bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in Post-ischemic Motor Recovery and Angiogenesis of MCAO Rats Following Electroacupuncture at Different Acupoints
Authors: Liu Li , Zhang Qun , Xie Hong-Yu , Gua Wei-Jia , Bao Chun-Rong , Wang Nian-Hong , Wu Yi
Published: December 2019

Background:

Electroacupuncture (EA) can promote nerve and vascular regeneration,
confer neuroprotection, inhibit apoptosis and inflammatory reactions, reduce oxidative stress
injury, regulate neurochemicals and inhibit the formation of brain oedema in cerebral ischemic.
However, the precise site of EA stimulation in the treatment of cerebral ischemic is unclear.

Objective:

In the present study, we investigated the effect of EA at the acupoints of different
meridians in motor function recovery and the involvement of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
(VEGF), phosphorylated Protein Kinase B (P-Akt), phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide
synthase (p-eNOS) and Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1(CD31) were examined in
the peri-infarction cortex of rats.

Methods:

The Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model or sham surgery was performed in
a total of Ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: a sham
group, a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) group, a Yang meridian group, a Yin meridian
group and a combined Yang and Yin meridian group. EA stimulus was given during the middle
cerebral artery occlusion. The neurobehavioural function was measured using Modified Neurological
Severity Scores (mNSS), the rotarod test and the ladder rung walking test, and the protein
expression of VEGF, P-Akt, p-eNOS in the peri-infarction cortex was detected by Western blot.
Immunofluorescence was used to measure the vascular density of the peri-infarction cortex.

Results:

EA at different meridian acupoints has no effect on the infarction volume, while EA at
Yin meridian acupoints significantly promoted neurobehavioural functional recovery, increased
the vascular density and enhanced protein kinase B/Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Akt/eNOS)
phosphorylation and VEGF expression.

Conclusion:

In the early stage of stroke, EA at Yin meridian acupoints can improve neurobehavioural
functional recovery and the mechanism of this effect may be related to the enhanced expression
of VEGF, P-Akt and p-eNOS in the peri-infarction cortex of rats.
Small Animal Models for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis: Proceedings of an NIAID Workshop
Authors: Akkina Ramesh , Barber Daniel L. , Bility Moses T. , Bissig Karl-Dimiter , Burwitz Benjamin J. , Eichelberg Katrin , Endsley Janice J. , Garcia J. Victor , Hafner Richard , Karakousis Petros C. , Korba Brent E. , Koshy Rajen , Lambros Chris , Menne Stephan , Nuermberger Eric L. , Ploss Alexander , Podell Brendan K. , Poluektova Larisa Y. , Sanders-Beer Brigitte E. , Subbian Selvakumar , Wahl Angela
Published: December 2019

The main advantage of animal models of infectious diseases over in vitro studies is the
gain in the understanding of the complex dynamics between the immune system and the pathogen.
While small animal models have practical advantages over large animal models, it is crucial to be
aware of their limitations. Although the small animal model at least needs to be susceptible to the
pathogen under study to obtain meaningful data, key elements of pathogenesis should also be reflected
when compared to humans. Well-designed small animal models for HIV, hepatitis viruses
and tuberculosis require, additionally, a thorough understanding of the similarities and differences
in the immune responses between humans and small animals and should incorporate that knowledge
into the goals of the study. To discuss these considerations, the NIAID hosted a workshop on
‘Small Animal Models for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis’ on May 30, 2019. Highlights of the
workshop are outlined below.
Healthcare Workers’ Knowledge of HIV-Exposed Infant Feeding Options and Infant Feeding Counseling Practice in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Iliyasu Zubairu , Galadanci Hadiza S. , Hassan-Hanga Fatima , Abdulrahman Zainab , Tsiga Fatima Ismail , Marryshow Salisha E. , Aliyu Muktar H.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Despite the existence of evidence-based HIV-exposed infant feeding guidelines, infants in Africa still acquire HIV through inappropriate feeding practices.

Objective:

To identify predictors of HIV-exposed infant feeding knowledge and counseling practice among health care workers (HCW) in Nigeria.

Methods:

Structured, pretested questionnaires were administered to HCW (n=262) in a tertiary health facility in Kano, Nigeria. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of HIV-exposed infant feeding knowledge and counseling practice.

Results:

Of 262 respondents, (58.0%, n=152) had good knowledge of recommended feeding options. Respondents listed exclusive breastfeeding (57.6%, n=151), human milk substitutes (45.4%, n=119), HIV-negative wet-nursing (37.0%, n=97), heated expressed human milk (20.6%, n=54) and mixed feeding (13.4%, n=35) as appropriate feeding choices. Over half (57.3%, n=150) of the respondents have ever counseled a HIV-positive mother on infant feeding. Knowledge was predicted by female sex (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)=2.47, 95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.35-4.52), profession (physician vs. laboratory scientist, AOR=4.00, 95%CI:1.25-12.87; nurse/midwife vs. laboratory scientist, AOR=2.75, 95%CI:1.17-9.28), infant feeding counseling training (AOR=3.27, 95%CI:1.87-5.71), and number of children (2-4 vs. 0, AOR=1.75, 95%CI:1.23-3.92). Infant feeding counseling was predicted by female sex (AOR=2.85, 95%CI:1.39-5.85), age (>40 vs. <30 years, AOR=3.87, 95%CI:1.27-15.65), knowledge of infant feeding options (good vs. fair/poor, AOR=3.96, 95%CI:2.07-7.59), training (AOR=2.60, 95%CI:1.42-5.32), and profession (physician vs. laboratory scientist, AOR=10.7, 95%CI:2.85-40.54; nurse/midwife vs. laboratory scientist, AOR=4.8, 95%CI:1.26-18.02).

Conclusion:

The practice of infant feeding counseling among HCW in Nigeria is associated with sex, knowledge, and profession. Our findings may inform the development of targeted training programs for HCW in similar settings.
Tetraamminecopper(II) Sulfate Monohydrate in Oxidative Azide-olefin Cyclo-addition and Three-component Click Reaction
Authors: Sultana Jasmin , Sarma Diganta
Published: December 2019

Introduction:

An effective Cu-complex, [Cu(NH3)4SO4 • H2O] was prepared conveniently from the
inexpensive and easily available starting reagents in a simple route.

Materials and Methods:

Excellent reactivity of the catalyst was observed towards two competent clickcycloadditions:
(a) oxidative cycloaddition of azides with electron-poor olefins and (b) one-pot cycloaddition
of alkynes with boronic acid and sodium azide under “click-appropriate” conditions.

Results:

No external oxidant, short reaction time, high product yield, wide substrate scope, and aqueous
solvent media make the azide-olefin cycloaddition approach a greener route in contrast to the reported
methods.

Conclusion:

The newly developed mild, green, and rapid three-component strategy shows product diversity
with superb yields at room temperature by reducing the synthetic process time and using only 1 mol % of the
synthesized copper complex.
The Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention Based on Theories and Models on Diabetes Outcomes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tavakoly Sany Seyedeh Belin , Ferns Gordon A , Jafari Alireza
Published: December 2019

Background & Introduction:

Patient’s self-management behaviors are essential to control
diabetes. Studies have demonstrated that health educational interventions can improve some aspects of
glycemic control and clinical outcomes, however, it is unclear which education theories underlying
these interventions improve effectiveness. In this review of the literature, we aimed to assess the efficacy
of health education and promotion theories, or models, to improve self-care and self- management
behaviors among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods & Results:

Eight scientific databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Magiran, Google
Scholar, Medlib, ProQuest and Scientific Information Database) were searched to identify a published
academic article from 2010 to 2019. We included quasi-experimental, clinical trial and randomized
clinical trial studies. A total of 26 studies including data from 3879 patients with T2D met the inclusion
criteria. We found that the PRECEDE (7/26, 26.92%) and Health Belief Models (7/26, 26.92%) were
the most common models used to assess the efficacy of health education and health promotion models.

Conclusion:

Overall, health promotion and education theories and models have been used as a useful
instrument for improving the self-care behaviors and self-management behaviors among patients with
T2D.
Thyroid Dysfunction in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Safian Shahin , Esna-Ashari Farzaneh , Borzouei Shiva
Published: December 2019

Aims:

Investigation thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity in pregnant women with gestational
diabetes mellitus.

Background:

This article was written to evaluate the thyroid function and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-
TPO) antibodies in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Method:

A total of 252 women with GDM and 252 healthy pregnant women were enrolled. Thyroid
tests, including TSH, FreeT3, Free T4, and anti-TPO were performed for all women at 24–28 weeks of
gestation. Data analysis was then carried out using SPSS ver. 22.

Result:

There was a significant difference between the experimental group (38.4%) and the control
group (14.06%) in terms of the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism (p= 0.016). The frequency of
anti-TPO was higher in the experimental group than the control group and positive anti-TPO was observed
in 18.6% of women with GDM and 10.3% of healthy pregnant women (P= 0.008).

Conclusion:

Thyroid disorders are observed in pregnant women with GDM more frequently than
healthy individuals and it may be thus reasonable to perform thyroid tests routinely.
Melanoma Detection and Classification using Computerized Analysis of Dermoscopic Systems: A Review
Authors: Nasir Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Attique , Sharif Muhammad , Javed Muhammad Younus , Saba Tanzila , Ali Hashim , Tariq Junaid
Published: December 2019

Malignant melanoma is considered as one of the most deadly cancers, which has broadly
increased worldwide since the last decade. In 2018, around 91,270 cases of melanoma were reported
and 9,320 people died in the US. However, diagnosis at the initial stage indicates a high
survival rate. The conventional diagnostic methods are expensive, inconvenient and subject to the
dermatologist’s expertise as well as a highly equipped environment. Recent achievements in computerized
based systems are highly promising with improved accuracy and efficiency. Several
measures such as irregularity, contrast stretching, change in origin, feature extraction and feature
selection are considered for accurate melanoma detection and classification. Typically, digital dermoscopy
comprises four fundamental image processing steps including preprocessing, segmentation,
feature extraction and reduction, and lesion classification. Our survey is compared with the
existing surveys in terms of preprocessing techniques (hair removal, contrast stretching) and their
challenges, lesion segmentation methods, feature extraction methods with their challenges, features
selection techniques, datasets for the validation of the digital system, classification methods and
performance measure. Also, a brief summary of each step is presented in the tables. The challenges
for each step are also described in detail, which clearly indicate why the digital systems are not
performing well. Future directions are also given in this survey.
Field-dependent Morin Transition and Temperature-Dependent Spin-flop in Synthetic Hematite Nanoparticles
Authors: Obaidat Ihab M. , Alaabed Sulaiman , Al-Omari Imad A. , Narayanaswamy Venkatesha , Issa Bashar , Khaleel Abbas
Published: December 2019

Background:

In nano-size α-Fe2O3 particles, the Morin transition temperature was reported
to be suppressed. This suppression of the TM in nano-size α-Fe2O3 was suggested to be due to high
internal strain and to the enhanced role of surface spins because of the enhanced surface to volume
ratio. It was reported that for nanoparticles of diameters less than 20 nm, no Morin transition was
observed and the antiferromagnetic phase disappears. In addition, annealing of samples was reported
to result in both an increase of TM and a sharper transition which were attributed to the reduction in
defects, crystal growth, or both.

Objective:

In this work, we investigated the role of applied magnetic field in TM, the extent of the
Morin transition, thermal hysteresis, and the spin-flop field in synthetic α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles of
diameter around 20 nm.

Methods:

Hematite nanoparticles were synthesized using the sol-gel method. Morphology and structural
studies of the particles were done using TEM, and XRD, respectively. The XRD patterns confirm
that the particles are hematite with a very small maghemite phase. The average size of the nanoparticles
is estimated from both TEM images and XRD patterns to be around 20 nm. The magnetization
versus temperature measurements were conducted upon heating from 5 K to 400 K and cooling
down back to 5 K at several applied fields between 50 Oe and 500 Oe. Magnetization versus magnetic
field measurements between -5 T and +5 T were conducted at several temperatures in the temperature
range of 2-300 K.

Results:

We report three significant findings in these hematite nanoparticles. Firstly, we report the
occurrence of Morin transition in hematite nanoparticles of such size. Secondly, we report the slight
field dependence of Morin transition temperature. Thirdly, we report the strong temperature dependence
of the spin-flop. Zero-field-cooled magnetization versus temperature measurements were conducted
at several applied magnetic fields.

Conclusion:

From the magnetization versus temperature curves, Morin transition was observed to
occur in all applied fields at Morin transition temperature, TM which is around 250 K with slight field
dependence. From the magnetization versus magnetic field curves, spin-flop in the antiferromagnetic
state was observed and found to be strongly temperature dependent. The results are discussed in
terms of three components of the magnetic phase in our sample. These are the paramagnetic, soft
ferromagnetic, and hard ferromagnetic components.
The Interfacial Effect on H2 Production from Oxidative Steam Reforming of Ethanol Over Rh/Ce1-xLaxO2-δ Nanocatalysts
Authors: Yang Kang , Wang Yafei , Yang Yujie , Hao Hongrui , Han Xue
Published: December 2019

Background:

The production of hydrogen from catalytic reforming ethanol has attracted
wide attention, which provides a promising way to replace fossil fuels with sustainable energy carriers.

Methods:

In this work, the Ce1-xLaxO2-δ solid solution (CL) supported Rh catalysts (nRh/CL, n = 0.5,
1 and 2 wt.%) were prepared by a traditional impregnation method with a variation of Rh loading.
The different interface structure of nRh/CL catalysts and their catalytic performance in oxidative
steam reforming (OSR) reaction were investigated.

Results:

Rh was loaded by the traditional impregnation method, and ethanol conversion and H2 yield
declined in the order of 1%Rh/CL > 2%Rh/CL > 0.5%Rh/CL.

Conclusion:

The supports of the nRh/CL catalysts were confirmed to be Ce1-xLaxO2-δ solid solution,
but only for the 1%Rh/CL catalyst, the Rh species were well-dispersed on the support and formed a
Rh2O3//Ce1-xLaxO2-δ interface structure. The super-cell structure of Rh3+-O-RE3/4+ (RE = Ce, La) on
the surface of 0.5%Rh/CL catalyst and the formation of interfacial Ce1-x-yLaxRhyO2-δ solid solution
for 2%Rh/CL catalyst had effects on the self-activation of the nRh/CL catalysts. The typical lattice
expansion of Ce1-xLaxO2-δ solid solution lowered the energy for migration. And the excellent hydrogen
and oxygen mobility at the Rh//Ce1-xLaxO2-δ interface for 1%Rh/CL catalyst guaranteed the
good catalytic performance for OSR at low temperature.
Investigation of Formaldehyde Adsorption on Carbon Nanotubes by Density Functional Theory
Authors: Chen Dazhi , Cao Zhongqing , Yuan Yong J.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Formaldehyde (HCOH) is the most abundant airborne carbonyl indoor volatile
organic compound (VOC), which is well-known to cause serious health effects such as respiratory
system disease, immune system disorders, and central nervous system damage.

Methods:

The interaction between HCOH and intrinsic, congeners of Au, Ag, Cu-doped SWCNTs
were investigated by density functional theory (DFT) to evaluate the detection of formaldehyde.

Results:

The results demonstrated that the less adsorption on the surface of intrinsic SWCNT, an
HCOH molecule tended to be chemisorbed to the Au, Ag, and Cu atoms of doped SWCNT with
larger binding energy of 0.4-0.8 eV and smaller binding distance of 1.9-2.3 Å. Furthermore, charge
transfer and density of state studies indicated tha t the electronic properties changed evidently in the
most stable HCOH-doped SWCNT systems, mainly at the region of -5.5 to -4.5 eV and Fermi level.

Conclusion:

More importantly, the adsorption of HCOH affected the electronic conductance of
doped SWCNT. It is expected that the results obtained in this study could provide a useful theoretical
guidance for the investigation of molecular films interface bonding and design of HCOH sensing
devices.
Targeting Trypanothione Reductase of Leishmanial major to Fight Against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis
Authors: Dukhyil Abdul Aziz A. Bin
Published: December 2019

Background:

1.2-2.0 million cases of leishmaniasis occur annually throughout the world. The available drugs like Amphotericin B, antimonials and miltefosine are unable to fulfill the need due to less effectiveness, high toxicity, resistance, high cost and complex route of administration. Leishmania survives inside the macrophages through different evasion mechanisms; one of that is activation of its trypanothione reductase enzyme which neutralizes the reactive oxygen species generated inside the macrophages to kill the parasites. This enzyme is unique and absent in human, therefore in this study I targeted it for screening of new inhibitors to fight against leishmaniasis.

Methods:

Homology modeling of Leishmania major trypanothione reductase was performed using Phyre2 server. The homology based modelled protein was validated with PROCHECK analysis. Ligplot analysis was performed to predict the active residues inside the binding pocket. Further, virtual screening of ligand library containing 113 ligands from PubChem Bioassay was performed against the target using AutoDock Vina Tool.

Results:

Top five ligands showed best binding affinity. The molecule having PubChem CID: 10553746 showed highest binding affinity of -11.3 kcal/mol. Over all this molecule showed highest binding affinity and moderate number of hydrogen bonds. Hopefully, this molecule will be able to block the activity of target enzyme, trypanothione reductase of Leishmania major effectively and may work as new molecules to fight against cutaneous leishmanaisis.

Conclusion:

This study will help the researchers to identify the new molecules which can block the activity of leishmanial-trypanothione reductase, a novel enzyme of trypanosomatids. These screened inhibitors may also be effective not only in leishmaniasis but also other trypanosomatid-mediated infectious diseases.
MENINGKATKAN PROSES DAN HASIL BELAJAR RANGKAIAN LISTRIK MELALUI PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF MODEL STAD
Authors: Santoso Djoko , Rochayati Umi
Published: December 2019

Penelitian bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran, hasil belajar serta tanggapan mahasiswa terhadap implementasi pembelajaran kooperatif model STAD. Model penelitian tindakan kelas dengan tiga siklus, dilaksanakan tiga bulan terhadap mahasiswa S1 reguler Jurusan Teknik Elektronika yang mengambil mata kuliah rangkaian listrik. Pegumpulan data dengan dokumentasi, observasi, dan tes, angket. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan pembelajaran kooperatif STAD dapat meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran. Proses pembelajaran terkesan lebih menarik karena mahasiswa bukan lagi sebagai obyek tetapi lebih sebagai subyek dalam pembelajaran. Kondisi pembelajaran diwarnai dengan aktivitas diskusi kelompok, mahasiswa berperan aktif dan saling ketergantungan satu sama lain dalam penguasaan konsep, sehingga terjadi interaksi belajar multi arah, peran dosen justru sebagai fasilitator. Hasil belajar mahasiswa mengalami peningkatan pada setiap siklusnya. Tanggapan mahasiswa terhadap implementasi pembelajaran kooperatif STAD 10,81 % menyatakan sangat setuju dan 89,19 % menyatakan setuju.
UPAYA PENINGKATAN KEAKTIFAN SISWA MELALUI PEMBELAJARAN BERDASARKAN GAYA BELAJAR DI SMK NEGERI 1 SAPTOSARI
Authors: Wibowo Nugroho
Published: December 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peningkatan keaktifan siswa melalui penerapan gaya belajar pada mata pelajaran memelihara baterai di SMK Negeri 1 Saptosari.          Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas, dilaksanakan di kelas X TKR B pada semester genap tahun pelajaran 2014/2015. Jenis tindakan penelitian tindakan kelas ini menggunakan model Kemmis dan Taggart. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, angket dan dokumentasi, alat yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data penelitian: lembar observasi, angket keaktifan siswa, dan checklist dokumentasi. Data yang diperoleh pada penelitian ini dianalisis menggunakan teknik analisis deskriptif dengan presentase, selain itu juga didasarkan pada refleksi tiap siklus tindakan.Hasil penelitian: 1) Pemanfaatan gaya belajar untuk pembelajaran dilakukan melalui tiga tahapan: pencarian data gaya belajar siswa, pengelompokan siswa, dan pemberian materi sesuai gaya belajar; 2) Pemanfaatan gaya belajar dapat meningkatkan keaktifan siswa berdasarkan lima indikator yaitu: perhatian, kerjasama dan hubungan sosial, mengemukakan pendapat atau ide, pemecahan masalah, dan disiplin.
Samoostvarivanje živih bića i GMO-a u poljoprivredi
Authors: Guć Josip
Published: December 2019

U radu ću iznijeti prijedlog jednog etičkog okvira za promišljanje moralnog obzira spram ljudskih i ne-ljudskih živih bića koji se temelji na pojmu samoostvarivanja. Takva etička pozicija, koja za moralno ispravno djelovanje drži ono djelovanje koje stremi omogućavanju samoostvarivanja svakom živom biću, pokušava utemeljiti biocentrički obzir ne udaljavajući se suviše od klasičnih etičkih kategorija. Uz to, ona je podesna za prosudbu suvremenih konkretnih moralnih problema, u što svakako spada pitanje opravdanosti genetičke modifikacije organizama u poljoprivredi. Osim što se čovjekove intervencije u intimnu strukturu živih bića koje bespotrebno ugrožavaju njihovo samoostvarivanje pokazuju moralno sumnjivima, s aspekta ljudskog samoostvarivanja problematičnim se pokazuje i čitav znanstveni, tehnološki i ekonomski sklop kojemu takve radnje pripadaju. Upravo fokusiranjem na ovaj sklop približavamo se onome što držimo za predzadatak morala, naime, izbjegavanju sukoba razloga obvezatnosti spram samoostvarivanja različitih živih bića, čime se istovremeno razotkrivaju i potencijali za utopičnost (bio)etičkog mišljenja. Stoga se namjesto klasičnog pro et contra pristupa problematici GMO-a u poljoprivredi ovdje bavimo propitivanjem često nepropitanih uvjeta u kojima se genetičke modifikacije u tom polju odvijaju.
Chrzest jako duchowe małżeństwo w nauczaniu Jana Chryzostoma
Authors: Grzywa Anna
Published: December 2019

Jan Chryzostom w swoim bogatym dorobku duszpasterskim pozostawił po sobie także katechezy skierowane do katechumenów i nowo ochrzczonych. W dostępnych pouczeniach katechetycznych możemy dostrzec, iż szczególnie często odwołuje się on do wizji chrztu jako duchowego małżeństwa. W takim rozumieniu Chrystus – doskonały oblubieniec – przychodzi poślubić oblubienicę – katechumena – a jego inicjatywa i bezwarunkowa miłość przemienia grzesznego i pełnego słabości kandydata, czego symbolem przywoływanym przez katechetę staje się także lśniąca szata weselna. Artykuł wskazuje konteksty, w których Jan Chryzostom przywołuje wskazane porównanie oraz próbuje odpowiedzieć na pytanie, skąd u autora tak liczne odwołania do obrazu małżeństwa w odniesieniu do sakramentu chrztu.
Excellence in eco-friendly performance of a green hotel product and guests' proenvironmental behavior
Authors: Han Heesup , Moon Hyoungeun , Lee Hyerin
Published: December 2019

We examined the major drivers of hotel guests' intention to engage in proenvironmental behavior during their stay, and also investigated the effect of awareness of environmental problems in the generation of this intention. Participants were 263 guests at green hotels in Vietnam, who
completed a survey assessing the eco-friendly performance of a green hotel product, the guests' satisfaction with the green product experience, moral norms, awareness of environmental problems, and intention to engage in proenvironmental behavior. Our structural analysis results indicated
that the eco-friendly performance of a green hotel product, satisfaction, and moral norms contributed to building guests' intention to engage in proenvironmental behavior during their stay. Satisfaction was the most influential factor in the formation of this intention. Our findings also showed
that awareness of environmental problems significantly moderated the mediating role of satisfaction and moral norms in proenvironmental intention. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
The relationship between patient donation and satisfaction with online healthcare service quality
Authors: Hu Yuanrong , Lu Shengkang , Tang Zhongming
Published: December 2019

We explored how donation relates to patient satisfaction with the quality of process and outcome in an online healthcare service. Using a dataset of 496,723 patient consultation records collected from ChunyuDoctor, which is among the largest of the Chinese mobile healthcare applications,
we conducted a multiple regression and found that patient satisfaction with both process and outcome jointly influenced their donation. We also found that higher quality satisfaction levels meant paying patients were more likely to donate than were free patients. Our results also showed satisfaction
with the quality of the process and the outcome had an equal impact on patient donation for the free patients, but the impact of process quality was greater than that of outcome quality for the paying patients, suggesting the importance of enhancing the quality of the process in an online
healthcare service. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Sociotechnical fit and perceived usefulness of enterprise social networks
Authors: Wu Bing
Published: December 2019

I aimed to show how the sociotechnical fit model may be employed to understand users' perception of the usefulness of enterprise social networks (ESNs). Specifically, I examined the fit between organization, technology, and employee as a determinant of the perceived usefulness of ESNs.
Participants were 275 employees of JA Company who had previously used an ESN, and they completed measures of organizational factors, ESN characteristics, task characteristics, organization–technology fit, task–technology fit, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness. Results
of structural equation modeling showed that organization–technology fit differed based organizational support but not the technological characteristics of ESNs; task–technology fit was influenced by ESN technological features, task features, and organization–technology fit;
and there were significant relationships between organization–technology fit and perceived usefulness, between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness, and between task–technology fit and perceived ease of use. The research findings contribute to understanding of the roles
of organization–technology–human fit constructs that drive people's perception of usefulness in the context of ESNs.
Parental involvement in home-based education and children's academic achievement in China
Authors: Gan Yongtao , Bilige Sude
Published: December 2019

Chinese children's academic achievement has consistently been found to relate to parental involvement. We surveyed 4,222 students in the 8th grade at 15 junior high schools in Hainan Province, China. The data were examined using correlation analysis followed by latent class analysis.
The latent class dimensions of parental involvement in home- based education were parent–child communication, home supervision, homework help, emotional support, and parental expectations. A series of models were estimated specifying one through five latent classes. Four types of home-based
parental involvement were identified: supportive, basic, strict, and disengaged. After determining the best fitting model, we tested our hypotheses with multiple analysis of variance of parents' socioeconomic status and the students' academic achievement by type of home-based parental involvement.
There were, accordingly, significant differences for both socioeconomic status and their children's academic achievement. Scores for both achievement and socioeconomic status were highest among students with supportive home-based parent involvement, followed by those with basic, strict, and
disengaged involvement, in descending order. The quantity and quality of parental involvement positively related to the children's academic achievement. We recommend that parents support their children's learning using high-quality communication and involve their children in democratic decision
making.
Self-efficacy and work performance: The role of work engagement
Authors: Tian Guixian , Wang Jian , Zhang Zhuo , Wen Yuping
Published: December 2019

We investigated the influence of self-efficacy on work performance and its mediated link through work engagement by developing a theoretical model based on a literature review. Data from 241 employees of 3 banking companies in China showed that self-efficacy was significantly correlated
with work engagement, and work engagement was significantly correlated with work performance. Structural equation modeling results indicated that work engagement acted as a partial mediator in the self-efficacy–work performance relationship. These findings highlight the role of work
engagement as a key factor in work-related well-being that can change the effects of self-efficacy on work performance. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Effects of a life skills-based sexuality education program on Korean early adolescents
Authors: Lee Gyu-Young , Lee Da Ye
Published: December 2019

We verified the effectiveness of a life skills-based sexuality education program that involved applying learner-centered principles among South Korean upper elementary grade students. We developed an 8-session program to improve sexuality knowledge and the sexual behaviors of adolescents
through gaining practical skills applicable to daily life. Participants were 68 students at a school located in Seoul and we analyzed their data using a 1-sample t test to determine the effectiveness of the proposed intervention program. The results showed that the proposed program
increased the sexuality knowledge and interpersonal skills of the adolescents; however, the improvement in sexual attitude was not statistically significant. This study is significant as the program is the first life skills-based sexuality education course developed for use with elementary
school students in Korea. Our program could be used in developing a learner-centered sexuality education program applicable to real-life situations.
Improvement of the sunflower seed separation process efficiency on the vibrating surface
Authors: Aliiev Elchyn , Gavrilchenko Alexander , Tesliuk Hennadii , Tolstenko Alexander , Koshul’ko Vitaliy
Published: December 2019

The study of the sunflower seed separation process during its movement on the
vibrating surface has been carried out in two stages. The first
(theoretical) stage has been implemented in the software package STAR-CCM +
using the corresponding physical models. The second stage is the conduct of
experimental research on a pilot sample with a base of vibrating pneumatic
PVS table. As a result of numerical simulation and experimental studies of
the sunflower seed separation process during its movement on the vibrating
surface, we have determined the dependences of the change in the
distribution coefficient, productivity and power consumed by the vibrating
pneumatic separator from the seed supply, the inclination angles of the
vibrating surface, the frequency and amplitude of its oscillation and the
velocity of the airflow V. The statistical analysis has shown that the
correlation coefficient between the theoretical and experimental
dependencies in the variation of the values of the factors in the given
range is 0.88-0.92. The technological and constructive scheme of the
adaptive vibrating pneumatic separator with rationally defined regime
parameters (seed supply, airflow velocity, deck oscillation frequency, deck
inclination angle) has been developed basing of the obtained theoretical and
experimental dependencies, using the software which is based on the created
algorithm, allowing to perform the technological process of sunflower seed
mixtures separating by volume density with higher productivity and quality.
The content of basic cannabinoids and their mutual ratios in Cannabis sativa L. plant
Authors: Dragoljic Mirjana , Rodic-Grabovac Branka , Vasiljevic Ljubica , Matic Vesna , Simurdic Ljiljana
Published: December 2019

Cannabinoids are typical chemical ingredients of a Cannabis sativa L. plant.
The main psychoactive ingredient of this plant is ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol,
whose content mostly determines the strength or potential of a cannabis
product. In addition to this ingredient, the forensic analysis also includes
determination of the presence and content of cannabidiol and cannabinol.
Over the last couple of decades, there have been changes in chemical
composition of cannabis products in many countries, and they manifest
through the increase of total psychoactive potential. Monitoring of basic
cannabinoids content and their mutual ratios, processed in this paper, has
shown that there is a growing number of samples with high
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, while the cannabidiol (CBD) content is
very low or is not present in samples at all. The THC/CBD ratio also
confirms changes in plant chemotype in terms of increasing total
psychoactive potential of a cannabis plant.
Experimental production of heat-acid coagulating cheese with addition of prune
Authors: Kadric Emina , Saric Zlatan
Published: December 2019

Cheesemaking is one of the most complex technologies in dairy and cheese
science as a product of this art enjoys a special status among dairy
products thanks to its high-value ingredients. Facts about rich cheese
culture and tradition affect the modern consumer society, occupied by brands
and consumers, as a result, are no longer satisfied only with good products.
Thus, cheese is ideal product for modern consumers. Upon this the idea of
joining cheese and traditional Bosnian product - the prune was born. In this
research the experimental preparation of thermally - acidic coagulating
cheese with the addition of prune is presented with the assumption that this
cheese is acceptable for consumers. The cheese was tested for chemical
composition and the quality parameters and it is shown that the quality
parameter values correspond to heat-acid coagulating cheese type. In order
to examine the shelf life of the product cheese was stored for 5 and 10 days
and the changes of that samples occurred were noted. As a fundamental part
of the research to determine the acceptability of the product sensory
analysis was performed and the research showed that the experimental product
was 95% acceptable by consumers and 100% acceptable by panel of expert
evaluators. The cheese cannot be stored for a long time and it is proper to
be consumed in a fresh state.
Electrodialytic whey demineralization involving polymer-inorganic membranes, anion exchange resin and graphene-containing composite
Authors: Myronchuk Valerii , Zmievskii Yurii , Dzyazko Yuliya , Rozhdestveska Ludmila , Zakharov Vladimir , Bildyukevich Alexander
Published: December 2019

Electrodialysis of cheese whey was performed using polymer membranes modified
with zirconium hydrophosphate (cation exchange separator) and hydrated
zirconium dioxide (anion exchange material). Both neutral and acidic
solutions were used as a concentrate. As found, a 0.1 M HCl solution is
preferable: the current efficiency towards mineral components and
desalination degree reach 75-81 % and 90 % respectively, when the current
does not exceed limiting current for cations. Anion exchange resin, as well
as the composite containing zirconium dioxide and oxidized graphene, were
involved in desalination. The composite adsorbs preferably cations,
adsorption of anions is depressed. Its adsorption capacity is 1.2 (K+) and
0.25 (CL-) mmol g-1. Whey passed subsequently through the electrodialysis
cell and beds of these materials. This approach allowed us to achieve the
demineralization degree of 99%, and minimize losses of organic substances.
Adsorption materials can be used repeatedly. The advantage of the composite
over ion exchange resins is facile regeneration.
The influence of roasting temperature on the physical properties of Arabica and Robusta coffee
Authors: Odzakovic Bozana , Dzinic Natalija , Jokanovic Marija , Grujic Slavica
Published: December 2019

The influence of different roasting temperatures on the physical properties
of Arabica and Robusta coffee was investigated. Arabica (Rio Minas) of two
quality classes and Robusta coffee samples, roasted at 167, 171 and 175?C,
were used for this research. Bulk density, total weight loss, water
activity, texture and colour of coffee were determined. Total weight loss
increased, and bulk density of coffee beans decreased with increasing of
roasting temperature. Arabica 1st class with the highest weight and volume
also had the highest total weight loss and Robusta had the highest bulk
density. Coffee samples roasted at 175?C had significantly lower (P<0.05)
water activity values than samples roasted at 167?C and those changes
mostly affected mechanical properties of beans. The highest breaking force
values had Arabica 1st class, with lower share of black beans, roasted at
167?C and Arabica 2nd class roasted at 171 and 175?C, compared to other
samples roasted at the same temperatures. Robusta beans had the most brittle
and fragile texture. It can be concluded that texture of coffee depends on
the roasting temperature, type and class of coffee as well. L*, a*, and b*
colour parameters decreased as the roasting temperature increased, which
affected on coffee beverage colour defined as brown (167?C) and dark brown
(171?C and 175?C) with different share of yellowish, orange, reddish and
grey shades. Sensory analysis can be used as a good tool for a detailed
description of coffee colour, as an important indicator of quality,
especially in industrial conditions of coffee production.
Suitability of African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa) pulp as a replacement for sucrose in cassava-wheat composite biscuit production
Authors: Olatoye Kazeem , Florence Adebayo , Lawal Laide
Published: December 2019

High dietary sugar consumption from snack can be reduced by replacing sucrose
fraction with healthier sweeteners. Potentials of African locust bean pulp
(ALBP) as replacement for sucrose in biscuit production from cassava-wheat
flour was evaluated. ALBP was manually extracted from the yellow fruit of
African locust bean and oven-dried. Sucrose contents were replaced with ALBP
at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% in biscuit formulation using standard recipe.
Baked biscuit samples were evaluated for chemical (proximate composition,
minerals and phytochemical) and physicochemicals (vitamin C, Carotenoids,
Total sugar, Brix and pH) properties, using standard methods. Sensory
properties were evaluated on a nine-point hedonic scale by thirty panelists.
Data were analysed using ANOVA at p<0.05. With increase in ALBP substitution
for sucrose, there were increase in moisture (1.63-3.13 ),crude protein
(9.78-11.73 %,), Ash (2.00-3.93%,) fibre (0.57- 1.1%) and fat (10.00-14.11%)
contents of biscuits but decrease in carbohydrate (75.85%-66.99). No
significant influence on metabolizable energy (436.41-432.46kcal/100g).
Vitamin C and carotenoid contents also increased and ranges between
(0.0-0.19mg/g) and (0.51 -0.93mg/100g) respectively, with concomitant
reduction in total sugar (32.70- 29.43(mg/g). Iron, phosphorus and Zinc in
(mg/100g) ranged from (2.07 to 3.00), (54.40 to 60.80) and (1.31 to 1.39)
respectively. Anti nutrient factors tannin, phytate, cyanide and oxalate
were within tolerable limits and ranged between (0.01-0.04mg/g),
(0.37-0.46mg/g), (0.37-0.12mg/g) and (0.05-0.07mg/g) respectively. Consumer
acceptability study indicated that 25% replacement of ALBP for sucrose is
mostly acceptable (7.77 ?0.94). ALBP could serve as alternative sweetner or
substitute to sucrose in composite biscuit or similar snacks production.
Comparison of extraction agents for metal determination in sediments from artificial lakes and rivers in Serbia
Authors: Pantovic-Spajic Katarina , Sakan Sanja , Djordjevic Dragana , Sostaric Tatjana , Lopicic Zorica , Janicijevic Aleksandra , Stojanovic Ksenija
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effectiveness of three
different extraction agents for the extraction of 25 elements from sediment
samples collected from 4 artificial lakes and 12 rivers in Serbia (33
samples in total). The extraction efficiency of the agents was evaluated by
its ability to extract the highest quantity of the elements. For that
purpose, three acids (1M HCl, 2M HNO3 and 0.43M CH3COOH) have been used.
Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used
for quantitative determination of following elements: Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi,
Ca, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Ni, Na, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, V, and
Zn. The extraction with 1M HCl has shown the best results for the majority
of investigated elements (especially Sr, Mn and Ca). Antimony (Sb) was
detected only after extraction with 0.43M CH3COOOH, while selenium (Se)
could not be detected when 2M HNO3 was applied as extraction agents. The
present study could be very useful for choosing a suitable method for
specific elements and also can be helpful in the evaluation of the
contaminants in freshwater sediments in Serbia. This might contribute to
environmental risk assessment of the present elements.
The adiabatic flame temperature and laminar flame speed of methane premixed flames at varying pressures
Authors: Sakhrieh Ahmad
Published: December 2019

This paper studies the influence of equivalence ratio, pressure and initial
temperature on adiabatic flame temperature and laminar flame speed of
methane-air mixture. The results indicate that adiabatic flame temperature
is weakly correlated with pressure. The adiabatic flame temperature
increases only by about 50?C as a result of 30 bar pressure increase. The
flame speed is inversely proportional to pressure. The maximum adiabatic
flame temperature and flame speed occur at the stoichiometric ratio, ?=1.
The percent increase in the flame speed was about 400% when the initial
temperature of the mixture is increased from 25?C to 425?C.
Near infrared spectroscopy as a rapid method for detecting paprika powder adulteration with corn flour
Authors: Zaukuu John-Lewis , Bodor Zsanett , Vitalis Flora , Zsom-Muha Victoria , Kovacs Zoltan
Published: December 2019

Paprika powder is a spice of culinary importance in many homes but it?s
powdered form, has been targeted for fraudulent activities intended at
consumer deception. Diverse methods have been used to investigate some of
these adulterations but there is no report of paprika adulteration with corn
flour, although it remains a suspicion. Technologies such as the near
infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) possess non-invasive and rapid advantages that
could be explored to monitor this type of adulteration. The study aimed to
discriminate and quantify different levels of paprika powder adulterated
with corn flour, using NIRS. Two authentic paprika types (DP and SP) were
purchased from reputable sources in Hungary and artificially adulterated in
the laboratory. Three repeats of each adulteration level (40%, 30%, 25%,
20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 1%) were prepared and scanned with the Metri NIRS
respectively, then, analysed with chemometrics: Linear discriminant analysis
(LDA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR). LDA showed 100%
recognition and prediction accuracies respectively when DP and SP were
analyzed separately to discriminate different concentrations of paprika
adulteration. LDA models with NIRS recognize corn flour adulteration with
95.55% and predict it with 95.02% accuracy irrespective of the paprika type
used in this experiment. PLSR prediction of 40%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%,
5%, 3%, 1% corn flour adulteration yielded an R2CV of 0.98 (high accuracy)
and a low RMSECV of 1.71 g/100g (low error). Near infrared as a non-invasive
technique exhibited good potentials for paprika powder authentication when
corn flour is used as an adulterant.
Serbian aromatized wine “Bermet”: Electrochemical, chemiluminescent and spectrophotometric determination of antioxidant activity
Authors: Gorjanovic Stanislava , Pastor Ferenc , Loupassaki Sofia , Veljovic Mile , Vukosavljevic Predrag , Zlatanovic Snezana , Pezo Lato
Published: December 2019

Serbian aromatized wine ?Bermet? from grapes grown on Fruska Gora Mountain has been in production since the 15th century. Ten commercial Bermets produced according to the traditional procedure by different manufacturers, and six prepared within the scope of this study were assessed for antioxidant (AO) activity using electrochemical, chemiluminescent and spectrophotometric AO assays. Direct current polarographic assay based on the decrease of anodic current of [hydrogen(peroxido)(1-)]hydroxidomercury(II) complex formation in alkaline H2O2 solution at potential of mercury oxidation, chemiluminescent H2O2 scavenging assay, as well as commonly used spectrophotometric assays (2,2?-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) based Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)) were used. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by Folin?Ciocalteu assay. The results obtained were correlated using regression analysis, ANOVA and F-test. An integrated approach to AO capacity determination allowed a more comprehensive comparison between samples. The approach is based on the introduction of the relative antioxidant capacity index, calculated by assigning each AO assay equal weight, and by PCA analysis. In addition, the introduction of phenolic antioxidant coefficients, calculated as the ratio between individual AO capacity and TPC, enabled a better understanding of their relation.
Macroeconomic effects of unconventional balance sheet policies in the United States and The Euro area
Authors: Ryczkowski Maciej
Published: December 2019

Post Great Recession vector autoregression analysis revealed that the reserves? creation of the European Central Bank (ECB) until 2015 had an impact on the perceived credit risk that was either statistically insignificant or opposite to the expected one. The ECB?s unconventional measures returned the real GDP growth merely to an equilibrium of nil growth. In the United States, unconventional balance sheet policies of the Federal Reserve System (the Fed) significantly increased the real GDP by between 3.2% and 5.3% and reduced the initial rise of the perceived credit risk. We argue that the plausible reason for the discrepancy between the Fed and the ECB?s outcomes were the contrasting goals of both central banks. The major conclusion is that creation of money by the central bank may support the economy after a crisis, but it cannot deliver long-run prosperity. The positive effects of balance sheet policies were found to be short-lasting.