Authentic Evaluation Research Articles

Formativno vrednovanje postignuća u matematici i odabir zadataka

The evaluation of mathematical knowledge is based on multiple sources of information. In modern teaching practice, a special place has a formative evaluation of mathematical achievements of students as an integral part of teaching that supports learning and provides useful information to teachers and students. The paper is dedicated to the analysis of innovative evaluation techniques in mathematics teaching that reflect the changed paradigm of mathematics education. The aim of this paper is to explore the features and implications of authentic evaluation techniques and, accordingly, to make the choice of tasks as evaluation instruments. Using the method of theoretical analysis of research results of authentic methods for assessing mathematical knowledge, skills and attitudes, we determine the criteria for selecting tasks for evaluating students' mathematical achievements (focus on in-depth and extended application of existing knowledge in different contexts, multiple solutions, research possibilities). The discourse is then directed towards considering the originality of the task evaluation criteria. In the final considerations, we point out that the selection of mathematical tasks creates an opportunity to apply a wide range of authentic techniques in evaluating students 'mathematical achievements, and broader and deeper plans the further course of teaching in students' cognitive and motivational development. We point out that by choosing mathematical tasks, it creates an opportunity to apply a wide range of authentic techniques in evaluating students' mathematical achievements, and broader and deeper plans the further course of teaching in the cognitive and motivational development of students.

Neutrosophic Rule-Based Identity Verification System Based on Handwritten Dynamic Signature Analysis

Identity verification using authenticity evaluation of handwritten signatures is an important issue. There have been several approaches for the verification of signatures using dynamics of the signing process. Most of these approaches extract only global characteristics. With the aim of capturing both dynamic global and local features, this paper introduces a novel model for verifying handwritten dynamic signatures using neutrosophic rule-based verification system (NRVS) and Genetic NRVS (GNRVS) models. The neutrosophic Logic is structured to reflect multiple types of knowledge and relations among all features using three values: truth, indeterminacy, and falsity. These three values are determined by neutrosophic membership functions. The proposed model also is able to deal with all features without the need to select from them. In the GNRVS model, the neutrosophic rules are automatically chosen by Genetic Algorithms. The performance of the proposed system is tested on the MCYT-Signature-100 dataset. In terms of the accuracy, average error rate, false acceptance rate, and false rejection rate, the experimental results indicate that the proposed model has a significant advantage compared to different well-known models.

Evaluation of Authenticity in the Conservation and Development of the Jameh Mosque of Urmia

ABSTRACT Authenticity is a fundamental concept in the conservation of architectural and urban heritage. It has a very close relationship with cultural heritage values as well as being a conveyor of such values. This paper identifies the factors of recognition in relation to this concept by qualitative research methods and content analysis of international documents and theories. It also sets out the main research questions to be considered in relation to the concept of authenticity in the conservation and development of the Jameh Mosque complex in the city of Urmia, West Azerbaijan province, north-western Iran. Based on this premise, the paper evaluates the conservation and development of the Mosque at different periods, where the evaluation indicate that the measures of 1988 failed to consider the notion of authenticity. Then, establishing the correlation between the explanatory factors of authenticity and the actions taken in 1988 the impact of development is assessed by quantitative research methods. The result is that from the point of view of the specialists and the local people, socio-cultural factor has been neglected to a greater degree than other factors; so much so that the ‘socio-cultural’, ‘historical-evidential’ and ‘aesthetic’ values have been neglected in a downward trend. The findings are confirmed for both groups of local people and specialists.

Combination of Stable Isotope Analysis and Chemometrics to Discriminate Geoclimatically and Temporally the Virgin Olive Oils from Three Mediterranean Countries.

The knowledge of the isotopic composition of virgin olive oil (VOO) allows the evaluation of authenticity and geographical origin, being an important tool against fraud. This study aimed to assess if VOOs produced in three Mediterranean regions could be discriminated on the basis of multivariate statistical analysis of geoclimatic and isotopic data. A total of 138 geo-referenced VOO samples from Portugal, France and Turkey from two different cultivation years were collected. The isotopic composition (δ13C, δ2H and δ18O) of VOOs was obtained using an elemental analyzer coupled to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (EA-IRMS). One-way analysis of variance for δ13C, δ2H and δ18O showed some significant differences either between crop years or geoclimatic conditions. Based on multiple regression analyses using meteorological and geographical parameters, a meteoric water line for olive oil from Portugal, France and Turkey, in two harvest years, were created to assess the impact of climate change on their δ2H and δ18O values. Principal component analysis and Linear Discriminant Analysis, used to sort samples according to geoclimatic origin, performed best for French and Portuguese olive oils. In light of the results, multivariate isotopic analysis of VOO samples may discriminate not only between geoclimatic regions but also among cultivation years.

Mathematics Teachers’ Practice Level of Alternative Evaluation Strategies and Tools in Basic Education in Sultanate of Oman: درجة ممارسة معلمات الرياضيات لاستراتيجيات التقويم البديل وأدواته في مرحلة التعليم الأساسي في سلطنة عُمان

The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of mathematics teachers’ practice of authentic evaluation strategies and tools in the basic education stage in the Sultanate of Oman. The researcher prepared a questionnaire to measure the degree of use of the authentic evaluation strategies and tools. The sample consisted of (266) teachers where (211) teachers from the first cycle and (55) teachers from the second cycle of basic education schools in the province of Muscat. After statistical processing using averages, frequencies and tests, the results of the study showed that the teachers’ use of authentic evaluation strategies and tools in both the first and second cycles in the basic education schools was high. The results showed that the strategies of self-evaluation and peer evaluation are the most widely used by the teachers. The strategy of evaluating the performance by the concept's maps obtained the least degree of use although it has a high level. The results also showed that there are statistically significant differences in the degree of practice the authentic evaluation strategies and these differences are in favor of the teachers who have an experience of more than ten years. The results showed no statistically significant differences among the teachers of both the first and second cycles in the practice of authentic evaluation strategies and tools. Consequently, the researcher recommended directing the institutions that are responsible for the preparation of new teachers to add training programs on authentic evaluation strategies and tools. The researcher also recommended conducting studies on the difficulties faced by teachers on the practice of all authentic evaluation strategies and tools in a balanced manner.

Capillary electromigration methods for fatty acids determination in vegetable and marine oils: A review.

Fatty acids determination is of paramount importance for quality control and suitable labeling of edible oils, required by regulatory agencies in several countries, and fast methods for this determination are worldly desired. This review article aimed to explore the available analytical methods for vegetable and marine oils analyses employing CE, which can be a straightforward and faster alternative than GC methods for fatty acid determination, considering some purposes. CE usually offers the possibility of a rapid analysis with a simple preparation of the sample, without requiring specific columns, which are inherent advantages of the technique. Instrumental conditions and the key points about fatty acids determination employing the technique are highlighted, and the main challenges and perspectives are also approached. Potential use of CE for edible oil analyses has been demonstrated for research and routine, which can be of interest for industries, regulatory agencies, and edible oil researchers. Therefore, we have explored the analytical approaches described in the last decades, intending to spread the interest of CE methods for fatty acid monitoring, label accuracy assessment, and food authenticity evaluation of edible oils.

Improving Learning Outcomes in Chemistry through Authentic Assessments of Students

The goal of the research was to know how to enhance the learning outcome of Chemistry through an authentic evaluation. The topic of the study included 22 students. Data collection was rendered using an authentic assessment aspect involving the assignment of students, the student journal, the review and student actions during the learning process. The results of the analysis have shown that authentic evaluation and treatment could enhance the results of the study of chemistry

Multi-element Analysis and Geographical Origin Classification of Italian (Calabrian) Wines

Background and Objectives: In this article, a comprehensive study was carried out for food authenticity evaluation through chemometric analyses, correlating botanical and geographical origins with food chemical composition. Methods: A total of eighteen Calabrian red, rose and white wines were analyzed through Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results: The mineral concentrations, determined by ICP-MS in the investigated wine samples, followed the subsequent order: K > P > Mg > Na > Ca > Fe > Cu > Zn > Mn > V. The 2D Scatterplot and loading plot (Principal Component Analysis) showed that all red, rose and white wine samples from “Cirò” DOP area were grouped in the fourth, second and third quadrant, respectively, clearly separated from each other. Samples from “Cirò” red showed positive PC1 and were characterized by higher K, Fe, Mn, Na, V and Zn concentrations. Moreover, the points corresponding to two red wines from the “Terre di Cosenza” DOP area fall into the first quadrant; those corresponding to two rose wines from the “Donnici” and “Sant’Anna di Isola di Capo Rizzuto” DOP areas fall into the third and fourth quadrants, respectively; the point corresponding to a white wine from the “Donnici” DOP area falls into the second quadrant. Conclusions: Experimental results demonstrated that it is possible to strictly relate, through the PCA, wines to their geographical and botanical provenance, thus becoming a useful tool for evaluating the product authenticity and guaranteeing it to the consumers.

The effects of psycho-education program based on logotherapy for the development of a healthy sense of identity in emerging adulthoods

This study aims to examine the effects of a psychoeducation program developed on the basis of logotherapy, for the development of a healthy sense of identity among emerging adulthoods. The Solomon Four-Group Design was used in the study. There were two experimental groups and two control groups, each of which consisted of 16 members. The experimental groups participated in 11 sessions of the logotherapy-focused psychoeducational program. Titles of the sessions were identity and meaning, life and meaning, roles in our life, responsibilities and meaning, family and meaning, logo-autobiography, suffering and meaning, values and meaning, authentic goals, and evaluation and termination. The control groups, on the other hand, received no specific intervention (the “education as normal” groups). The Self Perceived Identity Scale developed by Ersanli and Şanli (2015) was used as the main data collection instrument. In accordance with the Solomon Four-Group Design, only one experimental and one control group took a pre-test; the remaining groups did not take such a test. However, all groups took a post-test. Follow-up was conducted with all four groups 3 months after the sessions ended. Statistical analyses revealed that negative identity perception levels of the experimental groups significantly decreased, while their positive identity perception levels increased meaningfully. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of the control groups. Thus, it can be concluded that logotherapy-focused psychoeducational programs may be effective in decreasing negative identity perceptions and increasing positive identity perceptions. In other words, logotherapy-focused psychoeducational programs can help individuals in late emerging adulthood to develop a healthy perception of their identity. Finally, the findings were discussed in light of the relevant literature and suggestions were presented for their practical application.

Characteristic Components and Authenticity Evaluation of Rape, Acacia, and Linden Honey.

Honey fraud has an extensive global magnitude and impacts both honey price and beekeeper viability. This study aimed at investigating the characteristic phytochemicals of rape, acacia, and linden honey to verify honey authenticity. We discovered methyl syringate, phaseic acid, and lindenin (4-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl) cyclohexa-1,3-diene-1-carboxylic acid) as particular or unique phytochemicals of rape, acacia, and linden honey. Methyl syringate and lindenin were the most abundant components in rape and linden honey; moreover, their average contents reached up to 10.44 and 21.25 mg/kg, respectively. The average content of phaseic acid was 0.63 mg/kg in acacia honey. To our knowledge, the presence of phaseic acid in honey is a novel finding. Furthermore, we established the HPLC fingerprints of three monofloral honeys. We offered assessment criteria and combined characteristic components with standard fingerprints to evaluate the authenticity of commercial rape, acacia, and linden honeys. For uncertain commercial honey samples, genuine pure honeys constituted nearly 70%. We differentiate the adulteration of acacia and linden honeys with low-price rape honey. Our results reveal that 10% of commercial honeys were pure syrups. Overall, we seem to propose a novel and reliable solution to assess the authenticity of monofloral honey.

An investigation of consumer evaluation of authenticity of their company's CSR engagement

Authenticity seems to be relevant for corporate social responsibility (CSR) judgement as it mitigates the inherent tension between pro-sociality and profit seeking and conflicting demand from various stakeholders. In this study a CSR authenticity model was developed and tested to identify factors that influenced consumer evaluation of the CSR authenticity of their bank. Primary data were collected through the use of a survey. This study used confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate the measurement properties and structural equation modelling with AMOS to identify significant relationships. Practitioners can use this framework to critically examine their portfolio of CSR activities and to assess how each activity is congruent with their core purpose and business in order to develop more effective strategies. The present study contributes theoretically and empirically to expanding limited knowledge about the relationship between CSR authenticity and consumer responses. Also, by linking the concept of identification with CSR authenticity, we build on and contribute to both social identity theory and CSR literature.

آراء معلمات الریاضیات بالمرحلة الابتدائیة فی أهمیة استخدام أسالیب تنمیة مهارات التعلم الحقیقی بمدینة مکة المکرمة Primary School Mathematics Teachers Views on the Significance of Using Techniques of Developing Authentic Learning Skills in the City of Makkah Al-Mukarramah

هدفت الدراسة الى الکشف عن آراء معلمات الرياضيات في أهمية استخدام أساليب التعلم الحقيقي بالمرحلة الابتدائية بمدينة مکة المکرمة, والتعرف على أساليب التعلم الحقيقي وأهمية استخدامه, والتعرف على درجة استخدام أساليب التعلم الحقيقي بالمرحلـة الابتدائيـة من وجهة نظر المعلمات والکشف عن الفروق الإحصائية بين متوسطات تقدير المعلمات حول اساليب التعلم الحقيقي وأهميته وفقا للمتغيرين الخبرة والدورات التدريبية. اتبعت الدراسة المنهج الوصفي, تکون مجتمع الدراسة من 552 معلمة رياضيات بالمدارس الحکومية بمدينة مکة المکرمة، وتتلخص أهم نتائج الدراسة فيما يلي: - إن المتوسط الحسابي لمحور أهمية التعلم الحقيقي بالمرحلة الابتدائية بمدينة مکة المکرمة جاء بدرجة کبيرة. -إن المتوسط الحسابي لأسلوب التقويم الحقيقي وأسلوب الحوار والتفاعل الاجتماعي وأسلوب الأسئلة المفتوحة وأسلوب لعب الدور وأسلوب الانشطة الواقعية جاء بدرجة کبيرة, أما أسلوب المشروع في تدريس الرياضيات بمدارس البنات بمکة المکرمة جاء بدرجة متوسطة. - تبين عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية بين متوسطات استجابات أفراد العينة حول تقدير أهمية التعلم الحقيقي تعزى لمتغير الخبرة التدريسية، بينما تبين وجود فروق تعزى إلى متغير الدورات التدريبية لصالح المعلمات الحاصلات على اکثر من دورتين. - تبين عدم وجود فروق ذات دلالة إحصائية بين متوسطات استجابات أفراد العينة حول استخدام اساليب التعلم الحقيقي تعزى لمتغير الخبرة التدريسية، بينما تبين وجود فروق تعزى إلى متغير الدورات التدريبية لصالح المعلمات الحاصلات على اکثر من دورتين. The present study aimed to reveal the views of the mathematics teachers on the importance of using authentic learning techniques at the primary stage in the city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah and identify such authentic learning techniques. Furthermore, the study sought to demonstrate the degree of using such authentic learning techniques in the primary stage from the teachers’ viewpoint and reveal the statistical differences between the means of the teachers’ estimations of the authentic learning techniques and its importance according to the experience and training courses variables. The study utilized the descriptive method and the study population consisted of 552 math teachers in the government schools in the city of Makkah Al-Mukarramah. The results of the study revealed that the mean score of the importance of authentic learning at the primary stage in the city of Makkah was high. Furthermore, the mean socre of the authentic evaluation technique, the technique of dialogue and social interaction, the technique of open questions, the technique of role playing and the technique of authentic activities were also high. However, the mean score of the project technique in teaching mathematics was medium. It was revealed that there were no statistically significant differences between the means of the respondents of the sample on estimating the importance of authentic learning due to the variable of teaching experience, while there were differences attributed to the variable of training courses in favor of the female teachers with more than two sessions. There were no statistically significant differences between the mean score of the responses of the respondents regarding the use of authentic learning techniques due to the variable of teaching experience, while it was revealed that there were differences attributed to the variable of training courses in favor of the female teachers with more than two sessions.

Generation and evaluation of specific activity and authenticity of recombinant vaccine designed preventing against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The aim of the study was to obtain and characterize a recombinant vaccine for the immunoprophylaxis of infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A set of two highly immunogenic P. aeruginosa recombinant proteins was used to create related vaccine. The first vaccine component was presented by recombinant outer membrane protein F (OprF), whereas the second one — by recombinant atoxic exotoxin A (toxoid). These antigens allowed to develop vaccine inducing immune response against the surface bacterial cues and promote production of neutralizing antibodies against exotoxin A, one of the most dangerous P. aeruginosa pathogenicity factors. Recombinant proteins were synthesized in Escherichia coli cells and isolated by two-step purification. In case of recombinant OprF protein, it was initially (stage 1) isolated as a precipitate containing hydrophobic fraction of producer cell-derived proteins, whereas for recombinant toxoid we purified inclusion bodies. At stage 2, a Ni Sepharose column affinity chromatography was performed. Next, purified recombinant proteins were dialyzed against buffer solution containing 50 mМ Tris-HCl (pH 9.0) and 0.01% Tween 20 followed by filtration sterilization. Three lots of the Pseudomonas Recombinant Vaccine (PRV) were obtained for the study, wherein the recombinant antigens were absorbed with aluminum hydroxide. Recombinant OprF and toxoid protein in vaccine formula were used at a dose of 25 μg and 50 μg, respectively. Absorption completeness of the recombinant antigens within the vaccine was evaluated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with PRV preparations concentrated by ultrafiltration in spin columns. Authenticity of recombinant vaccine was assessed by using customized method by desorbing antigens followed by ultrafiltration concentration in spin columns. Final concentrated desorbed vaccine preparations were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting, which allowed to confirm presence of specific recombinant antigens in the vaccine. The experimental PRV series demonstrated specific activity (protective properties) after inoculation in animals (mice) by using a dual vaccination protocol, wherein mice were immunized intraperitonially twice with a two-week interval. Next, two weeks later mice were infected by toxigenic P. aeruginosa strain PA-103 culture cells. The index of protective efficiency (IE) for experimental vaccine series was at least a value of three (IE: 3.0–3.3) that was by 1.5-fold higher than that for using single vaccine components (IE: 2.0–2.3). Thus, we confirmed an additive effect of using a set preparation to protect against infection caused by toxigenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains.

Biomass and carbon stocks in mangrove ecosystems of Kerala, southwest coast of India

BackgroundMangroves are important tropical carbon sinks, and their role in mitigating climate change is well documented across the globe. However, the ecosystem carbon stocks in the mangroves of India have not been studied comprehensively. Data from this region is very limited for providing sufficient insights and authentic evaluation of carbon stocks on a regional scale. In this study, we evaluated the ecosystem carbon stock and its spatial variation in mangroves of Kerala, southwest coast of India.ResultsThe mean biomass stored in mangrove vegetation of Kerala is 117.11 ± 1.02 t/ha (ABG= 80.22 ± 0.80, BGB =36.89 ± 0.23 t/ha). Six mangrove species were found distributed in the study area. Among the different species, Avicennia marina had the highest biomass (162.18 t/ha) and least biomass was observed in Sonneratia alba (0.61 t/ha). The mean ecosystem carbon stock of mangrove systems in Kerala was estimated to be 139.82 t/ha, equivalent to 513.13 t CO2 e/ha with the vegetation and soil storing 58.56 t C/ha and 81.26 t C/ha respectively.ConclusionThe present study reveals that Kerala mangroves store sizable volume of carbon and therefore need to be preserved and managed sustainably, to retain along with the increase in carbon storage. This features the need of broadening mangrove cover as well as restoring deteriorated land in the past 50 years. Although mangrove forests in this region are protected by the Kerala Forest Department, they have been frequently facing illegal encroachment, prawn cultivation, and coastal erosion.

Characterization of Indonesia wild honey and its potential for authentication and origin distinction

Honey is a natural food derived from flowers nectar that has many health benefits. This reason made honey become one of category food product that has a risk to be adulterated because of economically motivation. This study was conducted for characterization and authentication of Indonesia wild honey (IWH) collected from seven geographical regions (Sumatra, Bangka Belitung, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara) and harvested during 2016–2018 based on physicochemical parameters, sugar content, minerals, and antioxidant components. The study showed that the result differs widely among the type of honey. IWH has a moisture content between 16.52- 33.41%, a pH value between 3.00 to 4.65 and color characteristic ranged from pale yellow to dark brown. All samples contain the highest amount in potassium, but several minerals found in the specific region. Evaluation of authenticity from sugar content data set by principal component analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) revealed that the authentic and adulterated honey samples could be differentiated with a 95.5% accuracy. The honey samples were classified on their botanical and geographical origin using the antioxidant properties, and results of PCA and LDA demonstrated that the antioxidant parameters can provide adequate information to allow classification of the various types of IWH samples collected from different geographical regions with accuracy 80-100% for Bangka Belitung, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara and Java island

Targeted analysis for detection the adulteration in extra virgin olive oil’s using LC-DAD/ESI–MS/MS and combined with chemometrics tools

The hand-held LC-DAD/ESI–MS/MS approach was employed, for the first time, for the quantification of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) adulteration with refined pomace olive oil (RPOO). The total polyphenols (TP) and sterols were quantified according to their chemical methods, with more reliable methods required in this field to avoid undue dependence on chlorophylls, carotenoids contents and antioxidant activity (DPPH assays), which were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods. Some differences concerning the antioxidant activity and the TP content were observed. Actually, Chemlali EVOO activity was the most pronounced (13.84 ± 0.21%) and it contained the highest TP content (284.54 ± 4.27 mg/kg). Indeed, a correlation between antioxidant activity, TP and oxidative stability was established herewith. The metabolomics data were elaborated with the help of chemometric tools i.e. principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). This approach allowed the estimation of the best discrimination markers for EVOO authenticity evaluation (i.e. Hydroxytyrosol quinone, oxidized hydroxytyrosol, 3,4-DHPEA-EA, p-HPEA (tyrosol), p-coumaric acid, luteolin, decarboxymethyl 10-hydroxyoleuropein aglycon, β-sitosterol apparently; campesterol, stigmasterol, ∆-7-stigmastenol and ∆-7-avenasterol).

Verification of Fractional Vegetation Coverage and NDVI of Desert Vegetation via UAVRS Technology

Desertification control and scientific evaluation of desert ecosystem sustainability are important issues for countries along the Silk Road Economic Belt. Fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) is used as a quantitative indicator to describe the vegetation coverage of desert ecosystems. Although satellite remote sensing technology has been widely used to retrieve FVC at the regional and global scale, the authenticity evaluation of the inversion results has been flawed. To gain insight into the composition, structure and changes of desert vegetation, it is important to assess the accuracy of FVC and explore the relationship between FVC and meteorological factors. Therefore, we adopted unmanned aerial vehicle remote sensing (UAVRS) technology to verify the inversion results and analyse the practicability of MODIS-NDVI (where NDVI = normalized difference vegetation index) products in desert areas. To provide a new method for the estimation of vegetation coverage in the natural state, the relationships between vegetation coverage and four meteorological factors, namely, land surface temperature, temperature, precipitation and evaporation were analysed. The results showed that using the original MODIS-NDVI data product with a spatial resolution of 250 m to invert vegetation coverage is practical in desert areas (coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.83, root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.052, normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) = 42.94%, mean absolute error (MAE) = 0.007) but underestimates vegetation coverage in the study area. MODIS-NDVI data products are different from the real NDVI in the study area. Correcting MODIS-NDVI data products can effectively improve the accuracy of the inversion. When extracting vegetation coverage in this area, the scale has little effect on the results. There is a significant correlation between precipitation, evaporation and FVC in the area, but the interaction of temperature and land surface temperature with precipitation and evaporation also has a considerable impact on FVC, and evaporation has a substantial impact on FVC values inverted from MODIS-NDVI data (FVCM), When exploring the relationship between vegetation coverage and meteorological elements, if vegetation coverage is retrieved from MODIS-NDVI data products or MODIS-NDVI data, when considering temperature and precipitation, the effect of evaporation should also be considered. In addition, meteorological factors can be used to predict FVC (R2 = 0.7364, RMSE = 0.0623), which provides a new method for estimating FVC in areas with less manual intervention.

Evaluation of cocoa products quality and authenticity by DART/TOF-MS

Cacao and cocoa products are worldwide important commodities, which are often a subject of adulteration. Therefore, a sufficient and reliable analytical technique is required to provide fast screening results, which will accommodate the need to reveal adulteration and evaluate the quality of selected cocoa products in real time. The goal of this paper is to validate and optimise settings of the DART (direct analysis in real time) technique coupled with TOF-MS. The ionisation mode, ionisation temperature and type of solvent for sample extraction were optimised. Characteristic compounds of cocoa products (theobromine, caffeine, phenolic and flavonoid compounds) were determined and quantified in a set of 17 and 12 samples of cocoa powders and instant cocoa beverages, respectively. Quantitative analysis of theobromine and caffeine applying DART was evaluated as well and obtained data sets were compared with those obtained from HPLC measurements. The correlation equation between these two methods, for each compound and product, is as follows: theobromine: cocoa powders: DART = 1.6394 × HPLC – 1.4353; cocoa drinks: DART = 1.0385 × HPLC – 0.019 and caffeine: cocoa powders: DART = 1.0234 × HPLC – 0.0195; cocoa drinks: DART = 0.7909 × HPLC +0.0054. Mass spectra data was statistically processed applying PCA (principal component analysis). In conclusion, the fast DART/TOF-MS screening technique displays a great potential to evaluate the quality and authenticity, i.e. identify and quantify characteristic compounds of cocoa products.

Evaluation of Self-transformational and Authenticity Among Students in College of Nursing

ABSTRACT
 Introduction: Authentic and Transformative leader are needed in nursing profession. This kind of leader is very important in creating healthy work environment in nursing practice. According to behavioral theory, leader can be made by learning some characteristics of previous successful leaders. Assuming this theory, authentic and transformative nursing leaders can be made. Therefore, nursing schools are responsible to produce such leader characters while they are in college. However, before employs certain strategies for the students it is better to evaluate their baseline authenticity and transformational traits first. So the aim of this study is to describe the authenticity and transformational characters of the freshman nursing students. The result will be benefit for nursing school to be used as a baseline in establishing certain strategies in the curriculum to maximize students’ authenticity and transformational characters to maximum level. Methods: The study using descriptive quantitative design with single point data collection by self-administered questionnaire that content 25 Authentic and Transformative behaviors. Sample of the study is freshman nursing students. Data is analyzed using SPPS with descriptive analysis. Results: The percentage of students who always practiced Authentic and Transformative characters is only 50,8 %. The highest percentage falls on character no.24 in which most of the students always use different stress management to reduce their stress (77,7%). Only five characters always performed 60%-77.7% and the rest 24 characters are below 60%. Conclusion: Most of the Authentic and &Transformational characters already practiced by freshman nursing students. However, the percentage of the students who practiced certain behaviors still low. It shows that there is still big room for improvement and developing those characters.
 
 KEYWORDS
 Authenticity; Evaluation; Transformational

Geographical authenticity evaluation of Mentha haplocalyx by LIBS coupled with multivariate analyses

Mentha haplocalyx (mint) is a significant traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) listed in the Catalogue of ‘Medicinal and Food Homology’, therefore, its geographical origins (GOs) are critical to the medicinal and food value. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is an advanced analytical technique for GOs certification, due to the fast multi-elemental analysis requiring minimal sample pretreatment. In this study, LIBS data of sampled mint from five GOs were investigated by LIBS coupled with multivariate statistical analyses. The spectral data was analyzed by two chemometric algorithms, i.e. principal component analysis (PCA) and least squares support vector machines (LS-SVM). Specifically, the performance of LS-SVM with least kernel and radial basis function (RBF) kernel was explored in sensitivity and robustness tests. Both LS-SVM algorithms exhibited excellent performance of classification in sensitive test and good performance (a little inferior) in robustness test. Generally, LS-SVM with linear kernel equally outperformed LS-SVM based on RBF kernel. The result indicated the potential for future applications in herbs and food, especially for in situ GOs applications of TCM authenticity rapidly.