bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEGylated Purpurin 18 with Improved Solubility: Potent Compounds for Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Pavlíčková Vladimíra , Rimpelová Silvie , Jurášek Michal , Záruba Kamil , Fähnrich Jan , Křížová Ivana , Bejček Jiří , Rottnerová Zdeňka , Spiwok Vojtěch , Drašar Pavel , Ruml Tomáš
Published: December 2019

Purpurin 18 derivatives with a polyethylene glycol (PEG) linker were synthesized as novel photosensitizers (PSs) with the goal of using them in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer. These compounds, derived from a second-generation PS, exhibit absorption at long wavelengths; considerable singlet oxygen generation and, in contrast to purpurin 18, have higher hydrophilicity due to decreased logP. Together, these properties make them potentially ideal PSs. To verify this, we screened the developed compounds for cell uptake, intracellular localization, antitumor activity and induced cell death type. All of the tested compounds were taken up into cancer cells of various origin and localized in organelles known to be important PDT targets, specifically, mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. The incorporation of a zinc ion and PEGylation significantly enhanced the photosensitizing efficacy, decreasing IC50 (half maximal inhibitory compound concentration) in HeLa cells by up to 170 times compared with the parental purpurin 18. At effective PDT concentrations, the predominant type of induced cell death was apoptosis. Overall, our results show that the PEGylated derivatives presented have significant potential as novel PSs with substantially augmented phototoxicity for application in the PDT of cervical, prostate, pancreatic and breast cancer.
Traceability of Geographical Origin in Gentiana straminea by UPLC-Q Exactive Mass and Multivariate Analyses
Authors: Pan Zheng , Xiong Feng , Chen Yi-Long , Wan Guo-Guo , Zhang Yi , Chen Zhi-Wei , Cao Wen-Fu , Zhou Guo-Ying
Published: December 2019

The root of Gentiana straminea Maxim. (Gentianaceae), is officially listed as “Qin-Jiao” in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, icteric hepatitis, constipation, pain, and hypertension. To establish the geographical origin traceability in G. straminea, its chemical profiles were determined by a UPLC-Q exactive mass spectrometer, from which 43 compounds were identified by comparing retention times and mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, a pair of isomers (loganin and secologanol) was identified by mass spectrometry based on their fragmentation pathway. A total of 42 samples from difference habitats were determined by an UPLC-Q exactive mass spectrometer and the data were assayed with multivariate statistical analysis. Eight characteristic compounds were identified to determine the geographical origin of the herb. To estimate the key characteristic markers associated with pharmacological function, the inhibiting activities of nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages were examined. This finding is crucial in realizing the determination of botanical origin and evaluating the quality of G. straminea.
Solvent-Free Process for the Development of Photocatalytic Membranes
Authors: Huertas Rosa M. , Fraga Maria C. , Crespo João G. , Pereira Vanessa J.
Published: December 2019

This work described a new sustainable method for the fabrication of ceramic membranes with high photocatalytic activity, through a simple sol-gel route. The photocatalytic surfaces, prepared at low temperature and under solvent-free conditions, exhibited a narrow pore size distribution and homogeneity without cracks. These surfaces have shown a highly efficient and reproducible behavior for the degradation of methylene blue. Given their characterization results, the microfiltration photocatalytic membranes produced in this study using solvent-free conditions are expected to effectively retain microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi that could then be inactivated by photocatalysis.
Site-Directed Spin Labeling of RNA with a Gem-Diethylisoindoline Spin Label: PELDOR, Relaxation, and Reduction Stability
Authors: Wuebben Christine , Blume Simon , Abdullin Dinar , Brajtenbach Dominik , Haege Florian , Kath-Schorr Stephanie , Schiemann Olav
Published: December 2019

Ribonucleic acid function is governed by its structure, dynamics, and interaction with other biomolecules and influenced by the local environment. Thus, methods are needed that enable one to study RNA under conditions as natural as possible, possibly within cells. Site-directed spin-labeling of RNA with nitroxides in combination with, for example, pulsed electron–electron double resonance (PELDOR or DEER) spectroscopy has been shown to provide such information. However, for in-cell measurements, the usually used gem-dimethyl nitroxides are less suited, because they are quickly reduced under in-cell conditions. In contrast, gem-diethyl nitroxides turned out to be more stable, but labeling protocols for binding these to RNA have been sparsely reported. Therefore, we describe here the bioconjugation of an azide functionalized gem-diethyl isoindoline nitroxide to RNA using a copper (I)-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (“click”-chemistry). The labeling protocol provides high yields and site selectivity. The analysis of the orientation selective PELDOR data show that the gem-diethyl and gem-dimethyl labels adopt similar conformations. Interestingly, in deuterated buffer, both labels attached to RNA yield TM relaxation times that are considerably longer than observed for the same type of label attached to proteins, enabling PELDOR time windows of up to 20 microseconds. Together with the increased stability in reducing environments, this label is very promising for in-cell Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) studies.
Numerical Analysis of the Correlation between Arc Plasma Fluctuation and Nanoparticle Growth–Transport under Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Shigeta Masaya , Tanaka Manabu , Ghedini Emanuele
Published: December 2019

A time-dependent two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric simulation was conducted for arc plasma with dynamically fluctuating fluid generating iron nanoparticles in a direct-current discharge condition. The nonequilibrium process of simultaneous growth and transport of nanoparticles is simulated using a simple model with a low computational cost. To ascertain fluid dynamic instability and steep gradients in plasma temperature and particle distributions, a highly accurate method is adopted for computation. The core region of the arc plasma is almost stationary, whereas the fringe fluctuates because of fluid dynamic instability between the arc plasma and the shielding gas. In the downstream region, the vapor molecules decrease by condensation. The nanoparticles decrease by coagulation. These results suggest that both of the simultaneous processes make important contributions to particle growth. The fluctuation of nanoparticle number density in a distant region exhibits stronger correlation with the temperature fluctuation at the plasma fringe. The correlation analysis results suggest that the distribution of growing nanoparticles distant from the arc plasma can be controlled via control of temperature fluctuation at the arc plasma fringe.
The Impact of SsPI-1 Deletion on Streptococcus suis Virulence
Authors: Zhao Yan , Li Gang , Yao Xin-Yue , Lu Shu-Guang , Wang Jing , Shen Xiao-Dong , Li Ming
Published: December 2019

(1) Background: Streptococcus suis is an important zoonotic pathogen that infects pigs and can occasionally cause life-threatening systemic infections in humans. Two large-scale outbreaks of streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome in China suggest that the pathogenicity of S. suis has been changing in recent years. Genetic analysis revealed the presence of a chromosomal pathogenicity island (PAI) designated SsPI-1 in Chinese epidemic S. suis strains. The purpose of this study is to define the role of SsPI-1 in the virulence of S. suis. (2) Methods: A SsPI-1 deletion mutant was compared to the wild-type strain regarding the ability to attach to epithelial cells, to cause host disease and mortality, and to stimulate host immune response in experimental infection of piglets. (3) Results: Deletion of SsPI-1 significantly reduces adherence of S. suis to epithelial cells and abolishes the lethality of the wild-type strain in piglets. The SsPI-1 mutant causes no significant pathological lesions and exhibits an impaired ability to induce proinflammatory cytokine production. (4) Conclusions: Deletion of the SsPI-1 PAI attenuates the virulence of this pathogen. We conclude that SsPI-1 is a critical contributor to the evolution of virulence in epidemic S. suis.
Comparison of Chitosan Nanoparticles and Soluplus Micelles to Optimize the Bioactivity of Posidonia oceanica Extract on Human Neuroblastoma Cell Migration
Authors: Piazzini Vieri , Vasarri Marzia , Degl’Innocenti Donatella , Guastini Asia , Barletta Emanuela , Salvatici Maria Cristina , Bergonzi Maria Camilla
Published: December 2019

Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is a marine plant endemic of Mediterranean Sea endowed with interesting bioactivities. The hydroalcholic extract of P. oceanica leaves (POE), rich in polyphenols and carbohydrates, has been shown to inhibit human cancer cell migration. Neuroblastoma is a common childhood extracranial solid tumor with high rate of invasiveness. Novel therapeutics loaded into nanocarriers may be used to target the migratory and metastatic ability of neuroblastoma. Our goal was to improve both the aqueous solubility of POE and its inhibitory effect on cancer cell migration. Methods: Chitosan nanoparticles (NP) and Soluplus polymeric micelles (PM) loaded with POE have been developed. Nanoformulations were chemically and physically defined and characterized. In vitro release studies were also performed. Finally, the inhibitory effect of both nanoformulations was tested on SH-SY5Y cell migration by wound healing assay and compared to that of unformulated POE. Results: Both nanoformulations showed excellent physical and chemical stability during storage, and enhanced the solubility of POE. PM-POE improved the inhibitory effect of POE on cell migration probably due to the high encapsulation efficiency and the prolonged release of the extract. Conclusions: For the first time, a phytocomplex of marine origin, i.e., P. oceanica extract, has enhanced in terms of acqueous solubility and bioactivity once encapsulated inside nanomicelles.
Trimethyl Chitosan Hydrogel Nanoparticles for Progesterone Delivery in Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Cardia Maria Cristina , Carta Anna Rosa , Caboni Pierluigi , Maccioni Anna Maria , Erbì Sara , Boi Laura , Meloni Maria Cristina , Lai Francesco , Sinico Chiara
Published: December 2019

Progesterone is a sex hormone which shows neuroprotective effects in different neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the pharmacokinetic limitations associated with the peripheral administration of this molecule highlight the need for more efficient delivery approaches to increase brain progesterone levels. Since the nose-to-brain administration of mucoadhesive hydrogel nanoparticles is a non-invasive and convenient strategy for the delivery of therapeutics to the central nervous system, in this work, progesterone-loaded hydrogel nanoparticle formulations have been prepared, characterized, and tested in vivo. Nanoparticles, loaded with different progesterone concentrations, have been obtained by polyelectrolyte complex formation between trimethyl chitosan and sodium alginate, followed by ionotropic gelation with sodium tripolyphosphate as a cross-linking agent. All formulations showed a mean diameter ranging from 200 nm to 236 nm, a polydispersity index smaller than 0.23, and a high progesterone encapsulation efficiency (83–95%). The zeta potential values were all positive and greater than 28 mV, thus ensuring nanoparticles stability against aggregation phenomena as well as interaction with negative sialic residues of the nasal mucosa. Finally, in vivo studies on Sprague–Dawley male rats demonstrated a 5-fold increase in brain progesterone concentrations compared to basal progesterone level after 30 min of hydrogel nanoparticle inhalation.
Arabidopsis WRKY53, a Node of Multi-Layer Regulation in the Network of Senescence
Authors: Zentgraf Ulrike , Doll Jasmin
Published: December 2019

Leaf senescence is an integral part of plant development aiming at the remobilization of nutrients and minerals out of the senescing tissue into developing parts of the plant. Sequential as well as monocarpic senescence maximize the usage of nitrogen, mineral, and carbon resources for plant growth and the sake of the next generation. However, stress-induced premature senescence functions as an exit strategy to guarantee offspring under long-lasting unfavorable conditions. In order to coordinate this complex developmental program with all kinds of environmental input signals, complex regulatory cues have to be in place. Major changes in the transcriptome imply important roles for transcription factors. Among all transcription factor families in plants, the NAC and WRKY factors appear to play central roles in senescence regulation. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of WRKY factors with a special focus on WRKY53. In contrast to a holistic multi-omics view we want to exemplify the complexity of the network structure by summarizing the multilayer regulation of WRKY53 of Arabidopsis.
Synthesis and Self-Assembly of Multistimulus-Responsive Azobenzene-Containing Diblock Copolymer through RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Yang Po-Chih , Chien Yueh-Han , Tseng Shih-Hsuan , Lin Chia-Chung , Huang Kai-Yu
Published: December 2019

This paper gathered studies on multistimulus-responsive sensing and self-assembly behavior of a novel amphiphilic diblock copolymer through a two-step reverse addition-fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique. N-Isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) macromolecular chain transfer agent and diblock copolymer (poly(NIPAM-b-Azo)) were discovered to have moderate thermal decomposition temperatures of 351.8 and 370.8 °C, respectively, indicating that their thermal stability was enhanced because of the azobenzene segments incorporated into the block copolymer. The diblock copolymer was determined to exhibit a lower critical solution temperature of 34.4 °C. Poly(NIPAM-b-Azo) demonstrated a higher photoisomerization rate constant (kt = 0.1295 s−1) than the Azo monomer did (kt = 0.088 s−1). When ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was applied, the intensity of fluorescence gradually increased, suggesting that UV irradiation enhanced the fluorescence of self-assembled cis-isomers of azobenzene. Morphological aggregates before and after UV irradiation are shown in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses of the diblock copolymer. We employed photoluminescence titrations to reveal that the diblock copolymer was highly sensitive toward Ru3+ and Ba2+, as was indicated by the crown ether acting as a recognition moiety between azobenzene units. Micellar aggregates were formed in the polymer aqueous solution through dissolution; their mean diameters were approximately 205.8 and 364.6 nm at temperatures of 25.0 and 40.0 °C, respectively. Our findings contribute to research on photoresponsive and chemosensory polymer material developments.
Bio-inspired Flexible Lateral Line Sensor Based on P(VDF-TrFE)/BTO Nanofiber Mat for Hydrodynamic Perception
Authors: Hu Xiaohe , Jiang Yonggang , Ma Zhiqiang , Xu Yuanhang , Zhang Deyuan
Published: December 2019

Fish and some amphibians can perform a variety of behaviors in confined and harsh environments by employing an extraordinary mechanosensory organ, the lateral line system (LLS). Inspired by the form-function of the LLS, a hydrodynamic artificial velocity sensor (HAVS) was presented in this paper. The sensors featured a polarized poly (vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)]/barium titanate (BTO) electrospinning nanofiber mat as the sensing layer, a polyimide (PI) film with arrays of circular cavities as the substrate, and a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) pillar as the cilium. The P(VDF-TrFE)/BTO electrospinning nanofiber mat demonstrated enhanced crystallinity and piezoelectricity compared with the pure P(VDF-TrFE) nanofiber mat. A dipole source was employed to characterize the sensing performance of the fabricated HAVS. The HAVS achieved a velocity detection limit of 0.23 mm/s, superior to the conventional nanofiber mat-based flow sensor. In addition, directivity was feasible for the HAVS, which was in accordance with the simulation results. The proposed bio-inspired flexible lateral line sensor with hydrodynamic perception ability shows promising applications in underwater robotics for real-time flow analysis.
Extended Target Echo Detection Based on KLD and Wigner Matrices
Authors: Xie Dingsu , Wang Fei , Chen Jun
Published: December 2019

With the development of airborne radar radio frequency stealth (RFS) technology, the method of improving the RFS performance of airborne radar by optimizing target detection performance has been extensively studied. However, for wideband radar signals, the traditional point target model appears as an extended target model in the range-dimension, which is unfavorable to the detection of target echoes. To overcome the existing drawbacks, this paper devises an efficient echo detection algorithm from the perspective of information theory and random matrix. Firstly, aperiodic agile wideband radar signals are utilized to observe targets. Then, one frame of echo signals in the same range gate is reconstructed into a data form conforming to the Wigner matrix spectral decomposition. Finally, according to the signal detection theory, Kullback-Leibler Divergence (KLD) is used as the test statistic to complete the echo detection of the stealthy extended targets. By statistical analysis and comparison with other established echo detection algorithms, simulation results manifest that the proposed algorithm has superior detection performance and strong robustness, which not only makes up for the deficiency of traditional narrowband radar detection algorithms, but also increases the detection probability of radar system when it is faced with stealthy extended targets.
Design and Construction of an ROV for Underwater Exploration
Authors: Aguirre-Castro Oscar Adrian , Inzunza-González Everardo , García-Guerrero Enrique Efrén , Tlelo-Cuautle Esteban , López-Bonilla Oscar Roberto , Olguín-Tiznado Jesús Everardo , Cárdenas-Valdez José Ricardo
Published: December 2019

The design of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) with a size of 18.41 cm × 29.50 cm × 33.50 cm, and a weight of 15.64 kg, is introduced herein. The main goal is to capture underwater video by remote control communication in real time via Ethernet protocol. The ROV moves under the six brushless motors governed through a smart PID controller (Proportional + Integral + Derivative) and by using pulse-wide modulation with short pulses of 1 μs to improve the stability of the position in relation to the translational, ascent or descent, and rotational movements on three axes to capture images of 800 × 640 pixels on a video graphic array standard. The motion control, 3D position, temperature sensing, and video capture are performed at the same time, exploiting the four cores of the Raspberry Pi 3, using the threading library for parallel computing. In such a way, experimental results show that the video capture stage can process up to 42 frames per second on a Raspberry Pi 3. The remote control of the ROV is executed under a graphical user interface developed in Python, which is suitable for different operating systems, such as GNU/Linux, Windows, Android, and OS X. The proposed ROV can reach up to 100 m underwater, thus solving the issue of divers who can only reach 30 m depth. In addition, the proposed ROV can be useful in underwater applications such as surveillance, operations, maintenance, and measurement.
Competitive USB-Powered Hand-Held Potentiostat for POC Applications: An HRP Detection Case
Authors: Montes-Cebrián Yaiza , Álvarez-Carulla Albert , Ruiz-Vega Gisela , Colomer-Farrarons Jordi , Puig-Vidal Manel , Baldrich Eva , Miribel-Català Pere Ll.
Published: December 2019

Considerable efforts are made to develop Point-of-Care (POC) diagnostic tests. POC devices have the potential to match or surpass conventional systems regarding time, accuracy, and cost, and they are significantly easier to operate by or close to the patient. This strongly depends on the availability of miniaturized measurement equipment able to provide a fast and sensitive response. This paper presents a low-cost, portable, miniaturized USB-powered potentiostat for electrochemical analysis, which has been designed, fabricated, characterized, and tested against three forms of high-cost commercial equipment. The portable platform has a final size of 10.5 × 5.8 × 2.5 cm, a weight of 41 g, and an approximate manufacturing cost of $85 USD. It includes three main components: the power module which generates a stable voltage and a negative supply, the front-end module that comprises a dual-supply potentiostat, and the back-end module, composed of a microcontroller unit and a LabVIEW-based graphic user interface, granting plug-and-play and easy-to-use operation on any computer. The performance of this prototype was evaluated by detecting chronoamperometrically horseradish peroxidase (HRP), the enzymatic label most widely used in electrochemical biosensors. As will be shown, the miniaturized platform detected HRP at concentrations ranging from 0.01 ng·mL−1 to 1 µg·mL−1, with results comparable to those obtained with the three commercial electrochemical systems.
A Note on Distributions in the Second Chaos
Authors: Ilmonen Pauliina , Viitasaari Lauri
Published: December 2019

In this article we study basic properties of random variables X, and their associated distributions, in the second chaos, meaning that X has a representation X = ∑ k ≥ 1 λ k ( ξ k 2 − 1 ) , where ξ k ∼ N ( 0 , 1 ) are independent. We compute the Lévy-Khintchine representations which we then use to study the smoothness of each density function. In particular, we prove the existence of a smooth density with asymptotically vanishing derivatives whenever λ k ≠ 0 infinitely often. Our work generalises some known results presented in the literature.
Symmetry in Self-Similarity in Space and Time—Short Time Transients and Power-Law Spatial Asymptotes
Authors: Sekimoto Ken , Fujita Takahiko
Published: December 2019

The self-similarity in space and time (hereafter self-similarity), either deterministic or statistical, is characterized by similarity exponents and a function of scaled variable, called the scaling function. In the present paper, we address mainly the self-similarity in the limit of early stage, as opposed to the latter one, and also consider the scaling functions that decay or grow algebraically, as opposed to the rapidly decaying functions such as Gaussian or error function. In particular, in the case of simple diffusion, our symmetry analysis shows a mathematical mechanism by which the rapidly decaying scaling functions are generated by other polynomial scaling functions. While the former is adapted to the self-similarity in the late-stage processes, the latter is adapted to the early stages. This paper sheds some light on the internal structure of the family of self-similarities generated by a simple diffusion equation. Then, we present an example of self-similarity for the late stage whose scaling function has power-law tail, and also several cases of self-similarity for the early stages. These examples show the utility of self-similarity to a wider range of phenomena other than the late stage behaviors with rapidly decaying scaling functions.
Long-Term Drought Trends in Ethiopia with Implications for Dryland Agriculture
Authors: Temam Dawd , Uddameri Venkatesh , Mohammadi Ghazal , Hernandez E. Annette , Ekwaro-Osire Stephen
Published: December 2019

Intraseason and seasonal drought trends in Ethiopia were studied using a suite of drought indicators—standardized precipitation index (SPI), standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), Palmer drought severity index (PDSI) and Z-index for Meher (long-rainy), Bega (dry), and Belg (short-rainy) seasons—to identify drought-causing mechanisms. Trend analysis indicated shifts in late-season Meher precipitation into Bega in the southwest and southcentral portions of Ethiopia. Droughts during Bega (October–January) are largely temperature controlled. Short-term temperature-controlled hydrologic processes exacerbate rainfall deficits during Belg (February–May) and highlight the importance of temperature- and hydrology-induced soil dryness on production of short-season crops such as tef. Droughts during Meher (June–September) are largely driven by precipitation declines arising from the narrowing of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Increased dryness during Meher has severe consequences on the production of corn and sorghum. PDSI is an aggressive indicator of seasonal droughts suggesting the low natural resilience to combat the effects of slow-acting, moisture-depleting hydrologic processes. The lack of irrigation systems in the nation limits the ability to combat droughts and improve agricultural resilience. There is an urgent need to monitor soil moisture (a key agro-hydrologic variable) to better quantify the impacts of meteorological droughts on agricultural systems in Ethiopia.
Efficiency Comparison of Mechanization Techniques in Nursery
Authors: VAROL Tugrul , ÖZEL Halil Barış , EMİR Tuna , ÖZDİL Recep
Published: December 2019

In this
study, the five-stage mechanization techniques applied in the production of
seedlings at the Gökçebey Nursery Department were compared with the activities
carried out using manpower. These stages are soil tillage, preparation of
seeding beds, sowing, maintenance of seedlings and uprooting of seedlings.
During the production of seedlings of 2 + 0 aged, Tefen origin in Gökçebey
nursery, unit time analyzes were performed with 30 replicates. The most
efficient activity in terms of manpower was the preparation of pillows with
60%, followed by tillage (84), maintenance (59%), seedling (52%), planting
(46%), and tillage (39%). Furthermore, the economics of mechanization according
to manpower was examined by Break-even analysis. According to the results, it
was determined that machine operation is more economical in case of carrying
out 157 soil cultivation annually, preparing 158 seeding beds, planting 310
seeding beds, performing maintenance on 218 seeding beds and performing
seedling dismantling activities in 182 seeding bedsowing cushions. According to
the examinations and evaluations made, the use of appropriate mechanization
techniques positively affected and supported the nursery production activities
because of the fact that it ensured shorter time, healthier and lower costs,
production with a minimum loss, and uninterrupted production. Utilization of
appropriate mechanization techniques determined in accordance with the
necessary criteria at the seedling production stages and rehabilitation works
in order to ensure the contribution to the forest areas, which are now
destroyed due to various reasons, to the national economy, and to realize the
forestry policies and targets in a timely manner, will always increase the
success, and it will create an important opportunity for preventing a
significant portion of occupational accidents that emerge while applying
classical methods.
A Brief Analysis of Telemetry-Related Events
Authors: Kukielka Elizabeth , Gipson Kelly , Jones Rebecca
Published: December 2019

Successful telemetry monitoring relies on timely clinician response to potentially life-threatening cardiac rhythm abnormalities. Breakdowns in the processes and procedures associated with telemetry monitoring, as well as improperly functioning telemetry monitoring equipment, may lead to events that compromise patient safety. An analysis of reports submitted to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) from January 2014 through December 2018 identified 558 events specifically involving interruptions or failures associated with telemetry monitoring equipment or with the healthcare providers responsible for setting up and maintaining proper functioning of that equipment. The analysis highlighted a steady increase in the quantity of event reports associated with telemetry monitoring submitted to PA-PSRS. User errors accounted for nearly half (47.1%, 263 of 558) of events in the analysis. The most common event subtypes included: errors involving batteries in telemetry monitoring equipment (14.0%); errors in which patients were not connected to telemetry monitoring equipment as ordered (12.9%); errors involving broken, damaged, or malfunctioning telemetry monitoring equipment (10.9%); and errors in which patients were connected to the wrong telemetry monitoring equipment (9.0%).
Evaluation of Trigger Tool Methodology Related to Adverse Drug Events in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Kolc Brown Sara , Peterson Jacob , Harris Schiedel Shayne , Vavra Janes Kari
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To determine why an inpatient has had one of the following occurrences in the electronic health record due to an adverse drug event (ADE): international normalized ratio (INR) > 6, plasma blood glucose ≤ 50 mg/dL, or naloxone administration use. Utilizing the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Global Trigger Tool, the information gathered will be used to determine how to prevent these events from occurring in the future.
Summary: The positive predictive value (PPV) for elevated INR was 35% (confidence interval [CI] 21–53%), hypoglycemia was 70.4% (CI 62–78%), and 53% for naloxone administration (CI 45–60%). Drug interactions were the most common factor that may have contributed to an elevated INR, with a mean INR of 7.9. Basal insulin monotherapy, recent diet changes, decreases in renal function, and discontinuation/tapering of corticosteroids were all observed to be contributing factors to hypoglycemia events. The mean trigger glucose level was 42.98 mg/dL. Dose range order sets, high morphine milligram equivalents (MME), and decreased renal function may have contributed to naloxone administration. Polypharmacy was attributed to some of these adverse events, with the average inpatient MME of 100.5 mg.
Conclusion: The use of trigger tool methodology was useful for identifying ADEs related to hypoglycemia with insulin, moderately useful for naloxone administration, and least successful for elevated INR with warfarin. The ADEs that were identified revealed a wide variety of contributing factors that can be used as areas of interest when creating new policies and procedures to reduce ADEs in the future.
Can Changes To Assessment Strategy To Improve Student Outcomes Be Equitable?
Authors: Nattrass Stuart , Morrell Lesley J , Hubbard Katharine E , Henri Dominic C , Scott Graham W
Published: December 2019

Assessment tasks vary throughout the higher education sector (e.g. traditional end of semester exams, written coursework, oral presentations, reflections and competency testing among others). Whilst many educators and students embrace innovation and diversity in assessment practice, there is resistance to changes in assessment due to concerns about the equity of these changes. However, little work exists on the equity of different assessment structures or changes therein. In this paper, we examine a large-scale foundation year module at the University of Hull, the UKs top ranking university for equity in participation, taken by students with diverse backgrounds across multiple subjects, before and after a significant change in assessment strategy. We compare overall attainment levels, and investigate the potential relationship between a suite of student characteristics (gender, mature status, prior academics, household income and subject) as a test of the equity of our assessment strategy. We find that changing the module with an aim of utilising ‘assessment for learning’ strategies leads to an increase in student engagement and attainment bringing module attainment in line with concurrent modules. Crucially, we find that these changes did not have a disproportionate impact upon any student groups, demonstrating that it is possible to make significant changes in assessment methods in an equitable way
LANGUAGE MARKERS OF SCIENCE SIMULACRA
Authors: Florya A.V.
Published: December 2019

This article describes two main types of pseudo-scientific activity - pseudoscience and ersatz science. Pseudoscience is in opposition to traditional science and claims to discover the truth by alternative means. Ersatz science is an imitation of scientific activity, without creating new knowledge. The difference between these science simulacra is manifested in their typical linguistic features, for example, in the specifics of terminology. The main distinctive feature of the ersatz science is redundancy, which is manifested in the abuse of terminology (usually borrowed and hard to understand), in surplus citation and appeal to authorities, in the inclusion of sources that are unnecessary for a given text.
VERBAL REPRESENTATION OF AN AUTHOR AND GENRE FORMATION IN MEDIA TEXTS
Authors: Urunova R.D.
Published: December 2019

The article deals with the methods and verbal means of representation of the author of a journalistic text, which constitute one of the prerequisites for the formation of genres of mass media. Authorization in the article is understood as a conscious or unconscious expression in the media content of the personality of its creator, revealed through the analysis of specific language means. Because journalism is a sphere of personal, subjective, documentary, and authentic speech, then authorization is included in the list of the most relevant characteristics of a journalistic text, and therefore, the description of the representation of the author in accordance with the requirements of the genres is important for practical journalism. For the modern media sphere, the correct authorization of content is a problem, because in recent years the form of its expression in journalistic texts is increasingly blurred, which has become one of the main reasons for the dehumanization of modern media. Particular attention is paid to how the quality and degree of manifestation of the characteristics of the author is regulated in texts belonging to different genres. Through the use of complex linguistic analysis, special verbal structures are described in detail, which journalists use for their own representation in texts of different genres, and which create a form of authorization, which is a recognizable sign of their individual style.
POETICS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE IMAGE OF VOLGA IN THE “VOLGA” PLAYS OF A.N. OSTROVSKY
Authors: Krasnikova O.N.
Published: December 2019

The article describes the functioning of the image “Volga” in the dramatic heritage of A.N. Ostrovsky. It is well known that the playwright discovered Zamoskvorechye to the Russian reader, but the Volga text has been studied much less. In this article, we will consider the image “Volga” - the main image that forms a special series of plays, united under the common name “Volga text”. Specificity of the realized functions of the image, typological features of similarity and differences of the image in different plays, features of functioning in each specific text together constitute a single artistic image. The presence of that common image makes it possible to distinguish a unique circle in the playwright's creative heritage - the Volga cycle of plays. The author wanted to name this cycle - “Nights on the Volga”. This article analyzes exactly those plays in which a described action takes place on the banks of the Volga.
THE SEMANTICS OF THE TYPE OF NARRATION IN THE NOVEL “GONE GIRL” BY G. FLYNN
Authors: Gerasimenko E.V.
Published: December 2019

This article reveals the definition of “narration”, which is closely related to such categories as “narrator” and “types of narration”. The characteristics that influence the types of narration are analyzed. Scientists pay attention to the narrator’s awareness, his/her presence in the novel, his/her attitude to other characters, and according to that identify the types of the narrator. The form and type of narration of the modern American novel “Gone Girl” by G. Flynn influences the creation and revealing of heros’ images. The narrators describe the same events from their own points of view. The first person narrative, as a rule, creates an atmosphere of confidential conversation; however, the opposite perception is formed through the type of narration chosen by the author from the first person of two unreliable narrators.
THE CELTIC REVIVAL IN GREAT BRITAIN (MID-XVIII - EARLY XX CENTURIES): IDENTITY AND MEMORY
Authors: Shestakova N.F.
Published: December 2019

The article is devoted to the Celtic revival, a movement related to the cultural development of the British Isles and the construction of their regional identities on the basis of the ancient past. The author carries out a comparative analysis of this process on the example of the inhabitants of Scotland, Ireland and Wales, revealing the features of their self-identification in the middle of the XVIII - early XX centuries. The article attempts to identify the reasons for the beginning of the Celtic revival and establish its exact chronological framework. The author comes to the conclusion that the residents of Scotland and Wales sought to become full-fledged members of the "British Commonwealth" and take a worthy place in it. The revival of images of the Celtic past in the memory of the peoples of these regions was focused on the preservation of identity, while in Ireland - on the struggle for independence, and in England - on the glorification and protection of imperialism.
ETHNO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND LINGUISTIC PROBLEMS OF THE UDMURT POPULATION IN BASHKORTOSTAN
Authors: Safin F.G. , Mukhtasarova E.A. , Khaliulina A.I.
Published: December 2019

The subject of the study is the ethno-demographic and linguistic problems of the Finno-Ugric peoples in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The object of the study is the Udmurts of Bashkortostan. The methodological basis of the study is the historical and chronological method, which allows revealing the processes in the diachronic section based on the study of data of the all-Union and all-Russian population censuses. It is noted that according to the all-Union population census of 1926, the share of the Udmurt population in the Republic was 0.9 %. At the same time, 95.8 % of them recognized the language of their nationality as their native language, which was one of the highest rates among the Finno-Ugric peoples of the Republic. The analysis of ethno-demographic and linguistic development of the Udmurt population from 1887 to 2010 showed that there is a process of gradual reduction of the Udmurt population and the share of recognition of the language of their ethnic group as their native language not only in Bashkortostan, but also in the Russian Federation as a whole.
TO THE PROBLEM OF THE PARADIGM OF STUDYING NEO-PAGANISM
Authors: Kutyavin N.A.
Published: December 2019

The article examines the problem of theoretical understanding of the interrelation between ancient paganism and modern neo-paganism. The available historiography on the topic of Russian neo-paganism, consisting of three main areas: “critical”, “confessional” and “understanding”, is considered. On the example of some complex methodological issues, their insolubility within the framework of the used theoretical paradigms is substantiated. The author notes the lack of a variety of theoretical approaches to the problem. A critical analysis of the existing “understanding” approach in the works of A. A. Beskov is made. To resolve controversial issues, it is proposed to supplement the “understanding” approach with an “explanatory” one based on the principles of historicism, reductionism and evolutionism. The theoretical tools of religion scholars such as E. Durkheim and R. Girard are attracted. Based on their achievements, the author comes to the conclusion that paganism, as an archaic religion, disappears with the transformation of the society in which it originated. Therefore, paganism and modern neo-paganism are different phenomena, practically unrelated to each other.
Source and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Non-Certified Organic Rice Farming at Nakhon Nayok Province, Thailand
Authors: Satachon Porntiwa , Keawmoon Sasithorn , Rengsungnoen Patcharida , Thummajitsakul Sirikul , Silprasit Kun
Published: December 2019

Heavy metals contamination is a problem in some non-certified organic rice farms that do not have buffer zones. Soil monitoring is therefore required to estimate the potential risk of such organic products. The objectives of the present study are to determine the extent of heavy metal contamination, sources of contamination and assessment of non-carcinogenic health risks to local consumers. Concentrations of toxic heavy metals were determined in soil and rice grain to assess the bioaccumulation factor. The health risk assessment was analyzed following Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) and the Hazard Index (HI). Sources of heavy metal contamination were determined by a correlation study of heavy metal contents, THQ and HI with some physical properties of these non-certificated organic rice fields. The occurrence of heavy metals in agricultural soils and rice grain were ranked in the following order: Pb > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni and Zn > Mn > Cu > Ni. However, Pb and Zn contamination exceeded maximum permissible levels in rice grain. Non-certified organic rice from these locations might therefore present a health risk for consumers; the high HI values of rice consumption for adult males (5.10-35.09) and 6.12-42.08) indicated a serious adverse health risk for consumers. Individual correlation analysis and principal component analysis indicated that the THQ of Zn was positively correlated with its content in soil and in the grain. Main roads and community activities were found to be the main source of contamination for Zn and Mn, while Pb and Cu contamination mainly derived from paddy field activities such as fertilizer application. This finding will contribute to raising public awareness of the health risks of non-certified organic rice farming.
Informática & sociedade no ensino de programação
Authors: Leal Sobral André Vinicius , Da Silva Nayara Gomes
Published: December 2019

Resumo: Este trabalho visa apresentar os resultados, desafios e aprendizados do curso de introdução à programação em Python, Java e C++, oferecido pelos Laboratório de Informática para Educação (LIpE) e Laboratório de Informática e Sociedade (LabIS), ambos da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), para um público diversificado e majoritariamente oriundo do ensino médio de escolas públicas do estado. Iniciado nas escolas do Rio, devido à necessidade de estudantes capacitados e engajados na manutenção e operação de laboratórios de informática restaurados pelo LIpE e reforçado pelo voluntarismo de estudantes universitários, o curso conta com centenas de estudantes e mais de três anos de realização bem-sucedida. Sustentado por mão de obra voluntária e baseado em tutoria, combinamos o ensino teórico e prático da programação com aulas contextuais que discutem a história e implicações sociotécnicas da computação. Contamos também com turmas dedicadas a mulheres, com monitoras e professoras para incentivar a maior participação feminina na área da tecnologia e computação. Vários estudantes egressos do curso conseguiram melhorar seu desempenho escolar a ponto de passar no vestibular para a UFRJ e tornam-se colaboradores voluntários como monitores para a continuidade do projeto. O curso é exemplo da integração do tripé acadêmico ensino-pesquisa-extensão, integrando as pesquisas produzidas pela linha de pesquisa em Informática e Sociedade do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia de Sistemas e Computação (PESC) da UFRJ nas aulas contextuais e servindo como laboratório para o desenvolvimento de materiais didáticos e softwares.

Palavras-chave: Informática. Sociedade. Programação.
Inclusão digital através de encontros lúdicos para o estímulo do pensamento computacional
Authors: Lemke Kologeski Anelise , Da Silveira Batista Vithória
Published: December 2019

Resumo: Esta iniciativa surge diante da necessidade de melhoria nos índices educacionais observados nos últimos anos, em especial aqueles informados pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) e pelo Índice de Desenvolvimento da Educação Básica (IDEB). Este trabalho apresenta uma experiência desenvolvida junto à comunidade escolar, com a oferta de oficinas lúdicas para o estímulo do pensamento computacional. A metodologia dos encontros consiste basicamente em dinâmicas alternativas ao ensino tradicional da sala de aula, promovendo momentos lúdicos para os participantes através do uso jogos e recursos digitais, a fim de promover a inclusão digital para alunos das séries finais do Ensino Fundamental de escolas públicas da região do Litoral do Rio Grande do Sul. As atividades são desenvolvidas com recursos da tecnologia da informação, em duas etapas: com o uso de jogos digitais, através de plataformas gratuitas, e com o uso da computação desplugada, oportunizando, assim, o atendimento das escolas independentemente dos recursos tecnológicos disponíveis, como um laboratório de informática, por exemplo. Nos encontros, jogos lúdicos são utilizados, estimulando o aprendizado dos participantes com base nos princípios básicos da programação, que são essenciais para a convivência em sociedade nos dias de hoje. No ano de 2019, já foram atendidos 200 participantes. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a experiência proporcionou melhorias de até 48% na compreensão de enunciados pelos participantes, além de despertar o interesse dos alunos pela tecnologia, promovendo uma educação integral e cidadã, oportunizando um aprendizado de forma criativa e significativa.  

Palavras-chave: Encontros Lúdicos. Inclusão Digital. Pensamento Computacional.
LOGICMANAGER: módulo Tri-logic de gerenciamento ao professor
Authors: Ribeiro da Silva Sandro José
Published: December 2019

Resumo: O presente trabalho tem como objetivo a apresentação do LogicManager, módulo de gerenciamento ao professor. O Tri-Logic, desenvolvido no Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS) - Campus Canoas, conta com uma série de exercícios lúdicos de lógica de programação aliados a técnicas de gamificação para motivar o aluno. No entanto, verificou-se que o ambiente Tri-Logic possui uma limitação, que é a falta de interatividade do professor, uma vez que todos os diálogos e modais apresentados são estáticos e qualquer alteração necessária precisa ser realizada manualmente, via código. Assim sendo, partindo de uma abordagem qualitativa, em que foram utilizados dois tipos principais de pesquisa, pesquisa participante e grupo focal, foi desenvolvido o LogicManager a fim de solucionar esse problema. Com o LogicManager, o professor pode gerenciar os diálogos e modais apresentados no ambiente, adaptando-os da melhor forma às suas regionalidades, especificidades ou particularidades, gerenciar oficinas de lógica e suas inscrições, determinando o período em que estas ocorrerão e quais fases do ambiente são disponibilizadas, e, por fim, acompanhar o desempenho individual ou em grupo do(s) aluno(s) por meio de relatórios estatísticos com erros e acertos em cada uma das fases. Durante a etapa de testes, o LogicManager foi disponibilizado aos professores da disciplina de lógica de programação do IFRS - Campus Canoas. Para a validação do trabalho, foram utilizados questionários, por meio dos quais os professores puderam avaliar o sistema e deixar sugestões ou comentários.

Palavras-chave: Lógica de programação. Sistema de gerenciamento. Módulo para o professor.