bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Considerações sobre o plano de marketing para as microempresas brasileiras
Authors: Kuazaqui Edmir
Published: December 2019

Este artigo tem o objetivo apresentar os principais conceitos de marketing aplicados pelas microempresas dentro de uma breve contextualização de um plano de marketing. O desenvolvimento e a evolução teórica partiram de pesquisa bibliográfica e da pesquisa de campo e observacional do autor do artigo.  O objetivo não é esgotar o assunto nem tampouco construir um Plano de Marketing, mas, sim, de contribuir para a discussão, o aprendizado e a utilização do marketing mix no segmento das microempresas de forma mais assertiva. Concluiu-se que é inegável a importância das microempresas para qualquer país. Sua contribuição reside principalmente na inserção econÿmica e social. Deve-se frisar que as microempresas são as grandes responsáveis pela geração de empregos em nosso país, denotando seu destaque sob a óptica social e ecológica. Mais do que uma forma transitória de ganhar dinheiro, a realidade das microempresas deve ser analisada como um fenÿmeno econÿmico e social capaz de gerar crescimento regional e, consequentemente, global
Fabrication and characterization of polyvinylidene fluoride/zinc oxide membranes with antibacterial property
Authors: Xiong Juan , Gong Yexia , Ma Cong , Zuo Xingtao , He Jiajie
Published: December 2019

The hydrophilic and antimicrobial polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was fabricated by phase inversion method. The prepared membranes with various concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and membrane properties were investigated in terms of hydrophilicity, water flux, BSA solution filtration experiments, etc. Antibacterial testing was also performed to examine the practicability of the PVDF-ZnO membranes in overcoming biofouling. The results of FTIR and XRD confirmed the presence of ZnO NPs in the polymer matrix. The membrane performance demonstrated the significance of hydrophilic nanoparticles towards the enhancement of membrane properties. The optimum amount of ZnO NPs was 1.5 wt% with a lower contact angle as well as highest flux and lowest filtration resistance. The presence of ZnO NPs in the membrane matrix exhibited a strong antibacterial activity increased with the increasing ZnO NPs' content. Incorporation of ZnO NPs into PVDF membranes may have great potential in developing high-performance antifouling membranes for separation process.
Optimization of diazo dye disappearance by the UV/H2O2 process using the Box–Behnken design
Authors: Laftani Yasmine , Chatib Baylassane , Boussaoud Abdelghani , El Makhfouk Mohammed , Hachkar Mohsine , Khayar Mohammed
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to apply the experimental Box–Behnken design (BBD) to evaluate the effect and, therefore, the optimal values of three chosen factors on the efficiency of the UV/H2O2 process to decolorize Ponceau S (PS) aqueous solutions. The factors studied at three levels were the irradiated volume of dye solution, the dye solution turbidity and the H2O2 dosage. The equations generated, analysis of variance (ANOVA), contour plots and response surface plots were used to analyze the relationship between independent variables and the outcomes of experiments. The fitted model was significant, with an adjusted coefficient of determination (adj-R2 = 0.9835). The results showed that factors such as H2O2 dosage and irradiated volume were the main parameters that affected the decolorization efficiency of the PS aqueous solution, while the turbidity had a slight effect on the response. In addition, significant values were obtained for irradiated volume and H2O2 dosage interaction and square terms of all studied factors. Furthermore, the optimal conditions for decolorization of the PS aqueous solution were found to be an irradiated volume of 257.59 mL, a turbidity of 13 NTU and an H2O2 dosage of 1.76 mM.
Sponge roads: the permeable asphalt pavement structures based on rainfall characteristics in central plains urban agglomeration of China
Authors: Guo Xiaodong , Zhang Jiupeng , Zhou Bochao , Liu Wolong , Pei Jianzhong , Guan Yongsheng
Published: December 2019

Permeable asphalt pavement should be selected according to the rainfall characteristics of the project site, so as to improve the permeable performance and ensure the bearing capacity of the pavement structure. Therefore, taking a city in the central plains urban agglomeration of China as an example, the characteristics of the rainstorm intensity distribution and cumulative rainfall are analyzed, and a combination scheme of drainage surface layer asphalt pavement suitable for rainfall characteristics in this area is proposed. Then, the pavement structure design is systematically carried out based on the permeable capacity and bearing capacity. The results show that under the rainfall conditions in this area, there is no surface runoff on the permeable asphalt pavement with 120 mm drainage surface layer, which is suitable for the medium traffic grade of urban roads with cumulative equivalent axle loads of 10 million to 12 million times.
Radiolabeled Protein-inhibitor Peptides with Rapid Clinical Translation towards Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Ferro-Flores Guillermina , Ocampo-García Blanca , Luna-Gutiérrez Myrna , Santos-Cuevas Clara , Jiménez-Mancilla Nallely , Azorín-Vega Erika , Meléndez-Alafort Laura
Published: December 2019

Protein interactions are the basis for the biological functioning of human beings. However,
many of these interactions are also responsible for diseases, including cancer. Synthetic inhibitors of
protein interactions based on small molecules are widely investigated in medicinal chemistry. The development
of radiolabeled protein-inhibitor peptides for molecular imaging and targeted therapy with
quickstep towards clinical translation is an interesting and active research field in the radiopharmaceutical
sciences. In this article, recent achievements concerning the design, translational research and
theranostic applications of structurally-modified small radiopeptides, such as prostate-specific membrane
antigen (PSMA) inhibitors, fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitors and antagonists of
chemokine-4 receptor ligands (CXCR-4-L), with high affinity for cancer-associated target proteins, are
reviewed and discussed.
Saponins of Panax japonicus Confer Neuroprotection against Brain Aging through Mitochondrial Related Oxidative Stress and Autophagy in Rats
Authors: Wan Jing-zhi , Wang Rui , Zhou Zhi-yong , Deng Li-li , Zhang Chang-cheng , Liu Chao-qi , Zhao Hai-xia , Yuan Cheng-fu , He Yu-min , Dun Yao-yan , Yuan Ding , Wang Ting
Published: December 2019

Background:

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a vital role in the pathogenesis
of brain aging. Saponins from Panax japonicus (SPJ) have attracted much attention for their potential
to attenuate age-related oxidative stress as the main ingredient in rhizomes of Panax japonicus.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of SPJ on natural aging rats as
well as the underlying mechanisms regarding oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathway.

Methods:

Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control groups (3-, 9-, 15- and 24-month old groups)
and SPJ-treated groups. For SPJ-treated groups, SPJ were orally administrated to 18-month old rats at
doses of 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg once daily. Control groups were given the same volume of
saline. After the treatment with SPJ or saline for six months, the cortex and hippocampus were rapidly
harvested and deposited at -80°C after the rats were decapitated under anesthesia. The neuroprotective
effects of SPJ were estimated by histopathological observation, TUNEL detection, biochemical determination
and western blotting.

Results:

SPJ improved pathomorphological changes in neuronal cells and decreased apoptosis in the
cortex and hippocampus of aging rats, increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione
peroxidase (GSH-Px), Na+/K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase and Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase whereas, decreased
malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in the cortex of aging rats. Furthermore, the SPJ increased
silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog-1 (SIRT1) protein expression, decreased acetylated
level of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in the cortex and
hippocampus of aging rats, and reversed the aging-induced decline of Forkhead box O3 (Foxo3a), Superoxide
Dismutase 2 (SOD2), microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3II) and Beclin1 levels
in the cortex and hippocampus.

Conclusion:

Our data showed that SPJ conferred neuroprotection partly through the regulation of oxidative
stress and mitochondria-related pathways in aging rats.
TIMP-2 Polymorphisms Define Subtypes of Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage with Distinct Perihematomal Edema Development Patterns
Authors: Chen Ru , Song Zhi , Deng Mingzhu , Zheng Wen , Liu Jia , Huang Lihua
Published: December 2019

Background:

Perihematomal edema (PHE) is a major threat leading to poor functional
outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). TIMP-2 is considered to participate in the formation
of PHE after ICH by antagonizing the damaging effects of MMP-2. In the early study, the polymorphisms
of TIMP-2 rs8179090 have shown to influence the expression of TIMP-2.

Objective:

To prove that the severity of PHE was different in ICH patients with different TIMP-2
rs8179090 genotypes.

Methods:

In this prospective study, 130 hypertensive ICH patients were enrolled. The poly phisms
of rs8179090 in TIMP-2 were determined. The hematoma volume and PHE volume were measured
by computed tomography (CT) scan immediately after the onset of ICH, and were measured
again one week and two weeks after the onset. Then, the comparison of TIMP-2 rs8179090 genotypes
was made.

Result:

TIMP-2-418 position (rs8179090) had two genotypes in the studied population, GC and
GG. Patients with the GC genotype developed more severe PHE, with a higher incidence of delayed
cerebral edema in cerebral hemorrhage than those with the GG genotype.

Conclusion:

We have found that the GC genotype group may develop more severe PHE, with an
increased incidence of delayed cerebral edema in cerebral hemorrhage.
Synthesis of Novel Pyridine Bearing Biologically Active Imidiazolyl, Pyrazolyl, Oxa/thiadiazolyl and Urea Derivatives as Promising Anticancer Agents
Authors: Hafez Hend N. , El-Gazzar Abdel-Rahman B.A.
Published: December 2019

Background:

A novel series of pyridine containing 1,3,4-oxa/thiadiazol derivatives 4a,b, pyrazole
derivatives 5-7, thiazole derivatives 9a,b and 17a-c, urea derivatives 12a-c, imidiazole derivative 16,
imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives 18a, b, tetrazole 19, pyrane 20 and pyridine derivatives 21 has been
synthesized.

Objective:

This research aims to synthesize 6-(Trifluoromethyl)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] amino
nicotinohydrazide 2 and 6-(trifluoromethyl)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino pyridin-3-carboaldhyde 15
as key intermediate for the synthesis of novel pyridine derivatives bearing different heterocyclic rings in order
to study the additive effect of this ring toward tumor cell lines.

Methods:

6-(Trifluoromethyl)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino nicotinohydrazide 2 was synthesized in a
series of synthetic steps and was used as key intermediate for the synthesis of compounds 3-(1,3,4-
oxa/thiadiazol-2-yl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)-N-(3- trifluoromethyl) phenyl) pyridin-2-amine 4a,b, (3,5-dimethyl-
1H-pyrazol-1-yl derivatives) [6-(trifluoromethyl)-2-[3- trifluoromethyl) phenyl] amino pyridin-3-
yl]methanone 5a,b, 6-8, 9a,b and 12a-c. Also, 6-(trifluoromethyl)-2-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino
pyridin-3-carboaldhyde (15) was used as a key intermediate for the synthesis of novel series of pyridine
derivatives with different heterocyclic ring (16-21).

Results:

Structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established by elemental analysis and spectral
data. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro anticancer activity against liver cancer
(HepG2), human colon cancer (HT-29) and human breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (MCF-7).

Conclusion:

All the synthesized compounds were investigated for their in vitro antitumor activity. Compounds
4b, 9a,b and 19 showed higher antitumor activity than the doxorubicin. Interestingly, pyridine with pfluorophenyl
urea 12a demonstrated the most potent antitumor activity. The activity of these compounds is
strongly dependent on the basic skeleton of the molecules and the nature of the heterocyclic ring attached to the
pyridine moiety.
Antioxidant Potency of Red Dragon Fruit Flesh and Peel Prepared by Different Methods
Authors: Febrianti Novi , Purbosari Purwanti P. , Hertiani Triana , Moeljopawiro Sukarti , Haryana Sofia M.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus, (F.A.C. Weber) Britton & Rose) is
widely consumed all over the world nowadays. The peel and flesh of red dragon fruit contain many
bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity. The preparation process is critical to maximizing
the yield of the antioxidant content.

Objective:

The objectives of this research were to evaluate total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid
content (TFC), as well as the antioxidant activity of peel and flesh of red dragon fruit prepared
by various methods.

Methods:

The fresh and dried samples of peel and flesh of red dragon fruit were prepared via maceration
and non-maceration process. Ethanol (96%) was used as the solvent in maceration. In the nonmaceration
process, the samples were ground using a blender and pressed using a juicer. TPC was
analyzed by Folin-Ciocalteau methods, while TFC was determined by spectrophotometry UV-Vis
with AlCl3. Antioxidant activity was analyzed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and
β-carotene bleaching (BCB) tests.

Results:

TPC from all of the measured samples varied from 22.43 ± 0.27 to 80.54 ± 0.43 mg GAE/g
dry extract. The highest TPC concentration was found in the blended peel via maceration and the
lowest concentration was found in the blended flesh without maceration. The dried peel via maceration
treatment had the highest TFC (51.96 ± 0.084 mg of QE/g dry extract). Regarding to the
antioxidant activity, the blended flesh ethanolic extract and blended peel ethanolic extract had the
highest DPPH radical scavenging, IC50=966.83 ± 11.62 and 973.81 ± 3.571ppm, respectively. While
the blended peel ethanolic extract had the highest BCB antioxidant activity (IC50= 45.48 ± 6,79
mg/mL).

Conclusion:

Preparation methods affect the antioxidant activity of red dragon fruit peel and flesh.
The highest TPC and antioxidant activity (BCB test) can be found in the ethanolic extract of the
blended peel. The highest TFC can be found in the ethanolic extract of dried-peel. Both the ethanolic
extracts, blended peel and blended flesh, had the same DPPH radical scavenging activity.
Drug Therapies for Patients with IgA Nephropathy: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Sridharan Kannan , Sivaramakrishnan Gowri
Published: December 2019

Background:

Several drugs are used for treating IgA nephropathy (IgAN). We carried
out a network meta-analysis evaluating these drugs.

Methods:

Electronic databases were searched for appropriate randomized clinical trials carried out
in patients with IgAN. The primary outcome was proteinuria remission rates and there were several
other secondary outcome measures. The risk of bias was assessed. Mixed treatment comparison
estimates were modelled from direct and indirect comparison estimates. Grading of the evidence for
key comparisons was carried out.

Results:

Fifty-seven clinical trials were included in the systematic review and 51 in the metaanalysis.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids, corticosteroids/angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB), ARB,
angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), ARB/ACEI, corticosteroids/ACEI and hypolipidemics/
ARB were observed with significantly higher rates of proteinuria remission than the standard
of care. Several benefits were observed with other drugs on the secondary outcome measures.
A very low grade was observed for the interventions.

Conclusion:

We observed a few interventions to perform better in the management of IgAN. The
results of this study will aid in further evaluation of such drugs that may assist in saving the resources
and time. However, the readers should interpret the findings with great caution as the results
might change with the advent of future head-to-head clinical trials.
A Derived Mechanism of Nervous System Functions Explains Aging-Related Neurodegeneration as a Gradual Loss of an Evolutionary Adaptation
Authors: Vadakkan Kunjumon I.
Published: December 2019

Background:

Solving the nervous system requires understanding how it generates inner
sensations of "mind" within it. It was possible to derive a hypothesis of brain functions where the
formation of a spectrum inter-postsynaptic (inter-spine) functional LINKs (IPLs) are the key structural
changes responsible for encoding at the time of learning and are used for inducing the inner
sensation of memory, both taking place at millisecond timescales. Since stages of ontogeny reflect
possible stages of evolution, it is possible to examine whether IPLs have features of an evolved
mechanism.

Objective:

To examine whether 1) IPLs have features of an evolved mechanism, 2) significant neuronal
death during ontogeny leads to evolutionary adaptations for preventing cell death among the
surviving neurons, and 3) loss of these adaptations lead to cellular changes that can cause agingrelated
neurodegeneration.

Methods:

Key milestone changes of the ontogeny of the nervous system were examined to test
whether they match with a feasible sequence of steps that lead to the formation of IPLs.

Results:

Several developmental stages can explain a probable sequence of events that lead to IPL
formation among synaptically-connected neurons. When internal sensations generated by the IPLs
started providing survival advantage, evolution has started preserving the IPL circuitry. A stage of
inter-spine fusion possibly leads to a) significant neuronal death during the early stages of development,
and b) trigger an adaptation in the surviving cells to stabilize and prevent the IPLs from
undergoing fusion. Since there are no irreversible steps for maintaining the stability of IPLs, agingrelated
factors may destroy the adaptation mechanism and destabilize the IPLs predisposing them
to cause neurodegeneration.

Conclusion:

The derived testable IPL mechanism that can explain nervous system functions is capable
to have evolved. An adaptation to prevent IPL hemifusion from progressing to fusion is
likely the last stage of nervous system evolution. Since the IPL mechanism is utilized during every
event of learning, any aging-related factors that can weaken this adaptation can cause IPL fusion
and lead to neurodegeneration.
IMPLEMANTASI LESSON STUDY UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS PEMBELAJARAN PADA PERKULIAHAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESEHATAN KERJA MELALUI PENDEKATAN COOPERATIVE LEARNING
Authors: Dewanto Satriyo Agung , Slamet Slamet , Wulandari Bekti , Pranoto Ponco Wali
Published: December 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran pada mata kuliah Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja serta meningkatkan rasa percaya diri, kerjasama,dan tanggungjawab. Peningkatan kualitas pembelajaran ini menerapkan metode pembelajaran problem based learning. Ppenelitian ini menerapkan metod lesson study model Lewis (2002) dan pelaksanaanya dilakukan dalam 3 kegiatan, yaitu: 1) Perencanaan (plan); 2) Pelaksanaan dan Observasi (do); 3) Refleksi (see). Subjek penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa S1 Prodi Pendidikan Teknik Informatika Jurusan Pendidikan Teknik Elektronika dan data diperoleh dengan cara observasi dan perekaman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terjadi peningkatan kualitas proses pembelajaran. Ini dapat dilihat dari jumlah mahasiswa yang aktif semakin banyak, perkuliahan tidak membosankan karena sebagian besar mahasiswa kelihatan antusias dalam belajar. Bagi dosen juga ada keuntungannya yaitu dapat melakukan kolaborasi dengan teman sejawat dalam upaya untuk memperbaiki pembelajarannya. Melalui pembelajaran dengan lesson study ini selain dapat meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran sekaligus juga dapat menumbuhkan karakter kerja mahasiswa pada mata kuliah Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja. Hal ini terlihat dari tanggung jawab dalam pengambilan keputusan, tidak memisahkan di diri dari orang lain, interaksi terhadap sumber belajar, interaksi antar mahasiswa, aktifitas menyelesaikan masalah dan mahasiswa tidak pasif..Kata kunci: lesson study, kualitas pembelajaran, Cooperative Learning
Smart Door Locks Based on Internet of Things Concept with mobile Backend as a Service
Authors: Mahali Muhammad Izzuddin
Published: December 2019

Smart Door Locks System Based on Internet of Things Concept with Mobile Backend as s Service is the smart door locks development are supported by cloud computing technology as data storage. Methods of development that exist in this system is to combine technology (1) ESP8266 (2) Firebase and (3) Android Apps. Firebase is one of cloud-based services that are used to store data online. ESP8266 able to communicate with firebase well to process the read and write data directly using internet communication channels. Android application used to direct communication to the firebase for monitoring and  controlling simultaneously to the system. Android app can control / monitoring Indirectly to ESP8266 module via Firebase that serves as a mobile Backend as a Service to apply the rules of the Internet of Things
Fritz Jahr as Methodological Paradigm in Bioethical Education
Authors: Perušić Luka
Published: December 2019

The paper examines Fritz Jahr as a possible role-model in bioethical education. It consists of two parts. The first part builds upon the acknowledged data and theories about how Fritz Jahr proposed the bioethical imperative and changed his way of thinking. It provides arguments for and against known claims and expands the knowledge background with the focus on reconstructing the thought process and some presumptions that led to the formulation of bioethical imperative. The second part uses these results to infer five features to show how we can extract and define methodological features from Jahr’s personality and activity, which confirm and enhance integrative projects. An attempt has been made to understand that something, such as “Jahrian methodology”, might be sensible enough to provide scientific knowledge and cultural orientation without simplifying the bios, but that it is pointless without integration with educational models, and to emphasise this I conclusively consider the role of bioethicists in the 21st century.
Zabranjena proizvodnja i promet GMO-a u Sjevernoj Makedoniji
Authors: Donev Dejan
Published: December 2019

Čovjek se danas suočava s promjenom koja je po svom značenju i posljedicama unikatna – proizvodnja i promet GMO-a. I dok u svjetskim razmjerima polemika još uvijek traje i širi se proslijeđena euforijom, znanstvenim trijumfalizmom i mitologijom, na nacionalnom nivou države imaju različite stavove u odnosu na strategije koje trebaju preuzeti, jer su ulozi previsoki. Osnovni je mijenjanje našeg poimanja života iz korijena! Stoga nije dobro izbjegavanje ovakvih pitanja, niti njihovo pretjerano pojednostavljivanje, jer bi se time mogla otvoriti Pandorina kutija, pogotovo u malim zemljama kao što je to Sjeverna Makedonija.
U članku se problematizira koliko stanovnici Sjeverne Makedonije smatraju sebe nacijom koja pokazuje sluh za javno mnijenje i senzibilitet za probleme u životnoj sredini i smjernice u kome se društvo kreće, te u tom kontekstu kakvo je trenutačno stanje oko promišljanja suštinskih dilema koje se nameću planiranim rasprostranjivanjem GMO-a u životnoj sredini, ali i uvozom proizvoda koji sadrže GMO, i to počevši od intencija i planova institucija oko pitanja proizvodnje i prometa GMO-a, pa sve do legislativnih rješenja. Naime, Makedonija je čak 2013. zabranila proizvodnju i promet GMO hrane i to pod uvjetom „...sve dok ne postane članica EU-a“, no u javnosti je sve prisutnije pitanje o učinkovitosti provođenja ove zabrane.
Biopolitical Laboratory and the Genetic Modification of the Psyche
Authors: Janeš Luka
Published: December 2019

In the era marked by the universal fascination and the naïve, “mesianistic” belief in the salvationary and the utilitarian “demiurgistic” grasp of a genetic engineering and subsequent modification of the causal-natural cycle, arises an inevitable question of the critical consideration of the phenomena of the psyche in the context of the given metamorphosation. Namely, in this article, the author will observe the human psyche as a kind of relational, dialectical tangent that vitally connects the mind and body of an individual, both in the cognitive and the material sense. It will also be argued that genetic engineering of it does not require research laboratories in which scientists “play” with mental genes, instead of which the sufficient tools are the ones of “biopolitical laboratory”, with an instrumental methodology marked by the marketing pressures and the media lobotomization, biopolitical manipulation, abiotic education and excessive use of medicaments in the psychiatric treatment of mental disorders. The above-stated questions dominate the discourse of the article, introducing the orientative knowledge and bioprotectionistic1 teleology of discipline of integrative-bioethical paradigm as a potential scientific and social platform for rethinking and pragmatically overcoming the issues presented in the discourse of the article.
An Ethical View on International Trade Agreements TTIP and CETA in the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Marinčić Mile , Čović Berislav
Published: December 2019

The topic of TTIP and CETA was almost completely suppressed in Croatia.1 Those are very important international agreements which could have far-reaching consequences both for the world and individual countries. Maybe Croatia, as well as the EU, is not so much involved in the whole story concerning TTIP. However, CETA is an agreement signed by Canada with the European Union. Therefore, after the approval of the European Parliament, EU provisions, such as the customs policy, can immediately start to apply, which means abolishing duty rates for 99% of the products as early as 1 January 2017. The decision on the CETA conclusion on behalf of Croatia was initiated by the technical Government of Tihomir Orešković at its last session.2 The superficial interpretation of these certainly not harmless agreements is of too little interest to both philosophers and theologians in Croatia, and except for the Centre of Excellence for Integrative Bioethics’3 reaction concerning this question, other philosophical-theological discussions seem to be lacking. The impression is that philosophers and theologians feel these issues do not concern them. In this paper we will try to make clear that the above-mentioned international agreements concern both philosophers and theologians, and that they certainly should, from their field, from the theoretical level, engage in the discussion of the said agreements.
Comparative effectiveness of nivolumab versus clinical practice for advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer
Authors: Chau Ian , Ayers Dieter , Goring Sarah , Cope Shannon , Korytowsky Beata , Abraham Pranav
Published: December 2019

Aim:
To determine the effectiveness of nivolumab compared with routine clinical practice (RCP) for patients with gastric or gastroesophageal cancer refractory to, or intolerant of, two or more previous regimens, using real-world electronic patient records from a US population, a single-arm trial (CheckMate 032) and a randomized controlled trial in an Asian setting (ATTRACTION-2).
Materials & methods:
A simulated treatment comparison was conducted to predict overall survival for patients treated with nivolumab compared with RCP in the USA.
Results:
Results of the indirect simulated treatment comparison suggest that nivolumab is associated with a 50% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality relative to RCP (Hazard ratio: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.68).
Conclusion:
The survival benefit of nivolumab may extend more generally to the USA.
Interrelationship of expatriate employees' personality, cultural intelligence, cross-cultural adjustment, and entrepreneurship
Authors: Wang Christina Yu-Ping , Lien Man-Chun , Jaw Bih-Shiaw , Wang Chen-Yu , Yeh Yi-Shien , Kung Shu-Hung
Published: December 2019

In this study we combined the organizational behavior literature with international human resource management theory to investigate expatriates in the context of the interrelationship of the Big Five personality traits, cultural intelligence, cross-cultural adjustment, and entrepreneurship.
We used a data sample of 230 individuals to empirically confirm that expatriates' personality, cultural intelligence, and cross-cultural adjustment are key factors in successful expatriate entrepreneurship in a cross-cultural context. Our results provide a deeper understanding of the antecedents
of entrepreneurship that affect expatriates' entrepreneurial performance in an overseas posting.
Testing a motivational process model in the context of physical activity
Authors: Zhong Tao , Wang Hui
Published: December 2019

Using self-determination theory, we examined the mechanism of motivation in the context of physical activity (PA). We conducted structural equation modeling with 431 participants. The results showed general support for the motivational process model, in which a sequence is specified
from autonomy support and causality orientations to psychological need satisfaction to self-determined behavioral regulation to PA behavior. These findings aid understanding of the underlying motivational mechanism of PA behavior, and highlight the positive roles of autonomy support and autonomy
orientation in psychological need satisfaction, self-determined behavioral regulation, and PA participation.
Social psychological predictors of adoption intention for solar water heaters in rural China
Authors: Wang Xingdong , Xiong Yanling , Yang Rong , Yu Peijuan
Published: December 2019

As solar water heater (SWH) technology becomes more economical, fully developed, and popular, the Chinese government has endeavored to promote rural residents' adoption of SWHs. We applied the technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behavior to investigate how the social
psychological factors of perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, policy support, and economic cost affected the intention to adopt SWHs among a sample of 427 rural residents living in Jiangxi Province, China. The results indicated that subjective
norm and perceived behavioral control had positive impacts on the intention to adopt SWHs. In addition, both perceived usefulness and policy support significantly predicted adoption intention, whereas economic cost had a negative impact on adoption intention. Implications of the results are
discussed.
Moral leadership and employee work–family conflict: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Yao Lei , Li Ping
Published: December 2019

We applied conservation of resources theory to propose a moderated mediation model explaining how and when moral leadership influences employees' work–family conflict (WFC). Specifically, we hypothesized that both job clarity and workplace anxiety would mediate the relationship
between moral leadership and employees' WFC, and that trust in supervisor would moderate the indirect effect of moral leadership and WFC through job clarity and workplace anxiety. We collected data from 258 employees of 3 companies in China, and their spouses. The findings indicated that job
clarity and workplace anxiety mediated the relationship between moral leadership and employees' WFC, and that trust in supervisor strengthened the indirect effect through job clarity and workplace anxiety. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed regarding how and
when moral leadership style reduces employees' WFC.
Vertical refraction determination using a Trimble S9 total station
Authors: Dementiev D.V. , Zhukov I.M. , Karavanov M.Y. , Ranov I.I. , Litvinov N.Yu.
Published: December 2019

Classical methods for determining refraction are based on Newton’s formulae for a statically stable atmosphere. However, they do not provide the required measurement accuracy due to random changes in refraction, caused by the influence of atmospheric turbulence. The aim of this work is to study the dynamic method for determining refraction in a turbulent atmosphere. The measurements were performed with a Trimble S9 total station. It was found out, that within a few seconds the angle of vertical refraction can change by dozens of arc seconds. To improve the accuracy of the results, it is necessary to determine the refraction instantly for a specific moment of observation and for a particular path, otherwise the obtained corrections will not correspond to the real angle of refraction. The introduction of a dynamic method for determining refraction requires more extensive experimental studies under various observation conditions. In the case of confirmation of the high accuracy of the dynamic method for determining the fraction, significant prospects open up for taking refraction into account and developing new more effective measuring instruments in a turbulent atmosphere.
Analysts’ recommendations and the market impact of the valuation methods
Authors: Cavezzali Elisa , Cervellati Enrico Maria , Pattitoni Pierpaolo , Rigoni Ugo
Published: December 2019

Despite its importance, the informative value of the analysts’ valuation methods has not been thoroughly examined in the literature. Such an issue is relevant with regard to the concerns on analysts’ objectivity. We test whether investors’ reaction is jointly influenced by recommendations and target revisions and mainly by valuation method used because it summarizes the information considered to be relevant by the analysts. We analyse the market reaction to recommendation revisions with an event study methodology, calculating market-adjusted abnormal returns at the report release date. We run regressions to test the market impact of recommendations and target price revisions, as well as their interaction, and we then focus on testing several models to discern market reaction to distinct valuation methods. We show that market reaction is influenced by the valuation methods used in their reports. The majority of previous studies relying on commercial databases report the market reaction in relation to analysts’ recommendations, target prices or earnings forecasts, often overlooking the content of the reports and the methodology used therein. This is due to an information constraint of commercial databases, normally including only the above-mentioned synthetic variables. A notable exception is Asquith, Mikhail, and Au (2005) who find no relation between the market reaction and the valuation methods used by analysts. Compared to Asquith et al. (2005), our research uses a larger database and finds a different result. We show the market reacts differently to distinct valuation methods, without favouring the theoretically more correct ones based on discounting cash flows. We also find that the market reaction is larger when the analysts support their recommendation with more than one valuation method. Our research shows that the market pays attention to the content of the reports and analysts can be more influential when they use more valuation methodologies to cross-check their estimates.
Chemical characterization of essential oils and antioxidant activity of Dictyota dichotoma and Dictyopteris membranacea
Authors: Benfares Redhouane , Kord Affaf , Boudjema Khaled , Bouarab Manel , Benrabah Soumia , Boudjemaa Kamel , Svarc-Gajic Jaroslava
Published: December 2019

The work focuses on the study of two brown algae Dictyota dichotoma and
Dictyopteris membranacea. Extracts obtained by different organic solvents
(dichloromethane, hexane, acetone, methanol, chloroform) were screened for
their DPPH antiradical activity, whereas essential oils obtained by steam
distillation were chemically characterized by GC-MS. Steam distillation
yielded 0.07 and 0.095% of the essential oils for Dictyota dichotoma and
Dictyopteris membranacea, respectively. The chemical screening of the
essential oils of Dictyopteris membranacea and Dictyota dichotoma showed
similar chemical profiles. Namely, trans-anethole showed to be the main
component in both studied oils, yielding 12.28% and 10.70% for Dictyopteris
membranacea and Dictyota dichotoma, respectively. Antioxidant activity of
extracts was expressed by IC50 values and was in the range 0.375-1.72 mg/ml.
Danube sediment contamination with polychlorinated biphenyls: New interpretation of sediment quality assessment
Authors: Brboric Maja , Stepanov Borivoj , Radonic Jelena , Turk-Sekulic Maja
Published: December 2019

Among the contaminants of greatest concern, it is still possible to detect in
aquatic systems "old" classics such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
Since PCBs are detected in all environmental matrices and have been
identified as harmful substances due to their toxicity, persistence, and
bioaccumulation in humans and wildlife, they are still one of the important
groups of POPs. For this reason, this original approach studies the
toxicological influence of PCBs, quantified in sediment samples collected at
ten sites along the river Danube, by an application of advanced
classification and clustering methods such as hierarchical cluster analysis
(HCA) and Kohonen's self-organising maps (SOMs). Selected multivariate
techniques were applied to the monitoring dataset in order to obtain visual
images of the components distributed at each sampling site when all
components are included in the classification and data projection procedure.
After analyzing the data set using both techniques were isolated groups that
exhibit similar behavior. In the hexagon and dendogram of variables three
main clusters were distinguished. Towards the identification of pollutant
spatial patterns, the SOM did not isolate a clear phenomenon probably due to
the absence of local pollution sources contributing to the elevated
concentrations of these compounds. The presented assumptions indicated that
the supplemental application of SOM and HCA offers advantageous features
over the usually rough interpretation of PCBs pattern and over the single
use of the methods.
Optimization of microwave assisted enzymatic extraction of steviol glycosides and phenolic compounds from Stevia leaf
Authors: Görgüç Ahmet , Gençdağ Esra , Yılmaz Fatih
Published: December 2019

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) has gained great interests due to its
non-caloric and health related properties with its steviol glycosides and
phytochemical constituents. Currently, it is being utilized as a natural
sweetener in many food formulations such as soft drinks, jams, dairy
products, chocolates, etc. Green extraction techniques using non-hazardous
solvents and yield-enhancing strategies have been subject matters of various
disciplines such as food technology, chemistry and pharmacology. Stevia
powders are industrially produced by aqueous-extraction with further
purification and drying steps. There has been no any report handling
combined microwave and enzyme assisted technique on the extraction of
steviol glycosides and antioxidant compounds to date. The objective of this
study was to determine optimum processing parameters of microwave assisted
enzymatic extraction of steviol glycosides and phenolic compounds by
investigating the effects of independent variables. The plant was collected
from a stevia garden and its leaves were detached from flower part, dried
and milled into powder form before commencement of the treatments.
Operations were performed using a microwave extraction system equipped with
a digital control system for irradiation time, temperature and microwave
power. Viscozyme L which is a widely used cellulolytic enzyme cocktail was
used in this study. The effects of enzyme concentration (1.2 - 60 FBG unit
g-1), temperature (25-60?C) and time (1 - 20 min) were evaluated using a
five-level rotatable central composite design by response surface
methodology (RSM). The validities of models were assessed by ANOVA outputs
which were determination coefficient (R2), lack of fit and Fisher's test
value (F-value). The maximized yields of stevioside, rebaudioside A and
total phenolic compounds were determined as 62.5, 25.6 and 20.7 mg g-1,
respectively at optimum processing conditions which were estimated as 10.9
FBG unit g-1, 53?C and 16 min.
Oxidative degradation of cyan flexo dye with Heterogeneous Fenton reagent - Fe2(MoO4)3 particle
Authors: Gvoic Vesna , Prica Miljana , Kerkez Djurdja , Becelic-Tomin Milena , Kulic Aleksandra , Leovac-Macerak Anita , Dalmacija Bozo
Published: December 2019

Heterogeneous Fenton catalyst Fe2(MoO4)3 was prepared and the process
efficiency was evaluated for oxidation of water-based Cyan flexo dye in
synthetic aqueous solution and printing wastewater. The removal process of
printing dye was analyzed by UV/VIS spectrophotometry, while dye
mineralization was evaluated by the determination of total organic carbon
content and chemical oxygen demand. Four determinants of the heterogeneous
Fenton system, including initial dye concentration, iron concentration, pH
and hydrogen peroxide concentration were investigated. Statistical method,
definitive screening design was applied to generate optimal operational
conditions of the four variables, which maximizes the process of dye
removal. The initial dye concentration of 20 mgL-1, catalyst dosage of 0.75
mgL-1, pH of 2 and H2O2 concentration of 11 mM were chosen as the best
operational conditions, contributing to 82% of the process efficiency. The
Fenton process efficiency of 79% was achieved within the treatment of
printing wastewater under optimal conditions for a 90 minute reaction time.
The maximum COD removal efficiency was 61.1%, while 67% mineralization was
achieved. The obtained results confirmed synergistic effect of Fe3+ and MoO4
2? which contributed to high catalytic activity and high heterogeneous
Fenton efficiency.
State space model realization using step response data of MIMO system with input delays for model predictive control
Authors: Jimoh Mohammed , Dan’Isa Ado
Published: December 2019

This paper discusses state space realization algorithm from general multiple
input multiple output (MIMO) step response data with or without input
delays. It uses the factored form of the block Hankel matrix formed from the
Markov parameters of the equivalent impulse response of the step response
model to obtain an equivalent state space model. Though the state space
model that best approximates the step response model has number of states
equal to the rank of the block Hankel matrix, much lower rank state space
model, adequate for use as internal model for model predictive control
(MPC), can also be obtained. By using an empirical step response model of a
pilot distillation plant, a simple state space MPC, which use a full rank,
and then a low-rank approximation of the model as its internal model, is
implemented on the plant model. The setpoint tracking trends of the control
outputs of the two approximations match closely.
Adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI) ions onto biochar from brewer’s spent grain
Authors: Kukic Dragana , Vasic Vesna , Panic Sanja , Radosavljevic Milos , Sciban Marina , Prodanovic Jelena , Blagojev Nevena , Pejin Jelena
Published: December 2019

In this paper adsorption kinetic of Cr(VI) ions onto biochar from brewer?s
spent grain was studied. The same study was performed on biochar activated
by KOH and H3PO4. Non-activated biochar showed a greater ability to bind
Cr(VI) ions at the same initial concentration and 10 times lower dose
compared to the brewer?s spent grain. The investigation of activation effect
showed that it did not improve the adsorption properties of biochar. The
analysis of kinetic data showed that the best description provided
pseudo-second order equation and that adsorption takes place as
chemisorption on all investigated adsorbents. Diffusion study showed that
pore diffusion occurs only on biochar activated by phosphorus acid.
Increase in the efficiency of removal of iron ions from wastewater by aquatic plant ‘Lemna minor‘
Authors: Sablii Larisa , Oleksandr Obodovych , Sydorenko Vitalii , Korenchuk Mykola
Published: December 2019

Wastewater from food production enterprises could have significant
concentrations of total iron that must be decreased. Aquatic macrophytes,
for example ?Lemna genera?, have a high potential for iron ions removal, but
kinetics and treatment parameters should be qualified. The aim of the work
is to increase in the efficiency of removal of iron ions from wastewater in
the process of biological wastewater treatment using ?Lemna minor? and to
determine rational parameters of the treatment (biomass, process duration,
hydraulic load). The kinetics of the removal of iron ions from the water was
studied in the batch mode of a biological reactor operation under various
biomass quantities. Verification of the obtained rational parameters of the
process was carried out under continuous mode conditions. The results
obtained from the kinetics of the batch mode the bioreactor operation
process indicate an increase in the degree of removal of ferrous ions from
wastewater from 61.0% to 91.7% with an increase in the plant biomass
concentration from 8 mg/L to 25 mg/L during the wastewater treatment process
of 24 hours. The rational parameters of removal of iron ions from wastewater
in the batch mode of the bioreactor operation are determined: biomass of
duckweed is 25 mg/L; the treatment process duration is 8 hours; the
hydraulic load is 0,126 L/(h?L). The purification effect was 89.8%.
The influence of the freezing rate on the physico-chemical properties of pork meat (M. Longissimus dorsi)
Authors: Savanovic Danica , Grujic Radoslav , Savanovic Jovo
Published: December 2019

The meat freezing, as a method of preservation, aims to maximize the storage
period with preserving the quality and nutritional value of the product.
However, freezing causes certain changes in the foodstuff. These changes are
the result of ice formation and lead to a change in meat quality after
thawing. The aim of this paper was to examine the effect of freezing rates
on the physicochemical properties of pork meat (M. Longissimus dorsi). The
meat samples were frozen at 10 different rates and after 24 hours of storage
at -18?C, thawed at +4?C. Samples frozen at the lowest freezing rate (0.23
cm/h) had the lowest water content (72.02%), while for the samples frozen at
the highest rate (1.43 cm/h), significantly higher (p<0.05) water content
was recorded (73.85%). The protein content ranged from 23.34% (rate 0.50
cm/h) to 23.76% (rate 1.43 cm/h). The increase in freezing rates from 0.23
cm/h to 1.43 cm/h statistically significantly (p<0.05) affected the increase
in the pH value (from 5.41 to 5.72). By measuring water holding capacity
(WHC) the least amounts of released liquid (2.27 cm2 and 2.23 cm2) were
recorded at higher freezing rate (1.00 cm/h and 1.43 cm/h, respectively).
The highest thawing loss was determined in pork samples frozen at slower
rate (0.23 cm/h) (3.61%).