bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgen Deprivation Induces Reprogramming of Prostate Cancer Cells to Stem-Like Cells
Authors: Sánchez Belén G. , Bort Alicia , Vara-Ciruelos Diana , Díaz-Laviada Inés
Published: June 2020

In the past few years, cell plasticity has emerged as a mode of targeted therapy evasion in prostate adenocarcinoma. When exposed to anticancer therapies, tumor cells may switch into a different histological subtype, such as the neuroendocrine phenotype which is associated with treatment failure and a poor prognosis. In this study, we demonstrated that long-term androgen signal depletion of prostate LNCaP cells induced a neuroendocrine phenotype followed by re-differentiation towards a “stem-like” state. LNCaP cells incubated for 30 days in charcoal-stripped medium or with the androgen receptor antagonist 2-hydroxyflutamide developed neuroendocrine morphology and increased the expression of the neuroendocrine markers βIII-tubulin and neuron specific enolase (NSE). When cells were incubated for 90 days in androgen-depleted medium, they grew as floating spheres and had enhanced expression of the stem cell markers CD133, ALDH1A1, and the transporter ABCB1A. Additionally, the pluripotent transcription factors Nanog and Oct4 and the angiogenic factor VEGF were up-regulated while the expression of E-cadherin was inhibited. Cell viability revealed that those cells were resistant to docetaxel and 2-hidroxyflutamide. Mechanistically, androgen depletion induced the decrease in AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) expression and activation and stabilization of the hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1α. Overexpression of AMPK in the stem-like cells decreased the expression of stem markers as well as that of HIF-1α and VEGF while it restored the levels of E-cadherin and PGC-1α. Most importantly, docetaxel sensitivity was restored in stem-like AMPK-transfected cells. Our model provides a new regulatory mechanism of prostate cancer plasticity through AMPK that is worth exploring.
Passivity Preserving Model Order Reduction Using the Reduce Norm Method
Authors: Akram Namra , Alam Mehboob , Hussain Rashida , Ali Asghar , Muhammad Shah , Malik Rahila , Haq Anwar Ul
Published: June 2020

Modeling and design of on-chip interconnect, the interconnection between the components is becoming the fundamental roadblock in achieving high-speed integrated circuits. The scaling of interconnect in nanometer regime had shifted the paradime from device-dominated to interconnect-dominated design methodology. Driven by the expanding complexity of on-chip interconnects, a passivity preserving model order reduction (MOR) is essential for designing and estimating the performance for reliable operation of the integrated circuit. In this work, we developed a new frequency selective reduce norm spectral zero (RNSZ) projection method, which dynamically selects interpolation points using spectral zeros of the system. The proposed reduce-norm scheme can guarantee stability and passivity, while creating the reduced models, which are fairly accurate across selected narrow range of frequencies. The reduced order results indicate preservation of passivity and greater accuracy than the other model order reduction methods.
Transmission Grid Expansion Planning of a High Proportion Renewable Energy Power System Based on Flexibility and Economy
Authors: Chen Zhanpeng , Hu Yan , Tai Nengling , Tang Xiangying , You Guangzeng
Published: June 2020

The large-scale grid connection of renewable energy causes great uncertainty in power system planning and operation. The power system flexibility index can quantify the system’s ability to adjust to uncertain events such as renewable energy, load fluctuations, and faults. Compared with traditional planning methods, the flexibility planning method can accurately evaluate the impact of various uncertain events on the system during the planning process, thus effectively ensuring the safe and economic operation of renewable energy systems. First, from the perspective of power transmission and safe operation, the flexibility index of the transmission line is defined. On this basis, considering the system’s economic operation strategy, aiming at the optimization of flexibility, investment cost, operation cost, and renewable energy consumption, a multi-objective transmission grid planning model based on flexibility and economy is proposed. The NSGAII optimization algorithm is used to solve the model. Finally, the simulation is performed in the modified Garver-6 and IEEE RTS-24 node systems to analyze the effectiveness of the proposed model. The results show that the planning model can meet the needs of flexibility and economy, improve the transmission capacity of power grids, reduce the probability of renewable energy abandonment or exceeding power flow, as well as enhance the flexibility, economy, and reliability of power systems.
District Energy Systems: Challenges and New Tools for Planning and Evaluation
Authors: Wehkamp Steffen , Schmeling Lucas , Vorspel Lena , Roelcke Fabian , Windmeier Kai-Lukas
Published: June 2020

The change from a centralized to a decentralized energy supply creates new challenges in the planning of such energy supply concepts. Specialized planning tools that can cope with the complex requirements and multi-layered boundary conditions of local energy use are therefore needed. Existing methods need to be further developed and optimized to suit the complex stakeholder structures encountered in innovative district projects, as well as for research purposes. This paper presents selected aspects and challenges in the development of an application-oriented planning tool. Using a North German district as a case study, the usability of a Building Information Model as an aggregated data platform is tested in the context of a residential energy district planning process. In addition, the modeling of heating grids using a combination of Geographic Information System and open source thermodynamic tools is presented. Economic valuation methods are examined to determine the extent to which the value of flexibility and access to local flexibility markets can be taken into account. Finally, an approach for evaluating the ecological aspects of the district energy supply is presented, based on the dynamic assessment of imported and exported energy quantities.
Technical Evaluation of a PV-Diesel Hybrid System with Energy Storage: Case Study in the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve, Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Costa Tatiane Silva , Villalva Marcelo Gradella
Published: June 2020

In 2018 the number of people without access to electricity dropped to less than 1 billion. However, the difficulty of serving these people became higher, as the locations are in the most remote areas of the world. Brazil, for example, needs to bring electricity to around 1 million people who, in the vast majority, live within the Amazon region. In this way, hybrid energy systems (HESs) count as an attractive alternative for power generation, especially in remote areas. Therefore, this article analyzes a case study of a hybrid photovoltaic-diesel system installed in the Tapajós-Arapiuns Extractive Reserve in the Brazilian Amazon region. The studied plant is composed of a photovoltaic (PV) system, a lead-acid electrochemical battery bank, a diesel generator, and electro-electronic loads with highly variable demand throughout the year. The HOMER PRO software is used as the simulation tool. The results show that the load following dispatch strategy is the best option, with 85.6% of the load demand being supplied by PV energy and only 14.4% by the diesel generator set. As a result, the system is technically feasible to be replicated as a reliable energy source in other areas of the reserve to supply schools, public health places, and other community services.
Diagnosis of Blade Icing Using Multiple Intelligent Algorithms
Authors: Yang Xiyun , Ye Tianze , Wang Qile , Tao Zhun
Published: June 2020

The icing problem of wind turbine blades in northern China has a serious impact on the normal and safe operation of the unit. In order to effectively predict the icing conditions of wind turbine blades, a deep fully connected neural network optimized by machine learning (ML) algorithms based on big data from the wind farm is proposed to diagnose the icing conditions of wind turbine blades. This study first uses the random forest model to reduce the features of the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) data that affect blade icing, and then uses the K-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithm to enhance the active power feature. The features after the random forest reduction and the active power mean square error (MSE) feature enhanced by the KNN algorithm are combined and used as the input of the fully connected neural network (FCNN) to perform and an empirical analysis for the diagnosis of blade icing. The simulation results show that the proposed model has better diagnostic accuracy than the ordinary back propagation (BP) neural network and other methods.
Mechanical and Thermal Performance Characterisation of Compressed Earth Blocks
Authors: Teixeira Elisabete R. , Machado Gilberto , P. Junior Adilson de , Guarnier Christiane , Fernandes Jorge , Silva Sandra M. , Mateus Ricardo
Published: June 2020

The present research is focused on an experimental investigation to evaluate the mechanical, durability, and thermal performance of compressed earth blocks (CEBs) produced in Portugal. CEBs were analysed in terms of electrical resistivity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, total water absorption, water absorption by capillarity, accelerated erosion test, and thermal transmittance evaluated in a guarded hotbox setup apparatus. Overall, the results showed that compressed earth blocks presented good mechanical and durability properties. Still, they had some issues in terms of porosity due to the particle size distribution of soil used for their production. The compressive strength value obtained was 9 MPa, which is considerably higher than the minimum requirements for compressed earth blocks. Moreover, they presented a heat transfer coefficient of 2.66 W/(m2·K). This heat transfer coefficient means that this type of masonry unit cannot be used in the building envelope without an additional thermal insulation layer but shows that they are suitable to be used in partition walls. Although CEBs have promising characteristics when compared to conventional bricks, results also showed that their proprieties could even be improved if optimisation of the soil mixture is implemented.
Earth Observation and Artificial Intelligence for Improving Safety to Navigation in Canada Low-Impact Shipping Corridors
Authors: Chénier René , Sagram Mesha , Omari Khalid , Jirovec Adam
Published: June 2020

In 2014, through the World-Class Tanker Safety System (WCTSS) initiative, the Government of Canada launched the Northern Marine Transportation Corridors (NMTC) concept. The corridors were created as a strategic framework to guide Federal investments in marine transportation in the Arctic. With new government investment, under the Oceans Protection Plan (OPP), the corridors initiative, known as the Northern Low-Impact Shipping Corridors, will continue to be developed. Since 2016, the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS) has been using the corridors as a key layer in a geographic information system (GIS) model known as the CHS Priority Planning Tool (CPPT). The CPPT helps CHS prioritize its survey and charting efforts in Canada’s key traffic areas. Even with these latest efforts, important gaps in the surveys still need to be filled in order to cover the Canadian waterways. To help further develop the safety to navigation and improve survey mission planning, CHS has also been exploring new technologies within remote sensing. Under the Government Related Initiatives Program (GRIP) of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), CHS has been investigating the potential use of Earth observation (EO) data to identify potential hazards to navigation that are not currently charted on CHS products. Through visual interpretation of satellite imagery, and automatic detection using artificial intelligence (AI), CHS identified several potential hazards to navigation that had previously gone uncharted. As a result, five notices to mariners (NTMs) were issued and the corresponding updates were applied to the charts. In this study, two AI approaches are explored using deep learning and machine learning techniques: the convolution neural network (CNN) and random forest (RF) classification. The study investigates the effectiveness of the two models in identifying shoals in Sentinel-2 and WorldView-2 satellite imagery. The results show that both CNN and RF models can detect shoals with accuracies ranging between 79 and 94% over two study sites; however, WorldView-2 images deliver results with higher accuracy and lower omission errors. The high processing times of using high-resolution imagery and training a deep learning model may not be necessary in order to quickly scan images for shoals; but training a CNN model with a large training set may lead to faster processing times without the need to train individual images.
High Preoperative Serum Syndecan-1, a Marker of Endothelial Glycocalyx Degradation, and Severe Acute Kidney Injury after Valvular Heart Surgery
Authors: Kim Hye-Bin , Soh Sarah , Kwak Young-Lan , Bae Jae Chan , Kang Sang Hwa , Song Jong Wook
Published: June 2020

Degradation of endothelial glycocalyx (EG) is associated with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which may contribute to the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). We investigated the association between a marker of EG degradation and AKI after valvular heart surgery. Serum syndecan-1 concentrations were measured at induction of anesthesia and discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass in 250 patients. Severe AKI was defined as Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes Criteria Stage 2 or 3. Severe AKI occurred in 13 patients (5%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis of preoperative syndecan-1 to predict severe AKI showed area under curve of 0.714 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.575–0.853; p = 0.009). The optimal cut-off value was 90 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 61.5% and specificity of 78.5%. In multivariable analysis, both preoperative syndecan-1 ≥ 90 ng/mL and Cleveland Clinic Foundation score independently predicted severe AKI. Severe tricuspid regurgitation was more frequent (42.4% vs. 17.8%, p < 0.001), and baseline right ventricular systolic pressure (41 (33–51) mmHg vs. 33 (27–43) mmHg, p = 0.001) and TNF-α (1.85 (1.37–2.43) pg/mL vs. 1.45 (1.14–1.92) pg/mL, p <0.001) were higher in patients with high preoperative syndecan-1. Patients with high preoperative syndecan-1 had longer hospital stay (16 (12–24) days vs. 13 (11–17) days, p = 0.001). In conclusion, a high preoperative syndecan-1 concentration greater than 90 ng/mL was able to predict severe AKI after valvular heart surgery and was associated with prolonged hospitalization.
Influence of Heat Input on the Formation of Laves Phases and Hot Cracking in Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) Additive Manufacturing of Inconel 718
Authors: Artaza Teresa , Bhujangrao Trunal , Suárez Alfredo , Veiga Fernando , Lamikiz Aitzol
Published: June 2020

Nickel-based alloys have had extensive immersion in the manufacturing world in recent decades, especially in high added value sectors such as the aeronautical sector. Inconel 718 is the most widespread in terms of implantation. Therefore, the interest in adapting the manufacture of this material to additive manufacturing technologies is a significant objective within the scientific community. Among these technologies for the manufacture of parts by material deposition, plasma arc welding (PAW) has advantages derived from its simplicity for automation and integration on the work floor with high deposition ratios. These characteristics make it very economically appetizing. However, given the tendency of this material to form precipitates in its microstructure, its manufacturing by additive methods is very challenging. In this article, three deposition conditions are analyzed in which the energy and deposition ratio used are varied, and two cooling strategies are studied. The interpass cooling strategy (ICS) in which a fixed time is expected between passes and controlled overlay strategy (COS) in which the temperature at which the next welding pass starts is controlled. This COS strategy turns out to be advantageous from the point of view of the manufacturing time, but the deposition conditions must be correctly defined to avoid the formation of Laves phases and hot cracking in the final workpiece.
Feasibility of Mass-Spectrometry to Lower Cost and Blood Volume Requirements for Assessment of B Vitamins in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Armah Seth , Ferruzzi Mario G. , Gletsu-Miller Nana
Published: June 2020

Bariatric surgery induces deficiencies in a combination of B vitamins. However, high costs and a large blood volume requirement are barriers to routine screening. We adapted and validated a method coupling tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to facilitate cost-effective analysis for simultaneous detection of B vitamins in low volumes of plasma. Based on existing methods, pooled plasma was extracted using hexane and acetonitrile and seven B vitamin analytes were separated using HPLC. Detection was performed with an Agilent 6460 triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS) using electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode. We evaluated linearity, recovery, precision, and limit of detection, as well as costs of the assay. We evaluated seven B vitamins from plasma; five (riboflavin, nicotinamide, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, and biotin) were detected and quantified with precision and linearity. Recovery ranged from 63 to 81% for each of the vitamins, except for nicotinamide—the recovery of which was suppressed to 40%, due to plasma matrix effects. We demonstrated the feasibility of the HPLC–MS/MS method for use in patients who undergo bariatric surgery by analyzing pooled plasma from patients with a lower cost and blood volume than had we sent the samples to a commercial laboratory. It is advantageous and feasible, in terms of low cost and blood volume requirement, to simultaneously measure plasma concentrations of B vitamins using HPLC–MS/MS. With further improvements, the method may enable personalized nutritional assessment for the nutritionally compromised, bariatric surgery population.
Tectonic Setting of the Eastern Margin of the Sino-Korean Block in the Pennsylvanian: Constraints from Detrital Zircon Ages
Authors: Kim Mun Gi , Lee Yong Il , Choi Taejin
Published: June 2020

To test the previous hypothesis that upper Paleozoic sediments in the eastern Sino-Korean Block were mostly derived from the paleo-orogen located to the east, we compared published and new U–Pb age data of detrital zircons from Pennsylvanian strata distributed in the Sino-Korean Block (SKB). The age distributions of detrital zircons from different localities of Pennsylvanian strata in North China reflect varying contributions from the Inner Mongolia Paleo-uplift in the north and the Central China Orogenic Belt in the south. The supply of detritus from the northern source to distant areas, however, appears to have been limited during the Pennsylvanian times. The age distributions of detrital zircons from Korean Pennsylvanian strata located in the east of the SKB are characterized by a dense cluster of 1.84–1.90 Ga and differ from those of North China. The Korean age characteristic is best explained by strong influences of the detritus derived from the Paleoproterozoic Yeongnam Massif in southeastern Korea. Along with the significant number of zircons that record syn- to near-depositional magmatic activities, this observation supports the hypothesis of the existence of an active continental margin setting in the east of the SKB.
Rutamarin: Efficient Liquid–Liquid Chromatographic Isolation from Ruta graveolens L. and Evaluation of Its In Vitro and In Silico MAO-B Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Kozioł Ewelina , Luca Simon Vlad , Ağalar Hale Gamze , Sağlık Begüm Nurpelin , Demirci Fatih , Marcourt Laurence , Wolfender Jean-Luc , Jóźwiak Krzysztof , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna
Published: June 2020

Naturally occurring coumarins are a group of compounds with many documented central nervous system (CNS) activities. However, dihydrofuranocoumarins have been infrequently investigated for their bioactivities at CNS level. Within the frame of this study, an efficient liquid–liquid chromatography method was developed to rapidly isolate rutamarin from Ruta graveolens L. (Rutaceae) dichloromethane extract (DCM). The crude DCM (9.78 mg/mL) and rutamarin (6.17 M) were found to be effective inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase B (hMAO-B) with inhibition percentages of 89.98% and 95.26%, respectively. The inhibitory activity against human monoamine oxidase A (hMAO-A) for the DCM extract was almost the same (88.22%). However, for rutamarin, it significantly dropped to 25.15%. To examine the molecular interaction of rutamarin with hMAO- B, an in silico evaluation was implemented. A docking study was performed for the two enantiomers (R)-rutamarin and (S)-rutamarin. The (S)-rutamarin was found to bind stronger to the hMAO-B binging cavity.
Sorbitol as a Polar Pharmacological Modifier to Enhance the Hydrophilicity of 99mTc-Tricarbonyl-Based Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Giammei Carolina , Balber Theresa , Benčurová Katarina , Cardinale Jens , Berroterán-Infante Neydher , Brandt Marie , Jouini Nedra , Hacker Marcus , Mitterhauser Markus , Mindt Thomas L.
Published: June 2020

The organometallic technetium-99m tricarbonyl core, [99mTc][Tc(CO)3(H2O)3]+, is a versatile precursor for the development of radiotracers for single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). A drawback of the 99mTc-tricarbonyl core is its lipophilicity, which can influence the pharmacokinetic properties of the SPECT imaging probe. Addition of polar pharmacological modifiers to 99mTc-tricarbonyl conjugates holds the promise to counteract this effect and provide tumor-targeting radiopharmaceuticals with improved hydrophilicities, e.g., resulting in a favorable fast renal excretion in vivo. We applied the “Click-to-Chelate” strategy for the assembly of a novel 99mTc-tricarbonyl labeled conjugate made of the tumor-targeting, modified bombesin binding sequence [Nle14]BBN(7–14) and the carbohydrate sorbitol as a polar modifier. The 99mTc-radiopeptide was evaluated in vitro with PC-3 cells and in Fox-1nu mice bearing PC-3 xenografts including a direct comparison with a reference conjugate lacking the sorbitol moiety. The glycated 99mTc-tricarbonyl peptide conjugate exhibited an increased hydrophilicity as well as a retained affinity toward the Gastrin releasing peptide receptor and cell internalization properties. However, there was no significant difference in vivo in terms of pharmacokinetic properties. In particular, the rate and route of excretion was unaltered in comparison to the more lipophilic reference compound. This could be attributed to the intrinsic properties of the peptide and/or its metabolites. We report a novel glycated (sorbitol-containing) alkyne substrate for the “Click-to-Chelate” methodology, which is potentially of general applicability for the development of 99mTc-tricarbonyl based radiotracers displaying an enhanced hydrophilicity.
Relaxant Effect of Monoterpene (−)-Carveol on Isolated Human Umbilical Cord Arteries and the Involvement of Ion Channels
Authors: Evaristo Rodrigues da Silva Renata , de Alencar Silva Andressa , Pereira-de-Morais Luís , de Sousa Almeida Nayane , Iriti Marcello , Kerntopf Marta Regina , Menezes Irwin Rose Alencar de , Coutinho Henrique Douglas Melo , Barbosa Roseli
Published: June 2020

Carveol is a monoterpene present in the structure of many plant products. It has a variety of biological activities: antioxidant, anticancer and vasorelaxation. However, studies investigating the effect of monoterpenoids on human vessels have not yet been described. Thus, the present study aimed to characterize the effect of (−)-carveol on human umbilical arteries (HUAs). HUA ring preparations were isolated and subjected to isometric tension recordings of umbilical artery smooth muscle contractions. (−)-Carveol exhibited a significant vasorelaxant effect on KCl and 5-HT-induced contractions, obtaining EC50 values of 344.25 ± 8.4 and 175.82 ± 4.05 µM, respectively. The participation of calcium channels in the relaxation produced by (−)-carveol was analyzed using vessels pre-incubated with (−)-carveol (2000 µM) in a calcium-free medium, where the induction of contractions was abolished. The vasorelaxant effect of (−)-carveol on HUAs was reduced by tetraethylammonium (TEA), which increased the (−)-carveol EC50 to 484.87 ± 6.55 µM. The present study revealed that (−)-carveol possesses a vasorelaxant activity in HUAs, which was dependent on the opening of calcium and potassium channels. These results pave the way for further studies involving the use of monoterpenoids for the vasodilatation of HUAs. These molecules have the potential to treat diseases such as pre-eclampsia, which is characterized by resistance in umbilical arteries.
Rapid Mass Spectrometric Study of a Supercritical CO2-extract from Woody Liana Schisandra chinensis by HPLC-SPD-ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Razgonova Mayya , Zakharenko Alexander , Pikula Konstantin , Kim Ekaterina , Chernyshev Valery , Ercisli Sezai , Cravotto Giancarlo , Golokhvast Kirill
Published: June 2020

Woody liana Schisandra chinensis contains valuable lignans, which are phenylpropanoids with valuable biological activity. Among green and selective extraction methods, supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) was shown to be the method of choice for the recovery of these naturally occurring compounds. Carbon dioxide (CO2) was the solvent with the flow rate (10−25 g/min) with 2% ethanol as co-solvent. In this piece of work operative parameters and working conditions were optimized by experimenting with different pressures (200–400 bars) and temperatures (40–60 °C). The extraction time varied from 60 to 120 min. HPLC-SPD-ESI -MS/MS techniques were applied to detect target analytes. Twenty-six different lignans were identified in the S. chinensis SC-CO2 extracts.
Biological Activity of Quaternary Ammonium Salts and Their Derivatives
Authors: Kwaśniewska Dobrawa , Chen Ying-Lien , Wieczorek Daria
Published: June 2020

Besides their positive role, microorganisms are related to a number of undesirable effects, including many diseases, biodeterioration and food spoilage, so when their presence is undesired, they must be controlled. Numerous biocides limiting the development of microorganisms have been proposed, however, in this paper the biocidal and inhibitory activity of quaternary ammonium salts (QASs) and their zwitterionic derivatives is addressed. This paper presents the current state of knowledge about the biocidal activity of QAS and their derivatives. Moreover, the known mechanisms of antimicrobial activity and the problem of emerging resistance to QAS are discussed. The latest trends in the study of surfactants and their potential use are also presented.
Identification of Immunogenic Antigens of Naegleria fowleri Adjuvanted by Cholera Toxin
Authors: Rojas-Hernández Saúl , Gutiérrez-Sánchez Mara , Rojas-Ortega Diego Alexander , Bonilla-Lemus Patricia , Contis-Montes de Oca Arturo , Herrera-Díaz Jorge , López-Reyes Israel , Carrasco-Yépez María Maricela
Published: June 2020

The intranasal administration of Naegleria fowleri lysates plus cholera toxin (CT) increases protection against N. fowleri meningoencephalitis in mice, suggesting that humoral immune response mediated by antibodies is crucial to induce protection against the infection. In the present study, we applied a protein analysis to detect and identify immunogenic antigens from N. fowleri, which might be responsible for such protection. A Western blot assay of N. fowleri polypeptides was performed using the serum and nasal washes from mice immunized with N. fowleri lysates, either alone or with CT after one, two, three, or four weekly immunizations and challenged with trophozoites of N. fowleri. Immunized mice with N. fowleri plus CT, after four doses, had the highest survival rate (100%). Nasal or sera IgA and IgG antibody response was progressively stronger as the number of immunizations was increased, and that response was mainly directed to 250, 100, 70, 50, 37, and 19 kDa polypeptide bands, especially in the third and fourth immunization. Peptides present in these immunogenic bands were matched by nano-LC–ESI-MSMS with different proteins, which could serve as candidates for a vaccine against N. fowleri infection.
Preparing Pharmacists to Care for Patients Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Barnard Marie , White Aaron , Bouldin Alicia
Published: June 2020

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious, highly prevalent public health problem associated with poor health outcomes, negative impacts on medication behavior, and increased health care utilization and costs. Pharmacists, the most accessible health care providers, are the only provider group not required to be trained on this topic. Training can prepare pharmacists to safely and appropriately care for patients experiencing IPV. This project evaluated a pharmacy-specific continuing professional development module on IPV utilizing a quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study design. Practicing community pharmacists were recruited from a market research panel to complete the online module. A novel method for managing IPV disclosures, the Care, Assess for safety, Refer, and Document (CARD) method, was included in the training. A total of 36 pharmacists completed the study, including a three-month follow-up assessment. Participants reported increased perceived preparedness and knowledge, workplace and self-efficacy, staff preparation, and legal requirements, but not actual knowledge. Practice changes, including identification of legal reporting requirements (19.4%) and development of protocols for managing IPV disclosures (13.9%), were reported at follow-up. This is the first examination of an educational module on the topic of IPV for pharmacists and it positively impacted pharmacists’ preparedness and practice behaviors related to IPV over an extended follow-up period.
Analysis of the Selection Impact of 2D Detectors on the Accuracy of Image-Based TLS Data Registration of Objects of Cultural Heritage and Interiors of Public Utilities
Authors: Markiewicz Jakub , Zawieska Dorota
Published: June 2020

The aim of this article is to present the influence of detector selection for the image-based Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) registration method. The presented results are the extended continuation of investigations presented in the article, ‘The Influence of the Cartographic Transformation of TLS Data on the Quality of the Automatic Registration’. In order to obtain the correct results of the TLS registration process, it is necessary to detect and match the correct tie points, which are evenly distributed across the entire area. Commonly, for TLS data registration manually or semi-manually corresponding points are detected. However, when large, complicated cultural heritage objects are investigated, it is sometimes impossible to place marked control points. The only possibility of resolving this problem is the use of image-based TLS data registration. One of the most important factors that influences the quality and ability to use it correctly, is accurate selection. For this purpose, the authors decided to test three blob detectors ASIFT, SURF, CenSurE, and two point detectors FAST and BRISK. The results indicated that selection depends on two factors: if the time required for data processing is not important, the ASIFT algorithm should be used, which allows for full registration, but if not, a combination of other algorithms with results supervision should be considered.
A Smartphone Integrated Hand-Held Gap and Flush Measurement System for in Line Quality Control of Car Body Assembly
Authors: Minnetti Elisa , Chiariotti Paolo , Paone Nicola , Garcia Gisela , Vicente Helder , Violini Luca , Castellini Paolo
Published: June 2020

This paper presents the design and the characterization of a portable laser triangulation measurement system for measuring gap and flush in the car body assembly process. Targeting Human in the Loop (HILT) operations in the manufacturing sector, and in line with the vision of human empowerment with Industry 4.0 technologies, the instrument embeds features to ease operators’ activity and compensate possible misuse that could affect the robustness and the quality of data acquired. The device is based on a smartphone integrated with a miniaturized laser triangulation system installed in a cover. The device embodies additional sensors and control systems in order to guarantee operators’ safety (switching on and off the laser line based on specific conditions), support operators during the measurement execution task, and optimize the image acquisition process for minimizing the uncertainty associated to the measurement. The smartphone performs on-board processing and allows Wi-Fi communication with the plant IT infrastructure. Compliance to Industry 4.0 requirements is guaranteed using OPC-UA (Open Platform Communications—Unified Architecture) communication protocol enabling the exchange of live data with the plant middleware. The smartphone provides also an advanced high-resolution color display and well proven and ergonomic human–machine interfaces, which have been fully exploited in the design. The paper introduces the system optical layout and then presents the algorithms implemented to realize the gap and flush measurement. The paper finally presents the calibration of the instrument and estimates its calibration uncertainty in laboratory conditions. Then it discusses how performance decays when the operator handles the instrument on a reference car body. Finally, it shows the analysis of uncertainty when the device is used on real car bodies of different colors in a production line. It is observed that the measurement uncertainty of the whole measurement chain (measurand + instrument + operator + uncontrolled environmental conditions) is larger than the instrument calibration uncertainty because the measurement process is affected by the operator and the variable conditions of the production line.
Production, Replenishment and Inventory Policies for Perishable Products in a Two-Echelon Distribution Network
Authors: Wei Mingyuan , Guan Hao , Liu Yunhan , Gao Benhe , Zhang Canrong
Published: June 2020

The research on production, delivery and inventory strategies for perishable products in a two-echelon distribution network integrates the production routing problem (PRP) and two-echelon vehicle routing problem (2E-VRP), which mainly considers the inventory and delivery sustainability of perishable products. The problem investigated in this study is an extension of the basic problems, and it simultaneously optimizes production, replenishment, inventory, and routing decisions for perishable products that will deteriorate over the planning horizon. Additionally, the lead time has been considered in the replenishment echelon, and the unit inventory cost varying with the inventory time is considered in the inventory management. Based on a newly designed model, different inventory strategies are discussed in this study: old first (OF) and fresh first (FF) strategies both for the first echelon and second echelon, for which four propositions to model them are proposed. Then, four valid inequalities, including logical inequalities, a ( ℓ , S , W W ) inequality, and a replenishment-related inequality, are proposed to construct a branch-and-cut algorithm. The computational experiments are conducted to test the efficiency of valid inequalities, branch-and-cut, and policies. Experimental results show that the valid inequalities can effectively increase the relaxed lower bound by 4.80% on average and the branch-and-cut algorithm can significantly reduce the computational time by 58.18% on average when compared to CPLEX in small and medium-sized cases. For the selection of strategy combinations, OF–FF is suggested to be used in priority.
Rotifers in Heated Konin Lakes—A Review of Long-Term Observations
Authors: Ejsmont-Karabin Jolanta , Hutorowicz Andrzej , Kapusta Andrzej , Stawecki Konrad , Tunowski Jacek , Zdanowski Bogusław
Published: June 2020

The Konin lakes, heated by power stations and invaded by alien organisms, are a natural laboratory in which we can study the impact of climate change on the native communities of aquatic organisms. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of water heating and the occupation of the littoral zone of the lake by invasive species Vallisneria spiralis on changes in the species structure of rotifer communities of plankton, epiphyton and psammon. The archival material was used from the years: 1970–1975, 1978 and 1983, and compared with the results of studies conducted in Licheń and Ślesin Lakes in the years 2010–2011 and 2017–2018. It has been shown that the heating of waters of the studied lakes, combined with the shortening of their retention time, as well as the invasions of alien species, have caused significant changes in the taxonomic and trophic structure of plankton rotifers. In inhabiting Vallisneria bed epiphytic rotifer communities, the share of alien species did not increase, but relatively high densities of uncommon sessile species still persist. Psammon communities in the lakes are dominated by monogonont species relatively common in this habitat in nonheated lakes, but they are nearly devoid of bdelloids, which are abundant in psammon of Masurian lakes.
Comparative study of combined subgingival plaque removal techniques
Authors: Orekhova L. Yu. , Prokhorova O. V. , Shalamai L. I. , Rachina D. V. , Burenkova N. E.
Published: June 2020

Relevance. Various techniques and tools are used while conducting professional oral hygiene in patients with inflammatory periodontal diseases. It is needed to combine them to achieve the best clinical result. However, the question of optimum combinations requires further study.

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to conduct a comparative analysis of combined methods for removing subgingival dental deposits to determine the best combinations of tools for clinical practice.

Materials and methods. 42 teeth with subgingival dental deposits were selected for the study. Jaw models have been created to simulate work in the oral cavity. The surfaces of the roots of the teeth were divided into 7 experimental groups, in each of which the treatment was carried out by a certain combination of tools.

Results. The resulted teeth root areas were estimated using methods of measuring cleanliness and smoothness. Time, which was spent on each surface using the studied tool combinations, was also monitored.

Conclusions. The results of the study help to evaluate the combinations of different methods for removing subgingival dental deposits.
Avaliação da aplicabilidade da Educação Ambiental crítica nas principais trilhas da Serra de Aratanha em Pacatuba (CE)
Authors: Brito Jefferson , Paiva Gheysa Mara Carneiro
Published: June 2020

A Educação Ambiental Crítica - EAC questiona a relação serviçal da natureza em relação ao homem. O município de Pacatuba/CE apresenta grande potencial turístico, sendo as trilhas ecológicas um dos principais atrativos. Foi avaliado, a partir de sete questionários aplicados à guias/condutores e visita em campo, como as trilhas ecológicas são utilizadas para EAC. Como resultado foi identificado que as trilhas apresentam um caráter cênico, com alto grau de dificuldade de uso, em detrimento a viabilidade de uso na EAC. Os guias possuem limitada formação teórica e reduzida capacidade de delinear uma visão crítica dos elementos naturais de forma a alterar a cultura dos usuários.
Do caminho das pedras à busca de um trabalho coletivo: formação de educadores ambientais na educação básica
Authors: Alberto Henrique Manoel Ramos , Vargas Icléia Albuquerque de
Published: June 2020

O artigo apresenta uma pesquisa desenvolvida junto ao Programa de Pós-graduação em Ensino de Ciências (UFMS), com foco na formação continuada para educadores ambientais de uma escola da rede pública estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul. O objetivo foi proporcionar aos professores condições para melhor compreensão da Educação Ambiental como instrumento de transformação socioambiental por meio do desenvolvimento de atitudes conscientes diante das realidades locais. Dentro da modalidade qualitativa, optamos pela pesquisa colaborativa. Os resultados foram constatados por meio do envolvimento da comunidade escolar, bem como pela revisão de atitudes que enriqueceram a prática pedagógica.
Educação Ambiental como instrumento de efetividade para o Direito Ambiental
Authors: Almeida Valdiney Ferreira de , Rodrigues Artemizia Sabino , Simão Maria Olívia de Albuquerque Ribeiro
Published: June 2020

O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar o Direito Ambiental com foco na Educação Ambiental. A Educação Ambiental é um processo importante para a formação da consciência dos indivíduos sobre a necessidade do uso adequado dos recursos naturais, da geração de resíduos e seu descarte, assim como diminuir o consumo. O direito ao meio ambiente, a definição, o regime jurídico, os princípios, objetivos da Política Nacional do Meio Ambiente e a Política Nacional de Educação Ambiental, são os mais destacados fundamentos do Direito Ambiental. Nesse sentido, o estudo estampa seus princípios, assim como a legislação por meio de regulamentos e normas que embasam a preservação do meio ambiente e dá amparo aos movimentos que abordam a Educação Ambiental. Trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa, cuja abordagem fundamentou-se na revisão bibliográfica e documental. Como resultado, foi possível liar os princípios do direito constitucional ao direito ambiental e a Educação Ambiental, assim como sua representação social e de efetividade que a norma exerce na transformação cidadã e nas instituições.
Açude Grande de Cajazeiras (PB): um insustentável exemplo de descuido com a água no semiárido brasileiro
Authors: Souza Júnior Teobaldo Gabriel de , Meireles Ana Célia Maia , Oliveira Carlos Wagner , Santos Yannice Tatiane da Costa , Roque Rafaella de Lima
Published: June 2020

O presente artigo evoca, exemplificada através do caso do Açude Grande, discussão a respeito da água, enfatizando a importância e o descuido da sociedade com este essencial elemento em áreas de clima semiárido. O embasamento teórico da investigação foi calcado em fontes históricas, documentais, bibliográficas, além de aplicações de entrevistas semiestruturadas e análises de amostras da água. Seu objetivo geral foi evidenciar qual o grau de importância dado ao reservatório por parte dos indivíduos residentes, trabalhadores ou frequentadores das suas margens e estabelecer qual o seu grau de trofia aplicando-se o IETSA. Como conclusão, apurou-se que o lago está eutrofizado e que, embora as pessoas reconheçam a importância do manancial para a cidade de Cajazeiras-PB, poucos conhecem sua história, seu atual estágio de degradação ou mesmo se sentem responsáveis o suficiente para agirem em prol da sua revitalização.
Educação Ambiental e desenvolvimento sustentável na formação em Ciências Contábeis
Authors: Moreira Josicleide de Amorim Pereira , Melo Alison Ítalo de Souza , Carvalho Esdras dos Santos , Guerra Maria das Graças Gonçalves Vieira , Menezes Júnior Raimundo Aprígio
Published: June 2020

Este trabalho verificou se o curso de Ciências Contábeis de uma universidade federal do sertão alagoano propicia a Educação Ambiental com vistas ao desenvolvimento sustentável.  Para tanto, adotou-se a pesquisa descritiva, com método quantitativo para a abordagem do problema, tendo sido aplicado um questionário junto aos formandos para a coleta de dados. Os resultados obtidos apontam que o curso pesquisado não propicia a Educação Ambiental de forma transversal e que, em sua maior parte, os discentes que tiveram acesso às temáticas sobre questões ambientais e do desenvolvimento sustentável foram aqueles que cursaram a disciplina Contabilidade Ambiental, intuindo-se que ela contempla a temática socioambiental.
Práticas de Educação Ambiental na microrregião de Parauapebas (PA)
Authors: Marinho Aline Carla dos Santos Moraes , Bichara Cléa Nazaré Carneiro , Pontes Altem Nascimento
Published: June 2020

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo fazer um estudo sobre execução de aulas de campo como ferramenta de Educação Ambiental visando a aplicabilidade de conceitos e estudos teóricos acerca da temática ambiental. O estudo ocorreu em Parauapebas e Curionópolis, no estado do Pará, onde estudantes do Ensino Médio puderam participar de aulas de campo percorrendo o rio Jacarezinho, trilhas da Floresta Nacional de Carajás e do Parque Nacional dos Campos Ferruginosos. Atividades teóricas e as aulas de campo, permitiram aos estudantes maior domínio de conteúdo a partir dos temas trabalhados previamente e estes realizaram, como culminância das atividades, uma exposição fotográfica demonstrando um olhar para suas realidades e aplicando a interdisciplinaridade em busca da sustentabilidade.
Elogio da escola
Authors: Silveira Cristiane Fatima
Published: June 2020

Elogio da escola
A formação da criança leitora por meio dos gêneros do discurso: questões metodológicas
Authors: Ferreira Edith Maria Batista , Correia Joelma Reis
Published: June 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo discutir a necessidade do ensino do ato de ler ser desenvolvido no espaço da sala de aula com base nos gêneros do discurso, tendo como parâmetro os seus aspectos vitais. Aborda os gêneros do discurso como lócus de manifestação da linguagem, por se originar nas esferas ou campos da atividade humana. Analisa situações vivenciadas em sala de aula que afastam ou aproximam da leitura a criança dos anos iniciais. Conclui que durante a aprendizagem da leitura as crianças precisam ser ensinadas pela porta dos gêneros do discurso para que possam compreender o sentido do ato cultural para responder às suas necessidades na vida.
Analisis Rasio Perbandingan Laporan Keuangan pada PT Unilever Tahun 2017 dan 2018
Authors: Fitriyani Yuli , Hikmah Nur
Published: June 2020

Penelitian ini untuk menganalisis tingkat rasio laporan keuangan pada perusahaan PT Unilever Tbk, dengan menggunakan metode analisis rasio, yang mana digunakan untuk membandingkan resiko dan tingkat imbal hasil dari berbagai perusahaan untuk membantu investor dan kreditor membuat keputusan investasi dan kredit yang baik. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode analisis rasio dimana menghitung setiap komponen rasio likuiditas, rasio rentabilitas dan rasio solvabilitas dari analisis rasio tersebut. Dari hasil penelitian ini bahwa kinerja laporan keuangan dari perusahaan PT Unilever Tbk, sangat baik sehingga dapat menarik para investor untuk menanamkan saham.

Kata kunci: PT Unilever Tbk, Analsis Rasio, Rasio Likuiditas, Analisis Solvabilitas, Analisis Rendabilitas.
İnciller: Hristiyanlık Neden ve Nasıl Ortaya Çıktı?
Authors: ÇEKEN Muhittin
Published: June 2020

Hıristiyanlık, taraftar sayısı itibariyle günümüzde dünyanın en büyük dinidir. Bu din, I. yüzyılda o dönemin en muktedir siyasi gücü olan Roma İmparatorluğu’nda ortaya çıkmıştır; zamanla imparatorluğun din anlayışını teşkil eden pagan karakterli geleneksel kült inançlarına üstünlük sağlayarak ülkenin resmi dinine dönüşmüştür. Bu gelişme, Hıristiyanlığı imparatorluğun temel dinamiklerinden biri yaptığı gibi, ona geniş coğrafyalarda yayılma imkânı da bahşetmiştir. Bununla beraber imparatorluk yönetimi, IV. yüzyıldan itibaren, Hıristiyanlığın kadim teoloji tartışmalarına müdahil de olmuştur. Bu olgu, Hıristiyanlığın kurumsallaştırılması ve ülkenin yönetim sistemiyle eklemlenmesi adına yürütülen politikalarda, örneğin bu bağlamda toplanan konsillerde belirginleşmektedir.