bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplicação do SuperLogo no ensino de Geometria: relato de uma prática no Ensino Médio
Authors: Oliveira Jefferson , De Freitas Madruga Zulma Elizabete
Published: April 2018

Este artigo apresenta um relato de experiência com o software SuperLogo, fundamentada na Teoria das Situações Didáticas (TSD), abordando conteúdos de Geometria Plana no Ensino Médio. Para tanto, tomou-se como base a teoria de Brousseau (1986), a qual permite ao professor trabalhar junto a seu aluno um conceito matemático na resolução de problemas. A aplicação desta prática deu-se em um colégio da rede pública de uma cidade do sul da Bahia, na realização de uma feira de Ciências. Durante a intervenção, o desempenho dos estudantes com o software foi registrado como dados da pesquisa. Os resultados foram analisados por meio dos registros produzidos no ambiente computacional e uma avaliação realizada no final do processo. Como resultado, considerou-se que o SuperLogo imprimiu potencialidade no ensino da Matemática, destacando que na utilização do software é possível ao professor para motivar seu aluno a expressar seus conhecimentos.
Palavras-chave: Educação Matemática. Tecnologias Educacionais. Situação a-didática. SuperLogo.
Resolução de problemas de otimização nas aulas de Matemática
Authors: Macêdo Josué , Lopes Lailson , Gusmão Laís
Published: April 2018

Atualmente existem processos de otimização que contribuem com a vida de pessoas, como é o caso dos problemas resolvidos com a ajuda da Matemática. É a maneira técnica de se encontrar meios de minimizar tempo e, consequentemente, reduzir os custos de processos que se precisa realizar. A Matemática, em seu vasto campo de atuação, proporciona um arsenal de processos de otimização que enriquece e facilita o cotidiano. Em vista desta realidade, neste trabalho, apresentamos possíveis aplicações de alguns problemas de otimização, bem como mostramos a resolução de alguns problemas e discutimos a possibilidade da utilização da metodologia da resolução de problemas. Este trabalho permitiu o aprofundamento do conhecimento desse campo da Matemática, e suas contribuições em diversas áreas do conhecimento.
Palavras-chave: Otimização. Problemas. Resolução de problemas.
Country of origin as a determinant of young Europeans` buying attitudes ? marketing implications
Authors: Bartosik-Purgat Małgorzata
Published: April 2018

Research background: Country of origin and brand image are among the main factors influencing consumer buying decisions. The phenomenon known as the Country of Origin Effect (COE) refers to the influence of a country?s image on consumer product evaluations and the perception of brands originating from specific countries. The COE describes consumer attitudes towards certain product categories and is connected with the perception of quality of such products manufactured in particular markets. The changing market conditions and proliferation of hybrid products cause certain problems for consumers who find it increasingly difficult to identify the country of origin of specific products and face a dilemma whether a product manufactured in China is of equal quality as a product of the same brand, but manufactured in France.

Purpose of the article: The main purpose of the paper is to identify the young Europeans` attitudes towards the country of origin of purchased products. An attempt has been made to answer two research questions: firstly, whether are young Europeans guided by stereotypes associated with the country of origin of specific product categories in their conscious buying decisions? Secondly, do young European consumers attach higher value to a product?s brand than its country of origin?

Methods: The analysis has been based on literature studies and empirical data collected in two different period of time 2008 and 2015 among 1362 respondents (in 2008) and 1125 respondents (in 2015) from eight European countries (Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Great Britain). In the exploratory empirical study, the author of the paper used two research methods: PAPI in 2008 (Paper and Pen Personal Interview) and CAWI in 2015 (Computer Assisted Web Interview).

Findings & Value added: The study results reveal that in some countries, namely Poland and the Czech Republic, young consumers are guided in their deliberate buying choices by certain mental schematics perpetuated, for example, in the mass media (the best wine comes from France, best watches are made in Switzerland, and superior quality cars originate from Germany). Respondents representing other nationalities showed more support for domestic products. By far, the most ethnocentric in their choices turned out to be the French who in almost all product categories showed preferences for products originating from their country. Furthermore, the empirical study showed that with respect to different product categories young European consumers attach more importance to a product?s brand than its country of origin.
KEKERABATAN 22 KLON BAWANG MERAH BERDASARKAN MARKA MIKROSATELIT (Genetic Relationship off 22 Shallot Clones Base on Microsatelit Marker)
Authors: Pinilih Joko , Rachmadi Meddy , HK Murdaningsih , Qosim Warid Ali
Published: April 2018

AbstrakBawang merah merupakan komoditas sayuran penting di Indonesia. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mempelajari hubungan kekerabatan 22 klon bawang merah. Penelitian dilaksanakan di Balai Besar Penelitian Biteknologi dan Sumber Daya Genetik Pertanian di Bogor. Penelitian dilakukan pada bulan Oktober sampai dengan bulan Desember 2013. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Tingkat  kemiripan genetik (genetic  similarity)  dari 22 genotipe yang  diuji  berkisar  antara  0,75  –  0,99,  hal ini  berarti   diantara  ke-22  genotipe   mempunyai  kekerabatan yang  dekat.AbstractShallot is important vegetable crops in Indonesia. The aim of research to study genetic relationship of 22 clones shallot with microsatellite molecular markers. Research was conducted at the Research Institute Biotechnology and Agricultural Genetic Resources in Bogor. The study was conducted in October to December, 2013. The results of research showed the genetic similarity of 22 genotypes were closely relationship obout  0.75 to 0.99.
PENGARUH PEMBERIAN DOSIS DAN FREKUENSI BIOFERTILIZER TERHADAP KADAR KLOROFIL DAUN BIBIT SENGON (Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen)
Authors: Pranatami Dwimei Ayudewandari , Arum Sekar
Published: April 2018

Klorofil merupakan komponen penting yang dibutuhkan dalam fotosintesis dimana pembentukanya diperlukan suplai zat hara seperti nitrogen dan fosfat. Suplai  zat hara tersebut dapat dibantu dengan pemberian biofertilizer yang mengandung bakteri fiksasi nitrogen, bakteri pelarut fosfat dan mikroba dekomposer. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh dosis dan frekuensi pemberian biofertilizer terhadap kadar klorofil bibit sengon (Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen). Penelitian terdiri atas 2 perlakuan kontrol dan 8 perlakuan uji. Seri dosis biofertilizer yaitu 20, 40, 60, dan 80 mL/tanaman dengan frekuensi pemberian 1 minggu sekali dan 2 minggu sekali. Mikroba dalam biofertilizer terdiri atas Azotobacter chroococum, Azospirillum brasilense, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Bacillus subtilis, B. megaterium, B. licheniformis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, P. putida, Cellvibrio mixtus, Cellulomonas cellulans, Cytophaga saccharophila, Lactobacillus plantarum, dan Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dan data dianalisis menggunakan uji ANAVA satu arah dengan uji lanjutan yaitu uji Duncan dan uji Brown –Forsythe dengan uji lanjutan Gomes Howell pada taraf 5%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pemberian dosis dan frekuensi biofertilizer  berpengaruh nyata dalam  peningkatan kadar klorofil daun.
Distinguishing Smilax glabra and Smilax china rhizomes by flow-injection mass spectrometry combined with principal component analysis
Authors: Liang Jian , Zhou Meng , Li Lin-Yu , Shu Ji-Cheng , Liang Yong-Hong , Li Feng-Qin , Xiong Li , Huang Hui-Lian
Published: April 2018

Flow-injection mass spectrometry (FIMS) coupled with a chemometric method is proposed in this study to profile and distinguish between rhizomes of Smilax glabra (S. glabra) and Smilax china (S. china). The proposed method employed an electrospray-time-of-flight MS. The MS fingerprints were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) with the aid of SIMCA software. Findings showed that the two kinds of samples perfectly fell into their own classes. Further predictive study showed desirable predictability and the tested samples were successfully and reliably identified. The study demonstrated that the proposed method could serve as a powerful tool for distinguishing between S. glabra and S. china.
Chronic fluoxetine treatment induces lipid accumulation but does not alter the expression of Pref-1 in rat adipose tissue
Authors: Bába László-István , Gáll Zsolt , Bíró István Lóránt , Mezei Tibor , Kun Imre Zoltán , Kolcsár Melinda
Published: April 2018

This study aims to investigate the effects of chronic fluoxetine (FLX) treatment on preadipocyte factor-1 (Pref-1) expression in subcutaneous, visceral and brown adipose tissues, and on the size of vacuoles in a dipocytes obtained from the perirenal regions in rats. Twenty-eight Wistar rats were treated with FLX at two different doses and fourteen animals received vehicle. After 40 days of treatment, the subcutaneous, perirenal and interscapular adipose tissues were collected. Pref-1 expression was examined using an immunohistochemical method and the vacuolar area was measured in stained sections. In the low dose FLX group, the size of vacuoles increased both in male and female animals. The high dose of FLX also induced a significant increase of vacuole size, but only in male animals. Neither of the two doses of FLX has significantly affected the Pref-1 expression in any type of adipose tissue.
Essential oils as potential anti-staphylococcal agents
Authors: Piotr Szweda , Magdalena Zalewska , Joanna Pilch , Barbara Kot , Sławomir Milewski
Published: April 2018

Antibiotic therapy of staphylococcal mastitis is characterized by significantly lower cure rates compared to infections caused by other microorganisms. Thus, it is necessary to search for new, alternative, non-antibiotic agents that are effective in the eradication of these bacteria. The aim of our research was to investigate the antimicrobial, especially anti-staphylococcal potential of a large collection (n=36) of essential oils (EOs). Investigation of the antimicrobial activity of tested oils was determined by using a serial, twofold dilution method in 96-wells microtiter plates under conditions recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The preliminary analysis revealed that six oils, namely: Manuka, Thyme, Geranium, Cedar, Cinnamon (from bark) and Patchouli exhibited the highest activity against reference strains of bacteria. Significant anti-staphylococcal potential of these oils has been also confirmed for a group of 18 Staphylococcus aureus, 8 Staphylococcus epidermidis and 5 Staphylococcus xylosus strains isolated from cases of bovine mastitis. Especially high activity was observed for Cedar, Patchouli, Thyme and Manuka oils. The MIC (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) values for Patchouli oil were in the concentrations range of 0.01 to 0.313% (v/v). The three other oils inhibited the growth of staphylococci isolated from mastitis in the concentrations range of 0.01 to 0.625% (v/v). Oils isolated from Cinnamomum cassia and Pelargonium graveolens revealed a bit lower, but still satisfactory activity (MIC values in the concentrations range of 0.02 to 1.25% (v/v) and from 0.078 to 1.25% (v/v), respectively). In many cases a slightly higher concentration of oils was required to obtain the bactericidal effect in comparison to growth inhibition. The time – kill kinetic assay revealed that the bactericidal effect was achieved after two hours incubation of the reference strain S. aureus PCM 2051 cells with Thyme oil at concentration equal to 2xMIC (1.25% (v/v)) or MIC (0.625% (v/v)). A slightly lower activity was observed in the case of Cinnamon oil, the bactericidal effect was achieved after 8 hours of incubation. The results of our research clearly indicate that some essential oils exhibit a promising antimicrobial activity and can be considered as alternative antistaphylococcal agents.
Local government, 2017
Authors: Quinn Bríd
Published: April 2018

Another year, another minister, another renaming of the department! Changes to the cabinet in June 2017 included the appointment of Eoghan Murphy, TD, as Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, and John Paul Phelan, TD, as Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government with Special Responsibility for Local Government and Electoral Reform. Further functional realignment also took place: community functions were transferred to the newly created Department of Rural and Community Development and, at the end of 2017, responsibility for motor taxation was transferred to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Thus, the centralisation of functions traditionally associated with local government continues.
The Association between Internet Addiction and Emotional Intelligence: A Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Ranjbar Hossein , Bakhshi Mahmoud
Published: April 2018

Recently, internet addiction has turned into a major concern all over the world. According to scientific evidences, people with higher emotional intelligence are less addicted to the Internet; however, the type and strength of this relation is still a matter of debate. Due to a lack of information in this regard, the present study has been conducted as a meta-analysis method to this end.

A comprehensive search in Scopus, Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect, Medline, Springer, Google Scholar, Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID) with no restrictions of time and language was done with the following keywords: ‘Internet’/‘Internet users’, ‘Internet addiction’, and ‘emotional intelligence’. Pooled correlation of the present study was −0.393; [95%CI, −0.564−0.190]. The results of the Cochran Q (Q = 623:192, p = 0.000) and I2=97.75% index showed a high heterogeneity between studies included in the meta-analysis. No publication bias was observed.

In general, there was a moderate and inverse relation between Internet addiction and emotional intelligence; however, it seems that there is a relation between some of different personal, social, and cultural traits. Therefore, further studies are needed for the confirmation of the claim put forth.
Delirium Risk Factors in Elderly Patients Suffering from Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Milićević Ivana , Janković Slobodan , Grubor Iva
Published: April 2018

Delirium is a common complication in hospitalized elderly patients suffering from hip fractures. Considering the growing incidence of delirium, understanding the risk factors for this condition is of great importance. The preoperative prevalence of delirium is approximately 4.4–35.6%, while postoperative prevalence is even higher - 4–53.3%. Various studies have shown the multifactorial etiology of delirium arising from a combination of predisposing and precipitating factors.

The aim of this study was to explore these factors, which can contribute to delirium in patients with femoral neck fractures. This case control study included 62 patients diagnosed with femoral neck fractures, with 31 cases and 31 controls. Results have shown that the use of sedatives, especially benzodiazepines, and smoking increase the risk of delirium by five and sixteen times, respectively.
The Influence of Different Light Curing Modes on the Depth of Cure of the Composite Resin
Authors: Miljković Nikola , Dačić Stefan , Karuntanović Tamara , Igić Marko , Dačić Milica , Dačić-Simonović Dragica
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different light curing modes on the depth of cure of the composite resin.

The metal block with formed round holes served as a mold for the placement of the composite resin. The composite resin was cured with Penguin DB-685 lamp with four optional working modes: strong, low, gradually strong, and flashing. Unpolymerized part of the composite specimen was removed by scraping with a plastic spatula, and then each specimen was placed into the capsule with 1 ml of ethanol alcohol and mixed for 20 s in amalgamator. The length of the remaining composite specimen was measured with the digital caliper with a precision of 0.01 mm. The measured values were divided by 2 (according to ISO 4049 standard) and then statistically processed.

Based on the measured lengths of the polymerized part of the composite specimens, the lowest average value of the depth of cure (2.75 ± 0.08 mm) was determined after polymerization with the low mode and the highest value was obtained (2.98 ± 0.08 mm) with strong polymerization mode. Statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was determined between low polymerization mode and all other modes (strong, gradually strong and flashing mode).

The observed statistically significant differences are not clinically important because all curing modes provided the necessary depth of cure, which is in accordance with the clinical recommendation of 2 mm thick composite layer.
Emergency Air Rescue System in Romania
Authors: Tranca Sebastian , Szabo Robert , Dache Cătălin , Mureșan Mihai
Published: April 2018

The helicopter, as a means of transport, has facilitated a significant decrease in intervention time at the site of request, increasing the chances of survival of the critical patient. Since 2003, SMURD has managed to form a fleet composed of nine helicopters and two airplanes. From an operational and strategic point of view, the SMURD intervention unit, set up seven Aeromedical Operational Bases (A.O.B.) equipped with helicopters and materials necessary for their operation. There is a dynamic increase in the number of air rescue missions in Romania, with most missions being carried out by the air rescue bases in Târgu Mureş and Bucharest. Specialty literature has clearly demonstrated the positive impact on the survival of critical patients assisted by airborne crews, so it is necessary for the Romanian air rescue system to grow up. It is necessary to increase the number of air bases, purchase new helicopters and to continue the training programs of both pilots and medical personnel.
Determinants of the Adoption of Quality Protein Maize among Farming Households in Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Ayinde Opeyemi E. , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Ambali Olatunji Y. , Akinsola Grace O.
Published: April 2018

The study was conducted to examine the determinants of quality protein maize (QPM) adoption among farming households in Niger State, Nigeria. A twostage random sampling procedure was employed to obtain data from selected 120 maize farming households. Descriptive statistics, logistic and tobit regression models were used for the analysis. Results of the analysis show that the awareness and adoption level of QPM production in the study area were 95% and 87% respectively. Among the determinants of QPM adoption status, the coefficient of age (-0.12734) and primary occupation (-1.38295) of the respondents were negative and significant at 5% level of probability while the tenancy attribute’s coefficient (2.62533) was positively significant at 10%. The level of adoption of QPM was positively and significantly influenced by household size (0.00729) and years of schooling (0.01148) at 10% and 5% level of significant respectively. The study recommends intensification of information dissemination on the adoption of QPM in the study area.
Behavioral observations of the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow in a conservation aquaculture facility
Authors: Tave Douglas , Toya Louie A. , Hutson Alison M.
Published: April 2018

A major reason why conservation aquaculture is needed to improve the success of aquaculture-assisted fisheries is that traditional production aquaculture produces fish with mal-adaptive behaviors. These behaviors can be produced via domestication and culture techniques, and preventing these mal-adaptive behaviors requires integrating improvements in genetic management and culture protocols. The genetic protocols needed to minimize hatchery-induced genetic changes have received considerable attention, but changing the way fish are raised has received less effort. Conservation aquaculture cultures fish in environments that resemble their native habitats so that when stocked, they behave like wild fish rather than hatchery fish. A purpose built-conservation aquaculture facility can also be used to learn about a species’ behavior and how it reacts to changes in the environment, something which can be difficult or expensive to study in the wild. These observations can then be used to help direct both propagation and recovery management. This paper provides the rationale for why genetic management, culture systems, and management practices need to be altered to produce fish that are behaviorally similar to wild fish for aquaculture-assisted fisheries programs. It then provides a description of some of the behaviors of the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow Hybognathus amarus that were observed at the Los Lunas Silvery Minnow Refugium, a purpose-built conservation aquaculture facility, and explains how some of these behaviors can be used in culture and recovery management. Behaviors described are: schooling; predator avoidance; feeding behavior; use of vegetation for cover and predator avoidance; habitat use by bottom substrate; location in the water column; upstream movement via a fish ladder; movement upstream in a high-velocity channel; response to changes in water level; spawning behavior; seine avoidance; and Kaah-chee-nyee Srkaash, a behavior described for the first time.
Common Fisheries Policy and its impact on the fisheries sector in Croatia
Authors: Mikuš Ornella , Zrakić Magdalena , Kovačićek Tihana , Jež Rogelj Mateja
Published: April 2018

The aim of the paper is: 1) to determine the key changes in the evolution process of the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the Croatia’s fisheries policy and 2) to describe the structure and dynamics of macroeconomic and budget performance related to Croatian fisheries in the period 2007-2016. Two methods were used: the historical method and the descriptive analysis of macroeconomic performance and budget structure. The CFP was officially introduced in 1983, bringing the management of fisheries in all EU member states under one system. Its aims were: to resolve sea conflicts between member states, to provide stability to the fisheries sector, to prevent a total collapse of fish stocks and to provide higher quality of life to the fishermen. However, the CFP has constantly been criticized for poor enforcement of environmental measures and scientific recommendations, and for the lack of a common language between the EU institutions and local stakeholders. Both the European and Croatian fisheries sector faced many problems, especially during the transition period in the 1990s. Some of them included a serious decrease of catches, outdated technology and fisheries fleet, depletion of demersal species, lack of developmental trends in mariculture, absence of measures of rational exploitation and protection of economically significant species. The negotiation period was an opportunity for the fisheries sector in Croatia to adapt its goals, measures and stakeholders in order to achieve a more sustainable and internationally competitive fisheries sector in the future. The membership facilitates trade in the EU area, along with providing significant funding and technical assistance. The budget support structure and the existing policy framework point out an increase in the implementation of structural measures which should assist in an overall improvement of social, economic and environmental aspects of fisheries.
Color Shade Nets Improve Vegetables Quality at Harvest and Maintain Quality During Storage
Authors: Ilić Zoran S. , Milenković Lidija , Šunić Ljubomir , Manojlović Maja
Published: April 2018

The photoselective, light-dispersive shade nets can be used as an alternative to protect crops from adverse environmental conditions such as; excessive solar radiation, heat and drought stress, wind and hail, birds, flying pests, thus improving crop’s production, yield and quality. The physiological parameters discussed in the review include: vegetable growth parameters (leaf area, leaf chlorophyll), tissue structure, fruit ripening, physiological disorders, pest and disease incidence, fruit quality parameters (soluble solids content and titratable acidity), bioactive compounds (antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, carotenoid and flavonoid contents) and aroma volatile compounds at harvest. Also, it is evident in the reviewed literature that light quality influences the biosynthesis, accumulation and retention of vegetable phytochemicals, as well as the decay development during storage. These new strategies to modulate light quality should be conveyed to vegetable producing farmers, thus allowing them to preserve the freshness and post-harvest quality of vegetables for an extended period of time, and to meet the consumers demand for vegetables with high nutritional value all year round. Research on light manipulation in horticultural systems is necessary for a sustainable and market-oriented open field and greenhouse vegetable production in the future.
Microbiological Activity in the Soil of Various Agricultural Crops in Organic Production
Authors: Stamenov Dragana , Đurić Simonida , Jafari Timea Hajnal , Ćirić Vladimir , Manojlović Maja
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this study is to investigate the microbial activity and the number of different groups of microorganisms in the soil under organic agricultural systems.

A range of analyses was conducted on soil samples taken from calcareous chernozem soils managed under organic (7 sites) and conventional agricultural systems (1 site). Laboratory measurements were performed in the Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, Novi Sad. The total number of bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, aminoheterotrophs and azotobacters was determined using the dilution method. Soil dehydrogenase activity was measured spectrophotometrically.

The greatest number of the Azotobacter sp. bacteria was recorded in the soil devoted to pumpkins (132.61 × 102) and in the soil devoted to apples (126.39 × 102). The greatest number of aminoheterotrophs (1786.05 × 106) and the total number of bacteria (1370.82 × 106) and actinomycetes (235.45 × 104) were determined in the soil devoted to carrots. Fungi were more abounded in the soil devoted to chard (36.82 × 104) than in the soil devoted to other plants. The research results show that the soil devoted to wheat in organic production indicated a greater number of aminoheterotrophs, total bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi, whereas only the number of Azotobacter sp. was greater in the soil devoted to wheat in the conventional agricultural system. The highest dehydrogenase activity level was determined in the soil devoted to radishes, whereas the lowest dehydrogenase activity level was determined in the soil devoted to apples.
Postharvest Practices for Organically Grown Products
Authors: Ilić Zoran S. , Fallik Elazar , Manojlović Maja , Kevrešan Žarko , Mastilović Jasna
Published: April 2018

Quality of produce cannot be improved after harvest, only maintained. Postharvest handling depends on the specific conditions of production, season, method of handling, and distance to market. Under organic production, growers harvest and market their produce at or near the peak ripeness more commonly than in many conventional systems. Organic production often includes more specialty varieties whose shelf life and shipping traits are reduced or even inherently poor. Harvesting and handling techniques that minimize injury to the commodity, as well as increased care with field and packinghouse sanitation, (chlorine, ozone, calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide, acetic acid, peroxyacetic acid, vinegar, ethyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, etc.) during postharvest processes are vital components of a postharvest management plan for organic products. Sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and physical treatments such as heat treatments (as hot water treatment or dips, short hot water rinsing and brushing or hot air) can significantly lower the disease pressure on the harvested commodities. These sanitation practices are very easy to implement in the organic food production chain. They start in the field and continue during harvesting, sorting, packing, and transportation and continue even in the consumer’s home. All those treatments reduce rot development, provide quarantine security, and preserve fruit quality during cold storage and shelf life. In addition, the use chitosan, propolis, methyl jasmonate, essential oils, carnuba wax, biocontrol agents and modified atmosphere packaging can also reduce decay development during prolonged storage. All these treatments can be applied alone or in combination with each other in order to improve decay control after harvest and provide a healthy and safe product to the consumer. The aim of this chapter is to shed more light on the latest information on permitted treatments for organic products and on the possible mode-of-action of these treatments. This chapter summarizes technologies developed over the past five years that explore special physical treatments applied either directly, or in combination with other means to control rot development and insect infestation on fresh produce.
Application of High Performance Liquid Chromatography to the Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Apple Juice
Authors: Velkoska-Markovska Lenche , Petanovska-Ilievska Biljana , Markovski Aleksandar
Published: April 2018

The modern apple production involves the use of large amounts of pesticides that can be found in processed products such as apple juice. Harmful effects of pesticide residues on humans, especially children, are well known, hence the content of pesticide residues in fruit, vegetables and their juices should be controlled. This study presents an application of a new, relatively simple and reliable analytical method for qualitative and quantitative determination of three organophosphorus and one organonitrogen pesticide residues in apple juices. The analysis utilizes reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) followed by UV diode array detection. Prior to HPLC analysis, a solid-phase extraction (SPE) was used for analytes concentration and sample clean-up. Specificity, selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy and limit of quantification (LOQ) were examined to assess the validity of the developed method. The method had satisfactory values of multiple correlation coefficients for calibration curves (R2 ≥ 0.95
). The precision was evaluated for the retention times and peak areas, and the estimated values for relative standard deviations (RSD) were 0.05 % - 0.18 % and 0.09 % - 0.62 %, respectively, which indicated an excellent precision of the proposed method. Under the established conditions, the recovery of analytes was 93.80 % - 119.41 %, with relative standard deviations below 0.56 %. This method was successfully applied for determination of some organophosphorus and organonitrogen pesticide residues in apple juices which were taken from Macedonian markets. The achieved values for LOQs were low enough compared to the MRLs of the investigated pesticides in apple according to the Regulation (EC) No 396/2005. Detectable residues of the examined pesticides were not found in the analyzed samples.
Magnesium upregulates insulin receptor and glucose transporter-4 in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type-2 diabetic rats
Authors: Morakinyo Ayodele Olufemi , Samuel Titilola Aderonke , Adekunbi Daniel Abiodun
Published: April 2018

Objective. We investigated the effects of magnesium supplementation on glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, oxidative stress as well as the concentration of insulin receptor and glucose transporter-4 in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type-2 diabetic (T2D) rats. Methods. Rats were divided into four groups designated as: 1) control (CTR); 2) diabetic untreated (DU); 3) diabetic treated with 1 mg of Mg/kg diet (Mg1-D); and 4) diabetic treated with 2 mg of Mg/kg diet (Mg2-D). T2D was induced with a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) aft er an initial i.p. injection of nicotinamide (120 mg/kg). Glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MAD) and glutathione content, insulin receptors (INSR) and glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4), fasting insulin and glucose levels were measured, and insulin resistance index was calculated using the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results. Magnesium supplementation improved glucose tolerance and lowered blood glucose levels almost to the normal range. We also recorded a noticeable increase in insulin sensitivity in Mg-D groups when compared with DU rats. Lipid perturbations associated T2D were significantly attenuated by magnesium supplementation. Fasting glucose level was comparable to control values in the Mg-D groups while the HOMA-IR index was significantly lower compared with the DU rats. Magnesium reduced MDA but increased glutathione concentrations compared with DU group. Moreover, INSR and GLUT4 levels were elevated following magnesium supplementation in T2D rats. Conclusion. These findings demonstrate that magnesium may mediate effective metabolic control by stimulating the antioxidant defense, and increased levels of INSR and GLUT4 in diabetic rats.
Changes in erythrocyte deformability during day and possible role of melatonin
Authors: Vazan Rastislav , Plauterova Katarina , Porubska Gabriela , Radosinska Jana
Published: April 2018

Objectives. The deformability of erythrocytes is their ability to change shape in order to pass through the capillaries. Th is is necessary for quality of microcirculation and sufficient delivery of oxygen to the tissues. Th e aim of our study was to investigate the possible spontaneous changes in the erythrocyte deformability during day and evaluation of the possible direct effects of melatonin (hormone involved in regulation of biorhythms) on the erythrocyte deformability. Methods. Samples of capillary blood were taken from 12 healthy volunteers in the morning (8:00) and early in the evening (16:30). Determination of erythrocyte deformability was done based on the measurement of their filtrability. It was measured immediately aft er the sample collection and 2-hour lasting incubation without or with melatonin (2000 μmol/L). Results. Erythrocyte deformability was significantly lower in the morning (filtrability index: 0.68±0.01 morning vs. 0.71±0.01 early evening, p<0.05). Th e incubation of blood samples with melatonin did not have impact on deformability. Conclusions. We suggest the presence of diurnal changes in erythrocyte deformability with worse values in the morning that may contribute to higher risk of ischemic attacks in the morning hours. Direct in vitro effect of melatonin on deformability was not observed, but possible in vivo effects cannot be excluded.
A short review of primary aldosteronism in a question and answer fashion
Authors: Farrugia Frederick-Anthony , Zavras Nicolaos , Martikos Georgios , Tzanetis Panagiotis , Charalampopoulos Anestis , Misiakos Evangelos P. , Sotiropoulos Dimitrios , Koliakos Nikolaos
Published: April 2018

Objectives. The aim of this study was to present up to date information concerning the diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism (PA). PA is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension. It has been reported up to 24% of selective referred hypertensive patients. Methods. We did a search in Pub-Med and Google Scholar using the terms: PA, hyperaldosteronism, idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia, diagnosis of PA, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, adrenalectomy, and surgery. We also did cross-referencing search with the above terms. We had divided our study into five sections: Introduction, Diagnosis, Genetics, Treatment, and Conclusions. We present our results in a question and answer fashion in order to make reading more interesting. Results. PA should be searched in all high-risk populations. The gold standard for diagnosis PA is the plasma aldosterone/plasma renin ratio (ARR). If this test is positive, then we proceed with one of the four confirmatory tests. If positive, then we proceed with a localizing technique like adrenal vein sampling (AVS) and CT scan. If the lesion is unilateral, after proper preoperative preparation, we proceed, in adrenalectomy. If the lesion is bilateral or the patient refuses or is not fit for surgery, we treat them with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, usually spironolactone. Conclusions. Primary aldosteronism is the most common and a treatable case of secondary hypertension. Only patients with unilateral adrenal diseases are eligible for surgery, while patients with bilateral and non-surgically correctable PA are usually treated by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). Thus, the distinction between unilateral and bilateral aldosterone hypersecretion is crucial.
Influence of jasmonic acid on the growth and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. propagated in vitro
Authors: Andrys Dominika , Kulpa Danuta , Grzeszczuk Monika , Białecka Bożena
Published: April 2018

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of jasmonic acid added to culture medium on the growth of plants and antioxidant properties of dry plant material, as well as on the antimicrobial properties of essential oils produced by the narrow-leaved lavender. For plant propagation, MS media supplemented with JA at concentrations of 0.2-1.5 mg dm−3 were used. The use of the lower JA concentrations did not influenced the growth parameters measured, whereas at the higher concentrations (1 and 1.5 mg dm−3) JA caused growth inhibition and a decrease in plant weight. With increasing JA concentration, the number of secretory trichomes decreased. Addition of 0.5 mg dm−3 JA caused an increase in secretory trichome diameter on both the adaxial and abaxial surface of leaves (83.3 and 73.2 μm, respectively). The antioxidant activity of the lavender plants propagated on media with the addition of JA (regardless of the concentration used) was higher than that of the control plants. The plants from JA-supplemented media were used to isolate essential oils, the antimicrobial activity of which was tested using the disc diffusion method at the concentrations of 10 and 50%. All the oils tested exhibited activity towards Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans. The essential oils isolated from the plants propagated on the medium with 1 mg dm−3 JA were characterized by the highest antimicrobial activity against the majority of the tested microorganisms.
Plant and leaf responses to cycles of water stress and re-watering of ‘Sangiovese’ grapevine
Authors: Lanari Vania , Silvestroni Oriana , Palliotti Alberto , Sabbatini Paolo
Published: April 2018

The complex relationship between water and grapevine has been examined in several studies. The aim of this study was to understand the impact of water stress on photosynthesis, carbon-13 discrimination in leaves in different positions on the shoot, and the capacity of vines to recover from different levels of water stress intensity. The vine physiological responses to a water stress regimen followed by re-watering for two consecutive cycles was evaluated using potted ‘Sangiovese’ grapevines. The intensity and the duration of the water limitation affected the emergence and development of new leaves, but did not significantly affect leaf water potential. Leaf stomatal conductance and carbon assimilation during the first water-stress phase were reduced respectively by about 61% and 20%, while after the second water stress cycle both were lower than the initial values by 77% and 21%, respectively. After 1 day of re-watering, only the leaves located in the medial positions on the shoot showed a partial recovery of photosynthesis. After at least 2 days post-re-watering, the leaves located in the distal portion of the shoot showed a recovery of photosynthetic capacity. The results indicated that leaf position along the shoot, i.e., an indicator of leaf age, is an important variable in developing grapevine strategies in response to conditions of limited water availability.
Football does not improve mental health: a systematic review on football and mental health disorders
Authors: Heun Reinhard , Pringle Alan
Published: April 2018

Objective

Both football (also called association football or soccer) and mental health disorders have a global impact on the lives of billions of people. Football has been used to approach and support subjects with or at risk of mental health disorders. However, it is not clear if football itself has any beneficial effect on the mental health of players, fans or spectators. Consequently, the aim of the current systematic review was to examine if playing or watching football impacts on the frequency of mental health problems in people who are involved in playing or watching the game.

Methods

We performed a systematic review on the relationship between football and mental health disorders. A total of 662 abstracts were screened initially. We identified 17 relevant papers assessing the prevalence of mental health disorders in current and previous football players, referees or spectators.

Results

The prevalence and 12 months incidence of mental health problems in active and retired professional players and referees were similar to or higher than those found in the general population, possibly as response to osteoarthritis, severe injuries, career dissatisfaction, low social support and poor employment status after retirement. Studies in adolescent amateurs and spectators indicate that playing and watching football games may negatively affect subjective mental health, even though qualitative studies indicate mental health benefits of playing or watching football.

Discussion

Players, referees and spectators are unlikely to present with fewer mental health problems than other members of society as a result of their involvement with football. It appears that some of the infrastructure that supports resilience in mental health such as a sense of inclusion, shared purpose and positive peer identification might be developed by playing in or supporting a team. Strategies that may use the assumed positive aspects of football need to be validated before implementation of large projects.
Why Experimentum Crucis is Possible in Psychology of Perception
Authors: Sinico Michele
Published: April 2018

This paper examines the experimentum crucis under the light of the Duhem’s holistic thesis. This methodological instrument is not usable in physics, because physical theories are always logically connected to many assumptions. On the contrary, it is usable in psychological research oriented to perceptual laws, when these laws are, without any hypothetical term, isolated systems. An application of experimentum crucis in Experimental Phenomenology of perception is presented. In conclusion, the role of perceptual knowledge as an essential assumption in other scientific disciplines that have a high degree of theoricity is also underlined.
The ‘Good Form’ of Film
Authors: Poulaki Maria
Published: April 2018

This article questions certain assumptions concerning film form made by the recent (neuro)psychological film research and compares them to those of precursors of film psychology like Hugo Münsterberg and Rudolf Arnheim, as well as the principles of Gestalt psychology. It is argued that principles of Gestalt psychology such as those of ‘good form’ and good continuation are still underlying the psychological research of film, becoming particularly apparent in its approach to continuity editing. Following an alternative Gestalt genealogy that links Gestalt theory with more recent dynamic models of brain activity and with accounts of brain complexity and neuronal synchronisation, the article concludes that psychological research on film needs to shift the focus from form to transformation, both in conceiving the perceptual and cognitive processing of films and in approaching film aesthetics more broadly.
In vivo nematicidal potential of camel milk on Heligmosomoides polygyrus gastro-intestinal nematode of rodents
Authors: Alimi D. , Abidi A. , Sebai E. , Rekik M. , Maizels R. M. , Dhibi M. , Akkari H.
Published: April 2018

Following our previous findings on the in vitro anthelmintic effect of camel milk on Haemonchus contortus, the current study aimed at investigating its in vivo effect. Investigations were carried out using mice infected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus which is a parasite commonly used to test the efficacy of anthelmintics. Thirty six Swiss white mice of both sexes aged 5 – 6 weeks old, and weighing between 20 and 25 g were orally infected with 0.5 ml dose of 100, 1-week-old H. polygyrus infective larvae (L3). After the pre-patent period, infected animals were randomly divided into 6 groups of 6 animals each. The nematicidal efficacy of camel milk was monitored through faecal egg count reduction (FECR) and total worm count reduction (TWCR). Four doses (8.25; 16.5; 33.0; 66.0 ml/kg body weight (bw)) for fresh camel milk and 22 mg/kg bw for albendazole were studied using a bioassay. Albendazole and 4 % dimethylsulfoxide were included in the protocol as reference drug and placebo, respectively. For all tested doses except 8.25 ml/kg bw, camel milk was effective in vivo against H. polygyrus reducing both faecal egg count and worm count (p < 0.05). The dose 66 ml/kg bw showed the highest nematicidal activity causing a 76.75 % FECR and a 69.62 % TWCR 7 day after initiating the treatment. These results support the possible use of camel milk in the control of gastro-intestinal helminthiasis.
Interprofessional Education of Allied Health Professionals – Perspectives of Experts / Interprofessionelles Lehren und Lernen in den Gesundheitsprofessionen aus Sicht von Experten/-innen
Authors: Herinek Doreen , Wild Heike , Herzberg Jana
Published: April 2018

Given increasing requirements for health care services, interprofessional cooperation between healthcare professions has been recently gaining momentum. To ensure that cooperation with other healthcare professionals does not occur for the first time in clinical settings, several projects have been developed over the past years in Germany, aiming to prepare future clinicians for interprofessional cooperation during their study or vocational training programs. The conceptual diversity underlying these projects is reflected for instance in their target groups, as well as in their different structures, contents and aims. The prevailing heterogeneity in this field partly results of structural decisions made by project designers. The present study aims to explore the perspectives of experts involved in the development of those interprofessional education programs. Accordingly, this paper aims to provide information on the perspectives of a population which has until now received little consideration in this context, and to identify and describe opportunities and challenges for the implementation of interprofessional teaching and learning processes.

Relevant categories providing a systematic representation of the study results could be extracted based on the content analysis of qualitative, semi-structured expert interviews.

The study results show that interprofessional cooperation between health professions is inextricably linked with interprofessional education. At the same time, current projects and publications still rank low on the general and relevant policy-making agenda. This points to the need for the provision of more support and necessary structural and organizational conditions for interprofessional teaching, as well as to significantly intensify discussions on the topic on various levels.