The effect of cryo-grinding and size separation on bioactive profile of buckwheat hulls

Buckwheat hulls (BWH) are a lignocellulosic material with valuable nutrient contents, especially rutin and dietary fibre, which are worth exploring from a food industry perspective. BWH are also a voluminous material that is difficult to grind to very fine particle sizes, which can be achieved under cryogenic conditions. Therefore, we investigated the effect of fractionation by cryo-grinding and size separation (<56, 56–180 and >180 µm) on the dietary fibre content and bioactive profile of BWH. While we hypothesised that micronisation would increase fibre solubility and release of bioactive compounds, we found that BWH must be fractionated to a size <56 µm to show a significant increase in soluble fibre content (106%), rutin (66%), total free phenolic compounds (94%) and antioxidant capacity (45–63%). Moreover, we have shown that near-infrared spectroscopy combined with partial least squares regression can be easily used for rapid scanning of BWH to select the most suitable pre-processing conditions for maximum nutritional value of this food industry by-product.     

e-Learning process management and the e-learning performance: Results of a European empirical study

The aim of this paper was to design and assess a comprehensive model for managing the e-learning process and to define the relationship between systematic implementation of the model, outcomes of certain e-learning aspects and subject of e-learning. The validation of the model was performed by using two questionnaires sent via e-mail to teachers and field experts from the chosen sample of 14 European schools participating in an EU-funded project. Research results imply the existence of a clear link between planning and controlling of the e-learning process and its learning outcomes. On the other hand, no empirical relationship between the e-learning outcomes and the subject of learning has been established. It is believed that the model and its practical implications can be used by institutions engaged in e-learning, or as a process model for introducing e-learning related activities.     

Negativity in problematic and nonproblematic families: A multigroup social relations model analysis with structured means.

The aim of the study was to determine whether there are differences in patterns of negativity between families with and without an adolescent with externalizing problem behavior. We used a structured means Social Relations Model in order to examine negativity in multiple levels of the family system. The sample consisted of 120 problematic and 153 nonproblematic families (two parents, two children), who rated the level of negativity in the relationship with each family member. Although a simple mean differences test would lead us to believe that differences in negativity between groups of families can be ascribed to the interaction between parent and adolescent, the results of the present study indicate that these differences are actually related to the characteristics of a problematic child. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved)     

Web accessibility investigation of Slovenian municipalities’ websites before and after the adoption of European Standard EN 301 549

Universal Access in the Information Society - Digitalization and technological innovations provide many benefits for citizens worldwide, increasing the quality of life in several ways, including by...     

Astrocytic Vesicle Mobility in Health and Disease

Astrocytes are no longer considered subservient to neurons, and are, instead, now understood to play an active role in brain signaling. The intercellular communication of astrocytes with neurons and other non-neuronal cells involves the exchange of molecules by exocytotic and endocytotic processes through the trafficking of intracellular vesicles. Recent studies of single vesicle mobility in astrocytes have prompted new views of how astrocytes contribute to information processing in nervous tissue. Here, we review the trafficking of several types of membrane-bound vesicles that are specifically involved in the processes of (i) intercellular communication by gliotransmitters (glutamate, adenosine 5′-triphosphate, atrial natriuretic peptide), (ii) plasma membrane exchange of transporters and receptors (EAAT2, MHC-II), and (iii) the involvement of vesicle mobility carrying aquaporins (AQP4) in water homeostasis. The properties of vesicle traffic in astrocytes are discussed in respect to networking with neighboring cells in physiologic and pathologic conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and states in which astrocytes contribute to neuroinflammatory conditions.