und nimmt auch zu praktisch relevanten Fragestellungen eine Einordnung vor.
Gerichtsverhandlung per Videokonferenz — Neuregelungen durch das Gesetz zur Förderung des Einsatzes von Videokonferenztechnik
Authors: Bacher Klaus
Published: August 2024

Nach einer Schleife über den Vermittlungsausschuss sind die neuen Regelungen über den Einsatz von Videokonferenztechnik in den Gerichten nunmehr in Kraft getreten. Sie beseitigen einige Hindernisse, die sich im Praxiseinsatz im Gefolge der Pandemie gezeigt haben, bleiben aber hinter manchen Erwartungen zurück und bringen mit dem Vorbehalt ausreichender Kapazitäten ein neues Kriterium ins Spiel, das Anlass zu gewisser Besorgnis gibt. Dennoch wird die Neuregelung dem weiteren Einsatz der Videokonferenztechnik förderlich sein.
Pathways and transformations of dissolved methane and dissolved inorganic carbon in Arctic tundra watersheds: Evidence from analysis of stable isotopes
Authors: Throckmorton Heather M. , Heikoop Jeffrey M. , Newman Brent D. , Altmann Garrett L. , Conrad Mark S. , Muss Jordan D. , Perkins George B. , Smith Lydia J. , Torn Margaret S. , Wullschleger Stan D. , Wilson Cathy J.
Published: September 2015

Arctic soils contain a large pool of terrestrial C and are of interest due to their potential for releasing significant carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) to the atmosphere. Due to substantial landscape heterogeneity, predicting ecosystem‐scale CH4 and CO2 production is challenging. This study assessed dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC = Σ (total) dissolved CO2) and CH4 in watershed drainages in Barrow, Alaska as critical convergent zones of regional geochemistry, substrates, and nutrients. In July and September of 2013, surface waters and saturated subsurface pore waters were collected from 17 drainages. Based on simultaneous DIC and CH4 cycling, we synthesized isotopic and geochemical methods to develop a subsurface CH4 and DIC balance by estimating mechanisms of CH4 and DIC production and transport pathways and oxidation of subsurface CH4. We observed a shift from acetoclastic (July) toward hydrogenotropic (September) methanogenesis at sites located toward the end of major freshwater drainages, adjacent to salty estuarine waters, suggesting an interesting landscape‐scale effect on CH4 production mechanism. The majority of subsurface CH4 was transported upward by plant‐mediated transport and ebullition, predominantly bypassing the potential for CH4 oxidation. Thus, surprisingly, CH4 oxidation only consumed approximately 2.51 ± 0.82% (July) and 0.79 ± 0.79% (September) of CH4 produced at the frost table, contributing to <0.1% of DIC production. DIC was primarily produced from respiration, with iron and organic matter serving as likely e‐ acceptors. This work highlights the importance of spatial and temporal variability of CH4 production at the watershed scale and suggests broad scale investigations are required to build better regional or pan‐Arctic representations of CH4 and CO2 production.
The role of stratification on lakes' thermal response: The case of Lake Superior
Authors: Piccolroaz Sebastiano , Toffolon Marco , Majone Bruno
Published: September 2015

During the last several decades, the Great Lakes region has been experiencing a significant rise in temperatures, with the extraordinary summer warming that affected Lake Superior in 1998 as an example of the marked response of the lake to increasingly warmer atmospheric conditions. In this work, we combine the analysis of this exceptional event with some synthetic scenarios, to achieve a deeper understanding of the main processes driving the thermal dynamics of surface water temperature in Lake Superior. The analysis is performed by means of the lumped model air2water, which simulates lake surface temperature as a function of air temperature alone. The model provides information about the seasonal stratification dynamics, suggesting that unusual warming events can result from two factors: anomalously high summer air temperatures, and increased strength of stratification resulting from a warm spring. The relative contribution of the two factors is quantified using the model by means of synthetic scenarios, which provide a simple but effective description of the positive feedback between the thermal behavior and the stratification dynamics of the lake.
Seasonal and interannual variability of sea‐air CO2 fluxes in the tropical Atlantic affected by the Amazon River plume
Authors: Ibánhez J. Severino P. , Diverrès Denis , Araujo Moacyr , Lefèvre Nathalie
Published: September 2015

CO2 fugacities obtained from a merchant ship sailing from France to French Guyana were used to explore the seasonal and interannual variability of the sea‐air CO2 exchange in the western tropical North Atlantic (TNA; 5–14°N, 41–52°W). Two distinct oceanic water masses were identified in the area associated to the main surface currents, i.e., the North Brazil Current (NBC) and the North Equatorial Current (NEC). The NBC was characterized by permanent CO2 oversaturation throughout the studied period, contrasting with the seasonal pattern identified in the NEC. The NBC retroflection was the main contributor to the North Equatorial Counter Current (NECC), thus spreading into the central TNA, the Amazon River plume, and the CO2‐rich waters probably originated from the equatorial upwelling. Strong CO2 undersaturation was associated to the Amazon River plume. Total inorganic carbon drawdown due to biological activity was estimated to be 154 µmol kg−1 within the river plume. As a consequence, the studied area acted as a net sink of atmospheric CO2 (from −72.2 ± 10.2 mmol m−2 month−1 in February to 14.3 ± 4.5 mmol m−2 month−1 in May). This contrasted with the net CO2 efflux estimated by the main global sea‐air CO2 flux climatologies. Interannual sea surface temperature changes in the TNA caused by large‐scale climatic events could determine the direction and intensity of the sea‐air CO2 fluxes in the NEC. Positive temperature anomalies observed in the TNA led to an almost permanent CO2 outgassing in the NEC in 2010.
Deep subsurface carbon cycling in the Nankai Trough (Japan)—Evidence of tectonically induced stimulation of a deep microbial biosphere
Authors: Riedinger N. , Strasser M. , Harris R. N. , Klockgether G. , Lyons T. W. , Screaton E. J.
Published: September 2015

The abundance of microbial life and the sources of energy necessary for deep subsurface microbial communities remain enigmatic. Here we investigate deep microbial processes and their potential relationships to tectonic events in sediments from the Nankai Trough offshore Japan, drilled and sampled during IODP (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program) Expedition 316. Observed methane isotope profiles indicate that microbially mediated methane production occurs at Sites C0006 and C0007 in sediments below ∼450 meters below seafloor (mbsf) and ∼425 mbsf, respectively. The active carbon cycling in these deep subsurface sediments is likely related to the highly dynamic tectonic regime at Nankai Trough. We propose that transient increases in temperature have restimulated organic matter degradation at these distinct depths and explore several candidate processes for transient heating. Our favored hypothesis is frictional heating associated with earthquakes. In concert with transient heating leading to the reactivation of recalcitrant organic matter, the heterogeneous sedimentary system provides niches for microbial life. The newly available/accessible organic carbon compounds fuel the microbial community—resulting in an onset of methanogenesis several hundred meters below the seafloor. This process is captured in the methane C‐isotope signal, showing the efficacy of methane C‐isotopes for delineating locations of active microbial processes in deeply buried sediments. Additionally, simple model approaches applied to observed chemical pore water profiles can potentially constrain timing relationships, which can then be linked to causative tectonic events. Our results suggest the occurrence of slip‐to‐the‐trench earthquake(s) 200–400 year ago, which could relate to historical earthquakes (1707 Hoei and/or 1605 Keicho earthquakes).
Measurement of inner radiation belt electrons with kinetic energy above 1 MeV
Authors: Selesnick R. S.
Published: September 2015

Data from the Proton‐Electron Telescope on the Solar, Anomalous, and Magnetospheric Particle Explorer (SAMPEX) satellite, taken during 1992–2009, are analyzed for evidence of inner radiation belt electrons with kinetic energy E > 1 MeV. It is found that most of the data from a detector combination with a nominal energy threshold of 1 MeV were, in fact, caused by a chance coincidence response to lower energy electrons or high‐energy protons. In particular, there was no detection of inner belt or slot region electrons above 1 MeV following the 2003 Halloween storm injection, though they may have been present. However, by restricting data to a less‐stable, low‐altitude trapping region, a persistent presence of inner belt electrons in the energy range 1 to 1.6 MeV is demonstrated. Their soft, exponential energy spectra are consistent with extrapolation of lower energy measurements.
Formation and spreading of Red Sea Outflow Water in the Red Sea
Authors: Zhai Ping , Bower Amy S. , Smethie William M. , Pratt Larry J.
Published: September 2015

Hydrographic data, chlorofluorocarbon‐12 (CFC‐12) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) measurements collected in March 2010 and September–October 2011 in the Red Sea, as well as an idealized numerical experiment are used to study the formation and spreading of Red Sea Outflow Water (RSOW) in the Red Sea. Analysis of inert tracers, potential vorticity distributions, and model results confirm that RSOW is formed through mixed‐layer deepening caused by sea surface buoyancy loss in winter in the northern Red Sea and reveal more details on RSOW spreading rates, pathways, and vertical structure. The southward spreading of RSOW after its formation is identified as a layer with minimum potential vorticity and maximum CFC‐12 and SF6. Ventilation ages of seawater within the RSOW layer, calculated from the partial pressure of SF6 (pSF6), range from 2 years in the northern Red Sea to 15 years at 17°N. The distribution of the tracer ages is in agreement with the model circulation field which shows a rapid transport of RSOW from its formation region to the southern Red Sea where there are longer circulation pathways and hence longer residence time due to basin wide eddies. The mean residence time of RSOW within the Red Sea estimated from the pSF6 age is 4.7 years. This time scale is very close to the mean transit time (4.8 years) for particles from the RSOW formation region to reach the exit at the Strait of Bab el Mandeb in the numerical experiment.
Epitopes
Authors: Kirpach Josiane , Muller Claude P
Published: September 2015

T and B lymphocytes, the mediators of adaptive immune responses, express antigen‐specific receptors that allow them to discriminate between self and a virtually unlimited number of nonself molecules. Their receptors specifically recognise and bind subdomains of foreign macromolecules which are called epitopes. T‐cell epitopes (TCEs) and B‐cell epitopes (BCEs) differ fundamentally in the way they are recognised by the immune system. BCEs are recognised as three‐dimensional structures on the surface of native antigens. TCEs are parts of internalised and processed antigens that are presented to T lymphocytes in association with molecules of the major histocompatibility complex. As in a biological system T‐ and B‐cell receptors or antibody molecules face a virtual infinite number of structures, cognate interactions with epitopes are the basis of the primordial intelligence that drives the teleological choices of the immune system. Immunodominance directs the immune response towards selected epitopes.

Key Concepts

Surface immunoglobulins of B cells and antibodies recognise the B‐cell epitope (BCE) of an antigen in its native conformation, while T‐cell receptors (TCRs) recognise the T‐cell epitopes (TCEs) only after intracellular processing of the antigen, and in association with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules.

The main common feature of B‐cell epitopes is accessibility on the surface of the antigen.

TCE peptides that bind to the same allele of MHC molecules share common ‘anchor’ residues (motifs) that contact the MHC molecule.

TCEs presented by MHC class II molecules are longer and more variable in size and their anchor residues are less well defined than those of peptides presented by MHC class I molecules.

Patterns of anchor residues facilitate the prediction of peptide binding to MHC molecules.

The TCR–MHC–peptide tripartite cognate interaction in concert with coreceptors and other signalling modules mediate T‐cell activation.

Immunodominance refers to the concept that only a small subset of the potential epitopes (TCEs or BCEs) present in a given antigen elicit an immune response.

Mimotopes are small molecules that mimic the structure of complex conformational epitopes without any sequence homology.

While TCEs can be predicted with some confidence, ill‐defined characteristic features of BCEs limit their predictability.

Epitope‐based vaccines will allow to better manage desired and undesired cross‐reactivity.
Arenaviruses
Authors: Kunz Stefan
Published: September 2015

The arenaviruses are a large and diverse group of enveloped ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses that merit significant attention as powerful experimental models and important human pathogens. The prototypic arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) has been instrumental in many landmark studies on virus–host interaction and antiviral immunity. Several arenaviruses, including
Lassa virus
and
Lujo virus
in Africa and the South American arenaviruses such as
Junin virus
,
Guanarito virus
,
Machupo virus
,
Sabia virus and Chapare virus,
cause severe viral haemorrhagic fevers in humans and represent serious public health problems. Arenavirus haemorrhagic fevers are among the most devastating emerging human diseases with high fatality rates in hospitalised patients and a limited therapeutic repertoire available. Moreover, compelling evidence indicates that the worldwide‐distributed LCMV is a neglected human pathogen of clinical significance, especially in cases of congenital infection and immunocompromised individuals, as tragically illustrated by fatal cases of transplant‐associated infections.

Key Concepts

Arenaviruses are emerging zoonotic viruses that are carried in nature by persistent infection of rodent hosts.

Current arenavirus diversity is the result of long‐term coevolution of the viruses and their reservoir hosts.

Some arenaviruses cause severe haemorrhagic fevers with high mortality in man.

Arenavirus haemorrhagic fevers represent important public health problems in affected regions of the world.

Arenaviruses were instrumental for the discovery of fundamental concepts in virus–host interaction and antiviral immunity.

Arenavirus reverse genetics helped dissect the mechanisms of arenavirus replication, gene expression and assembly, as well as virus–host interactions.

Arenavirus–receptor interactions and cell entry are crucial determinants for the ecology, epidemiology and human disease potential of arenaviruses.

Haemorrhagic arenaviruses efficiently suppress the host's immune defence mechanisms, which is a key to their virulence.

Several arenavirus candidate vaccines and drugs are under development.