bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of extraction time on the quality of herbal teas
Authors: Stankutė Luka , Paulauskienė Aurelija , Šileikienė Daiva
Published: December 2019

The research was done at Aleksandras Stulginskis University (Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy since 2019) in 2015–2016. Tea blends were made from naturally occurring herbs and berries. The berries for blends were lyophilized and the medicinal plants were dried. The tea blends were filled with water at 90°C and extracted for 15 and 30 min, the infusions were filtered and then analysed. The purpose of the research was to determine the biochemical parameters and organoleptic properties of tea infusions extracted at different times using conventional and holistic research methods. The amount of soluble solids, vitamin C, titratable acidity, pH, redox potential, specific electrical conductivity and energy value (P) of the products were determined in the tea infusions. The values of the tea infusions colour coordinates (L*, a*, b*) were determined and sensory analysis was performed. The research results showed that the amounts of soluble solids and vitamin C were greater in the tea infusions extracted for 15 min than those in the infusions extracted for 30 min. After extraction for 30 min, the titratable acidity of the tea infusions also decreased. The pH values were higher for the tea infusions extracted for 15 min, whereas the values of redox potential and electrical conductivity were higher for the tea infusions extracted for 30 min. All tea infusions extracted for 15 min were characterized by a lower energy value (P) and are therefore more suitable for human organism. During extraction over a longer period (30 min), the colour of the tea infusions became richer. The colour, smell and taste of the tea infusions extracted for 30 min were scored higher by sensory evaluation.
The impact of the agrochemical properties of soil on the chemical composition of Jerusalem artichoke flowers
Authors: Stočkutė Ieva , Jarienė Elvyra
Published: December 2019

The objective of this research was to investigate and to evaluate the chemical composition of Jerusalem artichoke flowers grown in different soils. Quality analysis was carried out in the laboratories of the Institute of Agricultural and Food Science of Vytautas Magnus University. The following agrochemical parameters of the soil were determined using standardized methods: pHKCl, the amount of soil humus, mineral nitrogen, mobile phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The chemical composition of different parts of Jerusalem artichoke flowers (disk florets and ray florets) were evaluated by the standard method: the content of carbohydrates (inulin and total saccharides content), minerals (N, P, K, Ca, Fe, Na, Zn, Mg). Electronic nose (Alpha M. O. S.) measurement technologies were used to recognize and identify the flower fragrance (volatile organic compounds). Processing of the research data was carried out through the application of the analysis of variance (ANOVA), using the computer software Statistica 10. The research results showed that the substantially highest amount of inulin was determined in the disk florets (0.339%, D. M.) of Jerusalem artichoke grown in the soil with the medium humus and medium available potassium amount. The content of total soluble saccharides of different parts of Jerusalem artichoke flowers varied from 2.54 to 4.11% of disk florets and from 0.55 to 0.81% of ray florets. The highest amount of macroelement potassium (3.1%, D. M.) was detected in Jerusalem artichoke flowers grown in the soil with the medium amount of humus and the medium amount of mobile potassium. Volatile organic compounds in Jerusalem artichoke flowers were determined as a complex mixture of esters, alcohols, terpenes, sulphur and other compounds. Esters as volatile compounds prevailed in Jerusalem artichoke flowers. Methyl acetate and ethyl 2-methylbutyrate with fruity, grape odour were the predominant esters group compounds as well as dimethyl trisulfide – sulfur compound in Jerusalem artichoke flowers. The investigated aroma profile of flowers shows that they have fruity-like odour.
CORRECTIVE MEASURES IN THE FEDERATION OF BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Simović Miodrag , Jovašević Dragan , Simović Marina
Published: December 2019

By the adoption of the Protection and Treatment of Children andJuveniles in Criminal Procedure Act 2014(which started applying in early 2015)the criminal and legal position of juvenile perpetrators of criminal offences inthe Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was regulated in a new way. TheRepublika Srpska and Brčko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina have been applyinglaws of similar content from before. Education measures are providedas the most important measure of social reaction towards these persons. Thelaw recognizes several types of these measures with different content, purpose,duration and manner of implementation which are subject matter of this paper.
ВЈЕШТАЧКА ИНТЕЛИГЕНЦИЈА И СУДСКА ВЛАСТ: ОБЕЋАЊА И РИЗИЦИ ПРИМЈЕНЕ
Authors: Милинковић Игор
Published: December 2019

Рапидан развој вјештачке интелигенције отвара могућно-сти њене примјене у различитим областима друштвеног живота. При-мјена технологија заснованих на вјештачкој интелигенцији могућа је иприликом вршења судске власти, што побуђује питање граница њиховелегитимне употребе приликом судијског одлучивања (укључујући и проблемоправданости преузимања судијске функције од стране система вјештач-ке интелигенције). Одговор на ово питање зависиће и од приклањања јед-ној од супротстављених правнотеоријских концепција, правно-позитиви-стичкој или природноправној, одн. од заузимања становишта у погледуоправданости моралног вредновања приликом идентификовања и интер-претације правних норми. У раду ће бити заступан став да потпуна за-мјена судије-човјека системима вјештачке интелигенције, на тренутномстепену њиховог развоја, није прихватљива, нити из перспективе заштитеправне сигурности, нити из перспективе захтјева за реализацијом идеалаправде, одн. других моралних вриједности (што преузимање улоге судијаод стране система вјештачке интелигенције чини неприхватљивим, какоза заговорнике правног позитивизма, тако и за поборнике јуснатурализ-ма). Овај закључакне односи се на друге видове примјене вјештачке ин-телигенције, којима може да се олакша и унаприједи квалитет обављањапрофесионалних дужности судије. У раду је упозорено и на неопходносткреирања одговарајућег правног оквира за примјену вјештачке интели-генције у области вршења судске власти.
ПРАВНИ ЗНАЧАЈ УПИСА ПРОМЈЕНЕ САДРЖАЈА ХИПОТЕКЕ
Authors: Јотановић Раденко , Чубриловић Босиљка
Published: December 2019

Упис у јавну евиденцију непокретности може имати кон-ститутивно или декларативно дејство у зависности од правног основана којем се стиче неко стварно право, односно од врсте стварног права.Хипотека је стварно право чији је modus acquirendi искључиво упис безобзира да ли се ради о уговорном, законском или судском заложном пра-ву. Ранг првенства хипотекарног повјериоца се стиче на основу принципаprior tempore, potior iure, а не према правном основу настанка хипотеке,чиме се обезбјеђује равноправност и правна сигурност свих учесника управном промету непокретности. Закључењем уговора о уступању (це-сији) потраживања на новог повјериоца (цесионара) прелази и хипотекакао акцесорно право која служи обезбјеђењу главног потраживања. Уписхипотеке у том случају има декларативно дејство јер се не ради о новојхипотеци већ само о измјени садржаја постојеће хипотеке на начин дасе умјесто ранијег повјериоца (цесуса) упише нови повјерилац (цесионар).Међутим, уколико нови хипотекарни повјерилац не изврши упис, не можени вршити своја права која произилазе из садржине хипотеке, првенст-вено даље (регистарско) располагање хипотеком. У том смислу хипоте-карни повјерилац неће имати ни разлучно право у стечајном поступку напредмету хипотеке који је дио стечајне масе.
УОПШТЕ О АДЈЕКТИЦИЈСКОЈ ОДГОВОРНОСТИ D.14.1.5.1. HOC ENIM EDICTO NON TRANSFERTUR ACTIO, SED ADICITUR
Authors: Mишкић Мирјана
Published: December 2019

Догматски номинални основ који су глосатори створили загрупу тужби којима је заједнички именилац одговорност господара посла,прихватиће се као општи назив за све тужбе. Да ли су глосатори исправ-но протумачили Паулове ријечи и да ли назив који су створили суштинскиодражава оригинални римски концепт? Принцип адјектицијске односнододатне одговорности сугерише да постоје два независна вида одговор-ности: одговорност непосредног предузимаоца правног посла и одговор-ност господара посла. У каквом су односу та два вида одговорности и дали заиста у правном поретку егзистирају самостално или се то дешавасамо у теорији римског права?
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE MIGRANT CRISIS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Kuprešanin Jelena , Simović Vladimir
Published: December 2019

The migrant crisis is a reality that inevitably permeates the societyof Bosnia and Herzegovina, and which requires an adequate systemic response.A large number of financial resources that are globally allocated forthe protection of migrants provide the possibility to alleviate the consequencesthat the movement of the population is caused by the fear of one’s own life. Migrationcan have different implications- social, psychological, economic andcultural, as well as two-fold impact: the impact on migrants and the impact ofmigrants on the society they come in. As a social process, migrations changenot only the geographical image of a particular community, but also significantlyaffect the personality of migrants who, due to the crisis, can be furtherdesecrated and deprived. The migrant crisis that has escalated in the region in2015, in Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently a status quo. Numerous expertswarn that the sluggishness and the resolution of the current problems that themigrant crisis brings with them can have far-reaching consequences. The issueof security is one of the key issues and challenges in accordance with which thestrategic direction of each country’s development is directed, as well as the issueof its internal and external policies.Bearing in mind the fact that the society of Bosnia and Herzegovina faces afull-scale migration crisis, it is necessary to define the approach, mechanismsand directions of action that unify the needs of migrants, but also the needs andinterests of the country. The subject of this Paper covers a migrant crisis thatis taking place in region and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the aim is to pointout the psychological aspects that it has or can have on migrants, but also onthe domicile population. Although migration policy is a broad concept, this Pa-per will point to the essential implication, that is, the personality of migrants -children, youth and elderly people who, in addition to stress, marginalization,home distance and the variety of cultures - face daily with the uncertainty oftheir own existence.
PROHIBITING MEASURES AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PRE-TRIAL CUSTODY IF DANGER OF ITERATION EXISTS, YES OR NO?
Authors: Jović Robert
Published: December 2019

The measure of pre-trial custody as the most serve measure to securethe presence of the suspect or accused in criminal proceedings and its successfulconduct has always attracted due attention of both legal doctrines andjudicial practices at all levels due to the consequences concerning the imposedrestriction on the right to freedom of movement. Hence, the interest of scienceand the judiciary was primarily aimed at defining very strict criteria in whichthe measure of pre-trial custody could be used and the rules that should be usedby courts when considering the use of possible alternative measures to ensurethe presence of the suspect or accused that may be the most appropriate, in theparticular situation, without the need to apply a more severe measure if thepurpose of the imposed measure can be achieved with a milder measure. Regardingthe code of criminal proceedings in Bosnia and Herzegovina, all fourlaws on criminal procedure regulate, in a largely identical manner, when andunder what circumstances the custody can be ordered, including the situationof custody order due to the danger of iteration (danger of repetition of criminaloffense or completion of an attempted criminal offense or committing a threatenedcriminal offense).2 However, the reason of confusion and perplexitiesamong the judicial practitioners at various levels of judicial decision-makingis whether the pre-trial custody imposed due to the danger of iteration can bereplaced by prohibiting measures, as milder measures, given that the purpose,in the specific case, is not ensuring the presence of the suspect or the accusedin criminal proceedings, rather than the elimination of the danger of committinga (repeated) criminal offense.It is precisely this problem that is the central point of author’s interest ofthis scientific paper and the author will analyze the theoretical reasons that arefor and the reasons against the possibilities of replacing the custody measurewhen the danger of iteration exists with the prohibiting measures, as well asthe current judicial practice in Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding this issue.
АКАДЕМИК ПРОФ. ДР ВИТОМИР ПОПОВИЋ АРБИТРАЖА ЗА ОБЛАСТ БРЧКО СПОР ИЛИ ФАРСА СТОЉЕЋА
Authors: Јовић Његослав
Published: December 2019

У другој половини 2018. године изашла је из штампе дуго очекиванамонографија „Арбитража за област Брчко - Спор или фарса стољећа“аутора академика проф. др Витомира Поповића која даје увид у комплетанисторијски ток овог арбитражног поступка, од његовог покретања доповлачења из арбитраже академика Поповића, као арбитра.
ПРАКСА УСТАВНОГ СУДА РЕПУБЛИКЕ СРПСКЕ
Authors: Ожеговић Љубомир
Published: December 2019

С обзиром на то да је једино скупштина локалне самоуправе надлежнада доноси опште акте у комуналној области, а да је вршилац комуналнедјелатности овлашћен само да утврди цијену комуналне услуге уз саглас-ност надлежног органа јединице локалне самоуправе, Уставни суд је утвр-дио да јеоспорени нормативни акт којег је неовлашћено донио директорпривредног субјекта у цјелини несагласан са релевантним законом.
ПРАКСА УСТАВНОГ СУДА БОСНЕ И ХЕРЦЕГОВИНЕ
Authors: Симовић Милена
Published: December 2019

Нема повреде права из члана II/3д) Устава Босне и Херцеговине и чла-на 5 Европске конвенције за заштиту људских права и основних слободакада у образложењима оспорених рјешења о одређивању, односно про-дужењу мјере притвора нису изостали разлози и образложења на основупредочених доказа које су редовни судови цијенили у прилог закључкуо постојању основане сумње и нарочитих околности из члана 146 став 1тачка ц) Закона о кривичном поступку Федерације Босне и Херцеговине.
Teachers’ Practices Related to Health Education in Moroccan Schools
Authors: Selmaoui Sabah , Razouki Abdelaziz , Agorram Boujemaa , Khzami Salah-Eddine , Arfaoui Mustapha
Published: December 2019

In this study, we are interested in teachers’ practices related to health education (HE) in school. In our survey, we used a questionnaire as an investigative tool with a sample of 300 teachers from three levels of education: Primary, middle and qualifying high schools. According to the teachers' statements, our study reveals that the majority practice HE in class despite having no training in this area. They generally practice it in a thematic approach that is limited to pedagogical sequences within the framework of the program. In addition, it appears that teachers’ training and seniority have a positive effect on their practice and the self-assessment of their competence in this area. This study also suggests that a school’s lack of openness with the family and other external partners. These factors constitute some of the main obstacles that prevent the implementation of HE in class, in addition to training, lack of time and lack of adequate teaching materials.
Pathological Study of Bacterial Infection that Causes Liver Lesions in Chickens
Authors: Alam Sarker Md. Mahbubul , Rahman Shaziea , Hossain Md. Saroat , Rashid Sarkar Mamunur , Hamid Sm. Ahasanul
Published: December 2019

In Bangladesh, poultry disease diagnosis almost entirely depends upon the post mortem examination. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bacterial diseases and liver lesions in chickens based on gross and microscopic lesions. The study was conducted to 377 liver samples collected from chickens from July to December 2017 in the Rajshahi district, Bangladesh. During the collection of samples, clinical signs and gross changes were recorded very carefully. Histomorphological changes were investigated under a light microscope and the lesions were characterized. In this study, the overall prevalence of bacterial diseases was recorded as 14.05% whereas layer chickens (9.54%) and broiler chickens (4.50%). During the study, the prevalence of Salmonellosis was found 8.22% whereas 11.66% in layer chickens and 3.25% in broiler chickens. On the other hand, the prevalence of Colibacillosis was identified 5.83% in chickens in which 3.18% were broiler chickens and 2.65% were layer chickens. In the case of Salmonellosis, grossly livers were friable, congested, enlarged, bronze discoloration with white focal necrosis, egg follicles were congested and hemorrhagic with stalk formation; microscopically livers formed multifocal nodules with coagulation necrosis. Birds with Colibacillosis grossly showed fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity of chicks, dark-colored swollen liver and spleen, and perihepatitis. The fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome showed clotted blood on the liver, congested, enlarged and friable liver, paleness of the body and excess abdominal fat. From the present study, it was evident that considerable numbers of liver lesions were observed in chicken and a systematic study of liver lesions is helpful in making a diagnosis of various poultry diseases.
Effect of Elemental Sulfur on Phosphorus Availability and Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Grown on a High Terrace Soil in Northern Sudan
Authors: Mohammed-Nour Ahmed , Elfaki Jamal
Published: December 2019

The effect of elemental sulfur on some chemical soil properties and wheat grown was studied by two performing experiments, under high terrace soils of northern region of the Sudan. First experiment (incubation experiment) was executed to quantify the rates and application time of elemental sulfur to be applied in the field experiment. It consisted of five rates of elemental sulfur (0, 165, 330, 495 and 660 kg sulfur feddan-1) and five application times (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks). In the second experiment (field experiment), two wheat varieties (Wadi Elneel and Debeira), three sulfur rates (0 kg S feddan-1, 495 kg S feddan-1 and 660 kg S feddan-1) and three application times (0, 5 and 7 weeks) were arranged in split plot design with four replications. Wheat varieties were assigned to the main plots and the combination of the rates and time application to the sub plots. Results obtained from the incubation experiment indicated differences in soil pH among treatments. Application of elemental sulfur decreased soil pH in each of the two experiments. The effect of elemental sulfur on wheat grain yield and the other studied yield components was not limited the plant height and the 1000 seeds weight. The nitrogen content of the plant tissue was affected by the applied elemental sulfur. Application of 495 kg sulfur feddan-1, 6 weeks before sowing gave the lowest soil pH (7.8) and the least available phosphorus compared to other treatments.
Differential Biochemical Response among Banana (Musa spp.) Genotypes against Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV)
Authors: Tanuja N. , Ramanathan A. , Vanitha S. , Soorianathasundaram K. , Kumar K. K.
Published: December 2019

Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) is one of the major viruses causing high yield loss in bananas. The study was carried out to gain a better understanding of the host and virus interaction and to explore the adaptive mechanism and biochemical responses in banana cultivars viz., Rasthali and Grand Naine against the banana bunchy top virus (BBTV). In the leaf samples of BBTV infected Rasthali and Grand Naine, estimated the total chlorophyll, carbohydrates, phenols and enzyme activities such as peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. The virus infected samples of both cultivars showed a significant increase in the defense enzymes over the healthy sample. Higher total phenols in healthy Rasthali plants which further significantly increased after BBTV infection was observed in comparison to Grand Naine. In contrast to Grand Naine, Rasthali showed higher polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity contributing to increased polyphenol content. Higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in virus infected Rasthali was observed in comparison to Grand Naine. The increased amount of total phenols, polyphenols and SOD activity in Rasthali might have contributed to less susceptibility to bunchy top virus. However, total protein and chlorophyll content were reduced after BBTV infection in both the banana cultivars.
Descriptive Statistics and Heritability for Agronomic Traits and Grain Micronutrient Content in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Kumar Avinash , Kumar Ashutosh , Singh N. K. , Kumar Rajesh , Singh S. K. , . Nilanjaya , Singh Mithilesh Kumar , Singh Santosh Kumar
Published: December 2019

In the present investigation, 10 parents and their 45 crosses (half diallel) along with 2 standard checks (Rajendra Nilam and Rajendra Mahsuri-1) were evaluated during Kharif, 2018 in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications at Rice Farm Section, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), Pusa, Bihar. The objective of this study was to identify promising rice genotypes having desirable combination of morphological traits along with high grain iron and zinc content and high grain yield potential. The results of variability parameters indicated that ample amount of genetic variability was present for all the studied traits. Most of the traits showed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance indicating fruitfulness of selection for improvement of these traits. One genotype (P2×P7) with high grain iron (16.10 ppm) and grain zinc (26.40 ppm) content along with high yield (43.12 g/plant) was identified. Genotypes with high grain iron coupled with high grain yield (P7×P9, P8×P9, P5×P7 and P5×P9) and high  grain zinc content coupled with high grain yield (P4×P7, P9×P10, P8×P9 and P5×P7) were also identified. These promising genotypes identified can be used further in breeding programmes to obtain superior segregants with high grain micronutrient content and high grain yield.
Effect of Zeolite and Mineral Fertilizers on Some Soil Properties and Growth of Jew's Mallow in Clayey and Sandy Soils
Authors: H. H. Khalifa T. , S. Elsaka M. , A. Shabana M. , M. Abo-Elsoud H.
Published: December 2019

Aims: To evaluate the effect of zeolite and mineral fertilizers on some soil properties, availability of soil nutrients and yield of Jew’s mallow (Corchorus olitorius) in clayey and sandy soils.

Study Design: The experimental designed as split plot design with three replicates, the main plots were devoted to zeolite at the rates of 0, 4.76 and 9.52 Mg ha-1 and the sub plots were occupied by mineral fertilizers at the rates of 50% and 100% from the recommended NPK doses.

Place and Duration of Study: During spring and summer seasons of 2018, the field experiments were conducted in Sakha Agricultural Research Station Farm (clayey soil) and private farm at Baltium district (sandy soil).

Methodology: Jew’s mallow grains (Alexandria variety). Soil samples were collected at (0-30 cm depth) in the initial of experiment and after harvesting with the aid of soil auger at random from different parts of the experimental sites to determine the physicochemical and soil moisture characteristics of the soil. Growth characteristics (plant height and fresh mass weight) were studied.

Results: The results showed that ECe, SAR and bulk density values were decreased, while CEC, total porosity, field capacity, permanent wilting point and available water values increased due to application of 9.52 Mg zeolites ha-1 when compared to untreated soil. The maximum stem height and total fresh yield of Jew’s mallow were recorded with the application of 9.52 Mg zeolite ha-1+100% NPK.

Conclusion: It could be concluded that the use of zeolite in clayey and sandy soils improved the soil properties, improved the availability of soil nutrients and consequently decreased the environmental pollution. Also, the obtained results are promising for enhancing the horizontal and/or vertical expansion of agriculture in such problematic soils.
Strategic of Implementation of Ergonomic Positions for Nurses in Healthcare Department with SAST and AHP Methods in Qatar
Authors: Budi Sundoro Ria , Sulistyadi Kohar , Abdulla Syahfirin
Published: December 2019

Background: Performing ergonomic positions in nursing care both directly and indirectly is very fundamental. However, it need the strategy to implement ergonomic positions for the nurses. Aims of research to determine strategies that can be applied by the Healthcare Department Management in the application of ergonomic positions for nurses in Qatar.

Methods: Data analysis using SAST (Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing) and AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) for prioritized the criteria and alternative.

Result: SAST analysis shows all assumptions that appear contained in quadrant I (Certain Planning Region), Process to affect working conditions assumptions with values ​​5.3 - 5.3 (Certainty – Important) are considered as definite and important in apply an ergonomic strategy. In the AHP analysis, Top Down with a value of 0.345 as the most priority choice for criteria level, and Ergonomic Committee Effectiveness being the choice with the highest value 0.231 in alternative level. Both strategies being selected in carrying out an ergonomic position strategy.

Conclusions: In the AHP method, Process to affect working condition has been choose as certainty and important strategy to be implemented. In the SAST method, to achieve the goal, Top Down selected in criteria level and Ergonomic committee effectiveness in the alternative level.
Effect of Biostimulants in Late Seeding of Genotypes of Zea mays L.
Authors: Leonardo Ferreira Luiz , Zanon Barbosa Hiago , Ricardo Carvalho Ivan , Lages Fonseca Prado Roselaine , Rosa da Silva Curvêlo Carmen , Igor de Azevedo Pereira Alexandre , De Sá Fernandes Marilaine , Bertola Carnevale Ariana
Published: December 2019

Seed treatment has as its main feature the prevention of pest entry in cultivated areas, besides being of great importance in the development of vigorous and healthy plants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of corn genotypes with biostimulant in seed treatment under water stress environment. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 3x3 factorial scheme, corresponding to three corn genotypes (P3707, P30S31 and P30F35) and three seed treatments with the biostimulants (ConrSeeds, Stimulate and Água). The experiment was carried out at Luiz Eduardo de Oliveira Sales Experimental Farm, located in the municipality of Mineiros, Goiás, from March 2018 to August 2018. Plant height, stem diameter, ear insertion height, number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, number of grains per ear and yield were evaluated. The obtained data was submitted to the assumptions of the statistical model, verifying the normality and homogeneity of the residual variances, as well as the additivity of the model, testing univariate and multivariate analyzes. Analysis of variance revealed significance only for the main genotype effect. Seed treatments did not improve yield components of corn genotypes. The genotypes differed, where the variables number of rows per ear, number of grains per row and number of grains per ear directly influenced the grain yield.
Potential Protective Role of Thymoquinone on Experimentally-induced Alzheimer Rats
Authors: Fiasal Zaher Mohammad , Abdelfattah Bendary Mohamed , Saeed Abd El-Aziz Gamal , Shaker Ali Ahmad
Published: December 2019

Aim: To evaluate the neuroprotective potential of thymoquinine (TQ) on the oxidative stress status of the brain in aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD in rats.

Study Design:  Animal research study.

Place and Duration of Study: King Fahd Medical Research Center (KFMRC), King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia, April 2018-June 2019.

Methodology: Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Group 1 (Control). Group 2 (AD): supplemented orally with AlCl3 (17 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Group 3 (TQ/AD): supplemented concomitantly with oral TQ (10 mg/kg/day) and AlCl3 (17 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, spatial working memory was assessed using the Y-maze spontaneous alternation test. Then, serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPX) were assessed. Then, the rats were sacrificed, and the brain was isolated, and a light microscopic examination of the hippocampus was performed. Finally, the brain homogenate content of Aβ, tau protein and acetylcholine were biochemically determined.

Results: The AD group showed a significant decreased in the spontaneous alteration performance (SAP %) in Y-maze. Also, in the AD group, serum MDA, Aβ and tau protein were significantly increased with a significant decrease of serum GPX and acetylcholine. Examination of H&E-stained sections of the hippocampus of the AD group revealed decreased thickness and disorganization of the pyramidal cell layer of CA1 and CA3 where many pyramidal cells lost their triangular shape and appeared shrunken. The molecular and polymorphic layers showed increased glial cells and congested blood capillaries. The dentate gyrus showed marked disorganization with some cell loss. Co-administration of TQ with AlCl3 in TQ/AD group, improved SAP % and significantly decreased serum MDA, Aβ, tau protein. It also increased serum GPX and acetylcholine levels. Also, TQ partially attenuated the histopathological changes in the hippocampus.

Conclusion: TQ could mitigate the oxidative stress markers, neurodegenerative indices and histopathological alteration encountered in AD that all reflected on improving the cognitive behavior. This may implement TQ as an adjuvant medical strategy in ameliorating AD.
The Unexpected Role of SeVISpecies in Epoxidations with Benzeneseleninic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Sands Kai N. , Mendoza Rengifo Emerita , George Graham N. , Pickering Ingrid J. , Gelfand Benjamin S. , Back Thomas G.
Published: December 2019

Benzeneperoxyseleninic acid has been proposed as the key intermediate in the widely used epoxidation of alkenes with benzeneseleninic acid and hydrogen peroxide. However, it reacts sluggishly with cyclooctene and instead rapidly decomposes in solution to a mixed selenonium–selenonate salt that was identified by X‐ray absorption and77Se NMR spectroscopy, as well as by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. This process includes a selenoxide elimination of the peroxyseleninic acid with liberation of oxygen and additional redox steps. The salt is relatively stable in the solid state, but generates the corresponding selenonic acid in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The selenonic acid is inert towards cyclooctene on its own; however, rapid epoxidation occurs when hydrogen peroxide is added. This shows that the selenonic acid must first be activated through further oxidation, presumably to the heretofore unknown benzeneperoxyselenonic acid. The latter is the principal oxidant in this epoxidation.
Enhancing the performance of polypyrrole composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors by carbon nanotubes additives
Authors: Lota Katarzyna , Acznik Ilona , Sierczynska Agnieszka , Lota Grzegorz
Published: December 2019

In the framework of this study, a facile method to obtain polypyrrole (PPy)/carbon nanotubes composites is presented. Chemical polymerization of PPy directly on the carbon nanotubes allows to obtain a homogenous distribution of the polymer. A low amount of carbon additive, varying from 1.5 to 5.5 wt %, is applied in order to prevent the decrease of capacitance value due to the presence of a low‐capacitance component and, at the same time, to protect the electrode material from mechanical changes during cycling electrical measurements. The electrochemical properties, such as capacitance, its retention at different current loads, cycling stability, or self‐discharge, are discussed. Improvement of electrochemical performances of the synthesized materials is observed mostly during cyclic stability measurements and at high current regimes. The obtained results confirm that the addition of only 3% of carbon nanotubes provides the best electrochemical performances as electrode materials for supercapacitor application. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48867.
Simultaneous quantification of ambrisentan, macitentan and sitaxentan in human plasma using UPLC–MS/MS
Authors: van de Velde Daan , Bahmany Soma , Hitzerd Emilie , van Domburg Bart , Versmissen Jorie , Danser A.H. Jan , Koch Birgit C.P.
Published: December 2019

Endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) such as, ambrisentan, macitentan and sitaxentan are primarily used for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Considering the rise in endothelin in pre‐eclampsia, ERAs may also be useful in its treatment. To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of ERAs, a rapid ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated to determine the concentration of ambrisentan, macitentan and sitaxentan in human plasma. Plasma samples were treated with methanol to induce protein precipitation. A chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column using a gradient of methanol–water containing 0.1% formic acid and 0.013% ammonium acetate and a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Multiple reaction monitoring was used for quantification. This method was validated in a linear range of 20.28–2028 μg/l for ambrisentan, 4.052–405.2 μg/l for macitentan and 205.4–10 270 μg/l for sitaxentan. The method was successfully validated according to US Food and Drug Administration guidelines to determine the concentrations of macitentan, ambrisentan and sitaxentan in human plasma. This method is now being used for study samples and clinical patient samples.
Hopkins criteria for residual disease assessment after definitive radiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yang , Long Wen , Wang Guannan , Yang Yuxiang , Liu Biaoshui , Fan Wei
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Assessment of viable tumor residue after definitive radiotherapy is essential in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to investigate the use of Hopkins criteria on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for posttreatment response evaluation and whether plasma Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA could bring additional value.

Materials and methods

NPC patients who underwent FDG‐PET/CT scan within 26 weeks after definitive radiotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Residual disease was evaluated by Hopkins 5‐point score. Accuracy of Hopkins criteria before and after incorporating EBV DNA was calculated. Prognostic value for locoregional failure‐free survival (LRFFS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) was analyzed.

Results

One hundred and sixteen patients were evaluated. Median follow‐up time was 28.3 months (range 3.3‐92.0 months). Residual disease was found in 19 (16.4%) patients. Overall, Hopkins criteria had high specificity (86.6%; 95% CI, 78.2%‐92.7%) and negative prognostic value (NPV) (94.4%; 95% CI, 88.7%‐97.3%), while sensitivity and positive prognostic value (PPV) was 73.7% (95% CI, 48.8%‐90.9%), 51.9% (95% CI, 37.8%‐65.6%), respectively. Posttreatment plasma EBV DNA was not predictive of residual tumor (P = .272). PPV and accuracy were 50.0% (95% CI, 32.1%‐67.9%) and 83.0% (95% CI, 73.8%‐90.0%) after incorporating detectable EBV DNA into the scoring system. Positive PET/CT results were significantly correlated with inferior 3‐year LRFFS (95.7% vs 79.5%, P = .043) and 3‐year DFS (84.6% vs 54.4%, P = .028).

Conclusions

The Hopkins criteria demonstrated high NPV and specificity in posttreatment assessment, with the potential to be a reliable prognostic indicator for locoregional failure. Combining EBV DNA with PET/CT did not improve diagnostic accuracies. PET/CT should not be performed less than 12 weeks after treatment.
Mechanism and Origin of Stereoselectivity in Chiral Phosphoric Acid‐Catalyzed Aldol‐Type Reactions of Azlactones with Vinyl Ethers
Authors: Kanomata Kyohei , Nagasawa Yuki , Shibata Yukihiro , Yamanaka Masahiro , Egawa Fuyuki , Kikuchi Jun , Terada Masahiro
Published: December 2019

The precise mechanism of the chiral phosphoric acid‐catalyzed aldol‐type reaction of azlactones with vinyl ethers was investigated. DFT calculations suggested that the reaction proceeds through a Conia‐ene‐type transition state consisting of the vinyl ether and the enol tautomer of the azlactone, in which the catalyst protonates the nitrogen atom of the azlactone to promote enol tautomerization. In addition, the phosphoryl oxygen of the catalyst interacts with the vinyl proton of the vinyl ether. The favorable transition structure features dicoordinating hydrogen bonds. However, these hydrogen bonds are not involved in the bond recombination sequence and hence the catalyst functions as a template for binding substrates. From the results of theoretical studies and experimental supports, the high enantioselectivity is induced by the steric repulsion between the azlactone substituent and the binaphthyl backbone of the catalyst under the catalyst template effect.
Tin(IV) Methylselenolate as a Low Temperature SnSe Precursor and Conductive “Glue” Between Colloidal Nanocrystals
Authors: Vartak Prathamesh B. , Wang Robert Y.
Published: December 2019

We report the synthesis of a soluble precursor that transforms into crystalline SnSe at 200 °C. This transformation temperature is significantly lower than the 270–350 °C range of previously reported tin selenide precursors. This precursor is synthesized by reacting tin with dimethyl diselenide and we identify the precursor as tin(IV) methylselenolate using a combination of mass spectrometry, Raman spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We then chemically treat PbSe colloidal nanocrystals with this precursor and subject them to mild annealing. We characterize the chemical and structural changes during this processing using infrared spectroscopy, aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These characterization studies indicate the successful formation of a SnSe‐like material that fills the interstitial space between the PbSe nanocrystal cores. We find that the electrical conductivity of these nanocrystal films is comparable to other excellent treatments used to improve charge transport. This excellent charge transport demonstrates the utility of tin(IV) methylselenolate as a conductive “glue” between nanocrystals.
Singular Abreu Equations and Minimizers of Convex Functionals with a Convexity Constraint
Authors: Le Nam Q.
Published: December 2019

We study the solvability of second boundary value problems of fourth‐order equations of Abreu type arising from approximation of convex functionals whose Lagrangians depend on the gradient variable, subject to a convexity constraint. These functionals arise in different scientific disciplines such as Newton's problem of minimal resistance in physics and the monopolist's problem in economics. The right‐hand sides of our Abreu‐type equations are quasilinear expressions of second order; they are highly singular and a priori just measures. However, our analysis in particular shows that minimizers of the 2D Rochet‐Choné model perturbed by a strictly convex lower‐order term, under a convexity constraint, can be approximated in the uniform norm by solutions of the second boundary value problems of singular Abreu equations. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism of the Oxidation of 3,3′,5,5′‐Tetramethylbenzidine Catalyzed by Peroxidase‐Like Pt Nanoparticles Immobilized in Spherical Polyelectrolyte Brushes: A Kinetic Study
Authors: Gu Sasa , Risse Sebastian , Lu Yan , Ballauff Matthias
Published: December 2019

Experimental and kinetic modelling studies are presented to investigate the mechanism of 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) catalyzed by peroxidase‐like Pt nanoparticles immobilized in spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPB−Pt). Due to the high stability of SPB−Pt colloidal, this reaction can be monitored precisely in situ by UV/VIS spectroscopy. The time‐dependent concentration of the blue‐colored oxidation product of TMB expressed by different kinetic models was used to simulate the experimental data by a genetic fitting algorithm. After falsifying the models with abundant experimental data, it is found that both H2O2 and TMB adsorb on the surface of Pt nanoparticles to react, indicating that the reaction follows the Langmuir–Hinshelwood mechanism. A true rate constant k, characterizing the rate‐determining step of the reaction and which is independent on the amount of catalysts used, is obtained for the first time. Furthermore, it is found that the product adsorbes strongly on the surface of nanoparticles, thus inhibiting the reaction. The entire analysis provides a new perspective to study the catalytic mechanism and evaluate the catalytic activity of the peroxidase‐like nanoparticles.
Identification of two arylimides as cholinesterase inhibitors and testing of propranolol addition on impaired rat memory
Authors: Ciprés‐Flores Fabiola J. , Farfán‐García Eunice D. , Andrade‐Jorge Erik , Cuevas‐Hernández Roberto I. , Tamay‐Cach Feliciano , Martínez‐Archundia Marlet , Trujillo‐Ferrara José G. , Soriano‐Ursúa Marvin A.
Published: December 2019

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is clearly linked to the decline of acetylcholine (ACh) effects in the brain. These effects are regulated by the hydrolytic action of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Therefore, a central palliative treatment of AD is the administration of AChE inhibitors although additional mechanisms are currently described and tested for generating advantageous therapeutic strategies. In this work, we tested new arylamides and arylimides as potential inhibitors of AChE using in silico tools. Then, these compounds were tested in vitro, and two selected compounds, C7 and C8, as well as propranolol showed inhibition of AChE. In addition, they demonstrated an advantageous acute toxicity profile compared to that of galantamine as a reference AChE inhibitor. in vivo evaluation of memory performance enhancement was performed in an animal model of cognitive disturbance with each of these compounds and propranolol individually as well as each compound combined with propranolol. Memory improvement was observed in each case, but without a significant additive effect with the combinations.
Quantification of low‐temperature oxidation of light oil and its SAR fractions with TG‐DSC and TG‐FTIR analysis
Authors: Wang Tengfei , Wang Jiexiang , Yang Weipeng , Yang Daoyong
Published: December 2019

The oxidation reaction is the key to determining the success of air flooding. In this paper, experimental and theoretical techniques have been developed to identify the low‐temperature oxidation (LTO) mechanisms for light oil during air flooding by comprehensively analyzing thermal stability and oxidation process of the crude oil and its SAR (ie, saturates, aromatics, and resins) fractions. Experimentally, both a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC) and a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (TG‐FTIR) are employed to quantify the LTO process of crude oil and each SAR fraction as well as the corresponding oxidation properties. Theoretically, reaction models have been developed to reproduce the experimentally identified reactions. The results show that the oxygen addition reaction and the bond scission reaction occur simultaneously. The former can be initiated when temperature is higher than 50°C, and it is gradually shifted to the latter with the continuous increase in reservoir temperature. The LTO products of light oil include H2O, CO2, carboxylic acids, alcohols, phenols, and ethers. Saturates, aromatics, and resins are all the sources of H2O, CO2, alcohols, and carboxylic acids, whereas ethers are mainly derived from aromatics and resins. At the beginning of an air flooding process, heat is mainly generated from the oxidation of aromatics and resins. Subsequently, oxidizing saturates gradually dominates the air flooding process with an increase in the reservoir temperature.
Effect of an environmental flow on vegetation growth and health using ground and remote sensing metrics
Authors: Gómez‐Sapiens Martha M. , Jarchow Christopher J. , Flessa Karl W. , Shafroth Patrick B. , Glenn Edward P. , Nagler Pamela L.
Published: December 2019

Understanding the effectiveness of environmental flow deliveries along rivers requires monitoring vegetation. Monitoring data are often collected at multiple spatial scales. For riparian vegetation, optical remote sensing methods can estimate growth responses at the riparian corridor scale, and field‐based measures can quantify species composition; however, the extent to which these different measures are duplicative or complementary is important to understand when planning monitoring programmes with limited resources. In this study, we analysed riparian vegetation growth in the delta of the Colorado River in response to an experimental pulse flow. Our goal was to compare ground‐based measurements of vegetation structure and composition with satellite‐based Landsat radiometric variables, such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). We made this comparison in 21 transects following the delivery of 131.8 million cubic meters (mcm) of water in the stream channel during the spring of 2014 as a pulse flow and 38.4 mcm as base flows. Vegetation cover increased 14% and NDVI increased 0.02 (15%) by October 2015, and both variables returned to pre‐pulse flow values in October 2016. Observed changes in vegetation structure and composition did not persist after the second year. The highest increase in vegetation cover in October 2014 and October 2015 resulted from species that could respond rapidly to additional water such as reeds (Arundo donax and Phragmites australis), cattail (Typha domingensis), and herbaceous plants. Dominant shrubs, saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) and arrowweed (Pluchea sericea), both indicative of nonrestored habitats showed variable increases in cover, and native trees (Salicaceae family) presented low increases (1%). The strong NDVI–vegetation cover relationship indicates that NDVI is appropriate to detect changes at the riparian corridor scale but needs to be complemented with ground data to determine the contributions by different species to the observed trends.