Identification of regional varieties by intonational cues. An experimental study on Hamburg and Berlin German

in Language and Speech (2002), 45 (2)

Identification of systems of arbitrary real order: a new method based on systems of fractional order differential equations and orthogonal distance fitting

in Volume 4: 7th International Conference on Multibody Systems, Nonlinear Dynamics, and Control, Parts A, B and C (2009, September)

A new method for identification of systems of arbitrary real order based on numerical solution of systems of nonlinear fractional order differential equations (FODEs) and orthogonal distance fitting is ... [more ▼]

A new method for identification of systems of arbitrary real order based on numerical solution of systems of nonlinear fractional order differential equations (FODEs) and orthogonal distance fitting is presented. The main idea is to fit experimental or measured data using a solution of a system of fractional differential equations. The parameters of these equations, including the orders of derivatives, are subject to optimization process, where the criterion of optimization is the minimal sum of orthogonal distances of the data points from the fitting line. Once the minimal sum is found, the identified parameters are considered as optimal. The so called orthogonal distance fitting, known also under the names of total least squares or orthogonal regression is naturally used in the fitting criterion, since it is the most suitable tool for fitting lines and surfaces in multidimensional space. The examples illustrating the methods are presented in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional problems. [less ▲]

Identification of the underlying mechanism of the c.192G>C mutation in the DJ-1 gene and functional characterisation in patient-based cellular models of Parkinson’s disease ex vivo

Doctoral thesis (2015)

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and characterised by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and in other brain ... [more ▼]

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease and characterised by a progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and in other brain regions. Homozygous loss-of-function mutations in the DJ-1 gene (PARK7) are a rare cause of familial early-onset PD. The protein encoded by PARK7 is involved in a variety of biological processes including transcriptional regulation, chaperone-like functions, oxidative stress response and mitochondrial protection. In the present study, we deciphered novel molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenicity of the c.192G>C DJ-1 mutation previously predicted to lead to a p.E64D amino acid exchange in the DJ-1 protein. To analyse the c.192G>C DJ-1 mutation, we generated and characterised different ex vivo patient-based cellular models including patient-derived primary fibroblasts, immortalised fibroblasts, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), iPSC-derived small molecule neuronal precursor cells (smNPCs) as well as iPSC-derived midbrain-specific dopaminergic (mDA) neurons. Analyses of DJ-1 expression in these patient-derived model systems from homozygous carriers of the c.192G>C DJ-1 mutation unexpectedly revealed that this mutation leads to the loss of DJ-1 protein in these cell types. Further experiments using qPCR and an in vitro splicing assay showed a splicing defect causing complete skipping of the mutation-carrying exon 3 in the pre-mRNA. After deciphering the pathogenic mechanism, we developed a targeted genetic rescue strategy of the pathological skipping of exon 3. This was performed by using a specific U1 snRNA that specifically binds to the mutated DJ-1 pre-mRNA and allows for the re-induction of physiological splicing. In addition, we extended our strategy by first candidate approaches aiming at a pharmacological rescue that may offer novel causative treatment options in patients carrying the c.192G>C DJ-1 mutation as well as for other diseases caused by the same mutational mechanism. Beyond the molecular genetic characterisation, we developed different patient-based cellular models and addressed the functional effects of loss of DJ-1 protein in different patient-derived cells carrying the c.192G>C DJ-1 mutation (human fibroblasts, iPSC-derived mDA neurons). These analyses revealed mitochondrial impairments upon loss of DJ-1 protein in fibroblasts, including fragmentation and reduced branching of mitochondria as well as a reduced mitochondrial membrane potential compared to healthy controls. The results correlate with our observations in primary cells from DJ-1 knockout mice and support the idea of a conserved role of DJ-1 in maintaining mitochondrial function. Moreover, mDA neurons of the index patient carrying the homozygous c.192G>C DJ-1 mutation showed in-creased lesion rates of mtDNA and no increase in mtDNA copy numbers, suggesting a lack of compensatory capacity. Our data substantially contribute to the understanding of mechanisms and functions of DJ-1 mutations in PD pathogenesis, in particular focusing on mitochondrial phenotypes upon loss of DJ-1 in different human ex vivo models. This underlines the role of DJ-1 as an important key player in the response to oxidative stress and the maintenance of proper mitochondrial function and homeostasis. Overall, we show that the fibroblasts with an inherited c.192G>C DJ-1 mutation, mDA neurons differentiated from iPSCs of these human fibroblasts and the DJ-1 knockout mice constitute excellent knockout model systems to further dissect the role of DJ-1 in neurodegeneration in PD. This also offers human DJ-1 knockout models for future iso-genic control experiments with a restituted endogenous DJ-1 background. Sequentially, it is possible to test whether disease related phenotypes might be rescued by reintroducing DJ-1 or correcting the defective splicing. Finally, the discovery of the underlying mechanism of the c.192G>C DJ-1 mutation opens up novel opportunities for a first genetic and maybe even pharmacological causative treatment for PD. [less ▲]

Identification patterns and subjective well-being in native and migrant emerging adults: The mediating role of self-efficacy

Poster (2018, May 18)

Background: Luxembourg is one of the most diverse countries in Europe with a foreign population percentage of 47%. National identification processes become complex for young adults growing up in this ... [more ▼]

Background: Luxembourg is one of the most diverse countries in Europe with a foreign population percentage of 47%. National identification processes become complex for young adults growing up in this multicultural context with important implications for psychological outcomes. Research has shown that salience of national identification is heightened within this multicultural context (Murdock, Hirst, & Ferring, 2014) while higher levels of national identification are associated with life satisfaction and better health outcomes. Other findings suggest that intercultural contact can contribute to the development of a shared identity in highly diverse areas. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in identification patterns among native and non-native emerging adults and potential factors that mediate their impact on subjective well-being. As the native population is almost in the minority within its own country, we wanted to explore the relationships between well-being, ethnic, and transnational identification among this group. Methods: The sample included 260 young adults, ranging from 18 to 29 years old (M = 21.78, SD = 2.36). Participants were native citizens of Luxembourg and immigrants from different ethnic backgrounds. They completed standardized self-report questionnaires, including the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Identification with Luxembourg was assessed with the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure. Based on previous studies (van de Vijver et al, 2015), a 7-item scale was developed for the assessment of cosmopolitan/transnational identification, including items that assess beliefs about global citizenship and the level of contact with people from different ethnic groups. Results: All participants reported high levels of Luxembourgish and cosmopolitan identification with average scores M = 3.23 (SD = .79) and M = 4.15 (SD = .49) respectively. There were no significant differences for Luxembourgish identification and well-being between natives and non-natives but participants with migratory background scored significantly higher on the cosmopolitan identity scale. Luxembourgish and cosmopolitan identity correlated positively with self-efficacy in both groups and self-efficacy perceptions were positively related to well-being. To examine the direct and indirect relationships among these variables, we tested path mediation models with the two identity domains as predictors. The first model tested the mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between identification patterns and well-being among native Luxembourgish citizens. The model showed a good fit χ²(1, N = 112) = .087, p = .768, RMSEA = .000, CFI = 1.00, indicating that ethnic identity was a significant predictor of self-efficacy perceptions which indeed mediated the effect of ethnic identification on well-being. Ethnic and transnational identification were not directly associated with the outcome variable. A second path model tested these relationships in the immigrant group χ²(1, N =145) = 2.452, p = .117, RMSEA = .100, CFI = .946. Neither identity component (Luxembourgish or cosmopolitan identity) was a significant predictor of subjective well-being but the findings suggest a mediating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between transnational identification and well-being. Discussion: The present study contributes to the literature by exploring potential individual difference variables that affect the link between identification patterns and life satisfaction. [less ▲]

Identification with all humanity and the rating of social groups living in Germany

Scientific Conference (2016, August 02)

Past research on identification with all humanity (IWAH) has shown that this concept relates to higher levels of concern and supportive behavior toward the disadvantaged. The stereotype content model (SCM ... [more ▼]

Past research on identification with all humanity (IWAH) has shown that this concept relates to higher levels of concern and supportive behavior toward the disadvantaged. The stereotype content model (SCM) says that warmth and competence are fundamental dimensions of social judgment. In the present study we assessed, if IWAH influences the rating of social groups in a sample of young German adults (N=364). Relevant social groups in Germany were identified in a Pilot study (N=27). We randomly assigned participants to two conditions: In line with SCM we asked participants to judge the social groups as a typical German would (control condition) and under the experimental condition to rate the groups as they personally would. The results indicate significant differences in the ratings between the two conditions. IWAH did not affect the stereotypical judgements, but significant differences were found for the personal judgements, especially for warmth ratings of disadvantaged groups. [less ▲]

Identification with Europe – a matter of exposure?

Poster (2015, September 11)

Research on European identity has consistently found low identification with the supra-national category European for participants with low experience levels of Europe. In some instances, higher ... [more ▼]

Research on European identity has consistently found low identification with the supra-national category European for participants with low experience levels of Europe. In some instances, higher experience levels of Europe, for example through language competence, exchange programs or work experience have also produced higher levels of identification with Europe. However, overall identification levels with Europe rest still low. To assess the impact of exposure to Europe on identification with Europe, two empirical studies were carried out among adolescents who are growing up with high experience levels of Europe. Participants are students at the European School of Luxembourg, which is divided into language sections representing the member states of the European Union. The students learn a second language from Primary school onwards and more languages are added later on. They attend weekly “European hour” classes and many parents work for one of the European institutions located in Luxembourg. Luxembourg itself is a trilingual country, sharing borders with three countries and a foreign population of 44%. In the first study, 106 students, average age M = 13.64, SD = 1.72 participated and the salience of the supra-national category European was assessed in the spontaneous self-concept using a modified version of the Twenty Statement Test. None of the European school students mentioned “European” in their spontaneous self-concept. In the second study (N = 204, average age M =15.16, SD = 0.84) students were asked to self-categorize in terms of nationality. Bicultural self-definitions were common, but only one student described herself as “European”. These findings amongst the high exposure group to Europe are discussed against a background of identity theories including theories on national identity and wider collective identities. I will argue that European identity is likely to remain elusive and alternative research approaches are suggested within a globalizing world. [less ▲]

Identifications through languages

in Régis, Machart (Ed.) Intersecting Identities and Interculturality Discourse and Practice (2013)

Identifier, contrôler, réprimer. L'impact de 14-18 sur la circulation des personnes

in Mutations. Mémoires et Perspectives du Bassin Minier (2018), 10

Identifikations- und Identifizierungsprozesse

in Wille, Christian; Reckinger, Rachel; Kmec, Sonja (Eds.) et al Räume und Identitäten in Grenzräumen. Politiken – Medien – Subjekte (2014)

Identifizierung von Optimierungspotenzialen bei Kläranlagen mit Faulung

in Wasser und Abfall (2018), 4

Es wurden Checklisten zur anlagenspezifischen Identifizierung von Optimierungspotenzialen für Kläranlagen mit Faulung entwickelt. Wesentliche Ziele sind die energetische Optimierung der Anlagen, die ... [more ▼]

Es wurden Checklisten zur anlagenspezifischen Identifizierung von Optimierungspotenzialen für Kläranlagen mit Faulung entwickelt. Wesentliche Ziele sind die energetische Optimierung der Anlagen, die Reduzierung der Schlammmengen für die Entsorgung und die Sicherstellung der Abwasserreinigung auf einem hohen Niveau. Ein Überblick über die Ansätze zur Optimierung bestehender Faulungsanlagen, die Checklisten sowie Ergebnisse bei deren Anwendung wird gegeben. [less ▲]