bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Marshall-Olkin Modified Lindley Distribution: Properties and Applications
Authors: Gillariose Jiju , Tomy Lishamol , Jamal Farrukh , Chesneau Christophe
Published: November 2020

This article is devoted to a new Marshall-Olkin distribution by using a recent modification of the Lindley distribution. Mathematical features of the new model are described. Utilizing maximum likelihood method, the parameters of the new model are estimated. Performance of the estimation approach is discussed by means of a simulation procedure. Moreover, applications of the new distribution are presented which reveal its superiority over other three competing Marshall-Olkin extended distributions of the literature.
Age of the basement beneath the Mesozoic Lusitanian Basin revealed by granitic xenoliths from the Papôa volcanic breccia (West Iberia)
Authors: Pereira M.F. , Gama C. , Silva J.B. , Dias da Silva Í.
Published: November 2020

The dyke of the Papôa volcanic breccia cross-cutting the Lower Jurassic sequence of the Lusitanian Basin (West Iberia) contains granitic xenoliths. In this study, for the first time, U-Th-Pb zircon analysis of two xenoliths yielded 298±4Ma for biotite granite and of 292±2Ma for two-mica granite, indicating that the pre-Mesozoic basement of the Lusitanian Basin includes Permian intrusions. These ages are close within the margin of error of the age of the Late Carboniferous granites of the Berlengas isle that with the Late Devonian high-grade metamorphic rocks of the Farilhões isles, located northwest of the study area, which form the pre-Mesozoic basement of the Lusitanian Basin. These new geochronological findings enable it to be established that Permo-Carboniferous magmatism lasted at least 13Ma, in this region of the Appalachian-Variscan belt. Furthermore, a comparison with available data from Paleozoic tectonic units of the Appalachian-Variscan belt located both in the Iberian Massif and outside it enables the suggestion to be made that the Lusitanian Basin (Peniche) most probably rests on the South Portuguese Zone, which may also be correlated with the Rhenohercynian Zone present in southwest England, and the Meguma terrane of Nova Scotia.
Role of gas nanobubbles in nonlinear hyper-Raman scattering of light in water: publisher’s note
Authors: Babenko V. A. , Bunkin N. F. , Sychev A. A.
Published: November 2020

This publisher’s note corrects the funding and acknowledgment sections
in J. Opt. Soc. Am.
B 37, 2805
(2020).JOBPDE0740-322410.1364/JOSAB.398496
Dual resonance phonon–photon–phonon terahertz quantum-cascade laser: physics of the electron transport and temperature performance optimization
Authors: Demić Aleksandar , Ikonić Zoran , Dean Paul , Indjin Dragan
Published: November 2020

The state of the art terahertz-frequency quantum cascade lasers have opened a plethora of applications over the past two decades by testing several designs up to the very limit of operating temperature, optical power and lasing frequency performance. The temperature degradation mechanisms have long been under the debate for limiting the operation up to 210 K in pulsed operation in the GaAs/AlGaAs material system. In this work, we review the existing designs and exploit two main temperature degradation mechanisms by presenting a design in which they both prove beneficial to the lasing operation by dual pumping and dual extracting lasing levels. We have applied the density matrix transport model to select potential candidate structures by simulating over two million active region designs. We present several designs which offer better performance than the current record structure.
Confocal air-coupled ultrasonic optical coherence elastography probe for quantitative biomechanics
Authors: Zvietcovich Fernando , Nair Achuth , Ambekar Yogeshwari S. , Singh Manmohan , Aglyamov Salavat R. , Twa Michael D. , Larin Kirill V.
Published: November 2020

We present an air-coupled ultrasonic radiation force probe co-focused with a phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) system for quantitative wave-based elastography. A custom-made 1 MHz spherically focused piezoelectric transducer with a concentric 10 mm wide circular opening allowed for confocal micro-excitation of waves and phase-sensitive OCT imaging. Phantom studies demonstrated the capabilities of this probe to produce quasi-harmonic excitation up to 4 kHz for generation of elastic waves. Experimental results in ocular tissues showed highly detailed 2D and 3D elasticity mapping using this approach with great potential for clinical translation.
Nonlinear optical propagation near the Bragg resonance in heliconical cholesteric liquid crystals
Authors: Simoni F.
Published: November 2020

We show here that the light-induced tuning of the Bragg reflection recently demonstrated in heliconical cholesterics opens new perspectives to nonlinear optical propagation in liquid crystals. We highlight that, by properly adjusting the static electric field that stabilizes the heliconical structure, a dramatic change of the refractive index of the circularly polarized resonant mode can be achieved. Additionally, a stop band for a definite range of light intensity is obtained that can be tuned in order to get the conditions of self-induced transparency.
Volume holographic optical element for light sheet fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Hsieh Ting-Yu , Vyas Sunil , Wu Jui-Ching , Luo Yuan
Published: November 2020

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging of living organisms requires fine optical sectioning and high-speed image acquisition, which can be achieved by light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). However, orthogonal illumination and detection arms in the LSFM system make it bulky. Here, we propose and demonstrate the application of a volume holographic optical element (photopolymer-based volume holographic grating) for designing a compact LSFM system, called a volume holographic LSFM (VHLSFM). Using the VHLSFM, we performed in vivo imaging of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and observed high-contrast optically sectioned fluorescence images of the oocytes and embryonic development in real time for 3D imaging.
Research and Industry News
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin , Kim Meeri , Moser Molly , Schulz William G. , Wills Stewart
Published: November 2020

Toward attosecond science with industrial lasers / Plasma accelerator
record / Testing face mask effectiveness / Lasers evaluate whisky /
Hybrid PVs in space / Plastic in the oceans / Quantum workforce /
Photorealistic nanopainting
Detecting Microplastics with Optics
Authors: Peiponen Kai-Erik , Asamoah Benjamin O. , Kanyathare Boniphace , Räty Jukka , Roussey Matthieu
Published: November 2020

Emerging optical techniques for sniffing out millimeter- to
sub-micron-scale plastics in aquatic settings could aid in the fight
against a looming environmental threat.
Aequorea’s secrets revealed: New fluorescent proteins with unique properties for bioimaging and biosensing
Authors: Lambert Gerard G. , Depernet Hadrien , Gotthard Guillaume , Schultz Darrin T. , Navizet Isabelle , Lambert Talley , Adams Stephen R. , Torreblanca-Zanca Albertina , Chu Meihua , Bindels Daphne S. , Levesque Vincent , Nero Moffatt Jennifer , Salih Anya , Royant Antoine , Shaner Nathan C.
Published: November 2020

Using mRNA sequencing and de novo transcriptome assembly, we identified, cloned, and characterized 9 previously undiscovered fluorescent protein (FP) homologs from Aequorea victoria and a related Aequorea species, with most sequences highly divergent from A. victoria green fluorescent protein (avGFP). Among these FPs are the brightest green fluorescent protein (GFP) homolog yet characterized and a reversibly photochromic FP that responds to UV and blue light. Beyond green emitters, Aequorea species express purple- and blue-pigmented chromoproteins (CPs) with absorbances ranging from green to far-red, including 2 that are photoconvertible. X-ray crystallography revealed that Aequorea CPs contain a chemically novel chromophore with an unexpected crosslink to the main polypeptide chain. Because of the unique attributes of several of these newly discovered FPs, we expect that Aequorea will, once again, give rise to an entirely new generation of useful probes for bioimaging and biosensing.
PhANNs, a fast and accurate tool and web server to classify phage structural proteins
Authors: Cantu Vito Adrian , Salamon Peter , Seguritan Victor , Redfield Jackson , Salamon David , Edwards Robert A. , Segall Anca M.
Published: November 2020

For any given bacteriophage genome or phage-derived sequences in metagenomic data sets, we are unable to assign a function to 50–90% of genes, or more. Structural protein-encoding genes constitute a large fraction of the average phage genome and are among the most divergent and difficult-to-identify genes using homology-based methods. To understand the functions encoded by phages, their contributions to their environments, and to help gauge their utility as potential phage therapy agents, we have developed a new approach to classify phage ORFs into ten major classes of structural proteins or into an “other” category. The resulting tool is named PhANNs (Phage Artificial Neural Networks). We built a database of 538,213 manually curated phage protein sequences that we split into eleven subsets (10 for cross-validation, one for testing) using a novel clustering method that ensures there are no homologous proteins between sets yet maintains the maximum sequence diversity for training. An Artificial Neural Network ensemble trained on features extracted from those sets reached a test F1-score of 0.875 and test accuracy of 86.2%. PhANNs can rapidly classify proteins into one of the ten structural classes or, if not predicted to fall in one of the ten classes, as “other,” providing a new approach for functional annotation of phage proteins. PhANNs is open source and can be run from our web server or installed locally.
Learning and interpreting the gene regulatory grammar in a deep learning framework
Authors: Chen Ling , Capra John A.
Published: November 2020

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have achieved state-of-the-art performance in identifying gene regulatory sequences, but they have provided limited insight into the biology of regulatory elements due to the difficulty of interpreting the complex features they learn. Several models of how combinatorial binding of transcription factors, i.e. the regulatory grammar, drives enhancer activity have been proposed, ranging from the flexible TF billboard model to the stringent enhanceosome model. However, there is limited knowledge of the prevalence of these (or other) sequence architectures across enhancers. Here we perform several hypothesis-driven analyses to explore the ability of DNNs to learn the regulatory grammar of enhancers. We created synthetic datasets based on existing hypotheses about combinatorial transcription factor binding site (TFBS) patterns, including homotypic clusters, heterotypic clusters, and enhanceosomes, from real TF binding motifs from diverse TF families. We then trained deep residual neural networks (ResNets) to model the sequences under a range of scenarios that reflect real-world multi-label regulatory sequence prediction tasks. We developed a gradient-based unsupervised clustering method to extract the patterns learned by the ResNet models. We demonstrated that simulated regulatory grammars are best learned in the penultimate layer of the ResNets, and the proposed method can accurately retrieve the regulatory grammar even when there is heterogeneity in the enhancer categories and a large fraction of TFBS outside of the regulatory grammar. However, we also identify common scenarios where ResNets fail to learn simulated regulatory grammars. Finally, we applied the proposed method to mouse developmental enhancers and were able to identify the components of a known heterotypic TF cluster. Our results provide a framework for interpreting the regulatory rules learned by ResNets, and they demonstrate that the ability and efficiency of ResNets in learning the regulatory grammar depends on the nature of the prediction task.
Differential transcript usage in the Parkinson’s disease brain
Authors: Dick Fiona , Nido Gonzalo S. , Alves Guido Werner , Tysnes Ole-Bjørn , Nilsen Gry Hilde , Dölle Christian , Tzoulis Charalampos
Published: November 2020

Studies of differential gene expression have identified several molecular signatures and pathways associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The role of isoform switches and differential transcript usage (DTU) remains, however, unexplored. Here, we report the first genome-wide study of DTU in PD. We performed RNA sequencing following ribosomal RNA depletion in prefrontal cortex samples of 49 individuals from two independent case-control cohorts. DTU was assessed using two transcript-count based approaches, implemented in the DRIMSeq and DEXSeq tools. Multiple PD-associated DTU events were detected in each cohort, of which 23 DTU events in 19 genes replicated across both patient cohorts. For several of these, including THEM5, SLC16A1 and BCHE, DTU was predicted to have substantial functional consequences, such as altered subcellular localization or switching to non-protein coding isoforms. Furthermore, genes with PD-associated DTU were enriched in functional pathways previously linked to PD, including reactive oxygen species generation and protein homeostasis. Importantly, the vast majority of genes exhibiting DTU were not differentially expressed at the gene-level and were therefore not identified by conventional differential gene expression analysis. Our findings provide the first insight into the DTU landscape of PD and identify novel disease-associated genes. Moreover, we show that DTU may have important functional consequences in the PD brain, since it is predicted to alter the functional composition of the proteome. Based on these results, we propose that DTU analysis is an essential complement to differential gene expression studies in order to provide a more accurate and complete picture of disease-associated transcriptomic alterations.
A spectrum of verticality across genes
Authors: Nagies Falk S. P. , Brueckner Julia , Tria Fernando D. K. , Martin William F.
Published: November 2020

Lateral gene transfer (LGT) has impacted prokaryotic genome evolution, yet the extent to which LGT compromises vertical evolution across individual genes and individual phyla is unknown, as are the factors that govern LGT frequency across genes. Estimating LGT frequency from tree comparisons is problematic when thousands of genomes are compared, because LGT becomes difficult to distinguish from phylogenetic artefacts. Here we report quantitative estimates for verticality across all genes and genomes, leveraging a well-known property of phylogenetic inference: phylogeny works best at the tips of trees. From terminal (tip) phylum level relationships, we calculate the verticality for 19,050,992 genes from 101,422 clusters in 5,655 prokaryotic genomes and rank them by their verticality. Among functional classes, translation, followed by nucleotide and cofactor biosynthesis, and DNA replication and repair are the most vertical. The most vertically evolving lineages are those rich in ecological specialists such as Acidithiobacilli, Chlamydiae, Chlorobi and Methanococcales. Lineages most affected by LGT are the α-, β-, γ-, and δ- classes of Proteobacteria and the Firmicutes. The 2,587 eukaryotic clusters in our sample having prokaryotic homologues fail to reject eukaryotic monophyly using the likelihood ratio test. The low verticality of α-proteobacterial and cyanobacterial genomes requires only three partners—an archaeal host, a mitochondrial symbiont, and a plastid ancestor—each with mosaic chromosomes, to directly account for the prokaryotic origin of eukaryotic genes. In terms of phylogeny, the 100 most vertically evolving prokaryotic genes are neither representative nor predictive for the remaining 97% of an average genome. In search of factors that govern LGT frequency, we find a simple but natural principle: Verticality correlates strongly with gene distribution density, LGT being least likely for intruding genes that must replace a preexisting homologue in recipient chromosomes. LGT is most likely for novel genetic material, intruding genes that encounter no competing copy.
Examining Teacher Agency Among Teacher Educators: An Action Research In Vietnam
Authors:   University at Albany, Suny, Vu Tung Ngoc
Published: November 2020

Teacher agency is an important topic in educational research, but its theoretical observations have not filtered down into practical Vietnamese teaching contexts. The action research project described here showcases a training-based intervention for teacher educators in various disciplines at eight universities in Vietnam. The intervention aimed to develop teaching skills and increase knowledge for teacher educators by helping them explore their students’ learning needs and facilitate their professional development. This study occurred within the context of changing Vietnamese political, cultural, economic, and social ways of being. Eight Vietnamese teacher educators of different cultural backgrounds, and working across a variety of subjects were invited to participate in the project. Two stages of research sought to help educators in higher education reflect on their exploration and perception of their teacher agency. The first stage involved training sessions that offered educators necessary knowledge and skills to exercise agency effectively. In the second stage, educators’ promotion of their agency in classrooms was analytically observed. Data collected included observation notes, reflective journals, and recordings from semi-structured interviews. Analysis of this data suggested that educators became more knowledgeable, intercultural, and inspirational agents in their classrooms after the educational intervention. Educators exhibited that the more positive attitudes, the more active participation. Conclusions discussed the benefits of fostering teacher agency and how this can be facilitated through professional development.
Daily Grape Juice Consumption Promotes Weight Loss, Improved Stability and Reduced the DNA Damage in the Elderly
Authors: Costa Pedro Cañete da , Blembeel Amanda Stolzenberg , Wohlenberg Mariane Farias , Gabardo Tatiane , Lacerda Denise dos Santos , Gonçalves Luciana Kneib , Mello Alexandre , Bortolato Gabrielli , Costa Leonardo Pereira , Casali Valesca Veiga Cardoso , Dani Caroline , Funchal Cláudia , Rodrigues Adriana Dalpicolli
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of chronic supplementation with grape juice (400ml), in modulating the anthropometric and biochemical parameters. Thirty-nine seniors participated and were evaluated at baseline after 30 days. The chronic consumption of grape juice reduced weight, BMI and waist circumference. Indeed, the consumption modulated biochemical parameters, decreased the total cholesterol levels, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, Urea and GGT. In addition, the intake of juice improved the performance in the TUG test, and caused more stability in the elderly. The levels of protein oxidation declined and the antioxidant potential significantly increased as well as SOD and the ratio SOD / CAT. In contrast, levels reduced sulfhydryl groups to consumption. In nuclear changes there are a decrease in the frequency of MN and picnosis. In conclusion, grape juice could be an excellent option to improve quality of life in elderly.
The Study of Coexistance of Superconductivity and Spin Glass in Fe Pnictide(Fe1+YSeXTe1−X)
Authors: Yesigat Anteneh , singh P
Published: November 2020

Superconductivity and magnetism were previously thought as incompatible until the discovery of some rare earth ternary compounds that shows the coexistence of superconductivity and magnetism. In some of the recently discovered iron based layered superconductors superconductivity and diamagnetic order system are coexist. That occurs in only 11 and 122 family. The present works we examine the possibility of coexistence of superconductivity and disorder of magnetic spin is called spin glass when freeze the system that can show the superconductivity and spin glass coexist. In this present work we can examine the possibility of coexistence of superconductivity and spin glass in detailed 11 family of Fe1+ySexTe1−x compound. We show that spin glass like behavior is present in FST for x = 0.1 - 0.15 we present evidence form magnetization measurement and characterized the short-range order with neutron scattering. One of our main results is that the short-range order is structural as well as magnetic order. The factor of magnetic order exchange in long range depend on temperature, pressure, number of doping and other external factor discussed it. We found mathematical expression for superconductor transition TC, spin glass temperature TgSusceptibility x(q), and retardation time τ using for born approximation and digamma function depend on wave vector(q) and cut off frequency(ω) in the region coexistence of superconductivity and spin glass in Fe1+ySexTe1−xcompound.
Udržitelná spotřeba a životní styl jako vzdělávací téma
Authors: Dlouhá Jana , Henderson Laura , Kroufek Roman , Jančaříková Kateřina , Neprašová Simona
Published: November 2020

Odpovědná spotřeba je zahrnuta v jednom z Cílů udržitelného rozvoje (SDG 12), a tento cíl hraje důležitou roli i v rovině vzdělávací: UNESCO pro jeho naplnění stanovilo sadu vzdělávacích cílů pro různé úrovně vzdělávání. Je jimi soubor klíčových kompetencí pro SDG12, a jak je patrné z jejich analýzy, jsou tyto vzdělávací cíle rozloženy víceméně rovnoměrně mezi kognitivní, emocionální/sociální a behaviorální doménou učení, což je i znakem vzdělávání pro udržitelnost obecně. Vzdělávání vycházející z těchto cílů tak může přinést nejen potřebné znalosti, ale též působit na proměnu zažitých vzorců myšlení a chování, což je pro změnu spotřebitelských zvyklostí a životního stylu obecně důležité. Článek nejen předvádí, jak si vzdělávací cíle tohoto typu stanovit (tak, aby působily na všechny složky osobnosti a byly součástí transformativního učení), ukazuje také, jak konkrétně mohou vypadat ve zde popisovaném programu vzdělávání pro odpovědnou spotřebu navrženém pro různé typy škol. Cílem programu je dovést děti/žáky/studenty k poznání, že jsou aktivní součástí ekonomiky, a mohou prostřednictvím svého každodenního rozhodování formovat podobu ekonomického systému.
Dicționar grotesc
Authors: Cofan Aluniţa C.
Published: November 2020

A little writing not enough researched and reaching a few pages belonging to Vasile Alecsandri proves the keen interest of a comedies and vaudeville author for language issues, especially for the building of a beautiful and fluent literary language. From our point of view, of a today's researcher, it is the only work published towards the end of the 19th century (approx. 1876), which includes in the title the term of grotesque with certain connotations, unusual for the Romanian cultural space. Through an analysis sourcing in the New Criticism, we will show the links, avant la lettre, with the aesthetics of the grotesque in the Romanian space and the intuitions of a writer, considered “easy”, although a classic of Romanian literature.
DTM-based analysis of the spatial distribution of topolineaments
Authors: Kamiński Mirosław
Published: November 2020

The research area is located on the boundary between two Paleozoic structural units: the Radom–Kraśnik Block and the Mazovian–Lublin Basin in the southeastern Poland. The tectonic structures are separated by the Ursynów–Kazimierz Dolny fault zone. The digital terrain model obtained by the ALS (Airborne Laser Scanning) method was used. Classification and filtration of an elevation point cloud were performed. Then, from the elevation points representing only surfaces, a digital terrain model was generated. The model was used to visually interpret the course of topolineaments and their automatic extraction from DTM. Two topolineament systems, trending NE–SW and NW–SE, were interpreted. Using the kernel density algorithm, topolineament density models were generated. Using the Empirical Bayesian Kriging, a thickness model of quaternary deposits was generated. A relationship was observed between the course of topolineaments and the distribution and thickness of Quaternary formations. The topolineaments were compared with fault directions marked on tectonic maps of the Paleozoic and Mesozoic. Data validation showed consistency between topolineaments and tectonic faults. The obtained results are encouraging for further research.
Ice-crevasse sedimentation in the eastern part of the Głubczyce Plateau (S Poland) during the final stage of the Drenthian Glaciation
Authors: Salamon Tomasz
Published: November 2020

Glacial sediments in the eastern part of the Głubczyce Plateau, at the Krowiarki site, were studied. Two units were distinguished within the sedimentary succession. The lower unit is composed of mainly sandy sediments with diamicton interbeds, the upper unit of very fine silt and clay sediments that exhibit rhythmic lamination in parts. Based on the textural and structural features of deposits, local deformations and palaeoflow directions, it was found that the sediments had been deposited within an ice crevasse, which was initially open and functioned as an ablation flow artery. The sediments were deposited in the form of a small fan dominated by sheetflows. Glacial tills were also redeposited on its surface. In a later phase, the crevasse was blocked. As a result, it was filled with water, leading to the development of a crevasse lake in which low-energy deposition dominated. The crevasse style of deposition indicates that, in the final stage of glaciation, the marginal part of the ice sheet was in a stagnant phase. This conclusion applies to the part located on the southern side of the watershed of the eastern Głubczyce Plateau. The probable reason for the stagnation of the ice sheet was the distinct loss of ice supply above the local topography barrier due to the decreasing thickness of the ice sheet in the studied area.
Individual Differences in Miserly Thinking Predict Endorsement of Racial/Ethnic Stereotypes
Authors: Blanchar John C. , Sparkman David J.
Published: November 2020

The “cognitive miser” metaphor is a classic characterization of mental life wherein cognitive efficiency is favored over careful and reflective thinking. A presumed implication is that reliance on intuitive processing in the absence of reflective thinking should encourage stereotyping. However, research to date has not adequately tested whether proclivities to engage reflective thinking correspond with less stereotype endorsement, nor if their influence occurs independent of cognitive ability and epistemic motivation. In two studies, we conducted straightforward tests of this hypothesis by measuring individual differences in miserly or reflective thinking, cognitive ability, and epistemic motivation as unique predictors of stereotype endorsement. We utilized objective, performance-based measures of reflective thinking via the Cognitive Reflection Test. The results provide the first direct evidence for the cognitive miser hypothesis. Individual differences in miserly thinking predicted endorsements of racial/ethnic stereotypes independent of cognitive ability and epistemic motivation.
REVIEW OF CHITOSAN NANOMATERIALS FOR METAL CATION ADSORPTION
Authors: Piotrowska-Kirschling Agnieszka , Brzeska Joanna
Published: November 2020

Polysaccharides are polymers of long chains of monosaccharide units linked via glycosidic bonds. Starch, cellulose, chitin and their derivatives, such as chitosan, are examples of polysaccharides. Chitin is the second most common natural polysaccharide in the world (after cellulose). Chitin and chitosan are amino polysaccharides. Chitosan is often obtained by chemical, or sometimes enzymatic, deacetylation of chitin. These compounds are increasingly being modified to the nanometric scale. New engineering nanomaterials show better chemical, biological, mechanical, thermal, electrical and sorption properties than the primary materials.
In this paper, the methods of chitosan nanomaterials synthesis and their adsorption properties of metal cations are discussed. As it is shown, the selected chitosan nanomaterials have promising adsorption properties of metal cations.
BIODEGRADABLE NONWOVEN ACTIVATED POLYESTER WITH CHITOSAN: POTENTIAL
APPLICATION IN THE COSMETIC INDUSTRY
Authors: Gzyra-Jagieła Karolina , Owczarek Monika , Szkopiecka Monika , Jagodzińska Sylwia , Dymel Marzena , Kudra-Miros Patrycja , Kudra Michał
Published: November 2020

Textile products enriched with natural substances, e.g. hyaluronic acid, plant hydrolates, collagen and chitosan, may find wide application in cosmetics because of increasing consumer interest in natural products. Furthermore, in view of global environmental pollution, products that are produced through biochemical changes as a result of composting are sought. This makes it possible to enter such designed cosmetic products into the scheme of the currently desired circular economy. Compostable textiles are an ecological alternative to product backlogs and polluting the environment in the form of post-consumer waste. Therefore, this research work developed a technology for applying natural substances on a biodegradable polyester fibrous substrate. This study developed the optimal composition of a mixture consisting of natural substances with properties applicable to the cosmetic industry, for applications such as cosmetic masks to improve the appearance of the skin. The composition of active substances that have beneficial effects on the skin, e.g. moisturizing, regenerating, antibacterial and caring, was determined. The mixture was effectively applied on a spunbound nonwoven substrate of made from aliphatic-aromatic copolyester by impregnation. The employed polymer degraded in a compost environment and its modifiers additionally supported this process. The unique composition of the applied coating layer consisted of a mixture of sodium hyaluronate, collagen, bitter orange blossom hydrolate (Neroli) and chitosan lactate. The coated nonwoven fabric was subjected to physical, mechanical, microbiological as well as chemical purity and structural tests (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy) and degree of degradation in a compost environment was assessed on the basis of its weight loss.
A Cognitive Aid for Neonatal Epinephrine Dosing
Authors: Brune Kate D. , Bhatt-Mehta Varsha , Rooney Deborah M. , Adams John T. , Weiner Gary M.
Published: November 2020

OBJECTIVES:

Errors are common when preparing epinephrine for neonatal resuscitation. Epinephrine is available in two concentrations (1 mg/mL and 1 mg/10 mL) and requires weight-based calculations, which increases the risk of dosing errors. We developed a printed cognitive aid to assist with dose preparation. We hypothesized that the cognitive aid would result in a 25% difference in errors in preparing the dose of epinephrine during simulated neonatal resuscitation.

METHODS:

Nurses (N = 100) in a large academic and community hospital were randomly assigned to calculate the intended dose and prepare epinephrine for neonatal resuscitation with or without the cognitive aid. Scenarios were video recorded and timed. Secondary outcomes included errors in the written intended dose, errors in choosing the correct epinephrine concentration, and time required to prepare the final dose. Proportions were compared by using Fisher’s exact test. Variables influencing dosing errors were investigated by using logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Using the cognitive aid significantly decreased the proportion of doses prepared incorrectly (24% vs 50%; P = .01). The aid also decreased errors in choosing the correct epinephrine concentration (12% vs 44%; P < .001), but there was no difference in the written intended dose or the time to prepare the dose. Years of experience, self-perceived math comfort, and anxiety were not predictive of dosing errors.

CONCLUSIONS:

A simple cognitive aid decreased epinephrine dosing errors during simulated neonatal resuscitation but did not improve efficiency. Despite the effectiveness of the cognitive aid, errors were not completely eliminated. This is a serious safety risk for newborns and requires additional interventions.
Pediatric Inpatient Problem List Review and Accuracy Improvement
Authors: Liao Nancy , Kasick Rena , Allen Karen , Bode Ryan , Macias Charlie , Lee Jennifer , Ramachandran Sandhya , Erdem Guliz
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The problem list (PL) is a meaningful use-incentivized criterion for electronic health record documentation. Inconsistent use or inaccuracy of the PL can create communication gaps among providers, potentially leading to diagnostic delays and serious safety events. The objective of the study was to increase the rate of PL review by attending physicians for inpatients discharged from hospital pediatrics and infectious disease services from a baseline of 70% to 80% by June 2018 and to sustain the rate for 6 months. The secondary aim was to improve PL accuracy by decreasing the rate of duplicate codes and red code diagnoses that should resolve before discharge from a baseline of 12% and 11%, respectively, to 5% and sustaining the rate for 6 months.

METHODS:

A quality improvement team used the Institute for Healthcare Improvement Model for Improvement. We tracked duplicate codes and red codes as surrogate markers of PL quality. Rates of PL review and PL quality were analyzed monthly via statistical process control charts (p-charts) with 3-σ control limits to identify special cause variation.

RESULTS:

PL review improved from a baseline of 70% to 90%, and the change was sustained for 1 year. PL quality improved as duplicate codes at the time of discharge decreased from 12% to 6% and as red codes decreased from a baseline of 11% to 6%.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PL is an important communication tool that is underused. By engaging and educating stakeholders, incentivizing compliance, standardizing PL management, leveraging electronic health record enhancements, and providing physician feedback, we improved PL meaningful use and quality.
Historical Perspectives: Unsilencing Suffering: Promoting Maternal Mental Health in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Ouyang Jessica X. , Mayer Jessica L.W. , Battle Cynthia L. , Chambers Joanna E. , Inanc Salih Zeynep N.
Published: November 2020

Mothers of infants in the NICU suffer higher rates of psychological distress, anxiety, and depression compared with the general population. Often, their mental health concerns remain underidentified and undertreated, which can have deleterious effects on the offspring, both in short-term outcomes while in the NICU as well as long-term neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes. In this review, we present an overview of existing empirical evidence about how maternal mental health affects the health of infants, special considerations regarding the mental health needs of NICU mothers, and the findings about existing and developing interventions to address mental health concerns in this vulnerable population.
Neonatal Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Anderson Nicole B. , Calkins Kara L.
Published: November 2020

Neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia (IHB) is caused by an imbalance in bilirubin production and elimination. Approximately 60% of term and 80% of preterm infants develop jaundice in the first week of age. This review seeks to provide the reader with a thorough understanding of the physiology of bilirubin, etiology of IHB, and management of severe IHB. Phototherapy and exchange transfusion remain the mainstays of treatment for severe IHB. Noninvasive screening tools, innovative treatments, and a better understanding of how prematurity and genetics contribute to severe IHB have improved our understanding of IHB and may help eliminate the hazards associated with severe IHB, including kernicterus spectrum disorder.
Pragmatics in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children: An Introduction
Authors: Szarkowski Amy , Toe Dianne
Published: November 2020

We introduce this supplement and highlight the importance of the development of pragmatic skills in children who are DHH.
The Impact of Pragmatic Delays for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in Mainstream Classrooms
Authors: Paatsch Louise , Toe Dianne
Published: November 2020

Increasingly, across the globe, deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) students are educated in mainstream schools using spoken language for communication. Classroom interactions require the use of sophisticated pragmatic language skills. Pragmatic skills can be delayed in DHH students and create challenges for the social and emotional adjustment of DHH students at school. School-aged DHH children may present to pediatric health care providers with concerns about communicating effectively and forming friendships with hearing school peers. This review of pragmatic research between school-aged DHH students and their typically hearing peers reveals that this group of students displays some well-developed pragmatic skills such as turn taking, questioning, seeking general clarifications, and using a range of turn types. In it, we identify key areas in which DHH students experience significant challenges in both the social use of language and expository interactions (involving descriptions or explanations) that characterize classroom communication. DHH students tend to dominate interactions and have challenges with being contingent on their partners’ contributions. In addition, many DHH students display some difficulty with sequencing instructions and may use referents poorly, making it difficult for peers to follow their instructions and fully grasp their meaning. The conversation model is presented in this article as a guide for pediatric health care providers, clinicians, educators, and parents and/or caregivers to understand these pragmatic challenges. The model guides medical and education practitioners with the development of targeted intervention that will support these students’ ability to interact with others, learn more effectively, and develop friendships.
Efficiency of shoot regeneration and micropropagation of purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) via internodal longitudinal thin cell layer culture
Authors: Hieu Tran , Tung Hoang Thanh , Nguyen Cao Dang , Nhut Duong Tan
Published: November 2020

The thin cell layer culture technique (TCL) has been used for the effective tissue culture of several dozen plants with commercial importance such as field crops (rice, cereals), horticultural commodities (fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants), medicinal plants and herbs (Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv.), and even forestry trees (Pinus sp.), and woody fruit plants (Citrus spp., apple). In the present, TCL was used to evaluate the efficiency of shoot regeneration and propagation for purple passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.). The internodes were cut longitudinally (lTCL) and was used as an initial material. The results showed that the shoot regeneration rate and number of shoots from internode-lTCL depended on position of internodes (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) and the plant growth regulator (BA and NAA). After 8 weeks of culture, internode-lTCL derived from 3rd internode of P. edulis cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/L BA in combination with 1.0 mg/LNAA gave the highest shoot regeneration rate (83.33%), and number of shoots (3.00 shoots/explant). These shoots were cultured on modified MS (MSM) medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L BA showed higher efficiency of shoot multiplication (3.56 shoots/explant and 6.67 cm height) than the other BA treatments. In addition, the highest rooting rate was 76.67% when cultured on MSM medium containing 2.0 mg/L IBA. The survival rate of plantlets was 83.33% when transferred into greenhouse condition after 10 weeks. The results of this study were the initial success in establishing an effective in vitro regeneration and propagation of Passiflora edulis Sims. through internode-lTCL.
Caffeine improves the developmental competence of parthenogenetic embryos derived from aging porcine oocytes
Authors: Thuy Van Nguyen Thi , Truong Duy Pham , Thuan Nguyen Van , Thuy Bui Hong
Published: November 2020

Oocytes are committed to deterioration in quality as they aged due to a long duration manipulation which leads to the reduced success rate of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Caffeine with an effect to maintain the maturation-promoting factor (MPF) from the metaphase of oocytes is expected to enhance the quality of the aging oocytes. To investigate the timely treatment of caffeine to rescue aging oocytes, caffeine was supplemented after in vitro maturation (IVM) or during metaphase I – metaphase II (MI – MII) transition. First, the effect of caffeine after IVM of oocytes was examined. After IVM for 42 h, oocytes were left for aging within 6 or 8 hours in supplement with various concentrations of caffeine (0, 5 and 10 mM), and  then, examined the quality of embryo from aged oocyte through parthenogenesis activation. We found that 5 mM caffeine for the first 6 hours of aging process was suggested to improve the early development of parthenogenetic diploid embryos. However, the cytoplasmic homogeneity is significantly reduced in aging oocyte compared to fresh oocyte and it could not be improved by caffeine treatment. Next, the effect of caffeine during MI – MII transition of oocyte was examined. Caffeine was supplemented during MI – MII transition (27 – 42 h) of IVM. Then mature oocytes were left for aging within 6 h to examine on aging porcine oocyte quality via parthenogenesis embryos. The results indicated that 5 mM caffeine during MI-MII transition could efficiently rescue aged oocytes and improve the development of embryos derived from aging oocytes to four-cell, eight-cell and blastocyst stage as compared to fresh oocytes. Especially, these aged oocytes treated by caffeine could improve the cytoplasmic homogeneity in embryos and the quality of blastocysts by increasing cell number similar to fresh oocytes.
Physiological and molecular comparative analysis of two contrasting rice varieties under jasmonic acid treatment
Authors: To Huong Thi Mai , T. P. Mai Nga , Anh Ngo Minh , Huyen Nguyen Ngan , Thi Hanh Kieu , Trang Nguyen Thi , Thi Thu Vu Hien , Khanh Tran Dang , Thi Van Le Anh , Hieu Nguyen Trang , Champion Antony
Published: November 2020

Rice is one of the most important crops but its productivity is severely threatened by both biotic and abiotic stresses. Jasmonic acid and its derivatives (referred to JA) are the lipid-based plant hormones that were commonly known as regulators of plant growth, development and defense responses. In this study, we compare the physiological and molecular responses of two rice accessions, G38 (Nep_nuong) and G11 (Tam-tron) to JA treatment. G38 plants under JA treatment experienced a reduction in shoot length, root weight, shoot weight and total plant weight which suggested its sensitiveness to JA, whereas G11 plants showed a less reduction in these traits. The expression levels of 12 JA-related genes were investigated in order to better understand how the JA biosynthesis and responses differ in these two contrasting rice accessions. A significantly higher expression level of a set of genes related to JA biosynthesis, signaling and response in G11 compare to G38 was observed. Furthermore, the inorganic phosphorus starvation (Pi) response was also examined in the two varieties G11 and G38.  In low Pi condition (40 µM), G11 plants showed more roots, longer root length and shoot length, higher weight compared to the G38 plants which suggest that G11 did not suffer much effect of Pi deficiency. This study highlights the differences in JA growth response in 2 contrasting rice genotypes and also suggests the link between JA developmental response and the tolerance to the Pi starvation condition in rice.
Boundaryless Career: Research Perspectives
Authors: Bednarska-Wnuk Izabela
Published: November 2020

Objective: The purpose of the article is to identify and describe the main constructs of a boundaryless career – psychological mobility, a boundaryless mindset, and organisational mobility. In its empirical layer, the aim is to determine the relationship between these constructs and to determine whether they depend on such independent variables as gender and age.Research Design & Methods: The article presents the results of quantitative research, which was conducted among 259 employees by means of a questionnaire.Findings: The respondents are characterised by a well-developed boundaryless mindset and a low level of organisational mobility. Women and men exhibited equal levels for both constructs, while for particular age categories the levels vary. The vast majority of respondents do not wish to pursue careers in only one organisation.Implications / Recommendations: Contemporary employees are characterised by openness and readiness to change, are eager to learn new things, have high expectations regarding their own employability, and are looking for development paths outside their current workplace.Contribution: The research provides important guidance for organisations in the context of employees’ behaviour in the labour market.
Cooperation of Enterprises as a Stimulus for the Development of Creative Capital
Authors: Szara Katarzyna
Published: November 2020

Objective: The article evaluates cooperation in enterprises from the point of view of building creative capital.Research Design & Methods: Research was conducted among companies from Poland’s Podkarpackie Province: 100 entities from the creative sector and 430 entities operating in various sections of the national job-type classification.Findings: There is a need to create mechanisms conducive to establishing and strengthening cooperation in creativity. The survey on cooperation done among respondents in enterprises revealed that their average assessment was of “a medium impact”.Implications / Recommendations: The dimension of cooperation does not differentiate enterprises conducting different economic activities in terms of how they build creative capital.Contribution: the novel aspect of this research was its combination of issues of cooperation and creative capital. Cooperation was accepted as a component of creative capital and assessed according to the author’s formula. The comparative assessment made among creative sector enterprises and other sections of the national job-type classification can be considered as input.
Raportowanie zintegrowane w podmiotach leczniczych w świetle teorii interesariuszy
Authors: Jaskólska Apolonia , Auguścik Adriana , Cygańska Małgorzata
Published: November 2020

Objective: The article identifies the role of integrated reporting in healthcare entities implementing a sustainable development policy in the light of stakeholder theory.Research Design & Methods: The research was based on literature published in Polish as well as English concerning the main stakeholders of healthcare entities – patients, citizens, hospital staff and the government. The use of integrated reporting in selected countries was examined.Findings: The research has shown that reporting determines the relationship between the  organisation’s business model, its strategy, and the independent evaluation of results.Implications / Recommendations: Managers at healthcare entities that have better relationships with stakeholders are more aware and involved in reporting results in order to meet their information needs. Integrated reporting is a key information exchange tool, one that is useful for strengthening relationships with stakeholders, so it is imperative to include all stakeholder groups to obtain the best possible results.Contribution: The article outlines the legitimacy of using integrated reporting, treated as an innovative instrument of communication between the business entity and its stakeholders.