bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SEISMIC AND GEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SEDIMENTARY SEQUENCES AND PETROLEUM POTENTIAL OF THE YAMAL, GYDAN AND SOUTH KARA PETROLEUM AREAS (Arctic regions of West Siberia, the Kara Sea shelf)
Authors: Kontorovich V. A. , Ayunova D. V. , Guseva S. M. , Kalinina L. M. , Kalinin A. Yu. , Kanakov M. S. , Soloviev M. V. , Surikova E. S. , Toropova T. N.
Published: March 2019

There are six sedimentary seismic sequences overlying pre-Mesozoic basement in the Mesozoic-Cenozoic sedimentary cover of the Arctic regions of West Siberia and the Kara Sea shelf. The paper describes the seismic markers characteristics and the seismic-facial features of the Paleozoic, Triassic, Jurassic, Neocomian, Apt-Cenomanian and TuronianCenozoic seismic sequences. It was concluded that the features of large Cenomanian gas pools are seismic markers associated with gas-water contacts; Apt-Albian pools are displayed on time sections by a bright spot seismic anomaly.
The disturbance of hemostasis induced by hyperhomocysteinemia; the role of antioxidants.
Authors: Malinowska Joanna , Kolodziejczyk Joanna , Olas Beata
Published: March 2019

Elevated concentration of homocysteine (Hcy) in human tissues, definied as hyperhomocysteinemia has been correlated with some diseases, such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and kidney disorders. Homocysteine occurs in human blood plasma in several forms, including the most reactive one, the homocysteine thiolactone (HTL) - a cyclic thioester, which represents up to 0.29% of total plasma Hcy. In the article, the effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on the complex process of hemostasis, which regulates the flowing properties of blood, are described. Possible interactions of homocysteine and its different derivatives, including homocysteine thiolactone, with the major components of hemostasis such as endothelial cells, blood platelets, plasmatic fibrinogen and plasminogen, are also discussed. Modifications of hemostatic proteins (N-homocysteinylation or S-homocysteinylation) induced by Hcy or its thiolactone seem to be the main cause of homocysteine biotoxicity in hemostatic abnormalities. It is suggested that Hcy and HTL may also act as oxidants, but various polyphenolic antioxidants are able to inhibit the oxidative damage induced by Hcy or HTL. We also discuss the role of phenolic antioxidants in hyperhomocysteinemia -induced changes in hemostasis.
Effect of substrate stiffness on differentiation of umbilical cord stem cells.
Authors: Witkowska-Zimny Małgorzata , Walenko Katarzyna , Wałkiewicz Anna Ewa , Pojda Zygmunt , Przybylski Jacek , Lewandowska-Szumieł Małgorzata
Published: March 2019

Tissue formation and maintenance is regulated by various factors, including biological, physiological and physical signals transmitted between cells as well as originating from cell-substrate interactions. In our study, the osteogenic potential of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells isolated from umbilical cord Wharton's jelly (UC-MSCs) was investigated in relation to the substrate rigidity on polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAM). Osteogenic differentiation of UC-MSCs was enhanced on stiff substrate compared to soft substrates, illustrating that the mechanical environment can play a role in differentiation of this type of cells. These results show that substrate stiffness can regulate UC-MSCs differentiation, and hence may have significant implications for design of biomaterials with appropriate mechanical properties for regenerative medicine.
Prebiotics and bioactive natural substances induce changes of composition and metabolic activities of the colonic microflora in cancerous rats.
Authors: Hijová Emília , Bomba Alojz , Bertková Izabela , Strojný Ladislav , Szabadosová Viktória , Šoltésová Alena
Published: March 2019

Prebiotics are defined as selectively fermented food ingredients that induce specific changes in the composition and/or activity in the gastrointestinal microbiota beneficial to the host well-being and health. The aim of the presented experiment was to investigate the effect of a prebiotic applied alone or in combination with Hyppocastani extractum siccum, and Lini oleum virginale in rats with dimethylhydrazine induced colon cancer. Wistar albino rats were fed high fat diet supplemented with the prebiotic alone or in combination with Horse chestnut and flaxseed oil. The activity of faecal glycolytic enzymes, lipid parameters, bile acids, short chain fatty acids and counts of coliforms and lactobacilli were determined. Treatment with the prebiotic alone and in combination with selected substances significantly decreased the activity of glycolytic bacterial enzyme β-glucuronidase (P
High efficiency method to obtain supercoiled DNA with a commercial plasmid purification kit.
Authors: Carbone Antonietta , Fioretti Flavia Marialucia , Fucci Laura , Ausió Juan , Piscopo Marina
Published: March 2019

Supercoiled state corresponds to the active form for plasmid applications. The relaxed circular form of plasmids is often inactive or poorly active. To obtain significant amounts of almost fully supercoiled DNA, we modified the standard protocol of a commercially available Qiagen plasmid purification kit. Our changes led to isolation of almost 100% of the plasmids in the supercoiled state. The modified protocol was used to purify different plasmids with consistent results. The purified plasmids maintain supercoiled state for about two months. The modified protocol is very advantageous because it allows easy DNA production with high degree of supercoiled form at low cost.
Excited-state dynamics of overlapped optically-allowed 1B(u)+ and optically-forbidden 1B(u)- or 3A(g)- vibronic levels of carotenoids: possible roles in the light-harvesting function.
Authors: Koyama Yasushi , Kakitani Yoshinori , Nagae Hiroyoshi
Published: March 2019

Pump-probe spectroscopy after selective excitation of all-trans Cars (n = 9-13) in nonpolar solvent identified a symmetry selection rule of diabatic electronic mixing and diabatic internal conversion, i.e., '1B(u)(+)-to-1B(u)(-) is allowed but 1B(u)(+)-to-3A(g)(-) is forbidden'. Kerr-gate fluorescence spectroscopy showed that this selection rule breaks down, due to the symmetry degradation when the Car molecules are being excited, and, as a result, the 1B(u)(+)-to-3A(g)(-) diabatic electronic mixing and internal conversion become allowed. On the other hand, pump-probe spectroscopy after coherent excitation of the same set of Cars in polar solvent identified three stimulated-emission components (generated by the quantum-beat mechanism), consisting of the long-lived coherent cross term from the 1B(u)(+) + 1B(u)(-) or 1B(u)(+) + 3A(g)(-) diabatic pair and incoherent short-lived 1B(u)(+) and 1B(u)(-) or 3A(g)(-) split incoherent terms. The same type of stimulated-emission components were identified in Cars bound to LH2 complexes, their lifetimes being substantially shortened by the Car-to-BChl singlet-energy transfer. Each diabatic pair and its split components appeared with high intensities in the first component. The low-energy shifts of the 1B(u)(+)(0), 1B(u)(-)(0) and 3A(g)(-)(0) levels and efficient triplet generation were also found.
Synthesis of highly 13C enriched carotenoids: access to carotenoids enriched with 13C at any position and combination of positions.
Authors: Lugtenburg Johan , Dawadi Prativa B S
Published: March 2019

Carotenoids and their metabolites are essential factors for the maintenance of important life processes such as photosynthesis. Animals cannot synthesize carotenoids de novo, they must obtain them via their food. In order to make intensive animal husbandry possible and maintain human and animal health synthetic nature identical carotenoids are presently commercially available at the multi-tonnes scale per year. Synthetically accessible (13)C enriched carotenoids are essential to apply isotope sensitive techniques to obtain information at the atomic level without perturbation about the role of carotenoids in photosynthesis, nutrition, vision, animal development, etc. Simple highly (13)C enriched C(1), C(2) and C(3) building blocks are commercially available via 99% (13)CO. The synthetic routes for the preparation of the (13)C enriched building blocks starting from the commercially available systems are discussed first. Then, how these building blocks are used for the synthesis of the various (13)C enriched carotenoids and apocarotenoids are reviewed next. The synthetic Schemes that resulted in (13)C enriched β-carotene, spheroidene, β-cryptoxanthin, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin, (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin and (3R,3'R,6'R)-lutein are described. The Schemes that are reviewed can also be used to synthetically access any carotenoid and apocarotenoid in any (13)C isotopically enriched form up to the unitarily enriched form.
A multicarotenoid beadlet for human nutrition - proof of concept of in vitro timed release.
Authors: Gellenbeck Kevin , Salter-Venzon Dawna , Lala Rajendra , Chavan Jayanthi
Published: March 2019

Since the 1980's when the predominate focus of study and use of carotenoids in human nutritional formulations was solely on beta-carotene, there has been a steady increase in research aimed to understand the role of a wide variety of carotenoids in human health. This work has increasingly demonstrated the benefits of a number of carotenoids, and there has been a corresponding increase in the number of carotenoids provided in nutritional supplements (multicarotenoids). Numerous published observations in both human and animal studies suggest significant interaction and competition between various carotenoids during absorption and metabolism, resulting in the inhibition of uptake of one over the other. This competition has the end result of reducing the beneficial effects of the inhibited carotenoid. To limit such competition and maximize carotenoid uptakes, a layered beadlet was designed to release a defined ratio of carotenoids sequentially. Preliminary dissolution testing is presented showing the release profile in simulated digestive conditions of a combination of beta-carotene, alpha carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and astaxanthin derived from natural sources. Comparison is made to an immediate release beadlet formulation using the same combination of carotenoids. These results will be used to guide proof of concept clinical testing for effectiveness in humans.
Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects.
Authors: Tominaga Kumi , Hongo Nobuko , Karato Mariko , Yamashita Eiji
Published: March 2019

Two human clinical studies were performed. One was an open-label non-controlled study involving 30 healthy female subjects for 8 weeks. Significant improvements were observed by combining 6 mg per day oral supplementation and 2 ml (78.9 μM solution) per day topical application of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin derived from the microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis showed improvements in skin wrinkle (crow's feet at week-8), age spot size (cheek at week-8), elasticity (crow's feet at week-8), skin texture (cheek at week-4), moisture content of corneocyte layer (cheek in 10 dry skin subjects at week-8) and corneocyte condition (cheek at week-8). It may suggest that astaxanthin derived from H. pluvialis can improve skin condition in all layers such as corneocyte layer, epidermis, basal layer and dermis by combining oral supplementation and topical treatment. Another was a randomized double-blind placebo controlled study involving 36 healthy male subjects for 6 weeks. Crow's feet wrinkle and elasticity; and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were improved after 6 mg of astaxanthin (the same as former study) daily supplementation. Moisture content and sebum oil level at the cheek zone showed strong tendencies for improvement. These results suggest that astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis may improve the skin condition in not only in women but also in men.
Application of resonance raman microscopy to in vivo carotenoid.
Authors: Uragami Chiasa , Yamashita Eiji , Gall Andrew , Robert Bruno , Hashimoto Hideki
Published: March 2019

The high antioxidant activity of astaxanthin has been attracted considerable attention in these days. One of the major antioxidant activities of this carotenoid is anti-photoaging. We have been focusing our attention on this particular issue. The anti-photoaging activity should be functioning in inner skin. In this study we tried to find out the fact that astaxanthin that has been swabbed on the outer surface of the skin has really passed through and reached to the inner skin. For this purpose resonance Raman microscopy was applied to the rat skin sample on which astaxanthin was swabbed on its outer surface. Astaxanthin gives rise to a unique Raman spectrum that is characteristic of its molecular structure. Therefore, we can easily identify the presence or absence of astaxanthin in the area of the rat skin that is subjected to this spectroscopic measurement. We used 532 nm laser light for probing the resonance Raman scattering of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin shows three strong Raman lines at 1508, 1145, and 993 cm(-1). These three lines are ascribable to the C=C stretching, C-C stretching, and C-CH(3) in-plane rocking vibrational modes, respectively. We have constructed confocal Raman microscope that has the spatial resolution of ca. 500 nm. Three-dimensional mapping of the Raman spectrum of astaxanthin has been performed in order to determine its distribution in the rat skin.
Antioxidant effects of carotenoids in a model pigment-protein complex.
Authors: Fiedor Joanna , Sulikowska Aleksandra , Orzechowska Aleksandra , Fiedor Leszek , Burda Květoslava
Published: March 2019

The effect of carotenoids on stability of model photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes subjected to chemical oxidation with hydrogen peroxide or potassium ferricyanide was investigated. The oxidation of carotenoid-less and carotenoid-containing complexes was conducted in the presence or absence of ascorbic acid. The progress of the reactions was monitored by use of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Our results show that carotenoids may significantly enhance the stability of photosynthetic complexes against oxidation and their protective (antioxidant) effect depends on the type of the oxidant.
Partial synthesis of serum carotenoids and their metabolites.
Authors: Khachik Frederick
Published: March 2019

Human serum and tissues contain in excess of 12 dietary carotenoids and several metabolites that originate from consumption of fruits and vegetables. Among these are hydroxycarotenoids: (3R,3'R,6'R)-lutein (1), (3R,3'R)-zeaxanthin (2), (3R,6'R)-α-cryptoxanthin (3), and (3R)-β-cryptoxanthin (4). In addition, several dehydration products of 1 have also been identified in human serum, these are: (3R,6'R)-3-hydroxy-3',4'-didehydro-β,γ-carotene (5), (3R,6'R)-3-hydroxy-2',3'-didehydro-β,ε-carotene (6), and (3R)-3-hydroxy-3',4'-didehydro-β,β-carotene (7). Several metabolites of 1 and/or 2, namely, (3R,3'S,6'R)-lutein (3'-epilutein, 8) and (3R,3'S;meso)-zeaxanthin (9) have also been characterized in human serum and ocular tissues. Semi-synthetic processes have been developed that separately transform commercially available 1 into 4 via 7 as well as 1 into 8. While 8 is converted into 2 by base-catalyzed isomerization, 7 is transformed into 2 and its (3R,3'S;meso)-stereoisomer (9) by regioselective hydroboration.
Light distributions on the retina: relevance to macular pigment photoprotection.
Authors: Bone Richard A , Gibert Jorge C , Mukherjee Anirbaan
Published: March 2019

Light exposure has been implicated in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study was designed to measure cumulative light distribution on the retina to determine whether it peaked in the macula. An eye-tracker recorded the subject's field of view and pupil size, and superimposed the gaze position. Fifteen naïve subjects formed a test group; 5 formed a control group. In phase 1, all subjects viewed a sequence of photographic images. In phase 2, the naïve subjects observed a video; in phase 3, they performed computer tasks; in phase 4, the subjects walked around freely. In phase 1, control subjects were instructed to gaze at bright features in the field of view and, in a second test, at dark features. Test group subjects were allowed to gaze freely for all phases. Using the subject's gaze coordinates, we calculated the cumulative light distribution on the retina. As expected for control subjects, cumulative retinal light distributions peaked and dipped in the fovea when they gazed at bright or dark features respectively in the field of view. The light distribution maps obtained from the test group showed a consistent tendency to peak in the macula in phase 3, a variable tendency in phase 4, but little tendency in phases 1 and 2. We conclude that a tendency for light to peak in the macula is a characteristic of some individuals and of certain tasks. In these situations, risk of AMD could be increased but, at the same time, mitigated by the presence of macular carotenoids.
Polarization angle dependence of stark absorption spectra of spirilloxanthin bound to the reconstituted LH1 complexes using LH1-subunits isolated from the purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodospirillum rubrum.
Authors: Horibe Tomoko , Nakagawa Katsunori , Kusumoto Toshiyuki , Fujii Ritsuko , Cogdell Richard J , Nango Mamoru , Hashimoto Hideki
Published: March 2019

Reconstituted LH1 complexes were prepared using the LH1 subunit-type complexes, isolated from the purple photosynthetic bacterium Rhodospirillum (Rs.) rubrum, and purified all-trans spirilloxanthin. Stark absorption spectra of spirilloxanthin bound to both the native and reconstituted LH1 complexes were compared in different polarization angles (χ) against the external electric field. From the polarization angle dependence of the Stark absorption spectra, two angles were determined in reference to the direction of transition dipole moment (m) of spirilloxanthin: one is the change in polarizability upon photoexcitation (Δα), θ(Δα) and the other is the change in static dipole moment upon photoexcitation (Δμ), θ(Δμ). Despite the symmetric molecular structure of all-trans spirilloxanthin, its Stark absorption spectra show pronounced values of Δμ. This large Δμ values essentially caused by the effect of induced dipole moment through Δα both in the cases for native and reconstituted LH1 complexes. However, slightly different values of θ(Δα) and θ(Δμ) observed for the native LH1 complex suggest that spirilloxanthin is asymmetrically distorted when bound to the native LH1 complex and gives rise to intrinsic Δμ value.
Violaxanthin and diadinoxanthin de-epoxidation in various model lipid systems.
Authors: Latowski Dariusz , Goss Reimund , Bojko Monika , Strzałka Kazimierz
Published: March 2019

The xanthophyll cycle is an important photoprotective process functioning in plants. One of its forms, the violaxanthin (Vx) cycle, involves interconversion between: Vx, antheraxanthin (Ax) and zeaxanthin (Zx). Another kind of the xanthophyll cycle is the diadinoxanthin (Ddx) cycle in which interconversion between Ddx and diatoxanthin (Dtx) occurs. In this study an information on molecular mechanism and regulation of these two types of the xanthophyll cycle is presented. The influence of lipids on the de-epoxidation of the xanthophyll cycle pigments was investigated, with special focus put on the significance of physical properties of the aggregates formed by inverted lipid micelles, which are necessary for activity of the xanthophyll cycle enzymes. In particular, thickness of the hydrophobic fraction of the aggregates, size of the inverted micelles, suggested by mathematical description of the structures and solubility of Vx and Ddx in various kind of lipids were studied. Obtained results show that the rate of de-epoxidation is strongly dependent on the physicochemical properties of the lipids used. The key role for enzyme activation play non-bilayer lipids and the parameters of inverted micelles such as thickness, fluidity of hydrophobic core and their diameter. The presented results show that MGDG and other non-lamellar lipids like different forms of phosphatidylethanolamine are necessary for the Vx and Ddx de-epoxidation because they provide the three-dimensional structures, which are needed for the binding of de-epoxidases and for the accessibility of Vx and Ddx to these enzymes.
Orientation of lutein in a lipid bilayer - revisited.
Authors: Pasenkiewicz-Gierula Marta , Baczyński Krzysztof , Murzyn Krzysztof , Markiewicz Michał
Published: March 2019

Lutein is present in the human retina and lens, where it plays a protective role. As lutein is associated with the lipid matrix of biomembranes, the role depends on its membrane location. Experimental studies predicted two orientations of lutein in a phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayer: vertical and horizontal. Using a molecular dynamics simulation, we observed, in two different PC bilayers, both orientations of lutein, and in each bilayer, a single change from vertical to horizontal orientation or vice versa. Both orientations were stabilized by hydrogen bonding of lutein OH groups with mainly carbonyl but also phosphate oxygen atoms of PC.
Structural aspects of the antioxidant activity of lutein in a model of photoreceptor membranes.
Authors: Wisniewska-Becker Anna , Nawrocki Grzegorz , Duda Mariusz , Subczynski Witold K
Published: March 2019

It was shown that in membranes containing raft domains, the macular xanthophylls lutein and zeaxanthin are not distributed uniformly, but are excluded from saturated raft domains and about ten times more concentrated in unsaturated bulk lipids. The selective accumulation of lutein and zeaxanthin in direct proximity to unsaturated lipids, which are especially susceptible to lipid peroxidation, could be very important as far as their antioxidant activity is concerned. Therefore, the protective role of lutein against lipid peroxidation was investigated in membranes made of raft-forming mixtures and in models of photoreceptor outer segment membranes and compared with their antioxidant activity in homogeneous membranes composed of unsaturated lipids. Lipid peroxidation was induced by photosensitized reactions using rose Bengal and monitored by an MDA-TBA test, an iodometric assay, and oxygen consumption (using EPR spectroscopy and the mHCTPO spin label as an oxygen probe). The results show that lutein protects unsaturated lipids more effectively in membranes made of raft-forming mixtures than in homogeneous membranes. This suggests that the selective accumulation of macular xanthophylls in the most vulnerable regions of photoreceptor membranes may play an important role in enhancing their antioxidant properties and ability to prevent age-related macular diseases (such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD)).
Seasonal changes of violaxanthin cycle pigment de-epoxidation in wintergreen and evergreen plants.
Authors: Dymova Olga , Golovko Tamara
Published: March 2019

We studied carotenoids composition and the activities of the xanthophylls pigments in evergreen conifers (Abies sibirica, Juniperus communis, Picea obovata) and dwarf-shrub (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and in wintergreen herbaceous plants (Ajuga reptans, Pyrola rotundifolia) growing near Syktyvkar (61°67(/) N 50°77(/) E). The carotenoid pool consisted mainly of following xanthophylls: lutein (70%), neoxanthin (7-10%) and a xanthophylls cycle component - violaxanthin (3-15%). Zeaxanthin and antheraxanthin were found in conifer samples collected in December-March while in other species - during all year. A direct connection between xanthophyll pigment de-epoxidation level and light energy thermal dissipation was shown only for boreal conifer species. It is proposed that zeaxanthin plays a central role in the dissipation of excess excitation energy (nonphotochemical quenching) in the antenna of photosystem II (PSII). We conclude that the increase in the extent of de-epoxidation is beneficial for the retention of PSII activity for conifers in early spring and for herbs in summer.
Synthesis of carotenoid-cysteine conjugates.
Authors: Zand Afshin , Agócs Attila , Deli József , Nagy Veronika
Published: March 2019

Isozeaxanthin under acidic conditions forms an allylic cation which reacts readily with thiol nucleophiles. With N-acetylcysteine as a nucleophile the products obtained are carotenoid-cysteine conjugates in which the amino acid moiety is attached to the carotenoid via sulphur in position 4. The water solubility of the products can be increased by deprotection of the amino group. The antioxidant activity of the products were examined on human liver cells under conditions of hydrogen-peroxide induced oxidative stress.
Unique carotenoid lactoside, P457, in Symbiodinium sp. of dinoflagellate.
Authors: Wakahama Takahiro , Okuyama Hidetoshi , Maoka Takashi , Takaichi Shinichi
Published: March 2019

The dinoflagellates are a large group of unicellular alge in marine and fresh water. Some are an endosymbiont of marine animals. Photosynthetic dinoflagellates have peridinin, a light-harvesting carotenoid. In addition, a unique carotenoid, P457, was found from Amphinidium. The presence of P457 in Symbiodinium derived from marine animals has not been reported. We reconfirmed the molecular structure of P457, a neoxanthin-like carotenoid with an aldehyde group and a lactoside, from Symbiodinium sp. NBRC 104787 isolated from a sea anemone. In addition, we investigated the distribution of P457 and peridinin in various Symbiodinium and scleractinian coral species, and possible biosynthetic pathways of these carotenoids are proposed.
α-Carotene and its derivatives have a sole chirality in phototrophic organisms?
Authors: Takaichi Shinichi , Murakami Akio , Mochimaru Mari , Yokoyama Akiko
Published: March 2019

Carotenoids in eukaryotic phototrophic organisms can be classified into two groups; β-carotene and its derivatives, and α-carotene and its derivatives. We re-examined distribution of α-carotene and its derivatives among various taxa of aquatic algae (17 classes) and land plants. α-carotene and its derivatives were found from Rhodophyceae (macrophytic type), Cryptophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Chlorarachniophyceae, Prasinophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Ulvophyceae, Charophyceae, and land plants, while they could not be detected from Glaucophyceae, Rhodophyceae (unicellular type), Chryosophyceae, Raphidophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Phaeophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Eustigmatophyceae, Haptophyceae, and Dinophyceae. We also analyzed the chirality of α-carotene and/or its derivatives, such as lutein and siphonaxanthin, and found all of them had only (6'R)-type, not (6'S)-type.
Effect of Education on Tendency to Water Use Efficiency in Housewives of Zarrin Dasht
Authors: Marzban Ameneh , Ebrahimi Ali Asghar , Malekahmadi Roya , Rahmanian Vahid , Barzegaran Mehran , Ghaneian Mohammad Taghi
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Zarrin Dasht is one of the low rainy areas of Fars province, which has faced repeated droughts in recent years. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of education on the tendency towards water use efficiency in housewives of Zarrin Dasht.
Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 130 patients (65 cases and 65 controls) were selected from housewives of Zarrin Dasht by cluster random sampling from four health centers. Data collection instrument was a standard, two-part questionnaire (demographic data and water saving tendency) that was a water saving standard. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 24 software.
Results: The results of this study showed that the intervention was effective on the tendency of housewives to water use efficiency. There was a significant difference between the above variables before and after the intervention in the intervention group, and the relationship between age and occupation, and tendency to water use efficiency was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Considering that education has a positive effect on women's tendency to water use efficiency, so providing water management education to housewives can lead to modification of consumption pattern.
OPTIMIZATION OF ZAKAT FUND MANAGEMENT IN REGIONAL ZAKAT INSTITUTION
Authors: Widiastuti Tika , Mawardi Imron , Robani Anidah , Rusydiana Aam Slamet
Published: March 2019

Purpose: The implementation of zakat fund management especially in some zakat institutions is considered not optimum yet. This condition is represented by disparity between potential and actual collection. In Islam, the objective of zakat is not only to collect wealth and keep it idle, instead zakat should become a source of productive fund to fulfill societal needs. Some countries with advanced zakat institutions have developed zakat to become a pillar of economic development. Today, each zakat institution is competing against each other to innovate in zakat fund management. Empowerment in zakat institutions with the appropriate strategies will enhance zakat management and distribution for the betterment of zakat recipients (mustahiq) and the Muslim society at large.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This research is aimed to analyze optimization of management in regional zakat institution with SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, threat) analysis approach with IFE-EFE Matrix. Descriptive qualitative analysis is used to explain optimization of fund in zakat institution.

Major Findings:Findings of this research shows that zakat institution should improve their strategy by developing strength and turning threat into opportunities.

Originality/Value: The study provides a guideline for regional zakat institution on how they can enhance their role and efficiency to boost the economic growth for the Islamic community in Indonesia. It may also be instrumental for the government to improve in efficiency and innovative manpower, considerable research and development in optimizing Islamic Gift Economy to enhance economic growth of the Islamic community of Indonesia.
Negotiating course material to counter poor learner motivation
Authors: Waterman Tony
Published: March 2019

This paper details a teacher-implemented intervention, negotiating learner-generated materials, with the aim of improving low levels of learner motivation. This had resulted from the introduction of a problematic entry test policy acting as gatekeeper to an internationally-accredited diploma course in the learners’ specialized technical subject. For the learners, successful completion of the diploma course would guarantee social and financial benefits including promotion, increased salary and prestige within the military institution. However, an order came from the commanding officer that learners would only be accepted onto the diploma course if they attained an IELTS test score of Band 5. This requirement was not attainable by the learners in the time available and represented a threat to their career aspirations, which would negatively affect them personally, economically and professionally. Consequently, there was a substantial drop in learner motivation. An intervention was constructed and conducted during the course over a two-week period to supplement students’ course book in order to counter such poor levels of motivation. The study was set within the critical paradigm, using quantitative and qualitative data collecting methods to answer my research question: “To what extent does the intervention (asking learners to choose a topic, select original material, and suggest the type of tasks to be produced for the material) have a positive effect on learners’ levels of motivation?” Key findings included an observed increase in learner engagement and a greater level of concentration than in recent classes together with reduced learner worry about the IELTS test. Several conclusions are offered as to the efficacy of conducting such an intervention and how it could impact on learner motivation.
Multilingualism and foreign language anxiety: the case of Saudi EFL learners
Authors: Bensalem Elias
Published: March 2019

The present study focuses on the link between foreign language anxiety (FLA), self-perceived proficiency, and multilingualism in the under-explored English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context of Saudi Arabia. Ninety-six Arabic undergraduate college-level EFL students (56 males, 40 females) answered the Arabic version of the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS – Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986). The analyses revealed that Saudi multilinguals suffered from low to moderate levels of FLA with female participants experiencing more anxiety than their male counterparts. Multiple regression analyses revealed that gender and self-perceived proficiency explained over a quarter of variance in FLA. Furthermore, the study did not find any role of experience abroad in predicting FLA.
Research study trends in web-supported evaluation tools for assessing inspectors, teachers, and students
Authors: Ceker Eser , Keser Hafize
Published: March 2019

Due to the development of modern technology, the number and variety of measuring tools used for assessing learners’ performance continue to increase as a result of effective learning outcomes. Today, it is possible to make more detailed evaluations and decisions in relation to judging the performance levels of inspectors, teachers and students. Various databases, such as EBSCO, Science Direct and ULAKBIM were scanned and the retrieved articles were used for in-depth investigation for the purposes of this research. After studying the articles reached using the content analysis technique, the researchers of this article determined that the content could be classified into 13 categories: the ‘publication year’, ‘publication type’, ‘number of authors’, ‘academic position of the researcher’, ‘country where the research was conducted’, ‘researching/supporting university’, ‘application area in education’, ‘the way of stating the purpose of the study in the research’, ‘research model’, ‘the paradigm adopted’, ‘targeted audience composing the universe’, ‘data gathering tools used’ and ‘research results’. Keywords: Teacher, student, inspector, supervisor, assessment, web-based, web-supported.
Financing From Demand-Side in Education
Authors: Tasar Haci Huseyin
Published: March 2019

The belief in the importance of education on economic and social development has resulted in the education expenses being largely covered by the public budget. Countries' approaches to financing education services may vary depending on the tendency to see the education as mixed, complete or private goods and the policies they follow in this direction. In order to fully meet the demands for education, it is of great importance that the available financial resources are spent on the basis of effectively and accountability, as well as the ratio of the financial resources allocated for education. The failure in education is largely attributed to the lack of funding. However, this failure is largely ignored because of the poor use of existing financing, as well as the inadequacy of funding resources.  It is an important issue to observe the measures of equality and equity in the distribution of resources related to education and of efficiency and accountability in their spending. Demand-side financing approach in education includes the issues of the freedom of school choice as part of initiating inter-school competitions, giving the 'Education Cheque' or the 'Education Voucher'  to student parents and their submitting this cheque or voucher to the board of the school where school stakeholders are also included and where they send their children, within the framework of a protocol, instead of spending the determined money considering the free market conditions or transferring it directly via the education center or district units to the school account for each student studying at each school level. The purpose of this study is to create awareness among education stakeholders and researchers such as decision-makers, managers and teachers regarding the education in by examining the approaches of 'Demand-Side Financing' which is based on parents/ customers' initiative  in the use of financial resources allocated from the general budget for education.
Key words: Demand-side financing, education financing, financing
EDITORIAL
Authors: Ozcan Deniz
Published: March 2019

Dear Readers,

It is the great honor for us to publish Volume 9, Issue 1 of Contemporary Educational Researches Journal (CERJ). The journal welcomes original empirical investigations and comprehensive literature review articles focusing on educational issues. The journal is an international peer-refereed journal that promotes the researches in the field of contemporary teaching and learning approaches and theories.

A total number of seventeen (17) manuscripts were submitted for this issue and each paper has been subjected to double-blind peer review process by the reviewers specialized in the related field. At the end of the review process, a total number of six (6) high quality research papers were selected and accepted for publication.

 

Aim of this issue is to give the researchers an opportunity to share the results of their academic studies. There are different research topics discussed in the articles.

The topics of the next issue will be different. You can make sure that we will be trying to serve you with our journal with a rich knowledge in which different kinds of topics are discussed in 2019 Volume.

I would like to present many thanks to all the contributors who helped to publish this issue.

Best regards,
Pulmonary Hemorrhage in the Neonate
Authors: Omansky Gayle Leary
Published: March 2019

A case study of a 37 weeks' gestational age male infant, presenting with bloody fluid orally shortly after birth. The presentation, etiology, diagnosis, and management of pulmonary hemorrhage are addressed.
The Effect of EMDR on Childbirth Anxiety of Women With Previous Stillbirth
Authors: Zolghadr Narges , Khoshnazar Asghar , MoradiBaglooei Mohammad , Alimoradi Zainab
Published: March 2019

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a form of psychotherapy used for individuals who have experienced stress-related injuries. Having an unpleasant experience of previous childbirth can cause anxiety and fear of labor in women during the next childbirth. The aim of this study was investigating the effect of the EMDR therapy on childbirth anxiety among multiparous women in the next normal pregnancy, following a prior stillbirth. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 30 pregnant women after they were admitted for delivery in an urban hospital in Qazvin, Iran, in 2016. The participants were selected using a convenient sampling method and then were randomly assigned into two groups, EMDR intervention (n = 15) and usual treatment control (n = 15). The Van den Bergh Pregnancy-Related Anxiety questionnaire was used to collect data before treatment (on admission when recruited for study) and after treatment (within 24 hours after childbirth). The EMDR therapy for the intervention group was performed with a 90-minute session when participants were admitted in hospital for delivery. The control group received only routine care. Data were collected using descriptive and inferential statistics and p < .05 was considered statistically significant. A statistically significant reduction in the mean anxiety in the EMDR intervention group compared to the control group was reported. Also, a reduction in the scores of posttest compared with pretest was observed in the EMDR intervention group (p < .01). The EMDR therapy reduced childbirth anxiety in pregnant women during normal pregnancy, following previous stillbirth.
The Applicability and Effect of EMDR in a Patient With a Mild Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: van der Wielen Martje , Robben Hanneke , Mark Ruth E.
Published: March 2019

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is recognized worldwide as an effective treatment for the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and all kinds of adverse life experiences. The literature on the clinical usefulness of EMDR therapy in people with Alzheimer's disease is scarce. We present a clinical case study of a woman who was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. This patient was suffering from daily flashbacks of her institutionalized mother in a later stage of dementia. According to self-reports, one session of EMDR therapy alleviated the distress associated with her traumatic memory. We discuss the applicability of the EMDR protocol for people with Alzheimer's disease and highlight possible limitations and adaptations.
Parque científico de innovación social: idearios para iniciar el camino
Authors: Molano Camargo Milton
Published: March 2019

El propósito de este artículo es aportar, en la línea editorial de la Revista de la Universidad de La Salle, a la configuración de la memoria institucional mediante la breve descripción de los momentos centrales del proceso de diseño del Parque de Innovación Social, uno de los programas centrales del eje 1 del Plan Institucional de Desarrollo (PID 2015-2020). Para esto se presenta el contexto de las discusiones iniciales, la progresiva toma de decisiones y la configuración de unas opciones de un trabajo que se empezó a desarrollar en 2018.
Emprendimiento social e innovación social: espacios y lugares con alto impacto social
Authors: Sánchez Álvareza César
Published: March 2019

Este artículo ofrece los elementos de análisis para el fomento de la innovación social desde la creación y la promoción de las actividades en espacios y ámbitos concretos dirigidos a resolver las problemáticas contemporáneas. Se basa en el enfoque económico que plantea la economía social y solidaria como paradigma interpretativo de las relaciones socioeconómicas que emergen y florecen en la comunidad. Se analiza la innovación social con base en la participación abierta de la comunidad o la sociedad civil organizada, orientadas a transformaciones sociales, pero también de acuerdo con la aplicación de políticas públicas propiciadas por el gobierno para incentivar cambios sociales. Así, el artículo ofrece los elementos centrales para estructurar una estrategia de organización de parques y laboratorios de innovación social con carácter lasallista.
La Biblia: ¿para enseñar o para aprender? Pedagogía interna de la Biblia
Authors: Triana Rodríguez Jorge Yecid
Published: March 2019

El presente artículo parte de la pregunta sobre el papel que ocupa la Sagrada Escritura en la educación religiosa escolar y la catequesis. Para ello se ubica en las apropiaciones que hasta ahora se han realizado de la misma en estos ámbitos. Además, para procurar una respuesta más apropiada al escenario de la educación, se formula otra pregunta sobre la función pedagógica de la enseñanza bíblica, donde se desarrolla una aproximación a la denominada “pedagogía interna de la Biblia”. Para procurar las respuestas a estos interrogantes, se presenta el aporte de las tradiciones interpretativas del Antiguo Testamento, propias del judaísmo, donde se destaca el Midrásh y su relación con el Nuevo Testamento. Esta presentación llevará a un estudio sobre la relación entre Antiguo y Nuevo Testamento como clave de lectura unitaria de la Biblia. De ahí se pasa a un esbozo del aporte de la transmisión bíblica desde la exégesis judía y la exégesis moderna hasta los presupuestos de una hermenéutica bíblica. Por último, se culmina este acercamiento con una mirada de síntesis desde la propuesta de la espiritualidad bíblica.
Jonás ¿Podemos renunciar a la misericordia de Dios?
Authors: Espinosa Arce Juan Pablo
Published: March 2019

El artículo busca realizar una lectura del episodio bíblico de Jonás. Asumiendo las nociones hermenéuticas y de diálogo con la psicología y la antropología de Eugen Drewermann, se busca que el lector pueda confrontar su vida personal y social con el personaje Jonás. La hipótesis de esta propuesta de lectura bíblica pasa por reconocer cómo los acontecimientos bíblicos pueden iluminar nuestra propia vida, no como cuestiones anacrónicas, sino más bien como situaciones existenciales cotidianas y siempre actuales.
Ciencia subatómica de la palabra en Quânticos da Incerteza de André Carneiro
Authors: Martinez Luciana
Published: March 2019

En el poemario Quânticos da Incerteza (2007) el escritor (pintor, fotógrafo y cineasta) André Carneiro pone en juego el universo conceptual de la mecánica cuántica (fundamentalmente el principio de incertidumbre de Werner Heisenberg) para apuntalar las inflexiones reflexivas en torno a los usos y estatuto de la palabra. Carneiro, quien fuese además el indiscutible decano de la ciencia ficción brasilera, reúne y articula en este texto las concepciones de dos órdenes simbólicos escindidos a partir del Siglo de las Luces: la ciencia y la poesía.
La literatura como historia de las mujeres rurales andaluzas: El caso de Hijas de un sueño
Authors: Salas Gerardo Rodríguez
Published: March 2019

En noviembre de 2017 vio la luz Hijas de un sueño, mi primera colección de relatos donde abro las puertas de Candiles, un pueblo imaginario granadino. Las protagonistas son mujeres rurales que buscan salir de su anonimato y dejar huella en una Historia alternativa. El reto de este estudio es posicionarme como académico y crítico literario feminista para demostrar que mi localización en el Sur peninsular no está exenta de carga ideológica, tal y como se refleja en mi creación literaria. Mientras que defiendo cierta especificidad socio-cultural para Candiles, la transcendencia universal de sus límites geográficos aboga finalmente por un anti-esencialismo regionalista, étnico, sexual y de clase que dibuja personajes complejos y empoderados. Partiendo de conceptos como “hegemonía”, “sentido común” o “ideología”, coincido con Ania Loomba en la posibilidad de explorar un espacio de subversión dentro de la ideología dominante y esgrimo su redefinición del colonialismo ligada a nacionalismos trasnochados y existente incluso entre los países occidentales o dentro de una misma nación. Entiendo mi escritura, pues, como un reflejo de la subalternidad del Sur español, que busca la visualización de voces marginadas. Mi caso de estudio será el relato “Doce mariposas”, donde invento una leyenda para Candiles, vagamente ubicada en el siglo XIX. La subalternidad andaluza por cuestiones geográficas e históricas, el esencialismo biológico de la “literatura femenina” y la violencia de género ligada al uso estratégico de la leyenda, el cuento de hadas y el palimpsesto conducirán a una historia alternativa para las mujeres andaluzas más allá de la falsa objetividad histórica del patriarcado.
Peran Suami dalam Perawatan Kehamilan Istri di Kelurahan Mulyorejo
Authors: Hasanah Imroatul , Fitriyah Nurul
Published: March 2019

National health development strategy has resulted in improved public health status. One of indicators public health is Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR). Maternal Mortality Rate is a health problem that still many still occur in Indonesia. One factor contributing to high incidence of maternal mortality is lack of antenatal care attention. Antenatal care is an important and mandatory thing done by mother during pregnancy because it can maintain the health of mother and fetus until the birth process. Antenatal care can identify the risk of complications experienced by the mother during pregnancy. Participation  of antenatal care not only from wife, but participation of pregnancy care can also be from support of the closest person is husband. Husband role is needed in the care of pregnancy because wife needs a lot of biological and psychological support. Purpose of research is to know characteristics husband to antenatal care in Mulyorejo. Type of research is descriptive with cross sectional using qualitative method. Techniques data collection using questionnaires with the sample number of respondents is 20 husbands who have pregnant wives. Respondent is taken from Mulyorejo Health Center data. Analysis Method with descriptive statistics by displaying the frequency in the form of tables showing the categories of characteristics husband. This study lasted for one month in October to November 2017. The results showed that characteristics of husbands in antenatal care in Mulyorejo is sufficient category. Knowledge of husband is 14 people (70%), husband attitude is 10 people (50%), and husband behavior is 13 people (65%).