bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eight Dimensions of Land Grabbing That Every Researcher Should Consider
Authors: Edelman Marc
Published: June 2024

This chapter describes eight dimensions of land grabbing that every researcher should consider. Researchers need to take more into account the presence of history in the spaces where land grabbing occurs; the complicated scale issues; the impact of commodity prices on and the complexity of land grabbing drivers and the ways in which they have changed in recent years; the underreported role of national actors; the variety of reactions of subaltern groups apart from frontal resistance; and the obscure financial relationships behind large land transactions. There is also a need to restrain agro-centrism and integrate the study of agricultural holdings with other varieties of land grabbing. Moreover, the invisible people on the land, past and present, need to be made visible and to be recognized as justifications and inspiration for mobilizations against land grabbing. Finally, the aspects of gender and especially of generation have been neglected and deserve more analysis, not so much because of a desire to foreground different principles of identity but rather because they are dynamics that in many cases manifestly affect the outcomes of struggles for land.
Intelligent real-life key-pixel image detection system for early Arabic sign language learners
Authors: Alamri Faten S. , Rehman Amjad , Abdullahi Sunusi Bala , Saba Tanzila
Published: June 2024

Lack of an effective early sign language learning framework for a hard-of-hearing population can have traumatic consequences, causing social isolation and unfair treatment in workplaces. Alphabet and digit detection methods have been the basic framework for early sign language learning but are restricted by performance and accuracy, making it difficult to detect signs in real life. This article proposes an improved sign language detection method for early sign language learners based on the You Only Look Once version 8.0 (YOLOv8) algorithm, referred to as the intelligent sign language detection system (iSDS), which exploits the power of deep learning to detect sign language-distinct features. The iSDS method could overcome the false positive rates and improve the accuracy as well as the speed of sign language detection. The proposed iSDS framework for early sign language learners consists of three basic steps: (i) image pixel processing to extract features that are underrepresented in the frame, (ii) inter-dependence pixel-based feature extraction using YOLOv8, (iii) web-based signer independence validation. The proposed iSDS enables faster response times and reduces misinterpretation and inference delay time. The iSDS achieved state-of-the-art performance of over 97% for precision, recall, and F1-score with the best mAP of 87%. The proposed iSDS method has several potential applications, including continuous sign language detection systems and intelligent web-based sign recognition systems.
Deep learning-driven dyslexia detection model using multi-modality data
Authors: Alkhurayyif Yazeed , Wahab Sait Abdul Rahaman
Published: June 2024

Background

Dyslexia is a neurological disorder that affects an individual’s language processing abilities. Early care and intervention can help dyslexic individuals succeed academically and socially. Recent developments in deep learning (DL) approaches motivate researchers to build dyslexia detection models (DDMs). DL approaches facilitate the integration of multi-modality data. However, there are few multi-modality-based DDMs.

Methods

In this study, the authors built a DL-based DDM using multi-modality data. A squeeze and excitation (SE) integrated MobileNet V3 model, self-attention mechanisms (SA) based EfficientNet B7 model, and early stopping and SA-based Bi-directional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) models were developed to extract features from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, and electroencephalography (EEG) data. In addition, the authors fine-tuned the LightGBM model using the Hyperband optimization technique to detect dyslexia using the extracted features. Three datasets containing FMRI, MRI, and EEG data were used to evaluate the performance of the proposed DDM.

Results

The findings supported the significance of the proposed DDM in detecting dyslexia with limited computational resources. The proposed model outperformed the existing DDMs by producing an optimal accuracy of 98.9%, 98.6%, and 98.8% for the FMRI, MRI, and EEG datasets, respectively. Healthcare centers and educational institutions can benefit from the proposed model to identify dyslexia in the initial stages. The interpretability of the proposed model can be improved by integrating vision transformers-based feature extraction.
A full reference quality assessment method with fused monocular and binocular features for stereo images
Authors: Hu Xiaojuan , Bai Jinxin , Chen Chunyi , Yu Haiyang
Published: June 2024

Aiming to automatically monitor and improve stereoscopic image and video processing systems, stereoscopic image quality assessment approaches are becoming more and more important as 3D technology gains popularity. We propose a full-reference stereoscopic image quality assessment method that incorporate monocular and binocular features based on binocular competition and binocular integration. To start, we create a three-channel RGB fused view by fusing Gabor filter bank responses and disparity maps. Then, using the monocular view and the RGB fusion view, respectively, we extract monocular and binocular features. To alter the local features in the binocular features, we simultaneously estimate the saliency of the RGB fusion image. Finally, the monocular and binocular quality scores are calculated based on the monocular and binocular features, and the quality scores of the stereo image prediction are obtained by fusion. Performance testing in the LIVE 3D IQA database Phase I and Phase II. The results of the proposed method are compared with newer methods. The experimental results show good consistency and robustness.
Prevalence and factors associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection among primary school children in Kersa District, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Aliyi Hussen , Ahmed Mohammed , Gobena Tesfaye , Alemu Bezatu Mengistie , Abdi Adem Hassen , Aliyi Usso Ahmedin
Published: June 2024

Background

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease and an important parasite negatively impacting socio-economic factors. Ethiopia’s Federal Ministry of Health targeted the elimination of schistosomiasis infection in school-aged children by 2020. However, Schistosoma mansoni still affects approximately 12.3 million school-aged children in Ethiopia. Although the study was conducted in some regions of the country, previous studies were conducted on urban school children and were limited to the burden of infection. Overall, there is a lack of information about schistosomiasis in eastern Ethiopia, particularly among school children. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection among primary school children in Kersa district, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 school children using systematic random sampling from April 10 to May 09, 2019. The stool samples were collected and examined using the Keto-Katz method. A structured and pretested questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. Data were entered using Epi-Data version 3.1 and analysed using SPSS version 24. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection. P-value < 0.05 and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) were used to identify statistically significant associations.

Results

This study’s overall prevalence of S. mansoni was 19.4% (95% CI [16–23]). Absence of the latrines in household (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI [1.25–4.38]), swimming in the river (AOR = 2.82, 95% CI [1.33–5.88]), unprotected water sources (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI [1.72–7.10]), irregular shoe wearing habits (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI [1.51–5.23]), and water contact during cross of river (AOR = 2.192; 95% CI [1.113–4.318]) were factors independently associated with S. mansoni infection.

Conclusion

Schistosoma mansoni infection remains a public health problem in the study area. Using a latrine in each household, using protected water, wearing shoes regularly, and reducing water contact were necessary to control Schistosoma mansoni infection.
Effects of combined aerobic and resistance training on glycemic control, blood pressure, inflammation, cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes and overweight/obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: AL-Mhanna Sameer Badri , Batrakoulis Alexios , Wan Ghazali Wan Syaheedah , Mohamed Mahaneem , Aldayel Abdulaziz , Alhussain Maha H. , Afolabi Hafeez Abiola , Wada Yusuf , Gülü Mehmet , Elkholi Safaa , Abubakar Bishir Daku , Rojas-Valverde Daniel
Published: June 2024

Background

Structured aerobic or resistance training alone seems to be a beneficial tool for improving glucose homeostasis, chronic systemic inflammation, resting cardiovascular function, and mental health in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study was to synthesize the available data on the effectiveness of combined aerobic and resistance training (CART) on glycemic control, blood pressure, inflammation, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and quality of life (QoL) in overweight and obese individuals with T2DM.

Methods

A database search was carried out in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar from inception up to May 2023. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess eligible studies, and the GRADE method to evaluate the reliability of evidence. A random-effects model was used, and data were analyzed using standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. The study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (ID: CRD42022355612).

Results

A total of 21,612 studies were retrieved; 20 studies were included, and data were extracted from 1,192 participants (mean age: 57 ± 7 years) who met the eligibility criteria. CART demonstrated significant improvements in body mass index, glycated hemoglobin, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, CRF, and QoL compared to ST. These findings highlight the significance of exercise interventions such as CART as essential elements within comprehensive diabetes management strategies, ultimately enhancing overall health outcomes in individuals with T2DM and overweight/obesity.No differences were found in resting heart rate between CART and ST. An uncertain risk of bias and poor quality of evidence were found among the eligible studies.

Conclusion

These outcomes show clear evidence considering the positive role of CART in inducing beneficial changes in various cardiometabolic and mental health-related indicators in patients with T2DM and concurrent overweight/obesity. More studies with robust methodological design are warranted to examine the dose-response relationship, training parameters configuration, and mechanisms behind these positive adaptations.
Detrás del tupido velo: el simulacro el "Casa de campo" de José Donoso
Authors: Trujillo Pernsteiner Valeria
Published: June 2024

El artículo aborda la noción de simulacro en la novela Casa de campo de José Donoso, a través del concepto de hiperrealidad planteado por Baudrillard. Para ello, examina el paseo paradisíaco de los adultos, el juego La Marquesa Salió A Las Cinco, la figura del trompe l'oeil y las intromisiones del narrador. Se constata, así, el vacío que se oculta tras el tupido velo, pero se cuestiona el alcance de la simulación ante el trauma, el poder y el arte: la novela se revela, por tanto, no como representación de una realidad histórica ni como simulacro subsumido al signo, sino como alegoría arquetípica de la estructura política y social que conforma al sujeto.
METİNLERARASI SÖYLEMDE FAUST’U OKUMA DENEMESİ
Authors: Kösteloğlu Zeynep
Published: June 2024

Türkçede anlamı konusunda çeşitli tartışmaların yapıldığı metinler arası yaklaşım, metinler arası ilişki, metinler arası okuma yöntemi, metinler arası anlama, metinler arası eleştiri yöntemi ve metinler arasılık gibi başlıklarla kullanılan kavramının temeli, ilk yazılı metinlere kadar götürülebilir. Bir metnin başka bir metinden bağımsız olamayacağı fikri ve metinlerin birbirleri arasında var olan birtakım ilişkilerin olduğu düşüncesiyle başlayan tartışmalar, son yüzyılda bu kavramı, bilimsel çatı altında değerlendirilip eleştiri
yöntemlerinden biri konumuna getirmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, İngiliz edebiyatının 16. yüzyılda yazılmış tiyatro eserlerinden biri olan ve Christopher Marlowe tarafından kaleme alınan Doctor Faustus ile farklı bir kültüre sahip olan yazar Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’nin Faust’unun yeniden yazımı, karşılaştırmalı edebiyat bilimi verilerini kullanarak metinler arası eleştiri yöntemiyle karşılaştırmaktır.
TÜRKÇE ÖĞRETMENİ ADAYLARININ SESLİ OKUMA HATALARI
Authors: Topbulut Selen Diren , Doğan Yusuf
Published: June 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı, Türkçe öğretmeni adayı olan üniversite son sınıf öğrencilerinin sesli okuma sırasında hangi tür okuma hataları yaptıklarını belirlemek ve bu hataların; cinsiyet, aylık kitap okuma sayısı ve akademik genel not ortalaması ile bir ilişkisinin bulunup bulunmadığını tespit etmektir. Araştırma; 2023-2024 eğitim-öğretim yılında, Gazi Üniversitesi Gazi Eğitim Fakültesi Türkçe Eğitimi Ana Bilim Dalında öğrenim gören 30 dördüncü sınıf öğrencisi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Katılımcılara 8. sınıf Türkçe ders kitabından uzman görüşü alınarak seçilen biri öyküleyici diğeri bilgilendirici olmak üzere iki metin okutulmuştur. Nicel araştırma yöntemlerinden ilişkisel tarama modelinin kullanıldığı bu araştırmada Türkçe öğretmeni adaylarının 13 farklı sesli okuma hatası yaptığı tespit edilmiştir. Öğretmen adaylarının en fazla “kelimeleri yanlış telaffuz etme, harf değiştirme ve kelimeleri tekrar tekrar okuma” hatalarını yaptıkları belirlenmiştir. Metinleri sesli okurken erkek öğrencilerin kız öğrencilerden daha az hata yaptıkları, akademik genel not ortalaması ve aylık kitap okuma sayısı ile hata oranları arasında düşük düzeyde bir ilişki olduğu ve öğretmen adaylarının öyküleyici metni bilgilendirici metne oranla daha az hatalı okudukları tespit edilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlar doğrultusunda sesli okuma becerisinin geliştirilmesine yönelik öneriler sunulmuştur.
Safe Hands, Safe Earth: Prioritizing Security and Sustainability in Medical Waste Management
Authors: Twinkle  , Mehta Manju , Jatesh Jatesh Kathpalia
Published: June 2024

Proper management of biomedical waste reflects the ethical responsibility of healthcare providers and institutions to protect public health, the environment, and the well-being of their communities. Overall, the effective management of biomedical waste is crucial for safeguarding public health, protecting the environment, ensuring occupational safety, complying with regulations, and fulfilling social responsibilities. Healthcare workers who handle biomedical waste are at risk of needle stick injuries, exposure to infectious agents, and other hazards. Addressing the challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving government initiatives, regulatory enforcement, public awareness campaigns, investment in infrastructure and technology, training programs for healthcare workers, and collaboration with stakeholders across sectors. By addressing these issues, India can improve its capacity for biomedical waste management.
Development and Evaluation of Castor Oil-Based Additives for Sustainable Lubricating Oils
Authors: Ahungshi Leiyami , Ghosh Pranab , Hoque Mainual
Published: June 2024

The gradual reduction of worldwide crude oil stores, increasing costs of crude oil, and escalating environmental worries are critical matters with the capacity to profoundly affect human existence. Meeting these challenges necessitates researchers' dedicated focus on discovering alternative solutions and advancing the creation of a sustainable ecosystem.This research seeks to tackle these issues by creating homopolymers of castor oil (CO) and copolymers using Castor oil  and n-butyl acrylate, without solvent. The process uses benzoyl peroxide (BZP) as the initiator for polymerization, and the resulting polymers are tested for their effectiveness as additives in lubricating oils. Analyzing the synthesized polymers entails utilizing spectroscopic methods like FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy for characterization purposes. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) is employed to evaluate thermal stability, while gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is utilized to ascertain molecular weight. The effectiveness of additives in enhancing viscosity index (VI) and reducing pour point (PP) is being examined through the ASTM procedure using the SN150 mineral oil standard. The disk diffusion method was utilized to evaluate the biodegradability of various polymers. The results from the experiment and the analysis of the data suggest that the copolymer shows potential as a versatile lubricating oil additive when compared to the homopolymer. Furthermore, elevating the concentration of n-butyl acrylate within the copolymer leads to heightened average molecular weight, better thermal stability, and superior effectiveness as a viscosity index improver (VII) and pour point depressant (PPD). This implies that modifying the copolymer's makeup can enhance its molecular properties and effectiveness when used as an additive in lubricating oil.
Study on Performance of Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangular) Hybrid Genotype and Genetic Diversity
Authors: Patel Somyashree , Bahadur Vijay
Published: June 2024

An experiment on ridge gourd was conducted from February to May 2022 in the horticulture research field at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, and Technology & Sciences Prayagraj (U.P.), India. The results of the investigation, regarding the performance of the 13 hybrids of Ridge gourd, i.e., 2022/RIGHYB-1,2022/RIGHYB-2,2022/RIGHYB-3,2022/RIGHYB-4,2022/RIGHYB-5,2022/RIGHYB-6,2022/ RIGHYB-7,2022/RIGHYB-8,2022/RIGHYB-9,2022/RIGHYB-10,2022/RIGHYB-11,2022/RIGHYB-12, were obtained from different sources to find out the best performance in terms of growth and yield quality. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, where each hybrid was replicated three times. The results of the present investigation concluded that Ridge gourd hybrid genotype 2022/RIGHYB-2 was recorded with a maximum day to germination (8.07 days), fruit length (22.21 cm), fruit weight (124.92), fruit yield (126.17 q/ha), and a maximum benefit-cost ratio of (5.93).
Assessing the Efficacy and Economics of Selected Insecticides against Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Cowpea [Vigna ungiculata (L.) Walp]
Authors: Rana Aniket , Kumar Ashwani
Published: June 2024

The present field investigation was carried out in the Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was conducted in Kharif season 2023-2024 at Central Research Farm (CRF), SHUATS, Naini, Prayagraj district. The field layout chosen was RBD with seven treatments and controlled plot. To check the “Efficacy and economics of selected insecticides against pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on cowpea Vigna ungiculata (L.) Walp”. The result of the efficacy of the treatments after first spray showed that the Chlorantraniliprole (1.66) found out to be most effective. Followed by Spinosad (1.95) and Indoxacarb (2.22). Treatments Imidacloprid (2.33) and Fipronil (2.44) was found to be average. Bacillus thuringiensis (2.55) and Azadiractin (Neem Oil ) (2.64) found to be less effective in managing the larval population of Helicoverpa armigera. According to the second spray of showed that Chlorantraniliprole (1.02) was found to be the most effective. Followed by Spinosad (1.42) and Indoxacarb (1.64). Treatments Imidacloprid (1.95) and Fipronil (2.1) was found to be average. Bacillus thuringiensis (2.31) and Azadiractin (Neem oil ) (2.44) found out to be less effective in managing the larval population of Helicoverpa armigera but comparatively superior over control. In another parameter higher yield was recorded in Chlorantraniliprole (24.08 q/ha) followed by Spinosad (22.50 q/ha), Indoxacarb (17.20 q/ha), Bacillus thuringiensis (13.70 q/ha) and Azadiractin (Neem oil ) (12.60 q/ha) as compared to control (10.50 q/ha). The highest cost benefit ratio was obtained in treatment of Chlorantraniliprole (1:3.51), followed by Spinosad (1:2.85), respectively.
Spillage of Akosombo and Kpong Dams in Ghana: Perspectives on Public Health Impacts on Affected Populations and Proposed Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Dumevi Christopher Yaw , Owusu-Asenso Christopher Mfum , Amoah Bright Darko , Asiamah Joyce Junior , Vicar Ezekiel Kofi , Kretchy James-Paul , Dayie Nicholas Tete Kwaku Dzifa , Ayeh-Kumi Patrick Ferdinand
Published: June 2024

Background: The negative impact of floods on humans and the environment cannot be overemphasized. Annually, different parts of Ghana get flooded resulting in the loss of lives and significant damage to property.
Objective: This study assessed the public health impacts of the controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams in Ghana on the people living in downstream and upstream communities.
Methods: Government reports, published media reports, NGO publications, and field visits were used to assess the extent of damage, challenges faced by local communities, and mitigation measures initiated. Personal observation by the researcher through transect walk of the affected communities between September 15 and October 30, 2023 was also conducted.
Results and Discussion: The spillage led to the loss of critical infrastructure such as schools, houses, toilet facilities, water supply systems and electricity. Overcrowding in temporary shelters provided for displaced persons served as a conduit for possible transmission of communicable diseases. The suspension of healthcare services in areas inundated by flood waters worsened the plight of residents including the vulnerable members of the society such as pregnant women, children, the aged, persons living with disability and the very poor. The submersion of farmlands, crops and drowning of livestock and poultry had serious implication for food security and the livelihoods of the affected individuals. The current study comprehensively captured the scale of devastation of the floods on people and their livelihoods in 7 out of the 16 regions within 21 administrative districts across Ghana, and proposed workable strategies to mitigate future happenings.
Conclusion: The public health impacts resulting from the controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on affected individuals was enormous. Possible surge in vector-borne disease transmission such as malaria, dengue, zika, and a probable increase in communicable and non-communicable diseases. Although short term measures were adopted to mitigate the impact of the flood on affected individuals through the provision of clean water, beddings, emergency food relief, long-term resilience strategies including early warning systems, climate sensitive interventions, effective collaboration among key stakeholders and disaster preparedness at the local level will help avert or reduce the severity of future floods. The study underscored the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate the impacts of future disasters and enhance community resilience.
Impact of Root Canal Treatment on Oral Health-related Quality of Life in European Population: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shahid Sara , Khan Rabeel , Qamar Areej , Nasir Arooj , Mahmood Mahnoor , Tayyab Muhammad , Sabir Ahmed , Khan Muhammad Ahmed , Majeed Areej , Ayesha Maryam , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid
Published: June 2024

Background: The current systematic review examines the complex picture of endodontic treatment, including quality of life, patient satisfaction, and caries prevalence, through 24 research studies conducted in various European countries.
Methodology: A thorough and methodical search of the literature was carried out using five major electronic databases' predefined keywords and phrases. In strict compliance with PRISMA guidelines, this study included a variety of designs, mainly randomized and prospective studies. This review examines the challenges of endodontic treatment, examines in detail the characteristics and indications for root canal fillings, and highlights the importance of assessing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs).
Results: In particular, patients who undergo root canal treatment experience a statistically significant improvement in their quality of life compared to patients who choose to have their teeth extracted. Looking at prevalence rates globally reveals interesting regional differences. In particular, European and American populations perform better. These differences are due to factors such as patient compliance, better tools, and trained healthcare providers, which lead to improved HR quality of life.
Conclusion:  In conclusion, this systematic review highlights the need for further research to not only reveal the differences in endodontic treatment but also to match patient expectations, thereby promoting continued improvement in treatment outcomes and overall quality of life. The study found that European patients experienced significant improvements in quality of life after root canal treatment. Pain and discomfort decrease, 75% of patients experience less pain and discomfort after treatment. Additionally, the majority of patients report improvements in their lives after treatment. These findings suggest that root canal treatment is an effective way to improve the quality of life of European patients. This study highlights the importance of addressing patients' concerns and fears regarding dental procedures and improving communication and doctor-patient relationships to improve root canal treatment. Overall, this study provides a good insight into the impact of root canal treatment on the quality of life of European patients and has important implications for the development of care strategies for patients in this population.
Socio-economic Factors Influencing Migrant Labourers in Western Regions of Tanzania: Evidence from Kibondo District, Kigoma Region, Tanzania
Authors: Nhende Lemmy Doreen , Rwela Tumaini Gotfried , Mgale Yohana James
Published: June 2024

This study examines the socio-economic factors influencing migrant labourers in Kibondo District, Kigoma Region. The research focuses on exploring their interactions, conflicts, economic relationships, consumer behaviour, skill development, and the socio-economic conditions in both their places of origin and destination. The study specifically investigates male migrants from Burundi with limited education who migrate to Kibondo in search of political stability, job opportunities, and higher wages. A snowball sampling is adopted to recruit 196 respondents to participate in the study. Findings show that the push-pull factors driving migration in the study area are resource endowment, societal status aspirations, job prospects, and economic opportunities in their places of origin. The study identifies various challenges faced by these migrants during their early employment stages, including late wages, health problems, verbal abuse, and wage disputes. Moreover, the research highlights the economic ties maintained by migrants with employers, neighbours, and fellow migrants while noting their limited interaction with the host community. For the post-migration, the study reveals that migrant workers experience increased economic empowerment, manage family expenses, support children’s education, alleviate poverty, and acquire financial skills. However, regular savings pose a challenge. The study underscores the importance of different stakeholder support for the migrants through education and skill development programs, gender-specific support interventions, financial inclusion and literacy, social support networks, diversification of economic opportunities, and policy interventions.
Zu planmäßigen Abschreibungen in Handels- und Steuerbilanz
Authors: Bongers Christian Volkmar
Published: June 2024

Planmäßige Abschreibungen sind ein „Dauerbrenner“ in Forschung und Praxis. Nach mehr als einem Jahrhundert Diskussion sind viele Streitpunkte nach wie vor offen. Dieser Beitrag fasst den aktuellen Diskussionsstand zusammen, um ihn kritisch zu würdigen und so einen Ausgangspunkt für einen weiteren Diskurs zu schaffen. Im Fokus stehen der Zweck planmäßiger Abschreibungen und die Auswahl der Abschreibungsmethode.
Regularization of inverse problems to determine transcription factor profiles from fluorescent reporter systems
Authors: Bansal Loveleena , Chu Yunfei , Laird Carl , Hahn Juergen
Published: February 2012

Signal transduction pathways are characterized by complex biochemical reactions which involve a large number of proteins. The availability and quality of experimental data pose challenges for identifying the role of individual proteins in these pathways. To address this issue, this article formulates and solves an inverse problem to determine the dynamics of transcription factors from fluorescence intensity measurements of green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter systems. In the presented approach, a model describing transcription and translation of GFP is discretized and concentrations of transcription factor are estimated at discrete time points. Unlike previous studies, this approach has no restrictions with regard to a particular shape of the profiles. However, the resulting inverse problem is ill‐conditioned and requires the use of regularization techniques. Two regularization methods—truncated singular value decomposition and Tikhonov regularization—are investigated in this work and the characteristics of the results obtained are discussed in detail. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Towards an Integrated Methodology for Assessing Rural Settlement Landscapes in the Belgian Lowlands
Authors: De Clercq W. , De Smedt P. , De Reu J. , Herremans D. , Masters P. , Saey T. , Stichelbaut B. , Van Meirvenne M.
Published: February 2012

Although the Belgian lowlands witnessed a dense rural occupation in Roman and especially in medieval times, the exact nature of the settlement patterns, the farms and the interaction with the landscape is still poorly understood archaeologically, both scientifically and from a heritage curatorship point of view. Archaeogeophysical research has remained relatively limited in this area. However, other prospection techniques such as aerial photography provide ample evidence of historic rural settlement. The main aim of this research is to develop an efficient and integrated approach for the characterization of these rural landscapes, by combining and mutually evaluating data from geophysical methods including magnetometer, electromagnetic induction and ground‐penetrating radar, aerial photography, fieldwalking, historic accounts and test‐pitting. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond nutrients: Food‐derived microRNAs provide cross‐kingdom regulation
Authors: Jiang Mengxi , Sang Xiaolin , Hong Zhi
Published: February 2012

Food turns out to be not only the nutrient supplier for our body but also a carrier of regulatory information. Interestingly, a recent study made the discovery that some plant/food‐derived microRNAs (miRNAs) accumulate in the serum of humans or plant‐feeding animals, and regulate mammalian gene expression in a sequence‐specific manner. The authors provided striking evidence that miRNAs could function as active signaling molecules to transport information across distinct species or even kingdoms. Although the mechanism of how miRNAs are shuttled between different organisms is still not well characterized, initial results point to the involvement of microvesicles and specific RNA‐transporter‐like proteins. These findings raise both speculation about the potential impact that plants may have on animal physiology at the molecular level, and an appealing possibility that food‐derived miRNAs may offer us another means to deliver necessary nutrients or therapeutics to our bodies.
Dioxygen Activation of a Trinuclear CuICuICuI Cluster Capable of Mediating Facile Oxidation of Organic Substrates: Competition between O‐Atom Transfer and Abortive Intercomplex Reduction
Authors: Maji Suman , Lee Jason C.‐M. , Lu Yu‐Jhang , Chen Chang‐Li , Hung Mu‐Cheng , Chen Peter P.‐Y. , Yu Steve S.‐F. , Chan Sunney I.
Published: February 2012

The dioxygen activation of a series of CuICuICuI complexes based on the ligands (L) 3,3′‐(1,4‐diazepane‐ 1,4‐diyl)bis(1‐{[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl](methyl)amino}propan‐2‐ol) (7‐Me) or 3,3′‐(1,4‐diazepane‐1,4‐diyl)bis(1‐{[2‐(diethylamino)ethyl](ethyl)amino}propan‐2‐ol) (7‐Et) forms an intermediate capable of mediating facile O‐atom transfer to simple organic substrates at room temperature. To elucidate the dioxygen chemistry, we have examined the reactions of 7‐Me, 7‐Et, and 3,3′‐(1,4‐diazepane‐1,4‐diyl)bis[1‐(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)propan‐2‐ol] (7‐N‐Meppz) with dioxygen at −80, −55, and −35 °C in propionitrile (EtCN) by UV‐visible, 77 K EPR, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and 7‐N‐Meppz and 7‐Me with dioxygen at room temperature in acetonitrile (MeCN) by diode array spectrophotometry. At both −80 and −55 °C, the mixing of the starting [CuICuICuI(L)]1+ complex (1) with O2‐saturated propionitrile (EtCN) led to a bright green solution consisting of two paramagnetic species: the green dioxygen adduct [CuIICuII(μ‐η2:η2‐peroxo)CuII(L)]2+ (2) and the blue [CuIICuII(μ‐O)CuII(L)]2+ species (3). These observations are consistent with the initial formation of [CuIICuII(μ‐O)2CuIII(L)]1+ (4), followed by rapid abortion of this highly reactive species by intercluster electron transfer from a second molecule of complex 1 to give the blue species 3 and subsequent oxygenation of the partially oxidized [CuIICuICuI(L)]2+ (5) to form the green dioxygen adduct 2. Assignment of 2 to [CuIICuII(μ‐η2:η2‐peroxo)CuII(L)]2+ is consistent with its reactivity with water to give H2O2 and the blue species 3, as well as its propensity to be photoreduced in the X‐ray beam during X‐ray absorption experiments at room temperature. In light of these observations, the development of an oxidation catalyst based on the tricopper system requires consideration of the following design criteria: 1) rapid dioxygen chemistry; 2) facile O‐atom transfer from the activated cluster to substrate; and 3) a suitable reductant to rapidly regenerate complex 1 to accomplish efficient catalytic turnover.
New Results on the Phenomenon Salting Out by a Nearcritical Gas
Authors: Tuma Dirk , Ulanova Tatiana , Chobanov Krasimir , Maurer Gerd
Published: February 2012

Untersuchungen zur gasinduzierten Phasentrennung bzw. zum Aussalzen mit nahekritischen Gasen wurden an verschiedenen wässrigen Lösungen (auch mit ionischem Fluid) durchgeführt. Ziel war der Nachweis und die Charakterisierung von Hochdruckmehrphasengleichgewichten, die sich für eine technische Anwendung eignen. Kriterien hierfür sind Auftreten des Flüssig/flüssig‐Phasenzerfalls bei relativ niedrigem Druck, seine Existenz über einen weiten Druck‐ und Zusammensetzungsbereich und damit verbunden eine druckinduzierte Änderung der Zusammensetzung der koexistierenden Flüssigphasen. Die eingesetzten ionischen Fluide zeigen zwar das gewünschte Phasenverhalten, erfüllen die Kriterien aber nur teilweise. Im Vorgriff auf eine mögliche Anwendung wurde die Verteilung eines hochmolekularen, amphiprotischen Naturstoffs auf die koexistierenden Flüssigphasen untersucht und durch Einstellung des pH‐Werts gezielt verändert.
Epidermal growth factor receptor and K‐Ras mutations and resistance of lung cancer to insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Kim Woo‐Young , Prudkin Ludmila , Feng Lei , Kim Edward S. , Hennessy Bryan , Lee Ju‐Seog , Lee J. Jack , Glisson Bonnie , Lippman Scott M. , Wistuba Ignacio I. , Hong Waun Ki , Lee Ho‐Young
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

Most patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have responded poorly to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The authors investigated the involvement of insulinlike growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) signaling in primary resistance to EGFR TKIs and the molecular determinants of resistance to IGF‐1R TKIs.

METHODS:

Phosphorylated IGF‐1R/insulin receptor (pIGF‐1R/IR) was immunohistochemically evaluated in an NSCLC tissue microarray. The authors analyzed the antitumor effects of an IGF‐1R TKI (PQIP or OSI‐906), either alone or in combination with a small‐molecular inhibitor (PD98059 or U0126) or with siRNA targeting K‐Ras or mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase kinase (MEK), in vitro and in vivo in NSCLC cells with variable histologic features and EGFR or K‐Ras mutations.

RESULTS:

pIGF‐1R/IR expression in NSCLC specimens was associated with a history of tobacco smoking, squamous cell carcinoma histology, mutant K‐Ras, and wild‐type (WT) EGFR, all of which have been strongly associated with poor response to EGFR TKIs. IGF‐1R TKIs exhibited significant antitumor activity in NSCLC cells with WT EGFR and WT K‐Ras but not in those with mutations in these genes. Introduction of mutant K‐Ras attenuated the effects of IGF‐1R TKIs on NSCLC cells expressing WT K‐Ras. Conversely, inactivation of MEK restored sensitivity to IGF‐TKIs in cells carrying mutant K‐Ras.

CONCLUSIONS:

The mutation status of both EGFR and K‐Ras could be a predictive marker of response to IGF‐1R TKIs. Also, MEK antagonism can abrogate primary resistance of NSCLC cells to IGF‐1R TKIs. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Impact of carbon ion radiotherapy for unresectable osteosarcoma of the trunk
Authors: Matsunobu Akira , Imai Reiko , Kamada Tadashi , Imaizumi Takeshi , Tsuji Hiroshi , Tsujii Hirohiko , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Honda Hiroshi , Tatezaki Shin‐ichiro ,   for the Working Group for Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

The authors summarized the outcomes of patients with unresectable osteosarcoma of the trunk who received carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT).

METHODS:

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 78 patients who had medically inoperable osteosarcoma of the trunk and received treatment with CIRT between 1996 and 2009. Tumor sites included the pelvis in 61 patients, the spine and paraspinal region in 15 patients, and other sites in 2 patients. The median applied CIRT dose was 70.4 Gray equivalent (GyE) in a total of 16 fixed fractions over 4 weeks.

RESULTS:

The minimum duration of follow‐up for survivors was 14 months. Forty‐eight patients remained alive. The 5‐year overall survival rate was 33%, and the local control rate was 62%. Thirty‐eight patients who had a clinical target volume <500 cm3 had a 5‐year overall survival rate of 46% and a 5‐year local control rate of 88%. Except for 3 patients who experienced severe skin/soft tissue complications requiring skin grafts, no other severe toxicities were observed. Of 9 patients who were continuously disease free for >5 years, 8 were able to walk with or without the help of a cane, and 6 were free from pain killers.

CONCLUSIONS:

CIRT appeared to be a safe and effective modality for the management of unresectable osteosarcoma of the trunk, providing good local control and offering a survival advantage and good long‐term functional results without unacceptable morbidity. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Stathmin expression and its relationship to microtubule‐associated protein tau and outcome in breast cancer
Authors: Baquero Maria T. , Hanna Jason A. , Neumeister Veronique , Cheng Huan , Molinaro Annette M. , Harris Lyndsay N. , Rimm David L.
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

Microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) endogenously regulate microtubule stability. Here, the prognostic value of stathmin, a destabilizing protein, was assessed in combination with MAP‐tau, a stabilizing protein, in order to evaluate microtubule stabilization as a potential biomarker.

METHODS:

Stathmin and MAP‐tau expression levels were measured in a breast cancer cohort (n = 651) using the tissue microarray format and quantitative immunofluorescence (AQUA) technology, then correlated with clinical and pathological characteristics and disease‐free survival.

RESULTS:

Univariate Cox proportional hazard models indicated that high stathmin expression predicts worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.119‐1.966; P = .0061). Survival analysis showed 10‐year survival of 53.1% for patients with high stathmin expression versus 67% for low expressers (log‐rank, P < .003). Cox multivariate analysis showed high stathmin expression was independent of age, menopausal status, nodal status, nuclear grade, tumor size, and estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression (HR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.03‐1.37; P = .01). The ratio of MAP‐tau to stathmin expression showed a positive correlation to disease‐free survival (HR = 0.679; 95% CI = 0.517‐0.891; P = .0053) with a 10‐year survival of 65.4% for patients who had a high ratio of MAP‐tau to stathmin versus 52.5% 10‐year survival rate for those with a low ratio (log‐rank, P = .0009). Cox multivariate analysis showed the ratio of MAP‐tau to stathmin was an independent predictor of overall survival (HR = 0.609; 95% CI = 0.422‐0.879; P = .008).

CONCLUSIONS:

Low stathmin and high MAP‐tau are associated with increased microtubule stability and better prognosis in breast cancer. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
The functional cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated Protein 4 49G‐to‐A genetic variant and risk of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yang Ming , Sun Tong , Zhou Yifeng , Wang Li , Liu Li , Zhang Xiaojiao , Tang Xiaohu , Zhou Mo , Kuang Pengqun , Tan Wen , Li Hui , Yuan Qipeng , Yu Dianke
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND:

Antitumor T lymphocytes play an essential part in immune surveillance of cancer cells. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated Protein 4 (CTLA‐4) is a negative regulator of T cell activation and proliferation and therefore influences immune surveillance of carcinogenesis of pancreas. Thus, this study examined the association between functional CTLA‐4 49G‐to‐A (49G>A) single‐nucleotide polymorphism and pancreatic cancer risk.

METHODS:

Genotypes were determined in 368 patients with pancreatic cancer and 926 controls, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated by logistic regression.

RESULTS:

A significant increased risk of pancreatic cancer was found to be associated with the CTLA‐4 49G>A single‐nucleotide polymorphism. Compared with noncarriers, the OR of developing pancreatic cancer for CTLA‐4 49 GA or AA carriers was 1.75 (95% CI = 1.34‐2.30, P = 4.83 × 10−5) or 2.54 (95% CI = 1.67‐3.87, P = 1.36 × 10−5), respectively. In stratified analyses, the association was more pronounced in GA and AA carriers aged ≤60 years (OR = 3.10, 95% CI = 2.15‐4.47, Pinteraction = .002), smokers with GA and AA genotypes (OR = 3.92, 95% CI = 2.39‐6.43, Pinteraction = .037), and drinkers with GA and AA genotypes (OR = 4.55, 95% CI = 2.65‐7.82, Pinteraction = .042), compared with GG carriers. Moreover, a supermultiplicative interaction between the CTLA‐4 49AA genotype and smoking plus drinking was also evident in intensifying risk of pancreatic cancer (Pinteraction = 5.64 × 10−12).

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that CTLA‐4 49G>A polymorphism is involved in susceptibility to developing pancreatic cancer, alone and in a gene–environment interaction manner. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Migration of sympathetic preganglionic neurons in the spinal cord of a C3G‐deficient mouse suggests that C3G acts in the reelin signaling pathway
Authors: Yip Yee Ping , Thomas Tim , Voss Anne K. , Yip Joseph W.
Published: February 2012

Proper positioning of sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) in the spinal cord is regulated by reelin signaling. SPNs in reeler (which lacks reelin), and in mice deficient in components of the reelin signaling pathway (reelin receptors VldlR and ApoER2, the cytoplasmic adaptor protein Dab1, Src and Fyn of the Src‐family of non‐receptor protein tyrosine kinases, and CrkL) are located adjacent to the central canal instead of in the intermediolateral column (IML) of the spinal cord. Events downstream of CrkL in control of SPN migration are unclear. The present study asks whether Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) 1 (C3G/Rapgef1), a Ras family GEF that binds CrkL, could act downstream in the reelin signaling pathway in control of SPN migration. SPN migration was examined in a hypopmorphic C3G mutant mouse (C3Ggt/gt) by using retrograde DiI labeling and NOS immunostaining. The results showed that SPN in the C3Ggt/gt mutant migrate abnormally toward the central canal as in reeler. However, unlike reeler, levels of reelin in the C3Ggt/gt spinal cord are normal, and Dab1 immunostaining is undetectable. These results provide genetic evidence that C3G regulates SPN migration, and suggest that C3G acts downstream in the reelin signaling pathway in control of SPN migration. J. Comp. Neurol., 520:3194–3202, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of paper appearance on printed color of inkjet printer
Authors: Kandi Saeideh Gorji
Published: February 2012

Paper properties, including the chemical or optical characteristics influence the quality and colorimetric characteristics of final printed colors. In this study, the effect of gloss, texture, and whiteness of the paper on the printed colors were investigated. The study was applied on 10 coated papers with different texture, gloss or whiteness, and the same grammage using two inkjet printers. It was found that the reproducibility of the printer can be affected with the paper brand, and this effect is statistically dependent on the brand of printer. The kind of paper significantly influences the light fastness of the final printed colors, and this effect statistically depends on the printer. Although, the paper's properties such as gloss and whiteness affect the gamut volume, it is not totally possible to model this effect. The effect of paper on the colorimetric values of the final printed colors is statistically significant. However, the influence of the brand of printer on the color changes via the paper difference is not statistically provable. Edge frequency technique was introduced as an appropriate method for computing texture properties of papers. The texture difference computed by this method shows a suitable correlation with the color differences caused by changing the paper's texture; however, it depends on the printer's brand. Furthermore, there is a good correlation between the Edge frequency difference and the gamut volume variation for papers with different texture while the other parameters such as gloss and whiteness are the same. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 38, 284–291, 2013