bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Relationship Between Organizational Entrepreneurship and the Performance of Qom Telecom Center with the Role of Moderating Perceived Environmental Factors
Authors: Karehvand Mohammad
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, environmental circumstances and business rules of organizations are complicate, active and uncertain, so, they cannot assurance their long- term survival through some actions such as, structural changes and methods or relying on creativity of some people in organization. Companies and organizations should prepare conditions to institutionalize entrepreneurial culture in their organization. Corporate entrepreneurship can improve the value of the organization. The entrepreneurial oriented organizations are more responsive for environment and market changes. Opportunity recognition is the base of being successful. The research is applied and in terms of method is descriptive. Data were analyzed, using Linear Regression and Multiple Moderated Regression (MMR) and SPSS software. In this research the effects of organizational entrepreneurship (innovation, proactiveness and risk-taking) on performance of the centers influenced by environmental factors (government’s strategies, competitiveness and technology) as moderating variables, were studied. Furthermore, the study presents that there is a significant positive relationship between organizational entrepreneurship and performance. Although the study does not show any significant moderating effect of environmental factors (Government’s strategies, competitiveness and technology) on the relationship between organizational entrepreneurship and performance, however, the result of the study manifests direct relationship between environmental factors and performance of such centers.
Visualization of the Strain-rate State of a Data Cloud: Analysis of the Temporal Change of an Urban Multivariate Description
Authors: Salazar Llano Lorena , Bayona Roa Camilo
Published: June 2019

One challenging problem is the representation of three-dimensional datasets that vary with time. These datasets can be though as a cloud of points that gradually deforms. But point-wise variations lack of information about the overall deformation pattern, and more importantly, about the extreme deformation locations inside the cloud. The present article applies a technique in computational mechanics to derive the strain-rate state of a time-dependent and three-dimensional data distribution, by which one can characterize its main trends of shift. Indeed, the tensorial analysis methodology is able to determine the global deformation rates in the entire dataset. With the use of this technique, one can characterize the significant fluctuations in a reduced multivariate description of an urban system and identify the possible causes of those changes: calculating the strain-rate state of a PCA-based multivariate description of an urban system, we are able to describe the clustering and divergence patterns between the districts of the city and to characterize the temporal rate in which those variations happen.
Constructing a Reference Genome in a Single Lab: The Possibility to Use Oxford Nanopore Technology
Authors: Lee Yun Gyeong , Choi Sang Chul , Kang Yuna , Kim Kyeong Min , Kang Chon-Sik , Kim Changsoo
Published: June 2019

The whole genome sequencing (WGS) has become a crucial tool to understand genome structure and genetic variation. The MinION sequencing of Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) is an excellent approach for performing WGS and has advantages in comparison with other Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): It is relatively inexpensive, portable, has simple library preparation, can be monitored in real-time, and has no theoretical limits on read length. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is diploid (2n = 2x = 20) with a genome size of about 730 Mb, and its genome sequence information is released in the Phytozome database. Therefore, sorghum can be be used as a good reference. However, plant species have complex and large genomes compared to animals or microorganisms. As a result, complete genome sequencing is difficult for plant species. MinION sequencing that produces long-reads can be an excellent tool to overcome the weak assembly of short-reads generated from NGS by minimizing the generation of gaps or covering the repetitive sequence that appears on the plant genome. Here, we conducted the genome sequencing for S. bicolor cv. BTx623 using the MinION platform and obtained 895,678 reads and 17.9 gigabytes(Gb) (ca. 25X coverage of reference) from long-read sequence data. Through a de novo assembly using two different tools and mapped assembled contigs against the sorghum reference genome, a total of 6,124 contigs (covering 45.9%) were generated from Canu, and a total of 2,661 contigs (covering 50%) were generated from Minimap and Miniasm with a Racon pipeline. Our results provide a pipeline of long-read sequencing analysis for plant species using the MinION platform and a clue to determine the total sequencing scale for optimal coverage based on various genome sizes.
Oxytree Pruned Biomass Torrefaction - Mathematical Models of the Influence of Temperature and Residence Time on Fuel Properties Improvement
Authors: Świechowski Kacper , Liszewski Marek , Bąbelewski Przemysław , Koziel Jacek A. , Białowiec Andrzej
Published: June 2019

Biowaste generated in the process of Oxytree cultivation and logging represents a potential source of energy. Torrefaction (a.k.a. low-temperature pyrolysis) is one of the methods proposed for the valorization of woody biomass. Still, energy is required for the torrefaction process during which the raw biomass becomes biochar with fuel properties similar to lignite coal. In this work, models describing the influence of torrefaction temperature and residence time on the resulting fuel properties (mass and energy yields, energy densification ratio, organic matter and ash content, combustible parts, lower and higher heating values, CHONS content, H:C and O:C ratios) were proposed according to the Akaike criterion. The degree of the models’ parameters matching the raw data expressed as the determination coefficient (R2) ranged from 0.52 to 0.92. Each model parameter was statistically significant (p<0.05). Estimations of the value and quantity of the produced biochar from 1 Mg of biomass residues were made based on two models and a set of simple assumptions. The value of torrefied biochar (€123.4·Mg-1) was estimated based on the price of commercially available coal fuel and its lower heating value (LHV) for biomass moisture content of 50%, torrefaction for 20 min at 200 °C. This research could be useful to inform techno-economic analyses and decision-making process pertaining to the valorization of pruned biomass residues.
Independent Negative Prognostic Role of TCF1 Expression within Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Primary Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Saponaro Concetta , Scarpi Emanuela , Zito Francesco Alfredo , Giotta Francesco , Silvestris Nicola , Mangia Anita
Published: June 2019

Wnt pathway is involved in breast cancer (BC) progression. Our aim was to evaluate the expression of some components of the Wnt pathway (β-catenin, FZD4, LRP5, LRP6 and TCF1) in order to detect potential associations with NHERF1 protein. In addition, we assessed their impact on patients’clinical outcome. We evaluated 220 primary BC samples by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and protein localization by immunofluorescence. We found a significant correlation between NHERF1 and FZD4, LRP5, LRP6 and TCF1. Univariate analysis showed that β-catenin (p<0.0001), FZD4 (p=0.0001), LRP5, LRP6 and TCF1 over-expression (p<0.0001 respectively) was related to poor disease free survival (DFS). A Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed univariate data and showed a poor DFS for cNHERF1+/FZD4+ (p=0.0007), cNHERF1+/LRP5+ (p=0.0002), cNHERF1+/LRP6+ (p<0.0001) and cNHERF1+/TCF1+ phenotypes (p=0.0034). In multivariate analysis, TCF1 and β-catenin expression were independent prognostic variable of worse DFS (p=0.009 and p=0.027, respectively). In conclusion, we found that β-catenin, FZD4, LRP5, LRP6 and TCF1 overexpression was associated to poor prognosis. Furthermore, we first identified TCF1 as independent prognostic factor of poor outcome, indicating it as a new potential biomarker for BC patients management. In addition, Wnt pathway proteins expression, both alone and in association with NHERF1, suggests original associations of biological significance for new studies.
ANALYSIS OF FORMALDEHYDE PRESERVATIVES IN WET ANCHOVY (Stolephorus Sp.) FROM TRADITIONAL MARKETS IN MAKASSAR CITY, SOUTH SULAWESI
Authors: Adriani Adriani , Karim Abdul , Dali Seniwati
Published: June 2019

Food preservatives are very important ingredients in improving the quality and production of processed foods. However there are various presenvatives and such preservatives such as formaldehide are not allowed. This study aims to determine the content of preservatives in fresh anchovy (stolephorus sp.) from the traditional market of Makassar City South Sulawesi. Formaldehyde preservatives is identified by qualitative and quantitative test, qualitative formaldehyde was tested using Schryver reagent using UV-Vis Spectrophotometer analysis method. The result of qualitative analysis showed that all samples contained formaldehyde, with the concentration value of 0.2702ppm; 0.1307ppm; 0.0871ppm in Daya Market A; Daya Market B; Daya Market C samples, respectively. The content of 0.1612ppm; 0.2223ppm; 0,1525ppm in Antang Market A; Antang Market B; Antang Market C samples, respectively. The content of 0,1918ppm;0,0087ppm; 0.2877ppm in Terong Market A; Terong Market B; Terong Market C, samples, respectively and the content of 0.1394ppm; 0.1961ppm; 0,0043, in Pa’baeng-baeng Market A; Pa’baeng-baeng Market B; Pa’baeng-baeng Market C samples, respectively. The lowest formaldehyde level was found in Terong Market C with level of 0.0087ppm and the highest formaldehyde level was in Pa’baeng-baeng Market C with the level of 0.2877ppm.
EFFECT OF METAL ION Cu (II) and Mg (II) ON THE ACTIVITIES ANTIOXIDANT ANTHOCYANIN OF EXTRACT ETHANOL SKIN DRAGON FRUIT RED(Hylocereuspolyrhizus)
Authors: Sani Asrul , Ahmad Ahyar , Zenta Firdaus
Published: June 2019

The effect of Cu2+ and Mg2+ metal ions on the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins of ethanol extract from the red dragon skin fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) has been done. Anthocyanin pigments from ethanol extract the red dragon skin fruit, content and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins from the red dragon fruit skin with ethanol solvent, and the effect of Cu2+ and Mg2+ metal ions on the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins. Identification of anthocyanin was done by identification of color test, using spectrophotometer analysis of UV-Vis and FTIR. The anthocyanin content was determined using pH difference method, and determined effect of metal ions extract was done by adding 50 ppm, 100 ppm, and 150 ppm of metal ions Cu2+ and Mg2+ into the anthocyanin extract that was been acidified by HCl , using spectrophotometer analysis of FTIR. Antioxidant activity test using DPPH method. The results show that ethanol extracts the red dragon anthocyanin by content is 12.5241 mg / L and antioxidant activity (IC50) is 0.478 μg / mL and with addition of2+ and Mg2+ metal ions can be increased antioxidant activity (IC50) of anthocyanins to be 0.2259 μg / mL for Cu2+ at concentration 50 ppm and 0.3351 μg / mL for Mg2+ at concentration 50 ppm.
UTILIZATION SOFT STEM OF KEPOK BANANA WASTE (Musa paradisiaca formatypica) AS A BASIC MATERIAL FOR MAKING BIOETANOL WITH ACID HYDROLYSIS METHOD AND FERMENTATION
Authors: Sulfiani Sulfiani , Karim Abdul , Natsir Hasnah
Published: June 2019

Bioenergy, such as bioethanol, is one of the alternative options in order to fulfil the energy demands in the future. Bioethanol is ethanol which resulted from the fermentation process of glucose from natural sources that contains starch and cellulose. This research are aimed to utilize  soft stem of kapok banana (Musa paradisiaca formatypica), which known to have cellulose content approximately 64%, in order to produce bioethanol undergoes acid hydrolysis and bacterial fermentation using Clostridium acetobutylicum. There are two main variables that being investigate in this research such as, acid (HCl) volume of adding (varied from 15 mL, 20 mL, 25 mL, 30 mL, and 30 mL) and length of fermentation time ( 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days respectively). Results shown that the maximum concentration of cellulose in soft stem of kepok banana is 46.38% and the bioethanol concentration/volume were achieved on the addition of 15 mL acid chloride and optimum fermentation time of 6 days.
SYNTHESIS OF LIQUID ORGANIC FERTILIZER BASED ON CHICKEN MANURE USING BIOSCA AND FUNGUS BIOACTIVATOR Trichoderma harzianum
Authors: Rahmad Rahmad , Karim Abdul , La Nafie Nursiah , Jayadi Muhammad
Published: June 2019

Production of liquid organic fertilizer from chicken feces with addition bioaktivator Biosca and Trichoderma harzianum fungus aims to determine the influence of time against pH and macro elements (N, P, and K), analyze the influence and determine the bioactivator composition against pH, macro element content, growth and production of tomato plants. The method of making this liquid organic fertilizer is chicken feces dissolved using water in a composter, then composted with addition of bioactivator which is consisting B1 (40 mL Biosca), B2 (40 mL T. harzianum), B3 (10 mL Biosca + 30 mL T. harzianum), B4 (20 mL Biosca + 20 mL T. harzianum) and B5 (30 mL Biosca + 10 mL T. harzianum). Composting is done by time variations of 7 days (M1), 14 days (M2) and 21 days (M3). The result of research shows that the process of making organic liquid fertilizer with time variation of composting and effective bioactivator composition in increasing macro element level and good pH is B5 with 21 days of composting time. The influence of bioactivator composition against pH and macro element indicator is showed by value of N: 5,33%, P: 2,41%, K: 1,34% at pH: 7,1. While the influence against tomato plants on the observation at the 10th week is for the growth of plant height: 197,7 cm, average of plant diameter: 16,27 mm, average of leaf production: 41 sheets, and for the average of fruit production: 32 pieces, average of fruit weight:  32,4 g.
FITOACUMULATION OF Mn AND Fe ON NYPA FRUTICANS IN TALLO RIVER, MAKASSAR
Authors: Zulfikar Zulfikar , La Nafie Nursiah , Liong Syarifuddin
Published: June 2019

The phytoaccumulation of Mn and Fe in nipah palm (Nypa fruticans) has objective to find out the phytoaccumulation potential of Nypa fruticans in Tallo river. Samples were taken in water, sediments, roots, midribs and leaves at five sampling spots representing polluted areas by activities of industrial estates and community settlements. Water was destructed by concentratedHNO3, meanwhile sediments were destructed by dry destruction with aquaregia and plant tissues were destructed by wet destruction with HNO3 6 M and concentrated H2O2, then all the samples were carried on analysis using ICP EOS Shimadzu 9000. The result of analysis has shown that Nypa fruticans was able to accumulate Mn and Fe, moreover the accumulation potential indicated Nypa fruticans able to be natural hyperaccumulator for Fe, otherwise to Mn. According to BCF and TF result were shown the mechanism of phytoaccumulation in Nypa fruticans for Mn and Fe as phytostabilization.
Synthesis And Characterization Of Gold Nanoparticles Using Beluntas Leaf Extract Plucheaindica
Authors: Lidiawati Dewi , Wahid Wahab Abdul , Karim Abdul
Published: June 2019

Gold nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized using beluntas leaf extract as reducing agents. This is indicated by the change of the color from yellow gold to purple solution after the addition of the beluntas leaf extract. The gold nanoparticles formed were observed for 92 hours using uv-vis and obtained stability after 72 hours with a wavelength about 545.50-546.00 nm. The size distribution of gold nanoparticles was determined using Particle Size Analyzer (PSA) with an average distribution of 101.6 nm. Based on the characterization using XRD, the diffraction pattern obtained at 2θ is 38.1077; 44,2935; 64,5155; 77,4862 which show the presence of gold nanoparticles. Furthermore, it was characterized using SEM EDX showed that the average shape of gold nanoparticles was spherical with a composition ofAu 48%, C 43.33%, and several other elements around 8.67%.
Collagen Extraction from Bone of Lutjanus sp. and Toxicity Assay
Authors: Ramli Leliani , Natsir Hasnah , Dali Seniwati , Danial Sartika
Published: June 2019

Indonesia is a maritime country with the potential fisheries resources. However, utilization only revolves around the meat, while other parts have not been used optimally, especially fish bones which have the potential to produce collagen, so it needs to be developed. The aims of this study ware extracted collagen from bone of Lutjanus sp. and determine its the Anticancer activity. The collagen was extracted by using hydroextraction method and identification by FTIR. The initial screening anticancer activity was done by using Brine Shrimp Lethality Test (BSLT) method for toxicity assay. The results showed that the yield of collagen was 4.535% with protein concentration was 8,815 mg/mL. Identified collagen from spectrum of amide A, B, I, II, and III at 3421.72; 2926.01; 1651.07; 1541.12; 1240.23 cm-1. The toxicity test was shown in LC50 values of  8,760 μg/mL. The collagen from Lutjanus sp. bone can be used as natural anticancer agent.
Facebook and Public Relations in Higher Education
Authors: Eger Ludvik , Egerova Dana , Kryston Miroslav
Published: June 2019

Nowadays It is essential for universities and faculties to interact on-line with their potential applicants, current students as well as other stakeholders. In recent years, social media such as Facebook has provided higher education institutions with new means of communication with their target groups. The purpose of this study is to explore the use of the most popular social network Facebook by selected faculties in the Czech Republic and Slovakia and to provide a set of practical benchmarks on successful communication with public. To answer presented research questions, a convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was used. Firstly, a focus group investigation was put forward to clarify what communication channels are generally used by applicants and students when searching and sharing information about faculties. Secondly, a quantitative data analysis, based on data mining using tools such as Power BI and Netvizz, was presented. Data for year 2017 obtained from sixteen Facebook profiles of selected faculties were used. The findings provide evidence on the use of Facebook by an institution – customer communication by the faculties. Furthermore, they reveal that different message features generated different customer behaviour. The study contributes to a better understanding of marketing-related activities on social media in higher education.
High Mycoplasma pneumoniae Loads and Persistent Long-term Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection in Lower Airway Associated with Severity of Pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia
Authors: Liu Jinrong , Zhao Fei , Lu Jie , Xu Hui , Liu Hui , Tang Xiaolei , Yang Haiming , Zhao Shunying
Published: June 2019

Background

An increased number of refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) pneumonia (MPP) cases have been reported. However the duration of MP infection in lower airway and the course of anti-MP treatment remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 94 MPP children. Patients were classified into two groups. The long-term group (Group LT) was defined as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) remained MP-positive by PCR after 30 days of the disease course. The non-long-term group (Group NLT) was defined as BALF became MP-negative by PCR within 30 days of disease and patients who only needed one bronchoscopy lavage therapy. MP loads, clinical outcomes were analyzed along with other clinical measurements.

Results

The average levels of inflammatory markers such as C reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase in Group LT were significantly higher than those in Group NLT. Airway and lung damage in Group LT were more severe than Group NLT. 28 patients developed necrotizing pneumonia and 8 patients developed pulmonary embolism in Group LT. Mean maximum MP loads in BALF were 107.46±0.93 and 104.86±0.93 in Groups LT and NLT, respectively. There was persistent MP infection in Group LT, even lasted for 120 days. One severe MPP patient in Group LT had MP-associated bloodstream infection. After 3 months of follow-up, chest imaging revealed incomplete absorption of pulmonary consolidation in 33 patients of Group LT [including 13 airway obliterans (AO) patients] and in 7 patients of Group NLT (including 2 AO patients).

Conclusion

MP loads of BALF were associated with the subsequent duration of MP infection in lower airway. High MP bacterial loads and persistent long-term MP infection in lower airway were associated with severity of pediatric MPP.
Putative trehalose biosynthesis proteins function as differential floridoside-6-phosphate synthases to participate in the abiotic stress response in the red alga Pyropia haitanensis
Authors: Sun Minxiu , Zhu Zhujun , Chen Juanjuan , Yang Rui , Luo Qijun , Wu Wei , Yan Xiaojun , Chen Haimin
Published: June 2019

Background

The heteroside floridoside is a primary photosynthetic product that is known to contribute to osmotic acclimation in almost all orders of Rhodophyta. However, the encoding genes and enzymes responsible for the synthesis of floridoside and its isomeric form, l- or d-isofloridoside, are poorly studied.

Results

Here, four putative trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) genes, designated as PhTPS1, PhTPS2, PhTPS3, and PhTPS4, were cloned and characterized from the red alga Pyropia haitanensis (Bangiophyceae). The deduced amino acid sequence is similar to the annotated TPS proteins of other organisms, especially the UDP-galactose substrate binding sites of PhTPS1, 2, which are highly conserved. Of these, PhTPS1, 4 are involved in the biosynthesis of floridoside and isofloridoside, with isofloridoside being the main product. PhTPS3 is an isofloridoside phosphate synthase, while PhTPS2 exhibits no activity. When challenged by desiccation, high temperature, and salt stress, PhTPS members were expressed to different degrees, but the responses to thermal stress and desiccation were stronger.

Conclusions

Thus, in P. haitanensis, PhTPSs encode the enzymatical activity of floridoside and isofloridoside phosphate synthase and are crucial for the abiotic stress defense response.
Examining the benefits and harms of Alzheimer’s disease screening for family members of older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fowler Nicole , Head Katherine J. , Perkins Anthony J. , Gao Sujuan , Callahan Christopher M. , Bakas Tamilyn , Suarez Shelley D. , Boustani Malaz A.
Published: June 2019

Background

Multiple national expert panels have identified early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) as a national priority. However, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) does not currently support screening for ADRD in primary care given that the risks and benefits are unknown. The USPSTF stresses the need for research examining the impact of ADRD screening on family caregiver outcomes.

Methods

The Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer’s Disease Screening (COADS) is a randomized controlled trial that will examine the potential benefits or harms of ADRD screening on family caregivers. It will also compare the effectiveness of two strategies for diagnostic evaluation and management after ADRD screening. COADS will enroll 1,800 dyads, who will be randomized into three groups (n=600/group): Screening Only group will receive ADRD screening at baseline with disclosure of the screening results and a list of local resources for diagnostic follow-up; Screening Plus, ADRD screening at baseline coupled with disclosure of the screening results, with positive screen participants referred to a dementia collaborative care program for diagnostic evaluation and potential care; and Control, no screening. The COADS trial will measure the family member quality of life (primary outcome) and family member mood, anxiety, preparedness, and self-efficacy (secondary outcomes) at baseline, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Additionally, the trial will examine the congruence of depressive and anxiety symptoms between older adults and family members at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months and compare the effectiveness of two strategies for diagnostic evaluation and management after ADRD screening between the two groups randomized to screening (Screening Only versus Screening Plus).

Discussion

We hypothesize that caregivers in the screening arms will express higher levels of health-related quality of life, lower depressive and anxiety symptoms, and better preparation for caregiving with higher self-efficacy at 24 months. Results from this study will directly inform the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease, the USPSTF and other organizations regarding ADRD screening and early detection policies.
Protocol for the Process Evaluation of the Online Remote Behavioural Intervention for Tics (ORBIT) Randomised Controlled Trial for children and young people
Authors: Khan Kareem , Hollis Chris , Hall Charlotte L , Davies E Bethan , Mataix-Cols David , Andrén Per , Murphy Tara , Brown Beverley J , Murray Elizabeth , Glazebrook Cris
Published: June 2019

Background

Process evaluations are an important component in the interpretation and understanding of outcomes in trials. The ‘Online Remote Behavioural Intervention for Tics’ (ORBIT) study is a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of an internet delivered behavioural intervention (called BIP TIC) compared to an internet delivered education program aimed at children and young people with tics. A process evaluation will be undertaken alongside the main trial to determine precisely how the behavioural intervention works and ascertain whether, and if so, how, the intervention could be successfully implemented in standard clinical practice. This protocol paper describes the rationale, aims, and methodology of the ORBIT trial process evaluation.

Methods

The process evaluation will use a mixed-methods design following the UK Medical Research Council’s 2015 guidelines, comprising of both quantitative and qualitative data collection. This will include: analyzing data usage of participants in the intervention arm; purposively sampled, semi-structured interviews of parents and children, therapists and supervisors, and referring clinicians of the ORBIT trial, as well as analysis of qualitative comments input into the online therapy platform by participants at the end of treatment. Qualitative data will be analyzed thematically. Quantitative and qualitative data will be integrated in a triangulation approach, to provide an understanding of how the intervention works, and what resources are needed for effective implementation, uptake and use in routine clinical care.

Discussion

This process evaluation will explore the experiences of participants, therapists and supervisors, and referring clinicians of a complex online intervention. By contextualising trial efficacy results, this will help understand how and if the intervention worked and what may be required to sustain the implementation of the treatment long-term. The findings will also aid in our understanding of factors that can affect the success of complex interventions. This will enable future researchers developing online behavioural interventions for children and young people with mental health and neurological disorders to gain invaluable information from this process evaluation.
At the Crossroads of Life: Belgraders’ Perceptions of Their Old Age
Authors: Kovač Senka
Published: June 2019

The paper presents the results of several years’ fieldwork among the elderly population in Belgrade. The study examines the attitudes towards old age of elderly Belgraders living alone, those living with their families, and also those living in the Gerontology Center nursing home. The position of elderly people in the social network in the Belgrade municipality of Vračar is also explored. In this era of longevity and at a time of global economic crisis which is also affecting Serbia, it would be useful to reconsider the concepts of successful aging, well-aging and healthy aging.
The Post-Communist Construction of Memories: Between a “Great Story” and Current-Politics Myth
Authors: Đerić Gordana
Published: June 2019

This paper explores the shaping of social memories in post-communist societies, focusing in particular on the influence of the professedly rejected communist metanarrative on the methods and strategies of constructing national pasts in the new states of the former Yugoslavia. The author’s hypotheses are examined through an analysis of the construction of the public memory of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjić in the context of national mythology, and an analysis of the narratives and methods characteristic of the process of constructing the Yugoslav metanarrative.
The Invention of Tradition: Illyrian Heraldry
Authors: Palavestra Aleksandar
Published: June 2019

The “Illyrian heraldry”, as a phenomenon of the invented tradition, encompasses the rolls of arms - armorials, which appear in Dalmatia, Italy, Spain and Austria at the end of the XVI and beginning of the XVII century. These armorials contained Serbian and other southern Slav monarchic, territorial and family coats of arms. The authenticity, heraldic sources and origins of these armorials are extremely complex problems that can be traced back to the medieval heraldic heritage of the Serbs, on the one hand, and reveal the intricate web of political circumstances in the XVI and XVII centuries. Illyrian heraldry is also closely linked to the personal and political ambitions of the Spanish admiral, Don Pedro Ohmučević Grgurić, from Slano near Dubrovnik. One cannot, however, link the entire Illyrian heraldry movement only to the daring ambitions of Petar Ohmučević Grgurić. In in the XVI and XVII centuries historical constructions, inspired for the most part by sincere Slav patriotism, emerged that proved the unity of the Illyrians and the Slavs, revealed the alleged Slav origins of famous figures (Alexander the Great, Justinian), or simply extolled the splendor and magnitude of a lost Slav kingdom, that could be restored again. Much as it was developing within the spiritual scope of the Catholic church, this “Slovine” movement found its historical basis in the medieval statehood of Serbia and Bosnia, particularly in the powerful empire of Stephan Dushan (1331-55), in the Serbian potentates, heroes, their glitter and opulence, which used to glorify the Slav world. Since the XVII century till today, despite their doubtful authenticity, the Illyrian armorials have been considered important genealogical and heraldic documents. Many families relied on the information in Illyrian heraldic collections when claiming their true, or, more often purported, ancient hereditary rights, titles and lands. The Illyrian armorials were transcribed and reprinted in books that were important for the national identity of the southern Slav peoples, such as Orbini's Kingdom of the Slavs (1601), Stemmatographia or the Drawing, Description and Renewal of Illyrian Coats of Arms by Pavao Riter Vitezović, published in Vienna in 1701, and Stemmatographia by Hristifor Žefarović, published in 1741. After the liberation of Serbia and Montenegro from the Turks, heraldry was granted official sanction, and the coats of arms are based on the tradition preserved in Illyrian heraldry.
World Sulfur Use Efficiency for Cereal Crops
Authors: Aula Lawrence , Dhillon Jagmandeep S. , Omara Peter , Wehmeyer Gwendolyn B. , Freeman Kyle W. , Raun William R.
Published: June 2019

Sulfur (S) is an essential plant nutrient needed for higher crop yields and improved nutritional value. In recent decades, the occurrence of S deficiency has increased and fertilizer S use may steadily increase. This may lead to inefficient crop utilization of S and result into negative footprints on the environment. The objective of this work was to estimate world fertilizer sulfur use efficiency (SUE) for major cereal crops grown around the world. A 10‐yr data set (2005–2014) was obtained from the Food and Agriculture Organization, the US Geological Survey, and an array of other published research articles. Statistical analysis was performed using MS Excel to obtain total area for world and cereal crops, grain yield, and fertilizer S applied. The difference method [(Total grain S – grain S derived from the soil)/S applied] was used to compute world SUE. Cereal crops included in this study were barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), maize (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.), rye (Secale cereale L.), and oat (Avena sativa L.). Cereal production increased from 2669 M Mg in 2005 to 3346 M Mg in 2014. Sulfur use efficiency for cereal crops was estimated to be 18%. This low SUE may be attributable to S leaching from the soil profile, immobilization, retention in residues, and adsorption. As increased quantities of fertilizer S are likely to be applied in future to meet the ever‐growing demand for food, SUE could decline below 18%.

Core Ideas

World sulfur use efficiency for cereal crops is unknown.

World sulfur use efficiency for cereal crops was estimated to be 18%.

More precision agriculture research is necessary to improve sulfur use efficiency for cereal crops.

Reasons for low sulfur use efficiency include sulfur; leaching, adsorption, retention in residues, and immobilization as well as failure to adhere to sound agronomic practices and 4R concepts.
Changing Soil Characteristics during Succession in the Alaskan Boreal Forest
Authors: Yarie John , Valentine David , Van Cleve Keith
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

Repeated sampling compared to a chronosequence can display changes due to climate change.

Carbon quantities increased across the floodplain chronosequence, upland sites displayed no change.

Nitrogen displayed a chronosequence increase in both concentration and quantity on the floodplain sites.

Repeated sampling and chronosequence approaches can be used to develop an understanding of successional dynamics in forest ecosystems. The chronosequence approach enables a relatively rapid and consistent assessment of key variables, but relies on an assumption that spatial variability is a good substitute for temporal dynamics. Repeated sampling gives a more direct measure of temporal dynamics, but by definition requires much more time and is vulnerable to changes in investigators and methodologies. In this study, we compared these techniques in two well‐studied Alaska boreal forest landscape positions—upland (UP) and floodplain (FP)–and found a number of contrasting trends. In UP stands, soil C concentration increased with stand age across the chronosequence, but declined in individual stands over time. Conversely, soil P concentration declined across the UP chronosequence, but increased in individual stands. Both approaches yielded consistent trends for several variables, including N, pH, CEC (UP and FP), and K (UP). No changes were observed for 5 factors (upland C quantity, floodplain C concentration and quantity, and total P and Ca quantity on the floodplain) between sampling years that displayed either a positive or negative chronosequence trend. Changes in the one meter depth profile chemistry between sample time periods were investigated and showed the same differences that were found for the total profile average values of the soil property. Differences observed between these two values were tied to the depth structure of the observed soil characteristic.
Health Assessment of Nickel‐Contaminated Soils Linked to Chemical and Biological Characteristics
Authors: Tang Xiaoyan , Li Rui , Zheng Y. , McBride Murray B.
Published: June 2019

Core Ideas

Ni‐contaminated soils were evaluated for microbial function and genetic diversity.

Soils with >500 mg kg‐1 total Ni had reduced microbial biomass and respiration.

Lower microbial diversity in Ni‐contaminated soils was revealed by genetic sequencing.

Soil health indicators were influenced by factors in addition to bioavailable Ni.

Soils contaminated historically by refinery nickel (Ni) emissions were subjected to laboratory assays evaluating soil health, including microbial function, biomass, and community diversity, based on high‐throughput DNA sequencing. The assays showed that soils with >500 mg kg−1 total Ni had lower microbial biomass and respiration rates as well as reduced microbial diversity and shifts in prevalent phyla compared with most soils with lower Ni. Soil testing for nutrient status suggested additional limitations due to factors other than Ni contamination, including deficiencies of Mn and other essential elements that could possibly explain reduced microbial function even in relatively uncontaminated soils. A greenhouse soybean assay showed greater Ni uptake from soils with the highest total and 0.01 M CaCl2–extractable Ni, with one of the high‐Ni soils (1900 mg kg−1 total Ni) having a level of CaCl2–extractable Ni predicted to reduce soybean growth by >25%. The study revealed that conventional macroscopic measures of soil health were reflected at the microscopic scale by differences in microbial community composition and diversity as evidenced by DNA analysis. Although soil health indicators were affected by high Ni bioavailability, other factors attributable to local differences in fertility status and organic matter content appeared to have strong influences on these indicators.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of capitula, leaf and stem extracts of Tanacetum cilicicum (Boiss.) Grierson
Authors: YILDIRIM Aybeniz , ŞEN Ali , DOĞAN Ahmet , BİTİS Leyla
Published: June 2019

In this study, various extracts obtained different parts of Tanacetum cilicicum were investigated for in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Antioxidant activity was tested with three methods; namely 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity, 2.2′‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazolin‐6‐sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation scavenging capacity, and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of extracts were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Also, anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts was evaluated by 5-lipoxygenase inhibition assay. Ethyl acetate extract of capitula of T. cilicicum (TCCEA) showed the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 22.44 and 30.86 µg/mL against DPPH and ABTS radicals, respectively. At the same time, the highest ferric reducing power was found in the TCCEA (42.2 mg TE/g extract). The highest total phenolic contents have been detected in TCCEA and ethyl acetate extract of leaves of T. cilicicum (TCLEA) with value of 174.1 and 175.6 mg GAE/g extract, respectively. Similarly, the highest total flavonoid contents have been detected in TCCEA and TCLEA with values of 26.94 and 30.48 mg QE/g extract, respectively. TCCEA exhibited strong anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 value of 9.44 µg/mL when compared to standard indomethacine (22.39 µg/mL). These results demonstrate that TCCEA has a significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Also, the results show that TCCEA is a good candidate for further bioactivity-guided fractionation in the search for new active anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Novel nanostructured Fe–Cu–Al trimetal oxide for enhanced antimony(V) removal: synthesis, characterization and performance
Authors: Wang Jianyan , Chen Jing , Li Qiumei , Zhang Gaosheng
Published: June 2019

Given the adverse health effects of antimony (Sb), there is an increased focus on developing methods to remove this toxic metal from contaminated water bodies. To effectively remove Sb(V), a new nanostructured Fe–Cu–Al trimetal oxide was fabricated using co-precipitation method at ambient temperature. The Fe–Cu–Al trimetal oxide was very effective at removing Sb(V) from water; it had a maximal adsorption capacity of 169.1 mg/g at pH 7.0, a capacity that was competitive with most other reported adsorbents. The obtained amorphous oxide had a high pH point of zero charge (pHpzc = 8.8) and good adsorption Sb(V) efficiency over a wide pH range (4.0–8.0). Sb(V) uptake was achieved mainly through an ion-exchange reaction between Sb(V) ions and hydroxyl groups on the surface of the oxide. Given its good removal performance, high selectivity, and simple synthesis, this novel Fe–Cu–Al trimetal oxide offers a promising alternate for removing antimony contamination from aquatic environments.
Decrease in Secondary Neck Vessels in Multiple Sclerosis: A 5-year Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Angiography Study
Authors: Jakimovski Dejan , Topolski Matthew , Kimura Kana , Pandya Virja , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Zivadinov Robert
Published: June 2019

Background:

Studies have previously shown greater arterial and venous extracranial
vascular changes in persons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) when compared to healthy controls
(HCs).

Objectives:

To determine the change in the number and size of secondary neck vessels in PwMS
and HCs over a 5-year follow-up period.

Methods:

Both at baseline and follow-up, 83 PwMS and 25 HCs underwent magnetic resonance
angiography (MRA) imaging and analysis. The number and cross-sectional area (CSA) of all secondary
neck vessels (excluding the common/internal carotid, vertebral artery, and internal jugular
vein) measured at levels from C2-T1 were determined by semi-automated edge detection/
contouring software. The longitudinal change in the number and CSA of the secondary neck
vessels from the PwMS and HCs were analyzed by non-parametric Wilcoxon repeated measure.
Benjamini-Hochberg procedure adjusted for false discovery rate (FDR).

Results:

For over 5 years, PwMS demonstrated a consistent longitudinal decrease in both the
number of secondary neck vessels (Z-change between -3.3 and -5.4, q=0.001) and their CSA (Zchange
between -2.9 and -5.2, q=0.004). On the contrary, the HCs did not demonstrate a significant
longitudinal change in secondary neck vessels over the follow-up period. Due to the longitudinal
decrease, the PwMS showed a lower number of secondary neck vessels when compared to
HCs measured at follow-up (p<0.029, except for C4 with trending p=0.071). The PwMS changes
were also corroborated within each MS phenotype.

Conclusion:

PwMS demonstrate a significant mid-term decrease in the number and the size of the
secondary neck vessels. The clinical relevance of these findings and the effect on intracranial
blood flow are currently unknown.
Endophytic Fungal Diversity and their Interaction with Plants for Agriculture Sustainability Under Stressful Condition
Authors: Ikram Muhammad , Ali Niaz , Jan Gul , Jan Farzana G. , Khan Naeem
Published: June 2019

Endophytic fungi are an interesting group of organisms that colonize the healthy internal
tissues of living plants, and do not cause any symptoms of disease in the host plants. Several
decades of study and research have rustled the co-existing endophytes with their host plants, which
can significantly influence the formation of metabolic products in plants, as they have the ability to
produce a new interesting bioactive compound, which is of pharmaceutical, industrial and agricultural
importance. Empirical evidences have indicated that endophytic fungi can confer profound
impacts on plant communities by enhancing their growth, increasing their fitness, strengthening
their tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, enhancing the defense mechanism and promoting the
accumulation of secondary metabolites that provide immunity against pathogens. Many of these
compounds are novel products and could be granted patents. Further, there are growing interests of
multinational companies using these patents prepared in special formula to sell in international
markets. This review addresses biodiversity and biological roles of endophytic fungi in association
with their host plants through reviewing published research data obtained from the last 30 years and
highlights their importance for plants, industry as well as ecosystem.
Uber Court: a look at recent sharing economy cases before the CJEU
Authors: Ferro Miguel Sousa
Published: June 2019

This paper describes and discusses the two recent judgments of the CJEU regarding the clarification of the concept of information society services, both of which concern Uber. Although theses cases concern Uber, what is, a contrario, important to consider from the case-law is the broader context of the implication(s) of this case-law for EU law and the national regulation of the new sharing economy services – namely in what may affect the pending Airbnb case.
Leaf architecture and anatomy of Asteraceae species in a xerophytic scrub in Mexico City, Mexico
Authors: Rivera Patricia , Terrazas Teresa , Rojas-Leal Alicia , Villaseñor José Luis
Published: June 2019

Background and Aims: Leaf architecture and anatomy in the Asteraceae family are extremely diverse and have been studied from ecological, physiological and evolutionary perspectives. The aims of this study are to describe in detail leaf architecture and anatomy for 61 species belonging to 13 tribes of Asteraceae inhabiting a xerophytic scrub in Mexico City, Mexico and to discuss characters common to these tribes.Methods: Mature and undamaged leaves of 61 species of Asteraceae were collected in southwestern Mexico City in the “Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel” (REPSA). Standard anatomical techniques were used to obtain permanent slides of cleared leaves and transverse and paradermal sections. The permanent slides were analyzed to describe leaf architecture and anatomy by tribe following the standard terminologies.Key results: The results show a significant variation in leaf architecture although pinnate venation, brochidodromous secondary venation, areoles moderately developed and looped ultimate marginal venation predominate in the material studied. For anatomy, the most common traits are the striate cuticle, occurrence of trichomes and glands, as well as collateral vascular bundles with a parenchymatous sheath with girders in the Asteraceae present in this xerophytic scrub. There are no unique combinations of leaf characters for the family or any tribe.Conclusions: Leaf diversity in the family and within each tribe is consistent with some previous reports. Anatomical descriptions are a fundamental piece of the evolutionary, ecological and physiological studies in Asteraceae. The results of this descriptive study will allow testing hypotheses about the factors causing leaf diversity in this plant lineage. More leaf anatomical studies of the family are necessary to confirm the patterns proposed for the tribes and the family.
Patrones de mortalidad e indicadores de identidad en el conjunto arquitectónico funerario de La Noria Tamtoc, San Luis Potosí
Authors: Hernández Espinosa Patricia Olga
Published: June 2019

El análisis de los entierros procedentes del área funeraria de la antigua ciudad prehispánica de Tamtoc, reveló no solo el inusual patrónde entierro de este lugar sino también las diferencias en los patrones demortalidad y su relación con rasgos culturales presentes en algunosde los individuos. Se analizaron variables como edad a la muerte, el sexo, presencia de modificaciones corporales, ajuar funerario y disposición de los entierros en el espacio sepulcral. La práctica de modelarse el cráneo muestra variaciones no locales y existe un solo caso con decoración dental. Estos hallazgos se discuten a partir de la evidencia arqueológica y del papel de este sitio como centro rector regional.