bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bordering a Hybrid World: Infrastructural Isolation and the Governance of Human and Nonhuman Mobility
Authors: Dijstelbloem Huub
Published: June 2020

The function of borders has changed. In addition to marking the boundaries of a territory and the sovereignty of nation-states, “bordering” has become an infrastructural project that is applied in various situations. This article looks into three situations of infrastructural bordering: namely, (1) externalization of border control, (2) disaster displacement, and (3) health security. These situations indicate that infrastructural bordering takes place in a hybrid world. As infrastructures, borders are intermingled with technologies of all sorts, varying from large databases and visual surveillance techniques to biometric applications and the creation of smart borders. These technologies affect the place of borders by placing them outward and inward of countries, as well as the temporalities of border control by connecting analyses of past and future movements to the present. Border infrastructures not only relate to technology but also connect to “nature” in specific ways—that is, to weather conditions, the environment, climate change, disasters, and viruses in the context of health security. The article suggests that in these situations, borders conduct acts of “infrastructural isolation” and “infrastructural circulation” that construct distinct but connected spheres that allow for the application of specific measures for movable configurations of humans and nonhumans. Bordering, in that sense, consists of a meticulous interplay between “circulation” and “isolation.” The article is part of the Global Perspectives, Media and Communication special issue on “Media, Migration, and Nationalism,” guest-edited by Koen Leurs and Tomohisa Hirata.
Developing a Digital Welfare State: Data Protection and the Use of Automated Decision-Making in the Public Sector across Six EU Countries
Authors: Choroszewicz Marta , Mäihäniemi Beata
Published: June 2020

This article uses the sociolegal perspective to address current problems surrounding data protection and the experimental use of automated decision-making systems. This article outlines and discusses the hard laws regarding national adaptations of the European General Data Protection Regulation and other regulations as well as the use of automated decision-making in the public sector in six European countries (Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Finland, France, and the Netherlands). Despite its limitations, the General Data Protection Regulation has impacted the geopolitics of the global data market by empowering citizens and data protection authorities to voice their complaints and conduct investigations regarding data breaches. We draw on the Esping-Andersen welfare state typology to advance our understanding of the different approaches of states to citizens’ data protection and data use for automated decision-making between countries in the Nordic regime and the Conservative-Corporatist regime. Our study clearly indicates a need for additional legislation regarding the use of citizens’ data for automated decision-making and regulation of automated decision-making. Our results also indicate that legislation in Finland, Sweden, and Denmark draws upon the mutual trust between public administrations and citizens and thus offers only general guarantees regarding the use of citizens’ data. In contrast, Germany, France, and the Netherlands have enacted a combination of general and sectoral regulations to protect and restrict citizens’ rights. We also identify some problematic national policy responses to the General Data Protection Regulation that empower governments and related institutions to make citizens accountable to states’ stricter obligations and tougher sanctions. The article contributes to the discussion on the current phase of the developing digital welfare state in Europe and the role of new technologies (i.e., automated decision-making) in this phase. We argue that states and public institutions should play a central role in strengthening the social norms associated with data privacy and protection as well as citizens’ right to social security.
The Model of Entrepreneurial Commitment: Strategies for Improving Student Start-Up Business Performance
Authors: Nuryana Ita , Margunani Margunani
Published: June 2020

The classic factor determining the performance of a micro business from the financial side is the working capital management but some of these efforts often fail because of entrepreneurial commitment issues. The existence of such phenomena has pushed further to reveal the role of entrepreneurial commitment in increasing the role of working capital management on business performance. This study aimed to determine the effect of working capital management on student start-up performance that is moderated by entrepreneurial commitment. This research was a quantitative research. The sample in this study was 169 student start-up businesses throughout the Province of Central Java. Analysis of the data in this study used moderate regression analysis (MRA). Through the Moderating Regression Analysis (MRA) the results of this study indicated that entrepreneurial commitment moderated the effect of working capital management on the sustainability of start-up, while working capital had no effect on business performance. The implication of this research was the development of risk and return theory by making entrepreneurial commitment as a reinforcement of the effect of working capital management on business performance.
The Analysis of Factors Influencing Financial Technology Usage in Higher Education
Authors: Vhalery Rendika , Leksono Ari Wahyu , Anggresta Vella
Published: June 2020

This study aims to analyze and to shape the factors that influence the use of financial technology, especially among students, because recently the financial technology usage among students increased slightly in the previous year. This increase was influenced by several factors that have not been classified. The population consisted of 1,229 students of the Indraprasta University PGRI Jakarta, with 273 students as the sample obtained using simple random sampling. Techniques of data collection used a questionnaire with a Likert scale consisting of seven points. Techniques of data analysis used factor analysis from software Statistical Package for the Social Science version 24.0. The results of the factor analysis show that eight factors are formed from several variables, with a contribution of 65.368%. While 34,632% is explained by other not examined factors, these factors consist of security, product offered, access and profit, loyalty, information, facility, demand and quality. For future research, it needs to test and analyze factors formed to add references of science and technology, especially in the field of financial technology.
Struggles to Improve Students' Entrepreneurship Interest Through GEPPRAK Learning Model
Authors: Irmawati Irmawati , Murtini Wiedy , Hakim Lukman
Published: June 2020

This study aims to investigate the implementation of "GEPPRAKâ€ learning model to increase the class XII studentsâ€™ interest in entrepreneurship in SMA Negeri 2 Surakarta. The design used in this study is true experimental design using pretest - posttest control group design. The experimental group and the control group were given the pretest. Then the experimental group was given the treatment. After that, a posttest was carried out on the experimental group and the control group. Data was collected by documentation, observation and questionnaire described according to the findings. Data analysis techniques in this study used an independent sample t-test. The results of this study were indicated a significant increase in studentsâ€™ interest in entrepreneurship in the experimental class given treatment using the GEPPRAK learning model. This is evidenced by testing used the t-test and obtained the significance of the average difference test post-test Sig (2-tailed) 0.017 <Î± (= 0.05) and t arithmetic (2.426)> t table (1.980). Therefore, the decision test H0 rejected means that there are differences in the average scores post-test of students in the experimental class and the control class. The difference in the average scores post-test of students explains that treatment in the experimental class can increase studentsâ€™ entrepreneurial interest.
Model Exploration for Community Satisfaction with E-KTP Service Quality as Mediation
Authors: Wahyono Wahyono , Zakiyah Nuratun
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of interpersonal communication, work discipline, and facilities on community satisfaction through service quality. The method in this study used a quantitative approach. The population in this study was the people of Semarang Regency who had submitted services in the form of filing KTPs in sub-districts in Semarang Regency with a total of 756,216 people. The sampling technique was cluster random sampling technique, which was calculated by using the Slovin formula with a total sample of 100 respondents. Data collection methods used questionnaires, observations, and documentation. Data analysis method in this study used path analysis, and a single test with a significance level of 5%. The results of the calculation of the data obtained by the mediation equation were Y1 = 9,737 + 0,366X1 + 0,324X2 + 0,529X3 + 0,768e and the equation model of community satisfaction variable were Y2 = 0,942 + 0,318X1 + 0,531X2 + 0,360 X3 + 0,256 Y1 + 0,662e. The results of this study indicated that interpersonal communication, work discipline, and facilities had a direct effect on community satisfaction, and there was an indirect effect between interpersonal communication, work discipline, and facilities on community satisfaction through service quality.
UNDERSTANDING EPHEMERAL SOCIAL MEDIA THROUGH INSTAGRAM STORIES: A MARKETING PERSPECTIVE
Authors: KIRCOVA İbrahim , PINARBAŞI Fatih , KÖSE Şirin Gizem
Published: June 2020

Choosing media channels and consuming in digital channels have become crucial subjects  in marketing and communication in the last century. Ephemeral social media, which can be defined as sharing and consuming media content in a short period, has recently become a widespread habit in social media tools. Ephemeral timelines that are a product of this concept has recently increased its importance in digital communication channels. In line with this trend, this study explores consumers’ intention to continue using Instagram Stories, which is a service provided by Instagram and makes it possible to share content that is available for 24 hours only. Regression analyses are conducted to analyze the relationships between model variables, and Chi-square tests are employed to evaluate relationships between intention and personal attributes. As a result, it is found that perceived ephemerality, reliance on graphics and social presence have a positive relationship with the intention to continue using Instagram Stories. The study also assesses related personal attributes for the intention which can be used for academic and managerial implications.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT AND ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF ORGANIZATIONAL JUSTICE (EXAMPLE OF BANK EMPLOYEES)
Authors: SOYALIN Mesut , BATTAL Fetullah
Published: June 2020

The general aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between organizational support perceived by bank employees, organizational commitment behavior and organizational justice behavior. At the same time, its other purpose is to reveal whether organizational justice plays an intermediary role in the relationship between organizational justice and organizational commitment behavior. In this context, the study was carried out on people working in public and private bank in the province of Bayburt (Turkey). The data in the study were obtained through the survey method. It was then analyzed by structural equation modeling using SPSS and Amos package programs. According to the findings, only the professional experience variable, which constitutes the control variables and demographic information, gave meaningful results with organizational commitment. Secondly, it was observed that the relationship between organizational support, organizational commitment and organizational justice is positive and meaningful in terms of the direction and severity. According to the findings obtained in the last section of the study, it was observed that organizational justice played a partial mediating role in the relationship between organizational support and organizational commitment.
AN EMPIRICAL CROSS-COUNTRY STUDY ON CONSUMERS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS AUGMENTED REALITY ADVERTISING
Authors: BAYRAK MEYDANOĞLU Ela Sibel , ÇİLİNGİRTÜRK Ahmet Mete , ÖZTÜRK Rıza , KLEIN Müge
Published: June 2020

The use of AR technology for advertising is becoming more and more popular. For the efficacy of AR ad campaigns, consumers' attitudes towards AR ads are decisive. One of the major elements that determines consumers’ attitudes towards advertising is the perceived value of the ad. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between AR ad value and consumer attitude and to investigate the factors that affect the perceived value of AR ads among the youth both in Turkey and Germany. The mentioned relations were represented in a research model developed in the study. It was proposed that informativeness, entertainment, novelty, interactivity and self-efficacy have a positive effect on advertising value while irritation and deceptiveness have a negative effect. It was also proposed that ad value affects consumers’ attitudes positively. To test the proposed hypotheses, online surveys were conducted among a group of 365 respondents in Germany and a group of 391 respondents in Turkey. The survey results were then tested by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Contrary to expectations, the proposed research model as a whole did not fit and the hypotheses were not supported for Turkish consumers. For German consumers the model was fitted and the hypotheses were supported.
PETROL FİYAT ŞOKLARI VE FİNANSAL AKTİVİTE: TVP-VAR YAKLAŞIMI
Authors: POLAT Onur
Published: June 2020

Bu çalışma Şubat 1990 ve Kasım 2019 döneminde petrol fiyat şoklarının küresel finansal aktiviteye olan zaman-değişimli etkilerini Zamana Göre Değişen Parametreli VAR (TVP-VAR) modeli uygulayarak incelemektedir. Bu bağlamda aylık spot WTI ham petrol fiyatları, dünya ham petrol üretimi ve Kansas Şehri Finansal Stres Endeksi (KCFSI) verileri ampirik analizde kullanılmıştır. Çalışmanın ampirik sonuçları petrol fiyatlarındaki kalıcı bir artışın finansal koşulları olumsuz olarak etkilediğini göstermektedir. Bununla birlikte, pozitif bir petrol arz şoku petrol fiyatlarında düşüşe neden olmaktadır. Çalışmanın bulguları literatürde elde edilen sonuçlarla uyumludur ve TVP-VAR modelinin yapısal petrol fiyat şoklarının zaman-değişimli yapısını yakalamadaki tutarlılığını göstermektedir.
MLP SAĞLIK HİZMETLERİ ANONİM ŞİRKETİNİN FİNANSAL PERFORMANSININ ÜÇ FARKLI YÖNTEM İLE ANALİZ
Authors: BEYHAN Tuğba Emine
Published: June 2020

Bu çalışma borsada işlem görmekte olan MLP Sağlık Hizmetleri A.Ş.’nin (MLP Care) finansal tablolarının retrospektif olarak analizini yaparak, mevcut finansal performansını değerlendirmeyi ve literatüre katkı sağlayarak farklı finansal analiz yöntemlerini bir arada görebilmeyi amaçlayan betimleyici bir araştırmadır. Çalışma, ilgili işletmenin 2016, 2017 ve 2018 yılı bilanço ve gelir tabloları ele alınarak yürütülmüştür. İşletmenin ilgili yıllara ait finansal tabloları karşılaştırmalı (yatay) analiz, yüzde yöntemi (dikey) ile analiz ve trend analizi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Verilerin analizinde M.S. Office Excel programı kullanılmıştır. Yapılan finansal analizler sonucu; işletmenin kendisini yüksek oranda yabancı kaynaklarla finanse etmekte olduğu görülmüştür. Aşırı borçlanmayla birlikte özellikle 2018 yılında karşılaştığı finansman giderleri işletmenin zarara girmesinin temel etkeni olarak görülmektedir. Bu etkenlerden dolayı finansal açıdan zorluklarla karşı karşıyadır. Bu durumu önlemek için özellikle borçlanma finansman giderleri ve kur farklarını azaltmaya yönelik politikalar gibi gider kalemlerini azaltacak önlemler belirlemesi önerilebilir.
DÖNÜŞÜMCÜ LİDERLİK ALGISININ ÇALIŞANLARIN İÇ GİRİŞİMCİLİK DAVRANIŞLARI ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİSİNDE PSİKOLOJİK SERMAYENİN DÜZENLEYİCİ ETKİSİ
Authors: EROĞLUER Kemal
Published: June 2020

Liderin örgüt içi süreçlerde ve çalışanlar üzerinde önemli etkisi vardır. Çalışanlara değer veren, onlara yol gösteren dönüşümcü liderliğin çalışanları örgüte yönelik daha çok olumlu davranışlar göstermeye yönelteceği değerlendirilmektedir. Bu çalışmada dönüşümcü liderlik alt boyutları olan idealleştirilmiş etki, ilham verici güdüleme, entelektüel uyarım ve bireysel destek boyutlarının iç girişimcilik davranışı üzerindeki etkisinde öz yeterlilik, umut, dayanıklılık ve iyimserlik olarak belirlenen psikolojik sermaye alt boyutlarının düzenleyici etkisi belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Savunma sanayiinde faaliyet gösteren bir örgütün çalışanlarına kolayda örneklem yöntemi ile anket uygulanmış ve 115-çalışandan elde edilen veriler SPSS 21 Paket Programı ile analize tabi tutulmuştur. Analiz sonucunda dönüşümcü liderlik alt boyutlarından idealleştirilmiş etki ve bireysel destek boyutlarının iç girişimcilik üzerinde olumlu yönde etkisi olduğu; idealleştirilmiş etkinin iç girişimcilik üzerindeki etkisine psikolojik sermayenin öz yeterlilik ve umut boyutlarının düzenleyici bir etkiye sahip olmadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Bununla birlikte dönüşümcü liderlik alt boyutlarından bireysel destek boyutunun iç girişimcilik davranışı üzerindeki etkisinde psikolojik sermayenin öz yeterlilik boyutunun düzenleyici etkisi olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Oxidative remote induction of type 3 deiodinase impacts nonthyroidal illness syndrome
Authors: Lehnen Tatiana Ederich , Marschner Rafael , Dias Fernanda , Maia Ana Luiza , Wajner Simone Magagnin
Published: June 2020

Imbalances in redox status modulate type 3 deiodinase induction in nonthyroidal illness syndrome. However, the underlying mechanisms that lead to D3 dysfunction under redox imbalance are still poorly understood. Here we evaluated D3 induction, redox homeostasis, and their interrelationships in the liver, muscle, and brain in an animal model of NTIS. Male Wistar rats were subjected to left anterior coronary artery occlusion and randomly separated into two groups and treated or not (placebo) with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Sham animals were used as controls. Animals were killed 10 or 28 days post-MI induction and tissues were immediately frozen for biochemical analysis. D3 activity, protein oxidation and antioxidant defenses were measured in liver, muscle, and brain. Compared to those of the sham group, the levels of D3 expression and activity were increased in the liver (P = 0.002), muscle (P = 0.03) and brain (P = 0.01) in the placebo group. All tissues from the placebo animals showed increased carbonyl groups (P < 0.001) and diminished sulfhydryl levels (P < 0.001). Glutathione levels were decreased and glutathione disulfide levels were augmented in all examined tissues. The liver and muscle showed augmented levels of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase activity (P = 0.001). NAC prevented all the alterations described previously. D3 dysfunction in all tissues correlates with post-MI-induced protein oxidative damage and altered antioxidant defenses. NAC treatment prevents D3 dysfunction, indicating that reversible redox-related remote D3 activation explains, at least in part, the thyroid hormone derangements of NTIS.
Hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance modulate gravid uterine and placental ferroptosis in PCOS-like rats
Authors: Zhang Yuehui , Hu Min , Jia Wenyan , Liu Guoqi , Zhang Jiao , Wang Bing , Li Juan , Cui Peng , Li Xin , Lager Susanne , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda Nancy , Han Yanhua , Liu Songjiang , Wu Xiaoke , Brännström Mats , Shao Linus R , Billig Håkan
Published: June 2020

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance and a high risk of miscarriage during pregnancy. Similarly, in rats, maternal exposure to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin from gestational day 7.5 to 13.5 leads to hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance and subsequently increased fetal loss. A variety of hormonal and metabolic stimuli are able to trigger different types of regulated cell death under physiological and pathological conditions. These include ferroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis. We hypothesized that, in rats, maternal hyperandrogenism and insulin-resistance-induced fetal loss is mediated, at least in part, by changes in the ferroptosis, apoptosis and necroptosis pathways in the gravid uterus and placenta. Compared with controls, we found that co-exposure to DHT and insulin led to decreased levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and glutathione, increased glutathione + glutathione disulfide and malondialdehyde, aberrant expression of ferroptosis-associated genes (Acsl4, Tfrc, Slc7a11, and Gclc), increased iron deposition and activated ERK/p38/JNK phosphorylation in the gravid uterus. In addition, we observed shrunken mitochondria with electron-dense cristae, which are key features of ferroptosis-related mitochondrial morphology, as well as increased expression of Dpp4, a mitochondria-encoded gene responsible for ferroptosis induction in the uteri of rats co-exposed to DHT and insulin. However, in the placenta, DHT and insulin exposure only partially altered the expression of ferroptosis-related markers (e.g. region-dependent GPX4, glutathione + glutathione disulfide, malondialdehyde, Gls2 and Slc7a11 mRNAs, and phosphorylated p38 levels). Moreover, we found decreased expression of Dpp4 mRNA and increased expression of Cisd1 mRNA in placentas of rats co-exposed to DHT and insulin. Further, DHT + insulin-exposed pregnant rats exhibited decreased apoptosis in the uterus and increased necroptosis in the placenta. Our findings suggest that maternal hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance causes the activation of ferroptosis in the gravid uterus and placenta, although this is mediated via different mechanisms operating at the molecular and cellular levels. Our data also suggest that apoptosis and necroptosis may play a role in coordinating or compensating for hyperandrogenism and insulin-resistance-induced ferroptosis when the gravid uterus and placenta are dysfunctional.
IDENTIFICATION OF MICROBIAL COMMUNITY COLONIZING THE GUT OF DYSDERCUS CINGULATUS FABRICIUS (HEMIPTERA: PYRRHOCORIDAE)
Authors: Uzmi Shama , Shruthi Sureshan C. , Ghosh Sewali , K. M. Habeeb S.
Published: June 2020

Red cotton stainer Dysdercus cingulatus sucks the sap of cotton plant and hence considered as one of the serious pests of cotton across the globe. Gut microbial community of this pest was studied using 16srRNA variable regions (V3 & V4) using Illumina MiSeq technology. Totally 11, 0,797 reads were obtained which were processed using QIIME pipeline. This study resulted in the identification of gut microbiota of D. cingulatus categorized into 34 different phyla, 88 classes, 132 classes, 206 families and 336 genera. Phylum level taxonomic classification identifies bacteria predominantly from Proteobacteria (46.7%), Actinobacteria (25.7%) and Firmicutes (18%). Species from the genus Coriobacterium, Bifidobacterium, Corynebacterium, Klebsiella & Pseudomonas are most abundant in the gut of D. cingulatus. Insights into the gut can help us to understand the role of microorganism which dismantles the plant.
PROBIOTIC PROPERTIES AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFICIENCY OF LACTOBACILLUS PLANTARUM 15 ISOLATED FROM MILK
Authors: Riane Karima , Sifour Mohamed , Ouled-Haddar Houria , Idoui Tayeb , Bounar Samira , Boussebt Sarra
Published: June 2020

Many researchers are focusing on the investigation of new molecules and substances to help the body fighting oxidative stress; among them are probiotic bacteria. In this study we investigated the probiotic properties and the antioxidative activity of Lactobacillus plantarum 15 isolated from milk. Therefore, to evaluate probiotic potential of the selected strain, the antibacterial activity and resistance to acidic pH and bile salts conditions were evaluated. Moreover, several methods were used to analyze the antioxidant potential of this strain. The evaluation of probiotic properties showed that Lb. plantarum 15 resists to acidity and to bile salts (survival rate was 86.40% and 80.58%, respectively). The isolate showed a broad inhibitory activity against several bacterial strains. The antioxidant potential assessed by the DPPH method showed that Lb. plantarum 15 cells as well as the cell-free supernatant have important scavenger effect (82.65% and 72.21%, respectively). Furthermore, the strain showed a good resistance to hydrogen peroxide (76.12%), hydroxyl radicals (46.15%) and a considerable iron chelating ability (20.52 %). Thus, Lb. plantarum 15 could be effectively considered as potent antioxidant probiotic food supplement.
BIOLOGICAL SOLUBILIZATION OF SOME METALS BY A NEW ACIDITHIOBACILLUS SPECIES ISOLATED FROM A MODERATE SULFUR HOT SPRING
Authors: Esmaeil Lashgarian Hamed , Karkhane Maryam , Marzban Abdolrazagh
Published: June 2020

A chemolithotrophic bacterium was isolated from sulfur hot spring. According to phenotypic traits and 16-23S rDNA intergenic spacer region analysis, the isolate was identified and named as Acidithiobacillus sp. MR39, which was a gram-negative, rod- shape and non-motile bacterium. The strain was able to grow in a synthetic liquid medium supplemented with the mineral ore as the source of energy. The optimum conditions were found to be within initial pH range of 2.0-2.5, at 34±1˚C and with shaking at 120 rpm. The bacterium had a remarkable potential for mineralization of 88% iron, 75% copper, 59% zinc, 59% nickel and 40% cobalt upon their growth in the liquid media. After adapting the bacterial cells to copper ions in 100 mM for 5-day incubation, biorecovery of Cu increased about 10% comparing to unadapted cells that are able to dissolve approximately 15% of total cu of mineral concentrate. Considering the finding in this study, the strain MR39 offers a great prospect for in situ extraction of metals from various ores along with other indigenous bacteria that can grow under ambient conditions.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ARTEMISIA HERBA ALBA ASSO AND CITRUS AURANTIUM ESSENTIAL OILS
Authors: Boukhennoufa Asma , Tir Touil Meddah Aicha , Meddah Boumediene , Antonio Gabaldón JosÃ© , Sonnet Pascal
Published: June 2020

Artemisia herba alba asso, peel and leaves of Citrus aurantium grown in the western Algerian city (Mascara) were subjected to hydrodistillation by Clevenger dispositive. The essential oils obtained were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and used for the study of the antifungal activity against five clinical strains of Candida albicans. The results of chemical analysis revealed 40 constituents in Artemisia essential oil, where the major components were camphor (34.89%) and chrysantenone (19.60%). While, the main component of peel and leaves of Citrus essential oils was the lineal (42.33%, 60.62%) respectively. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration value was found in the case of Artemisia essential oil (1.95l/ml) against the (S3) Candida albicans strain. The experimental results confirmed that these extracts are marked by significant anti-fungal activity, which can be used as alternative drugs against candidiasis.
MASTITIS IN EWES: somatic cell counts, pathogens and antibiotic resistance
Authors: Tvarožková KristÃ­na , Tančin VladimÃ­r , Holko Ivan , Uhrinčať Michal , Mačuhová Lucia
Published: June 2020

The aim of paper review is to describe the influence of somatic cell count (SCC) in the milk of ewes on the composition and milk production associated with the presence of mastitis pathogens as well as the assessment of the effects of non-infectious factors such as breed, number of lambs, order and stage of lactation, age, oestrus, livestock management, the impact of the month, the season to change the SCC in the milk of ewes. It also points to the possible physiological value of SCC in sheep milk for udder health assessment as it is generally accepted for dairy cows. The important part of this paper is to show antimicrobial resistance of mastitis pathogens. The more complex results obtained in Slovakia under experimental and practical conditions are discussed. In conclusion, taking into account all mentioned factors and studies, SCC could play important role in management of dairy ewes breeding to get acceptable milk performances and good udder health at comparable physiological levels as in dairy cows. Regular milk recording could significantly contribute to effort of farmers in mastitis control program.
DELIBERATING PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING AND MINERAL-WEATHERING PROFICIENCY OF STREPTOMYCES NANHAIENSIS STRAIN YM4 FOR NUTRITIONAL BENEFIT OF MILLET CROP (PENNISETUM GLAUCUM)
Authors: B. Patel Keyur , N. Thakker Janki
Published: June 2020

Plants require essential elements like C, H, O, N, P, K, considered as a macro elements and Zn as a micro element. This elemental approach can be done either by naturally or organic/inorganic fertilizers, conventionally. Considering the sustainable approach towards plant growth and development, usage of organic and inorganic fertilizers reduced by using biofertilizer with mineral weathering efficiency. Such a strain belong to family Actinomycetes, Streptomyces nanhaiensis strain YM4 was isolated from rhizosphere of rajagra plant of Khambhat region helps to plant growth promotion and mineral solubilisation efficiency. Present report suggest that it produces 73 µg ml-1 of indolic compounds and 4.48 µmol ml-1 ammonia production. Along with that it has an efficiency to solubilize 232 mg ml-1 of phosphate, 41.6 mg ml-1 of potassium and 41.16 ppm of zinc in laboratory conditions. The pot trial of liquid bioformulation of strain YM4 on millet crop enhance the plant growth with enhanced leaf biomass and pigment production, significantly. Effect of strain helps to mineralize and accumulate minerals in rhizospheric region of the millet crop.
BIOETHANOL PRODUCTION FROM APPLE POMACE USING CO-CULTURES WITH SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE IN SOLID-STATE FERMENTATION
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Surya Karan , Verma Rachna
Published: June 2020

The objective of this study was isolation and screening of apple pomace utilizing microorganisms from soil which can be used as co-culture with S. cerevisiae for production of bioethanol. In this study, fifteen microorganisms were isolated from soil near the dumping site of apple pomace at HPMC, Parwanoo, H.P. on medium enriched with apple pomace. These isolates were assigned codes APW 1-15 and were screened for their potential to produce cellulase, xylanase and ethanol. The selected isolates were used as co-culture with S. cerevisiae for bioethanol production. All the isolates exhibited cellulase and xylanase activities ranging from 228.2 to 502.5 U/mL/min and 185.3 to 1010.7 U/mL/min respectively, but only three isolates (APW-02, APW-04 and APW-12) produced ethanol. Isolate APW-13 exhibited highest cellulase activity (502.5 U/mL/min), APW-04 showed highest xylanase activity (1010.7 U/mL/min) and APW-12 produced highest amount of ethanol (36 g/L). Two isolates (APW-12 and APW-13) were selected to co-culture with S. cerevisiae in solid-state fermentation of apple pomace for ethanol production. S. cerevisiae and isolate APW-12 co-culture fermentation resulted in higher ethanol production (49.64 g/L) than S. cerevisiae and APW-13 co-culture fermentation (41.7 g/L) while, S. cerevisiae alone produced 37.6 g/L ethanol. Isolate APW-12 and APW-13 belonged to genera Actinomyces and Bacillus respectively.
LOW-LACTOSE FERMENTED GOAT MILKS WITH BIFIDOBACTERIUM ANIMALIS SSP. LACTIS BB-12
Authors: Pawlos MaÅgorzata , Znamirowska Agata , Kluz Maciej , Szajnar Katarzyna , Kowalczyk Magdalena
Published: June 2020

Goat milk is a good carrier for probiotic bacteria and due to its specific composition is a high-quality material for manufacturing food for certain sectors of the population with needs. Probiotic bacteria in fermented and unfermented milk products can be used to alleviate the clinical symptoms of lactose intolerance. The aim of this study was to develop a low-lactose probiotic fermented beverage prepared from goat’s milk and to evaluate the effect of prior lactose hydrolysis on the viability of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb-12, pH and total acidity, colour, textural and sensory parameters of these products. Results showed the influence of lactose hydrolysis on the acidity of fermented goat milk, colour, syneresis and the viability of bifidobacteria. The lactose hydrolysis of milk resulted a higher hardness in probiotic fermented goat milk. Moreover, the lactose-free probiotic fermented milk had a more distinct sweet taste than the control one and was characterized by a less sour flavour.
EVALUATION OF MONO-, DI- AND OLIGO-SACCHARIDES OF STAPLE INDIAN GRAIN FLOURS
Authors: Manoharlal Raman , Saiprasad G.V.S. , Madhavakrishna K.
Published: June 2020

In this study, investigation of fourteen most common and traditionally used Indian staple grain flours: wheat, white rice, kutki rice, maize, maida, besan, sattu, little millet, quinoa, soybean, jowar, bajra, sooji and ragi was undertaken for the assessment of mono- (namely glucose, fructose and galactose) and di- (namely sucrose) and oligo-saccharides (namely raffinose, stachyose and verbascose), with a special interest on the indigestible flatulence producing Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides (RFOs). The soluble saccharides were extracted with ethanol and evaluated by calorimetric and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The results showed that among the investigated flours, total RFOs content on dry matter (DM) basis ranges from 0.07 (maize) to 12.61 mmol/100 g DM (chickpea). Within RFOs, raffinose was the major sugar (0.1 to 8.04 mmol/100 g DM), followed by stachyose (negligible to 6.3 mmol/100 g DM) and verbascose (negligible to 0.14 mmol/100 g DM), except for soybean wherein the major RFO was stachyose. The observed sucrose content ranges from 0.05 (maize) to 6.32 mmol/100 g DM (quinoa). Within mono-saccharides: glucose content ranges from negligible (chickpea, little millet, quinoa, pearl millet and sooji) to 3.64 mmol/100 g DM (soybean), galactose content ranges from negligible (white rice, maize, sattu, quinoa, white millet, sooji and finger millet) to 1.72 mmol/100 g DM (chickpea) and fructose content ranges from negligible (chickpea, sattu, little millet, quinoa, soybean, sooji and finger millet) to 0.99 mmol/100 g DM (white rice). From the obtained results, the investigated grains can be classified as per the content of water soluble saccharides and accordingly a glycemic index and anti-flatulence chart can be prepared as a ready reference for dietary guidelines.
BACTERIA MAY DETERIORATE PROGRESSIVE MOTILITY OF BOVINE SPERMATOZOA AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF SEMINAL PLASMA
Authors: Ďuračka Michal , Kováčik Anton , Kačániová Miroslava , Lukáč Norbert , Tvrdá Eva
Published: June 2020

Bacterial contamination of ejaculates has captured the interest of the wide andrological community. Interactions between spermatozoa and bacteria are partially known. The aim of our study was to evaluate qualitative bacterial composition of fresh bovine semen and to reveal associations amongst the quantity of bacteria (Colony Forming Unit – CFU/mL) present in bovine ejaculates with progressive motility of spermatozoa and biochemical parameters of seminal plasma. Fresh semen (n=20) was collected from Holstein-Friesian bulls. Progressive motility (PROG≥25µm/s) was analysed using Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). Seminal plasma was separated and subjected to assessment (Randox RX Monza analyzer) of following biochemical parameters: Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Phosphor (P), Urea, Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Cholesterol, Bilirubin, Triglycerides, Albumin and Uric acid. The identification of bacteria showed the prevalence of the genus Staphylococcus. The Pearson correlation analysis showed a negative significant (P
HYDROTHERMAL TREATMENTS FOR PADDY TO IMPROVE PHYSICOCHEMICAL QUALITY OF BROWN RICE
Authors: Kaur A , Bhise Suresh , Kaur Mandeep
Published: June 2020

The rice varieties namely PR-115, PR-118 and Punjab Mehak were subjected to three different treatments to improve physicochemical qualities of brown rice. Paddy milled to brown rice and then stored at room temperature in four different types of packaging materials. Brown rice was assessed periodically for changes in physicochemical characteristics. Milling quality improved with treatments. Moisture content, thousand kernel weight, bulk density and L/B ratio differ significantly for treatments and storage period. Protein, ash and fat content remain constant throughout the storage period. Color, appearance and amylose content improved with treatments yielding better quality brown rice. Storage resulted in lowering the levels of free fatty acids and peroxide value with treatments. Hot water treatment followed by steaming for 15 min was found to be best among all other treatments. Punjab Mehak gave best response to treatments and hence retained better functional properties upon storage. Packaging in plastic bag under vacuum was found to be the best packaging material for treated samples as compared to control. Overall hydrothermal treatments proved to be functional in improving physicochemical and functional quality of brown rice.
MECHANICAL, BARRIER AND STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATE-BASED FILMS TREATED BY MICROBIAL TRANSGLUTAMINASE
Authors: Kouravand Farzaneh , Jooyandeh Hossein , Barzegar Hassan , Hojjati Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Nowadays, polymers obtained from edible resources such as polysaccharides and proteins have attained growing consideration to substitute petroleum-derived polymers. Edible films are a good alternative for the plastic packaging since these films are biodegradable, environmental-friendly and non-toxic. However, protein based edible films have poor water permeability and lower mechanical strength. In this study, edible films based on whey protein isolate (WPI) were produced with different microbial transglutaminase (MTG) concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15 Unit/g of protein) and the effect of enzymatic treatment on the film properties was investigated. Results showed that as compared to control, the treatment with the lower concentration of MTG (5–10 U/g) significantly increased the tensile strength (TS) and decreased elongation at rapture (ER) values of WPI-films, while at the higher concentration of MTG (15 U/g), TS value slightly decreased and ER values significantly increased. By increasing the enzyme concentration from 5 to 10 U/g, water vapor transferability (WVT) and water soluble fractions (WSF) decreased significantly (P≤0.05). The MTG-treated films except the film treated with 15 U/g TG, had homogeneous and even surface without any crack or fracture. Based on results, treatment with MTG enzyme may be applied as an appropriate technique to modify the structural and barrier properties of WPI-based films.
EVALUATION OF CITRIC ACID AND CLOVE OIL AS SAFE ANTI-VIRULENCE AND RESISTANCE-MODIFYING AGENTS AGAINST PROBLEMATIC KLEBSIELLA CLINICAL ISOLATES IN EGYPT
Authors: Edward Eva A. , Omar Hoda M. G. , Fathy Hoda M.
Published: June 2020

Klebsiella species are regarded as terrifying pathogens that threaten different healthcare systems. These pathogens possess a variety of virulence factors which markedly account for their pathogenicity. Three virulence factors (capsule formation, hypermucoviscosity and biofilm formation) were screened, phenotypically and genotypically, among selected Egyptian Klebsiella clinical isolates. Two safe edible agents, clove oil and citric acid, were tested for their effect on bacterial capsules using the Anthony capsular staining method and the transmission electron microscopy. The antibiotic-resistance modifying activity of both agents was studied against selected troublesome isolates showing resistance to amikacin, meropenem and cefotaxime. Molecular docking of citric acid and eugenol with NDM-1, as well as the docking of citric acid with AAC(6′)-Ib and CTX-M-15 were carried out to explain the resistance modifying activity of the tested agents. Capsule formation was the most prominent virulence factor that was detected in all isolates. Both citric acid and clove oil could effectively reduce the size of the formed bacterial capsules. Citric acid showed promising synergistic effects when combined with the studied antibiotics against all the tested isolates. However, clove oil showed a synergistic effect only against 50% of the tested isolates when combined with meropenem. Relying on their binding efficiency mode obtained from molecular docking studies, the tested agents were recognized as promising inhibitors of the studied enzymes. In conclusion, both citric acid and clove oil are auspicious anti-virulence and resistance-modifying agents that can be combined with conventional antibiotics to combat virulent and multidrug resistant Klebsiella isolates.
SCREENING OF ANTI-CLOSTRIDIAL LACTIC ACID BACTERIA STRAINS ISOLATED FROM URUGUAYAN DAIRY FARMS
Authors: Rodi Jorge Olivera , González Ramos Marcela Joan , Gadea Pedro Díaz , Reginensi Stella Maris
Published: June 2020

A total of 130 strains of lactic acid bacteria (starter lactic acid bacteria -SLAB- and non-starter lactic acid bacteria -NSLAB-) were isolated from milk, whey and cheese. Anti-clostridial activity was detected in 56 isolates against Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755. Seven strains with the highest inhibitory activity were selected to determine their inhibitory mechanisms. Anti-clostridial activity of strains Streptococcus macedonicus 23, S. macedonicus 24, Lactobacillus casei/paracasei 29 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus 104 was due to organic acids production. Inhibitory mechanisms of strains L. casei 26 and 95 were acid production, bacteriocin and hydrogen peroxide. While anti-clostridial activity of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus 76 was due to acid and hydrogen peroxide production. Cell-free supernatants obtained from strains 26, 95 and 76 conserved their anti-clostridial activity after thermal treatments at 70 and 100 °C. Supernatants obtained from bacteriogenic strains 26 and 95 were analyzed by RP-HPLC. RP-HPLC fractions with anti-clostridial activity were analyzed by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). A peptide with molecular weight of 1162.54 Da was detected in HPLC fraction of L. casei 95. No results were obtained for MALDI-TOF analysis of another HPLC fractions. Based on the thermostability and low molecular weight, L. casei 95 anti-clostridial peptide would belong to a class I or II bacteriocin according to Gram-positive bacteria antimicrobial peptides classification.
CONTAMINANT MICROBIOTA IN CRAFT BEERS
Authors: López Marta García , Roche Elena , Rodríguez Encarnación
Published: June 2020

The microbiological stabilization treatment of beer sometimes guarantees the absence of microbiota. These treatments, however, are not usually done in craft beers. In this study, we have analyzed 38 craft beers from the Spanish market and found that, in 68% of cases, exogenous microbiota is present. The samples have been classified based on their alcohol content and the results have shown a large presence of wild yeasts in 100% of the contaminated beers with alcohol by volume (ABV) 6%, the wild yeasts were only present in 41% of the samples; however, bacterial contaminants were detected in 50% of the samples. We also found that incorporating higher amounts of raw materials results in the presence of contaminant microbiota. These situations may be due to excessive manual operations, the lack of automation during cleaning and, above all, the absence of a stabilization treatment in the finished product.
Microbiological Approach to Reconstruction of the Original Content of Pots from the Burials
Authors: Khomutova Tatiana , Dushchanova Kamilla , Borisov Alexandr
Published: June 2020

In a model soil experiment, microbial decomposition nature and its rate applying to various organic substrates were studied. It is shown that the decomposition of various materials changes the functional features of microbial communities. These changes are assessed using multisubstrate testing of respiratory activity of microbial communities – this testing assumes application of low- molecular respiratory inducers (aminoacids and carboxylic acids) to the soil and registration the changes of the intensity of carbon dioxide release by microorganisms. Indicative compounds such as ascorbate, lactate, acetate (from the group of carboxylic acid salts) and cysteine (from the group of aminoacids) have been identified to be promising for use in reconstructing the original contents of ritual vessels. As an example, the article presents the results of reconstruction of one of bronze age burial pots original content, obtained by multisubstrate testing. High microbial biomass in the bottom layer of the vessel and the specific microbial communities’ respiratory responses to carboxylic acids salts (ascorbate, lactate and acetate) and aminoacid cysteine addition, indicate that the vessel originally contained a nutritional product, the decomposition of which led both to increase of microbial biomass and to changes in the functional structure of microbial community in the soil filling of the bottom layer. The results of statistical analysis of the reactions of soil microbial communities from the pot and from soils of the model experiment with known materials decomposed indicate that the vessel initially contained a protein product with a possible component of oil and starch.
Middle Paleolithic Site Sukhaya Mechёtka: the Renewal of Complex Investigations
Authors: Otcherednoy Aleksander , Remizov Stanislav , Stepanova Ksenia , Eltsov Maxim , Voskresenskaya Ekaterina , Vishnyatsky Leonid , Nehoroshev Pavel , Bloсhin Egor , Titov Vadim , Kolesnik Aleksander
Published: June 2020

The Sukhaya Mechёtka site, located on the northern outskirts of Volgograd, has attracted the attention of Paleolithic researchers since its discovery in 1951 by geologists A.I.Koptev and M.N. Grishchenko. The materials of the site - a collection of stone products currently kept at the MAE RAS, and chronostratigraphic information – can be considered as perfect by standards of open Paleolithic complexes. To a large extent, the site acquired such a significance due to the presence of the only one perfectly preserved cultural layer, which lies in clear stratigraphic conditions. Being densely overlapped with thick deposits, the site was preserved so well that it remained unaffected by the turbulent natural processes of the last glacial-interglacial macrocycle. Single-layer sites usually have a disadvantage comparing to multi-layer complexes in terms of the importance level of the tasks solved with their help. But the Sukhaya Mechёtka favorably differs from other sites by the measure of cultural layer being studied in the field and the potential for further studies. The stone assemblage and field documentation archives created by M.Z. Panichkina and S.N. Zamyatnin show a picture of the life of Middle Paleolithic hunters settlement taken at limited time interval. It is confirmed by preliminary results of planigraphic and technological analyzes performed with use of refitting. Sukhaya Mechёtka is a practically intact echo of an individual Neanderthal community’s life, as far as it’s possible for archaeological material of this age. However, the matter of the site’s chronology, and the time period of Sukhaya Mechёtka layer formation being determined in particular, are not completely resolved. The representations of the middle of the last century based on geological observations (Mikulino) need to be verified. The C14 dating method showed obviously an inadequately young age. OSL dating results are expected to be gained in the future.