bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When A Combination of Nudges Decreases Sustainable Food Choices Out-of-Home—The Example of Food Decoys and Descriptive Name Labels
Authors: Ohlhausen Pascal , Langen Nina
Published: May 2020

This paper reports results from three consecutive studies focusing on the comparison of the effectiveness of different nudges and their combinations to increase sustainable food choices out of the home. The nudges compared are the use of descriptive name labels (DNLs) for the most sustainable dish of a choice set (menu) and the decoy effect (DE), created by adding a less attractive decoy dish to a more attractive target dish with the goal of increasing the choice frequency of the target dish. In the literature, both nudges have been found to influence consumers’ choices. In the first study, six category names of sustainability indicators were deduced from a focus group. These were tested with 100 students to identify the most attractive DNLs. Study II, a randomized choice study (n = 420), tested the DE, the DNLs and a combination of the DNLs and the DE used on four different dishes in a university canteen. In study III, 820 guests of a business canteen voted during four weeks for the special meals of the following week (identical to the four choice sets displayed in study II). Results indicate that the combination of DNLs and the DE is not recommended for fostering sustainable food choices. Pure DNLs were more efficient in increasing the choice frequency of the more sustainable meal, whereas the decoy effect resulted in decreased choice frequencies. Regional and sustainable DNLs were favoured by consumers.
The Effect of an Evaluative Label on Consumer Perception of Cheeses in Hungary
Authors: Szakály Zoltán , Soós Mihály , Balsa-Budai Nikolett , Kovács Sándor , Kontor Enikő
Published: May 2020

Traditional strategies (such as education, economic incentives or prohibitions) targeted at altering dietary habits only influence health-conscious consumers. Less health-conscious consumers are less capable of self-regulatory behavior, therefore they are more likely to be influenced through perception. The present study aimed to examine how external cues such as labeling affect the consumer’s perception of foods. The paper includes a case study based on an experiment. In the experiment the same cheese was tested with four different types of labeling (labeled “conventional”, “low salt”, “low fat” and “low salt and low fat”). It was found that the health halo effect worked in the case of cheese testing. In spite of all the samples being identical, the healthy samples were associated with considerably less sensory pleasure. The use of labels by the producers resulted in exactly the opposite effect to that intended. The experiment confirmed the efficiency of the application of this type of behavior-oriented nudge.
Application of Mass Spectrometry Imaging for Visualizing Food Components
Authors: Yoshimura Yukihiro , Zaima Nobuhiro
Published: May 2020

Consuming food is essential for survival, maintaining health, and triggering positive emotions like pleasure. One of the factors that drive us toward such behavior is the presence of various compounds in foods. There are many methods to analyze these molecules in foods; however, it is difficult to analyze the spatial distribution of these compounds using conventional techniques, such as mass spectrometry combined with high-performance liquid chromatography or gas chromatography. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is a two-dimensional ionization technology that enables detection of compounds in tissue sections without extraction, purification, separation, or labeling. There are many methods for ionization of analytes, including secondary ion mass spectrometry, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization, and desorption electrospray ionization. Such MSI technologies can provide spatial information on the location of a specific analyte in food. The number of studies utilizing MSI technologies in food science has been increasing in the past decade. This review provides an overview of some of the recent applications of MSI in food science and related fields. In the future, MSI will become one of the most promising technologies for visualizing the distribution of food components and for identifying food-related factors by their molecular weights to improve quality, quality assurance, food safety, nutritional analysis, and to locate administered food factors.
Citrus medica and Cinnamomum zeylanicum Essential Oils as Potential Biopreservatives against Spoilage in Low Alcohol Wine Products
Authors: Mitropoulou Gregoria , Nikolaou Anastasios , Santarmaki Valentini , Sgouros Georgios , Kourkoutas Yiannis
Published: May 2020

Low alcohol wine is a new entry in the global wine market, due to the increase in consumers’ concern for health, economic and modern lifestyle issues. As low alcohol products are prone to spoilage, the adoption of natural-derived products with antimicrobial activity as biopreservatives seems to be an intriguing alternative. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the possible antimicrobial properties of Citrus medica and Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils (EOs) and assess their commercial prospective in the wine industry. The main constituents identified by GC/MS analysis were limonene (38.46%) and linalool (35.44%) in C. medica EO, whereas trans-cinnamic-aldehyde (63.58%) was the dominant compound in C. zeylanicum EO. The minimum inhibitory (MIC), non-inhibitory (NIC) and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) values against common wine spoilage microbes were initially determined. Subsequently, their efficiency was further validated in low alcohol (~6% vol) wines, either separately or in combination at 0.010% (v/v), as well as in wines deliberately inoculated with Gluconobacter cerinus, Oenococcus oeni, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Dekkera bruxellensis, Candida zemplinina, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Pichia guilliermondii or Zygosaccharomyces bailii. EO addition led to considerable spoilage and microbial growth delay during storage at room or refrigerated temperature, suggesting their potential use as wine biopreservatives.
Chemical Profiling and Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Five Phaedranassa Herb. (Amaryllidaceae) Species from Ecuador
Authors: Moreno Raúl , Tallini Luciana R. , Salazar Cristina , Osorio Edison H. , Montero Evelin , Bastida Jaume , Oleas Nora H. , Acosta León Karen
Published: May 2020

It is estimated that 50 million people in the world live with dementia, 60–70% of whom suffer from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Different factors are involved in the development of AD, including a reduction in the cholinergic neurotransmission level. The Amaryllidaceae plant family contains an exclusive, large, and still understudied alkaloid group characterized by a singular skeleton arrangement and a broad spectrum of biological activities. The chemistry and biodiversity of Ecuadorian representatives of the Phaedranassa genus (Amaryllidaceae) have not been widely studied. In this work, five Ecuadorian Phaedranassa species were examined in vitro for their activity towards the enzymes acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), and the alkaloid profile of bulb extracts was analyzed by GC-MS. The species Phaedranassa cuencana and Phaedranassa dubia showed the most AChE and BuChE inhibitory activity, respectively. To obtain insight into the potential role of the identified alkaloids in these inhibitory effects, docking experiments were carried out, and cantabricine showed in silico inhibitory activity against both cholinesterase structures. Our results show that Amaryllidaceae species from Ecuador are a potential source of new drugs for the palliative treatment of AD.
Bioanalytical HPLC Applications of In-Tube Solid Phase Microextraction: A Two-Decade Overview
Authors: Manousi Natalia , Tzanavaras Paraskevas D. , Zacharis Constantinos K.
Published: May 2020

In-tube solid phase microextraction is a cutting-edge sample treatment technique offering significant advantages in terms of miniaturization, green character, automation, and preconcentration prior to analysis. During the past years, there has been a considerable increase in the reported publications, as well as in the research groups focusing their activities on this technique. In the present review article, HPLC bioanalytical applications of in-tube SPME are discussed, covering a wide time frame of twenty years of research reports. Instrumental aspects towards the coupling of in-tube SPME and HPLC are also discussed, and detailed information on materials/coatings and applications in biological samples are provided.
Screening Suitability of Northern Hemisphere Algal Strains for Heterotrophic Cultivation and Fatty Acid Methyl Ester Production
Authors: Nzayisenga Jean Claude , Niemi Calle , Ferro Lorenza , Gorzsas Andras , Gentili Francesco G. , Funk Christiane , Sellstedt Anita
Published: May 2020

Rapid rises in atmospheric CO2 levels derived from fossil fuel combustion are imposing urgent needs for renewable substitutes. One environmentally friendly alternative is biodiesel produced from suitable microalgal fatty acids. Algal strains normally grow photoautotrophically, but this is problematic in Northern areas because of the light limitations for much of the year. Mixotrophic and particularly heterotrophic strains could be valuable, especially if they can be cultivated in municipal wastewater with contents of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous that should be reduced before release into receiving water. Thus, the aim of this study was to screen for microalgal strains suitable for heterotrophic cultivation with a cheap carbon source (glycerol) for biodiesel production in Nordic, and other high-latitude, countries. One of the examined strains, a Desmodesmus sp. strain designated 2-6, accumulated biomass at similar rates in heterotrophic conditions with 40 mM glycerol as in autotrophic conditions. Furthermore, in heterotrophic conditions it produced more fatty acids, and ca. 50% more C18:1 fatty acids, as well as showing a significant decrease in C18:3 fatty acids, all of which are highly desirable features for biodiesel production.
Water-Dependent Blending of Pectin Films: The Mechanics of Conjoined Biopolymers
Authors: Zheng Yifan , Pierce Aidan , Wagner Willi L. , Scheller Henrik V. , Mohnen Debra , Ackermann Maximilian , Mentzer Steven J.
Published: May 2020

Biodegradable pectin polymers have been recommended for a variety of biomedical applications, ranging from the delivery of oral drugs to the repair of injured visceral organs. A promising approach to regulate pectin biostability is the blending of pectin films. To investigate the development of conjoined films, we examined the physical properties of high-methoxyl pectin polymer-polymer (homopolymer) interactions at the adhesive interface. Pectin polymers were tested in glass phase (10–13% w/w water content) and gel phase (38–41% w/w water content). The tensile strength of polymer-polymer adhesion was measured after variable development time and compressive force. Regardless of pretest parameters, the adhesive strength of two glass phase films was negligible. In contrast, adhesion testing of two gel phase films resulted in significant tensile adhesion strength (p < 0.01). Adhesion was also observed between glass phase and gel phase films—likely reflecting the diffusion of water from the gel phase to the glass phase films. In studies of the interaction between two gel phase films, the polymer-polymer adhesive strength increased linearly with increasing compressive force (range 10–80 N) (R2 = 0.956). In contrast, adhesive strength increased logarithmically with time (range 10–10,000 s) (R2 = 0.913); most of the adhesive strength was observed within minutes of contact. Fracture mechanics demonstrated that the adhesion of two gel phase films resulted in a conjoined film with distinctive physical properties including increased extensibility, decreased stiffness and a 30% increase in the work of cohesion relative to native polymers (p < 0.01). Scanning electron microscopy of the conjoined films demonstrated cross-grain adhesion at the interface between the adhesive homopolymers. These structural and functional data suggest that blended pectin films have emergent physical properties resulting from the cross-grain intermingling of interfacial pectin chains.
An Overview of the Potential Use of Ethno-Medicinal Plants Targeting the Renin–Angiotensin System in the Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: De Lange-Jacobs Pietro , Shaikh-Kader Asma , Thomas Bianca , Nyakudya Trevor T.
Published: May 2020

The development of risk factors associated with cardiovascular disorders present a major public health challenge in both developed countries and countries with emerging economies. Hypertension and associated complications including stroke and myocardial infarction have reached pandemic levels. Current management strategies of hypertension predominantly include the utilization of pharmaceutical drugs which are often associated with undesirable side effects. Moreover, the drugs are often too expensive for populations from resource-limited Southern African rural, and some urban, communities. As a result, most patients rely on ethno-medicinal plants for the treatment of a variety of diseases including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. The effectiveness of these plants in managing several cardiovascular diseases has been attributed to the presence of bioactive phytochemical constituents. In this review, the treatment options that target the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the management of hypertension were summarized, with special emphasis on ethno-medicinal plants and their influence on the ACE1 RAS pathway. The dearth of knowledge regarding the effect of ethno-medicinal plants on the ACE2 pathway was also highlighted.
Phosphoric Acid Activated Carbon from Melia azedarach Waste Sawdust for Adsorptive Removal of Reactive Orange 16: Equilibrium Modelling and Thermodynamic Analysis
Authors: Shah Jehanzeb Ali , Butt Tayyab Ashfaq , Mirza Cyrus Raza , Shaikh Ahson Jabbar , Khan Muhammad Saqib , Arshad Muhammad , Riaz Nadia , Haroon Hajira , Gardazi Syed Mubashar Hussain , Yaqoob Khurram , Bilal Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Waste wood biomass as precursor for manufacturing activated carbon (AC) can provide a solution to ever increasing global water quality concerns. In our current work, Melia azedarach derived phosphoric acid-treated AC (MA-AC400) was manufactured at a laboratory scale. This novel MA-AC400 was tested for RO16 dye removal performance as a function of contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH, temperature and initial dye concentration in a batch scale arrangement. MA-AC400 was characterized via scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fluorescence spectroscopy. MA-AC400 is characterized as mesoporous with BET surface area of 293.13 m2 g−1 and average pore width of 20.33 Å. pHPZC and Boehm titration confirm the acidic surface charges with dominance of phenolic functional groups. The average DLS particle size of MA-AC400 was found in the narrow range of 0.12 to 0.30 µm and this polydispersity was confirmed with multiple excitation fluorescence wavelengths. MA-AC400 showed equilibrium adsorption efficiency of 97.8% for RO16 dye at its initial concentration of 30 mg L−1 and adsorbent dose of 1 g L−1. Thermodynamic study endorsed the spontaneous, favorable, irreversible and exothermic process for RO16 adsorption onto MA-AC400. Equilibrium adsorption data was better explained by Langmuir with high goodness of fit (R2, 0.9964) and this fitness was endorsed with lower error functions. The kinetics data was found well fitted to pseudo-second order (PSO), and intra-particle diffusion kinetic models. Increasing diffusion constant values confirm the intraparticle diffusion at higher RO16 initial concentration and reverse was true for PSO chemisorption kinetics. MA-AC400 exhibited low desorption with studied eluents and its cost was calculated to be $8.36/kg.
Conjugate Addition of Grignard Reagents to Thiochromones Catalyzed by Copper Salts: A Unified Approach to Both 2-Alkylthiochroman-4-One and Thioflavanone
Authors: Bellinger Tania J. , Harvin Teavian , Pickens-Flynn Ti’Bran , Austin Nataleigh , Whitaker Samuel H. , Tang Yuk Tutein Mai Ling C. , Hukins Dabria T. , Deese Nichele , Guo Fenghai
Published: May 2020

Grignard reagents undergo conjugate addition to thiochromones catalyzed by copper salts to afford 2-substituted-thiochroman-4-ones, both 2-alkylthiochroman-4-ones and thioflavanones (2-arylthiochroman-4-ones), in good yields with trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSCl) as an additive. The best yields of 1,4-adducts can be attained with CuCN∙2LiCl as the copper source. Excellent yields of 2-alkyl-substituted thiochroman-4-ones and thioflavanones (2-aryl substituted) are attained with a broad range of Grignard reagents. This approach works well with both alkyl and aromatic Grignard reagents, thus providing a unified synthetic approach to privileged 2-substituted thiochroman-4-ones and a potential valuable precursor for further synthetic applications towards many pharmaceutically active molecules. The use of commercially available and/or readily prepared Grignard reagents will expedite the synthesis of a large library of both 2-alkyl substituted thiochroman-4-ones and thioflavanones for additional synthetic applications.
Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Activities of a Novel Water-Soluble Derivative of Ellipticine
Authors: Costa de Oliveira Regiane , Soares Pontes Gemilson , Kostyuk Aleksandr , Coutinho Camargo Gabriel B. , Dhyani Anamika , Shvydenko Tetiana , Shvydenko Kostiantyn , Grafov Andriy
Published: May 2020

Cancer still remains a major public health concern around the world and the search for new potential antitumor molecules is essential for fighting the disease. This study evaluated the anticancer and immunomodulatory potential of the newly synthetized ellipticine derivate: sodium bromo-5,11-dimethyl-6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazole-7-sulfonate (Br-Ell-SO3Na). It was prepared by the chlorosulfonation of 9-bromoellipticine. The ellipticine-7-sulfonic acid itself is not soluble, but its saponification with sodium hydroxide afforded a water-soluble sodium salt. The cytotoxicity of Br-Ell-SO3Na was tested against cancerous (K562 cell line) and non-cancerous cells (Vero cell line and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)) using a Methylthiazoletetrazolium (MTT) assay. Cell cycle arrest was assessed by flow cytometry and the immunomodulatory activity was analyzed through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that the Br-Ell-SO3Na molecule has specific anticancer activity (IC50 = 35 µM) against the K562 cell line, once no cytotoxicity effect was verified against non-cancerous cells. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that K562 cells treated with Br-Ell-SO3Na were arrested in the phase S. Moreover, the production of IL-6 increased and the expression of IL-8 was inhibited in the human PBMC treated with Br-Ell-SO3Na. The results demonstrated that Br-Ell-SO3Na is a promising anticancer molecule attested by its noteworthy activity against the K562 tumor cell line and immunomodulatory activity in human PBMC cells.
An Unexpected Reaction of Isodehydracetic Acid with Amines in the Presence of 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) Carbodiimide Hydrochloride Yields a New Type of β-Enaminones
Authors: Wang Delong , Shi Hui
Published: May 2020

The reaction of isodehydracetic acid with amines was serendipitously found to afford β-enaminones in the presence of the coupling agent 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). Under the optimal reaction condition, 23 examples of α-aminomethylene glutaconic anhydride were obtained at approximately 30−80% yields. This is a concise, operationally simple method to expediently synthesize a new type of β-enaminone-containing compound.
Influence of the Phenological State of in the Antioxidant Potential and Chemical Composition of Ageratina havanensis. Effects on the P-Glycoprotein Function
Authors: García Trina H. , Rocha Claudia Quintino da , Delgado-Roche Livan , Rodeiro Idania , Ávila Yaiser , Hernández Ivones , Cuellar Cindel , Lopes Miriam Teresa Paz , Vilegas Wagner , Auriemma Giulia , Spengler Iraida , Rastrelli Luca
Published: May 2020

Ageratina havanensis (Kunth) R. M. King & H. Robinson is a species of flowering shrub in the family Asteraceae, native to the Caribbean and Texas. The aim of this work was to compare the quantitative chemical composition of extracts obtained from Ageratina havanensis in its flowering and vegetative stages with the antioxidant potential and to determine the effects on P-glycoprotein (P-gp) function. The quantitative chemical composition of the extracts was determined quantifying their major flavonoids by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and by PCA analysis. The effects of the extracts on P-gp activity was evaluated by Rhodamine 123 assay; antioxidant properties were determined by DPPH, FRAP and inhibition of lipid peroxidation methods. The obtained results show that major flavonoids were present in higher concentrations in vegetative stage than flowering stage. In particular, the extracts obtained in the flowering season showed a significantly higher ability to sequester free radicals compared to those of the vegetative season, meanwhile, the extracts obtained during the vegetative stage showed a significant inhibitory effect against brain lipid peroxidation and a strong reductive capacity. This study also showed the inhibitory effects of all ethanolic extracts on P-gp function in 4T1 cell line; these effects were unrelated to the phenological stage. This work shows, therefore, the first evidence on: the inhibition of P-gp function, the antioxidant effects and the content of major flavonoids of Ageratina havanensis. According to the obtained results, the species Ageratina havanensis (Kunth) R. M. King & H. Robinson could be a source of new potential inhibitors of drug efflux mediated by P-gp. A special focus on all these aspects must be taking into account for future studies.
Phenylpyrazalopyrimidines as Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Synthesis, Antiproliferative Activity, and Molecular Simulations
Authors: Chhikara Bhupender S. , Ashraf Sajda , Mozaffari Saghar , St. Jeans Nicole , Mandal Dindyal , Tiwari Rakesh Kumar , Ul-Haq Zaheer , Parang Keykavous
Published: May 2020

N1-(α,β-Alkene)-substituted phenylpyrazolopyrimidine derivatives with acetyl and functionalized phenyl groups at α- and β-positions, respectively, were synthesized by the reaction of 3-phenylpyrazolopyrimidine (PhPP) with bromoacetone, followed by a chalcone reaction with differently substituted aromatic aldehydes. The Src kinase enzyme assay revealed modest inhibitory activity (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC50 = 21.7–192.1 µM) by a number of PhPP derivatives. Antiproliferative activity of the compounds was evaluated on human leukemia (CCRF-CEM), human ovarian adenocarcinoma (SK-OV-3), breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231), and colon adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cells in vitro. 4-Chlorophenyl carbo-enyl substituted 3-phenylpyrazolopyrimidine (10) inhibited the cell proliferation of HT-29 and SK-OV-3 by 90% and 79%, respectively, at a concentration of 50 µM after 96 h incubation. The compound showed modest inhibitory activity against c-Src (IC50 = 60.4 µM), Btk (IC50 = 90.5 µM), and Lck (IC50 = 110 µM), while it showed no activity against Abl1, Akt1, Alk, Braf, Cdk2, and PKCa. In combination with target selection and kinase profiling assay, extensive theoretical studies were carried out to explore the selectivity behavior of compound 10. Specific interactions were also explored by examining the changing trends of interactions of tyrosine kinases with the phenylpyrazolopyrimidine derivative. The results showed good agreement with the experimental selectivity pattern among c-Src, Btk, and Lck.
Chemical Characterization and Biological Activity of the Mastic Gum Essential Oils of Pistacia lentiscus var. chia from Turkey
Authors: Tabanca Nurhayat , Nalbantsoy Ayse , Kendra Paul E. , Demirci Fatih , Demirci Betul
Published: May 2020

The essential oils (EOs) were isolated by hydrodistillation from wild and cultivated Pistacia lentiscus L. var. chia—mastic gum tree (Anacardiaceae) from two natural habitats, namely from Cesme–Uzunkoy (1) and Mordogan (2), and one cultivated source, Cesme–Germiyan (3), in Izmir, Turkey. This comparative study evaluated the chemical composition and biological activity of mastic gum essential oils (MGEOs). For this purpose, MGEOs 1–3 were analyzed by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and chiral GC for α-pinene. Laboratory assays were conducted to assess for potential in vitro cytotoxicity (multiple in vitro cancer cell lines), antimicrobial properties (five bacterial species and yeast), anti-inflammatory activity (inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase, iNOS), and the attraction of Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly, medfly), respectively. Chemical analysis indicated that MGEOs 1 and 2 were rich in α-pinene (56.2% and 51.9%), myrcene (20.1% and 18.6%), and β-pinene (2.7% and 3.1%), respectively; whereas MGEO-3 was characterized by a high level of α-pinene (70.8%), followed by β-pinene (5.7%) and myrcene (2.5%). Chiral GC analyses showed that concentration ratios between (−)/(+)-α-pinene and (−)-α-pinene/myrcene allowed for differentiation between wild and cultivated MGEO sources. In biological assays, MGEOs 1–3 did not exhibit significant antimicrobial effects against the pathogens evaluated and were not strong attractants of male medflies; however, all three MGEOs displayed a dose-dependent inhibition of iNOS, and MGEOs 1 and 2 exhibited selective in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cells. These results suggest that wild-type mastic gum oils from Cesme and Mordogan (MGEOs 1 and 2) are potential sources of beneficial products and warrant further investigation.
Parallel Interconnected Kinetic Asymmetric Transformation (PIKAT) with an Immobilized ω-Transaminase in Neat Organic Solvent
Authors: Böhmer Wesley , Koenekoop Lucien , Simon Timothée , Mutti Francesco G.
Published: May 2020

Comprising approximately 40% of the commercially available optically active drugs, α-chiral amines are pivotal for pharmaceutical manufacture. In this context, the enzymatic asymmetric amination of ketones represents a more sustainable alternative than traditional chemical procedures for chiral amine synthesis. Notable advantages are higher atom-economy and selectivity, shorter synthesis routes, milder reaction conditions and the elimination of toxic catalysts. A parallel interconnected kinetic asymmetric transformation (PIKAT) is a cascade in which one or two enzymes use the same cofactor to convert two reagents into more useful products. Herein, we describe a PIKAT catalyzed by an immobilized ω-transaminase (ωTA) in neat toluene, which concurrently combines an asymmetric transamination of a ketone with an anti-parallel kinetic resolution of an amine racemate. The applicability of the PIKAT was tested on a set of prochiral ketones and racemic α-chiral amines in a 1:2 molar ratio, which yielded elevated conversions (up to >99%) and enantiomeric excess (ee, up to >99%) for the desired products. The progress of the conversion and ee was also monitored in a selected case. This is the first report of a PIKAT using an immobilized ωTA in a non-aqueous environment.
Green Building, Cost of Equity Capital and Corporate Governance: Evidence from US Real Estate Investment Trusts
Authors: Hsieh Hui-Ching , Claresta Viona , Bui Thi
Published: May 2020

Distinct from the existing literature, which mainly focuses on the impacts of green building practices on the owners’ benefits, this paper examines capital market participants’ perceptions of green building, specifically, the cost of equity capital. The study uses data regarding the United States Real Estate Investment Trusts (US REITs) from 2000 to 2016, employing a panel regression analysis and adopting a Price Earnings Growth (PEG) ratio model for the cost of equity capital estimation. We find a negative relationship between green building certification and the cost of equity capital. Our results encourage REITs to participate in green building certification and aim for higher green building rankings. In addition, we examine whether corporate governance could affect the intensity of green building practices in REITs. It is found that corporate governance practices implemented to align shareholders’ and managers’ interests, such as higher institutional holdings and a less dispersed ownership structure, positively impact firms’ resource allocation for green initiatives. The results suggest there could be mutual benefits for both economic profits and sustainable buildings.
Ecological and Human Health Risks of Heavy Metals in Shooting Range Soils: A Meta Assessment from China
Authors: Bai Juan , Zhao Xiaofen
Published: May 2020

Contamination of shooting ranges by heavy metals in particular Pb represents a widespread environmental issue attracting concern worldwide. Contaminant accumulation in shooting range soils can pose potential ecological risks and health risks for shooters and workers. Based on the published data on metal contamination at five shooting ranges in China, potential ecological and human health risks of several metals, and in particular, Pb were assessed for the five surveyed shooting ranges. Data show the mean concentrations of Pb, Cu, Hg, Sb, Ni and Cr in various ranges were all higher than the local soil background values, implying their accumulation was induced by shooting activities. The degree of contamination varied with sites and metals, very high Pb contamination at Range 1, Range 2 and Range 5-1, while moderate Pb contamination at Range 3 and Range 5-2. Comparatively, As, Zn and Co showed no contamination. Among the surveyed metals, Pb, Cu, Hg and Sb in shooting range soils displayed relatively high potential ecological risks. The overall degree of potential ecological risk was very high at Range 1 and Range 2, considerable at Range 4 and Range 5-1, and low at Range 3 and Range 5-2. The mean HI (hazard index) of Pb at Range 2 and the maximum HI values at Range 1 and Range 4 were higher than 1, suggesting a possibility of non-carcinogenic risks of Pb contamination at these sites. However, Pb in other range soils and other metals, across the five ranges, all exhibited no non-carcinogenic risks. The cancer risks of the four carcinogenic contaminants (As, Co, Cr, and Ni) were acceptable or negligible at all ranges. In conclusion, contamination of Pb and other metals such as Cu, Hg and Sb can cause various potential ecological risks at all the surveyed ranges, but only Pb at three ranges shows possible health risks. Contamination of Pb in the surveyed shooting ranges should be managed to reduce its possible environmental and health risks.
Inequality in Infant Mortality Among Population of Modern Russia
Authors: Andreev E. M.
Published: May 2020

Based on official statistics, the author tries to address the question of why the infant mortality rate in Russia is significantly higher than might be expected given the measures taken to protect the health of pregnant women and newborns. In the introduction, the author explains the relevance of studying inequality in the level of infant mortality among the population of modern Russia as a factor holding back the positive downward trend.

After presenting the latest history of the evolution of the information and statistical base for population studies on the subjects under review, the author confirms the approach according to which it is advisable to work with data for real generations when analyzing the differentiation of infant mortality and generations born in 2014-2016 are chosen as the object of analysis.

To determine the relevance of individual factors contributing to infant mortality, the author cross-tabulated raw data. Data on such initial characteristics (factors) as the birth order of the child, whether a mother is in a contracted civil marriage or not, mother’s level of education, were grouped by age groups of mothers. The use of cross-tabulation allowed to affirm not only the influence of individual factors on the level of infant mortality but also a quantitative differentiation between them. The article concludes the extent to which the overall level of infant mortality is determined by mortality rates from individual causes of death.

A significant part of the article is presented in the format of author generalization using statistical methods regarding the educational differences of mothers, which have become differentiation factors in infant mortality rates.

The socio-demographic analysis based on official statistics has confirmed not only some hypotheses as to why, despite the relatively rapid decrease in infant mortality in Russia in recent years, its level remains higher than in almost all European countries with reliable demographic statistics, but also to reveal the extent of the inequality of infant mortality in our country.

The author argues that the reason why Russia lags behind many countries with the positive downward infant mortality trend is strongly associated with causes of death from conditions arising in the perinatal period as well as congenital disorders. This suggests that the level of medical care for pregnant women and newborns in Russia is still lower than in developed European countries. It also has to be assumed that different educational groups have unequal access to quality health care. А proactive approach to life as well as a progressive achievement of the right to choose a medical institution and a doctor - is one of the important directions for resolving a whole set of national health care issues.
Fuzzy Differential Subordinations Results for λ-pseudo Starlike and λ-pseudo Convex Functions with Respect to Symmetrical Points
Authors: Wanas Abbas Kareem , Hussein Dhirgam Allawy
Published: May 2020

In the present work, we establish some fuzzy differential subordination results for λ‑pseudo starlike and λ-pseudo convex functions with respect to symmetrical points in the open unit disk.
Respon Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Tanaman Kubis bunga (Barassica oleracea L) Akibat Pemberian Cangkang Telur Ayam
Authors: Rahmi Hayatul , Tua Marudut , Rahayu Yayu Sri
Published: May 2020

Flower cabbage is a vegetable crop that is widely consumed by the people of Indonesia. For growth, it can be helped by providing egg shells that are environmentally friendly when compared with chemical fertilizers. This study used a Randomized Block Design with five doses of eggshell treatment (0,6,12,18,24 grams / plant) with five replications each. The results of the research are: The application of eggshell fertilizer which has a significant influence on the number of leaves aged 35 dd, and on the flower weight per plant. And the dose of eggshell fertilizer that gives the best treatment E (2.0 g / plant) with a yield of 301.53 g / plant.
Penggunaan Model Picture and Picture dalam Pembelajaran Menulis Cerpen
Authors: Fitriawati Musyafa Nurvani
Published: May 2020

Artikel ini membahas efektivitas model pembelajaran picture and picture dalam meningkatkan keterampilan menulis cerita pendek. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode eksperimen dengan Posttest Design Group Control Only. Teknik yang digunakan adalah tes dan angket. Populasi kelas XI SMK Pasundan 1 Cianjur. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran picture and picture efektif dan dikategorikan dengan baik untuk meningkatkan kemampuan menulis cerita pendek. Ditunjukkan pada kemampuan peserta didik kelas eksperimen yang diberi (perlakuan) memiliki nilai lebih tinggi dengan nilai (posttest) 72,38. Sedangkan kelas kontrol yang tidak diberikan (perlakuan) menghasilkan nilai (posttest) 64,43, dari hasil tes kelas memiliki nilai perbedaan 19,66. Dan jumlah jawaban kuesioner yang telah digunakan untuk peserta didik hampir 73% merasa bahwa model gambar difasilitasi pada penulisan, dan dianggap bahwa kegiatan menulis cerita pendek sangat menarik untuk dipelajari.Kata kunci:  cerpen, menulis, picture and picture
OPTIMIZATION RESEARCH OF FERTILIZER GUIDING MECHANISM BASED
ON THE DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD
Authors: Zhang Hong Jian , Li Yu Feng , Xu Chun Bao , Liu Shuang Xi , Quan Ze Kun , Wang Jin Xing
Published: May 2020

Discrete Element Method was used to study the fertilizer guiding mechanism of double-row orchard ditching fertilizer to solve certain problems, such as the low uniformity of fertilization in orchard. Firstly, on the basis of studying the existing B fertilizer guiding mechanism, A and C fertilizer guiding mechanisms were proposed, and three virtual simulation models of the fertilizer guiding mechanism were established. Secondly, the physical parameters of the fertilizer particles were analysed, combined with the dynamic analysis of the falling process of the fertilizer particles, the dynamic model of the fertilizer particles in the three fertilizer guiding mechanisms was established. Finally, three kinds of fertilizer guiding mechanisms A, B and C were analyzed by the discrete element simulation experiment, and the C fertilizer guiding mechanism was the best. Then, the C fertilizer guiding mechanisms under different curvature radius were simulated, the discrete coefficients of the edge region and the middle region were used to evaluate the fertilizer uniformity, and the optimal curvature radius of the C fertilizer guiding mechanism was obtained. The results of simulation and prototype orchard experiments show that the dispersion coefficients of the edge region and the middle region of the C fertilizer guiding mechanism are the smallest, the uniformity of fertilization is the highest, the A fertilizer guiding mechanism is the second, the B fertilizer guiding mechanism is the lowest; in the C fertilizer guiding mechanism under different radius of curvature, when the radius of curvature is 600mm, the dispersion coefficients of the edge region and the middle region of the C fertilizer guiding mechanism are the smallest, and the fertilization uniformity is the highest; after the optimization, the discrete coefficient is reduced from 0.51 to 0.26, and the fertilization uniformity is increased by 49.02%. This study has significant potential to design and processing of orchard ditching fertilizer applicator.
Semiotics of History in the Works of the Tartu-Moscow Group
Authors: Żyłko Bogusław
Published: May 2020

This article examines the contribution of the Tartu-Moscow School of Semiotics to semiotic studies of history, with the main focus on the work of Yuri Lotman and Boris Uspensky.
Pochwała populizmu. Esej polemiczny
Authors: Frieske Kazimierz W.
Published: May 2020

The author supports the claim that attempts to formulate a universal definition of the term “populism” are not worthwhile, because the sense of the term is usually determined by a specific social context. Understanding the utopian nature of populism provides a better understanding of the utopian nature of democracy and allows for a humble departure from dreams of a perfect social order, because, as has been shown in numerous survey studies, the contemporary shift of social mood, attitudes, and opinions toward some version of populism is a relatively simple consequence of the deficiencies of democracy in its neoliberal version.
SEXO, MULHER E PUNIÇÃO – A SEXUALIDADE FEMININA NUMA INSTITUIÇÃO PENAL
Authors: Do Amparo Rocha Caridade Maria
Published: May 2020

A vida sexual em prisões não tem constituído uma preocupação social. A abstenção do sexo nesses contextos parece entendida como fato natural, integrando a pena que o indivíduo cumpre. O fato é mais claramente observado quando se trata de prisões femininas. Na Colônia Penal Feminina do Bom Pastor (CPF), em Recife, mulheres presas vivem nos dias atuais sem perspectivas de relacionamento sexual com seus parceiros. A Instituição é dirigida por freiras e a repressão sexual é intensa. Apesar de rigoroso controle das expressões da sexualidade, as mulheres encontram formas alternativas de vivê-la, sobretudo através da masturbação e da homossexualidade. Por essas práticas “transgressoras” e “desviantes” da sexualidade, as detentas afirmam-se e se restabelecem como sujeitos. As manifestações sexuais na CPF são uma forma de contrapoder desafiador das normas institucionais do desprazer.
PARA UM REPENSAR DA ÉTICA SEXUAL CRISTÃ NA PÓS-MODERNIDADE
Authors: Luiz Boccato de Almeida André
Published: May 2020

A relação entre corpo, sexualidade e religião nem sempre gozou de muita harmonia e simplicidade em sua relação. Historicamente houve muitos desentendimentos devido ao paradigma antropológica dualista que imperou no Ocidente cristão. Com a modernidade e agora na pós-modernidade, muitos destes paradigmas se tornaram ultrapassados e envelhecidos. O ensinamento oficial da Igreja Católica nem sempre conseguiu com o seu “magisterium” uma abertura no trato do tema. Urge um repensar de uma ética sexual cristã num contexto de fragmentações e reducionismos éticos. Mais que resgatar uma compreensão integral da sexualidade humana, vimos por necessário aqui, uma mudança de mentalidade acerca do ser humano, propondo a este, hoje, uma superação da tirania do prazer e do corpo.
CARACTERÍSTICAS E DINÂMICAS DO ABUSO SEXUAL DE CRIANÇAS
Authors: Caputo Correa Jimilly , Gontijo Soares Rhaisa , Cecília Villela Guilhon Ana , Navarro Jardim Laíse , Moura Lourenço Lelio
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo trata do abuso sexual infantil que é considerado questão de saúde pública em muitos países, não só pela alta prevalência, mas também pelos graves prejuízos psicológicos e sociais, tanto da vítima como de pessoas próximas a ela. Esclarece que, mais que o consentimento ou não da vítima, está em causa a falta de maturação desta para tal consentimento.  Considerando o abuso como uma experiência e não uma desordem, prevê a impossibilidade de diagnóstico por uma síndrome específica da vítima de abuso. Levanta a dificuldade da obtenção de dados epidemiológicos que ocorre principalmente pela falta de denúncia por sentimentos de vergonha, culpa e medo. Trata, também, pontos importantes sobre fatores de vulnerabilidade, a avaliação e confirmação do caso, a intervenção clínica e as possibilidades de prevenção.
Dietary Supplement use Among College Athletes
Authors:   (Assistant Professor) Govt. College of Education, Patiala., Saini Dr. Hardeep Kaur , Singh Dr. Sukhjivan ,   (Assistant Professor) Lovely Professional University.
Published: May 2020

This study has been carried out the dietary supplements uses among college athletes. The sample of the study comprises of 220 athletes (150 males and 70 females) randomly selected from different degree colleges of Patiala. For this purpose a 16 item questionnaire was prepared by the investigators keeping in view the variety of diet supplement usage. Data was analysed through frequencies & Pearson Product-Moment correlation Coefficients. The use of dietary supplements between males and females athletes was evaluated with the T-test. Significance level was determined at p>0.05.
Impact of Quality of Work Life of Employees on Employee Turnover in Engineering Sector
Authors:   Professor and Researcher, Department of graduate studies and scientific research ,Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia., Gangwani Dr Sanjeevni , Sharma Dr Shweta ,   visiting faculty, business administration, Indore., Zahra Dr Noore ,   Assistant Professor, Computer Sciences Department, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah Bint AbdulRehman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Published: May 2020

Current business environment has numerous challenges in front of employers due to high employee turnover when workers working in various sectors such as IT, textile, telecommunications or manufacturing sector leave the current employer and join another organization. When these experienced staff or people holding important roles in the organization leave the organization it creates an adverse effect on the ongoing projects, meeting the requirements of clients, fulfilling the demands of regular customers, delivering of various goods and services on time, even sometimes it can reduce the total units produced, total sales or the overall revenue generated in that particular year, reduce effective customer service, reduce quality control of an organization's products or services. The industry again have to incur various cost and their time in the recruitment and training process of employees, it often leads to decreased morale of present employees within the organization. It creates a negative impact on the organization as the organization performance, productivity and the overall profitability of the industry is reduced. There are various reasons causing the employee turnover such as job dissatisfaction, improper working environment or working conditions, less salary or benefits, more working hours. All these work dimensions are associated with the concept of QWL. This paper focuses on the QWL, their attributes and their effect on the rate of employee turnover in various engineering sector. The results indicated a significant association between respondent’s demographic factors such as gender, age, qualification, marital status and QWL. In the present study, some recommendations are made to reduce employee turnover in industry.
ECMC Rule based Software Module Defect Prediction using Support Vector Balanced Data
Authors:   Computer Science and Engineering department, Rayalaseema University, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India., Kumar* Kovuru Vijaya , Prasad Ch GVN ,   Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Sri Indu College of Engg & Tech, Hyderabad. India
Published: May 2020

Software module defect prediction (SDP) is one of the promising research area due to its wide range of application across multiple cross domain areas. Early detection of the defect module in a software reduces lot of effort put up in developing that software and it also reduces the cost associated in developing that software. Hence, in a quest to provide a better solution for SDP, we propose a novel rule based software module defect prediction using ECMC method in combination with support vector balanced data. It has been observed from our experiments that the results of this novel method are promising and satisfactory.
An Improved Deep Learning Model for Plant Disease Detection
Authors:   Asst Professor, Information Technology,MVGR College of Engg, Vizianagaram, B Anjanadevi , I Charmila ,   btech student, MVGR, AP, NS Akhil ,   btechstudentMVGR,AP, R Anusha ,   btech student,MVGR, AP
Published: May 2020

In current era, Deep Convolution Neural Networks (DCNNs) are desperately improved localization, identification and detection of objects. Recent days, Big data is evolved which leads huge data generation through modern tools like surveillance video cameras. In this paper, we have focused on plant data images in agricultural field. Agriculture is one of major living source in India. To increase the yield by preventing diseases and detection of diseases place major role in agriculture domain. By using Improved and customized DCNN model (improved-detect), We trained plantdoc and plant village datasets. Mainly we used Tomato, Corn and potato plant for model training and testing. we have experimented on plant image data set-tomato leaves both healthy and diseased ones. Experimental results are compared with state of the architectures like Mobile Net, Dark Net-19, ResNet-101and proposed model out PERFORMS in location and detection of plant diseases. obtains best results in computation and accuracy. In the below results sections, we have presented the results with suitable models.