bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystal chemistry and microfeatures of gadolinite imprinted by pegmatite formation and alteration evolution
Authors: Tomašić Nenad , Škoda Radek , Bermanec Vladimir , Šoufek Marin
Published: April 2020

Gadolinite [REE2Fe2+Be2Si2O10] is a common mineral in certain types of rare element and rare earth element (REL-REE) pegmatites. Changes in pegmatite environment during and after gadolinite formation may be devised by studying its crystal-chemical properties and a thorough observation of microfeatures in the mineral matrix. Post-crystallization processes in pegmatite might trigger alteration mechanisms in gadolinite like in other REE-rich pegmatite minerals, whereby various late-magmatic or metasomatic events may aﬀect mineral chemistry. Three gadolinite samples originating from various pegmatite occurrences in southern Norway oﬀer an excellent opportunity in studying post-crystallization evolution of the pegmatites; by determining their crystallographic, chemical, and micro-textural features, imprints of the related processes in the pegmatites have been characterized in this study. Relevant mineral information was collected in recrystallization experiments of fully or slightly metamictized gadolinite samples and subsequent XRD analyses. Micro-Raman spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis (EMPA), and scanning electron microscope–backscattered electron–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-BSE-EDS) analyses were employed to retrieve micro-chemical properties and related micro-textural features of the mineral matrix. With a reference to the gadolinite supergroup, a general alteration path can be envisaged outlining the pegmatite evolution and suggesting the occurrence of the secondary REE mineral phases: altered gadolinite domains prove Ca enrichment with a tendency toward the hingganite composition, while a slight fluorine increase and sporadic secondary fluorite occurrence imply a significant role of fluorine as a complexing agent in the dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism of metasomatic alteration in the mineral. Micro-Raman spectra show improved vibration statistics for the altered gadolinite domains, which could be linked to the substitution of rare earth elements (REE) by Ca and a possible increase of structural ordering within the gadolinite structure, being at the same time an indication of structural healing of metamictized domains by metasomatic processes. A study of microfeatures in the complex silicates like gadolinite proves to be an excellent tool to trace post-crystallization processes in a pegmatitic environment. With a slight redistribution of radionuclides during an alteration in gadolinite, a moderate precaution has to be taken when selecting gadolinite for U-Th-Pb dating.
A new occurrence of corundum in eucrite and its significance
Authors: Li Jie-Ya , Zhang Ai-Cheng , Sakamoto Naoya , Yurimoto Hisayoshi , Gu Li-Xin
Published: April 2020

The diversity of lithologies is an important proxy of internal evolution in differentiated planets and asteroids. The major lithologies in Vesta, based on the howardite-eucrite-diogenite clan meteorites, include basalt, gabbro, noritic orthopyroxenite, orthopyroxenite, dunite, harzburgite, and dacite. No other lithology has been reported up to date. In this study, we report a new occurrence of corundum in eucrite meteorite Northwest Africa (NWA) 8647. Three-dimensional petrographic observations reveal that the corundum grain occurs as a mineral inclusion in a highly deformed pyroxene fragment. The texture indicates that the corundum is not a contaminant. The corundum-associated pyroxenes have Fe-Mn compositions consistent with typical pyroxenes from howardite-eucrite-diogenite meteorites. We suggest that the corundum grain could be a xenocryst incorporated during the ascent of a basaltic magma. The results might indicate the presence of an Al-rich, Si-poor region, probably lithology in the interior of Vesta, implying that the evolution and internal structure should be much more complex than previously thought.
The friction of tilted skates on ice
Authors: van Leeuwen J.M.J.
Published: April 2020

The friction felt by a speed skater is calculated
as function of the velocity and tilt angle of the skate. This calculation is
an extension of the more common theory of friction of upright skates.
Not only in rounding a curve the skate has to be tilted, but also in
straightforward skating small tilt angles occur. The tilt increases the friction
substanstially and even for small tilts the increase is relevant. The increase
of the friction with the velocity, which is very slow for the upright skate,
becomes more pronounced for large tilts.
Reuse of manganese sulfate as raw material by recovery from pesticide's wastewater using nanofiltration and electro-electrodialysis: process simulation and analysis from actual data
Authors: Mejía Marchena Ricardo , Maturana Córdoba Aymer , Gomez Cerón Diego , Quintero Monroy Christian , Arismendy Montes Luis , Cardenas Perez Carlos
Published: April 2020

Reuse of wastewater, as well as recovery of valuable, toxic or harmful products in industrial discharges, still represents an important issue, not only because it reduces the effect on receiving water bodies, but also because of the economic resources it represents for industry itself. In this research, in situ regeneration of Mn2SO4 is evaluated, for its reuse as the main raw material in the original process of a fungicide plant. The regeneration is evaluated by selective recovery of Mn2+, Zn2+ and SO4= present in the wastewater produced by the industrial plant, and utilizing nanofiltration, electro-electrodialysis and chemical precipitation as separation alternatives. Each alternative was designed and evaluated technically and economically through simulations in Aspen Plus®, with data and information of the real process supplied by the company. Because zinc concentration is relatively low, its selective recovery was not attractive. The resulting Mn2SO4 solution and treated water quality in conventional alternatives were significantly poor with high costs. In contrast, nanofiltration and electro-electrodialysis alternatives generate water and by-products of higher quality and reuse potential with significantly lower costs. However, their viability depends on the membrane performance. The results were satisfactory, but future experimental studies are required to optimize the alternatives and define the correct pretreatment process.
Water and wastewater CFD and validation: are we losing the balance?
Authors: Nopens I. , Sudrawska D. , Audenaert W. , Fernandes del Pozo D. , Rehman U.
Published: April 2020

A literature screening on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling in water treatment applications showed a vast range of validation ranging from no validation at all, over residence time distribution (RTD) and tracer testing, to velocity field, species concentration and, finally, turbulence properties measurements. The validation level also differs depending on process scale (laboratory, pilot, full) and type of system (rheology, single phase vs. multiphase). Given the fact that CFD is in more widespread use, a discussion on the extent and need of validation needs to be initiated. This paper serves as a discussion starter on the topic.
Chrześcijańska koncepcja odpowiedzialności za środowisko w świetle encykliki Laudato si’
Authors: Sadowski Ryszard F.
Published: April 2020

Koncepcja odpowiedzialności za człowieka i środowisko, jaką przedstawił papież Franciszek w encyklice Laudato si’, stanowi ważny element ekologicznego przesłania tego dokumentu. Papież, zwracając się do wszystkich ludzi dobrej woli, wskazuje, że człowiek jest odpowiedzialny za całe stworzenie. Należy on bowiem do wielkiej wspólnoty stworzeń powołanych do życia przez Stwórcę. Tak rozumiana odpowiedzialność musi uwzględniać zarówno potrzeby współczesnych, jak i przyszłych mieszkańców Ziemi. Papież jest zdania, że osiągnięcie takiej odpowiedzialności jest możliwe dzięki edukacji ekologicznej, porzuceniu kultury odrzucenia i przyjęciu kultury komunii, nowemu modelowi postępu i nowemu stylowi życia.
Edwarda Goldsmitha krytyka nowożytnego paradygmatu postępu naukowo-technicznego
Authors: Ganowicz-Bączyk Anita
Published: April 2020

Etyka środowiskowa znajduje wielu zwolenników wśród filozofujących przyrodników. Interesujący głos w tym temacie zabiera Edward Goldsmith, który na bazie Hipotezy Gai Jamesa Lovelocka zbudował etykę biosferyczną. Goldsmith krytycznie odnosi się do paradygmatu nowożytnego przyrodoznawstwa, uznając go za błędny oraz kryzysotwórczy w relacji ludzkości z całą ekosferą. Za paradygmatem tym stoi określone rozumienie postępu ludzkości oraz konkretne założenia ontologiczne, aksjologiczne i etyczne (np. darwinizm społeczny, utylitaryzm etyczny). Goldsmith nazywa etykę stojącą za tymi przekonaniami etyką technosferyczną, poddaje krytyce jej założenia i przeciwstawia jej etykę biosferyczną. Jego zdaniem, etyka sprzyjająca realizacji celów Gai była obecna w pierwotnych społecznościach ludzkich. Wymagała ona od człowieka utrzymywania porządku kosmicznego, a zarazem dobrostanu jednostki i całej społeczności, poprzez podążanie właściwą Drogą, tzn. przestrzeganie określonych obowiązków oraz zachowań, szczególnie w obszarze rytuałów i życia religijnego. Dlatego, jak przekonuje Goldsmith, skutecznie chronić porządek ekosfery można wyłącznie w sposób religijny. Nie ma, jego zdaniem, bardziej niemoralnego przedsięwzięcia niż postęp, który wiedzie systematycznie do zastąpienia biosfery przez technosferę. Rozwój oparty o technikę prowadzi w sposób nieunikniony do destrukcji. Jeśli chcemy przetrwać jako gatunek – musimy powrócić do etyki biosferycznej.
Działalność i postulaty organizacji Catholic Concern for Animals
Authors: Smykowski Krzysztof
Published: April 2020

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest przedstawienie działalności stowarzyszenia Catholic Concern for Animals założonej w 1929 r. Jest ono jedną z nielicznych organizacji działających na rzecz ochrony zwierząt, które inspirują się nauczaniem Kościoła katolickiego. Jej członkowie podejmują wielopłaszczyznową działalność, która obejmuje akcje edukacyjne i protestacyjne. Istotna jest także praca wydawnicza. Stowarzyszenie od 1937 r. wydaje kwartalnik „The Ark”, w którym informuje czytelników o swoim bieżącym funkcjonowaniu oraz publikuje artykuły na temat zwierząt i ich dobrostanu. W 2015 r. liderzy organizacji skierowali do papieża Franciszka apel o dokonanie zmian w Katechizmie Kościoła Katolickiego, podkreślając służebną rolę człowieka wobec świata przyrody i postulując znaczne ograniczenie prowadzenia doświadczeń na zwierzętach. Wydaje się, że część z tych żądań idzie zdecydowanie za daleko i jest nie do pogodzenia z integralną wizją człowieka i świata głoszoną przez Kościół.
Ekologiczne inspiracje modelu TALC cyklu życia obszaru turystycznego
Authors: Szeligiewicz Wojciech
Published: April 2020

Model cyklu życia obszaru turystycznego (TALC) Richarda Butlera proponuje określony obraz jakościowych zmian liczebności turystów N na tym obszarze w miarę upływu czasu i zachodzących tam równocześnie procesów środowiskowo – społeczno – ekonomicznych. Zmiany N aż do osiągnięcia stagnacji mają następować według krzywej esowatej. Taki przebieg otrzymany został w modelu TALC przy założeniu, że populacja turystów rozwija się na tym etapie zgodnie z modelem logistycznym, zaczerpniętym z ekologii. Celem tej pracy było przypomnienie własności modelu logistycznego i ekologicznych założeń leżących u jego podstaw oraz pewnych konsekwencji wkomponowania modelu logistycznego do modelu TALC. Podjęto także próbę powiązania innych aspektów TALC z ekologią. W szczególności powołano się na wykres prawej strony równania logistycznego modelu TALC w funkcji N z naniesionymi fazami ewolucji obszaru turystycznego, który przypomina, że najbardziej atrakcyjny jest obszar pierwotny tzn. gdy N jest małe, gdyż cechuje się on największym wzrostem populacji turystów liczonym per capita. Według tego wykresu wraz ze wzrostem N zachodzi liniowy spadek atrakcyjności mimo wprowadzanych zgodnie ze scenariuszem modelu TALC inwestycji, tzn. nie odwracają one tego trendu. Ten sam diagram może posłużyć do pokazania niektórych elementarnych różnic pomiędzy ekoturystyką i turystyką masową. Poruszono też kwestie regulacji populacji, w tym gęstościowo -zależnej samoregulacji, efekt Allee, pojęcie pojemności środowiska oraz strategii r i K. Wskazano także, że w modelowaniu populacji turystów pomocne mogą być doświadczenia zdobyte na polu modelowania populacji w ekologii.
Bezpieczna aborcja? Etyczne aspekty stosowania pigułki aborcyjnej RU-486
Authors: Kobyliński Andrzej
Published: April 2020

Głównym celem artykułu jest analiza etycznych aspektów aborcji chemicznej, nazywanej również aborcją farmakologiczną lub medyczną. Aborcja chemiczna jest zwykle wykonywana przy użyciu dwóch preparatów. Pierwszym jest Mifepriston, znany także jako tabletka RU-486, a drugi to Mizoprostol. Preparaty są przyjmowane doustnie zasadniczo przez trzy dni, chociaż sama aborcja może potrwać znacznie dłużej. Mifepriston odpowiada za blokowanie działania kobiecego hormonu ciążowego progesteronu. Progesteron sprawia, że składniki odżywcze są dostępne w macicy dla nowo powstałego ludzkiego embrionu. Aborcja chemiczna nie tylko uśmierca nowe życie ludzkie na pierwszym etapie jego rozwoju, ale w niektórych przypadkach jest także niebezpieczna dla życia i zdrowia kobiet. Globalne zjawisko aborcji medycznej otwiera dziś nowy etap publicznego sporu o początek ludzkiego życia i uznanie ludzkiego zarodka jako istoty ludzkiej od momentu poczęcia.
Neuropeptide Y Induces Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy via Attenuating miR-29a-3p in Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Xie Yuxin , Hu Jun , Zhang Xincai , Li Chunxiao , Zuo Yuanyi , Xie Shining , Zhang Zhixiang , Zhu Shaohua
Published: April 2020

Background:

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) has been well known to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy (CH),
which is possibly caused by disruption of cardiac cell energy balance. As mitochondria is losely related
to energy metabolism, in this study, we investigated the changes in mitochondrial dynamics-related
protein (Drp1) expression under the action of NPY. miRNA-29a, a endogenous noncoding small
molecule RNA which is involved in many cardiac diseases, by using a bioinformatics tool, we found a
potential binding site of miRNA-29a on the Drp1 mRNA, and suggesting that miRNA-29a might play
a regulatory role.

Methods:

Objective: To investigate the role of miR-29a-3p in the process of NPY-induced CH, and further
explore it’s predicted relationship with Drp1.
The expression levels of miR-29a-3p and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) were performed by
the method of fluorescence quantitative PCR, in addition, expression of Drp1 in treated and control
groups were performed by western blot analysis.

Results:

We found NPY leads to the CH and up-regulation of ANP expression levels. We also found
significant up-regulation of Drp1 expression and down-regulation of miR-29a-3p expression in NPYtreated cells. The decrease in miR-29a-3p expression may lead the increase expression level of Drp1.
We found that the expression of ANP increased after NPY treatment. When Drp1 protein was silenced,
the high expression of ANP was inhibited.

Conclusion:

In this study, we found up-regulation of Drp1 in cells treated with NPY. Drp1 mRNA is a
predicted target for miR-29a-3p, and the expression of Drp1 was attenuated by miR-29a-3p. Therefore,
NPY leads to down-regulation of miR-29a-3p expression, up-regulation of Drp1 expression, and NPY
leads to CH. Correspondingly, miR-29a-3p can counteract the effects of NPY. This may be a new way,
which could be used in diagnosis and treatment plan for CH.
Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity of Lys-[Trp6]hy-a1 Combined with Ciprofloxacin Against Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Carneiro Victor Alves , de Oliveira Simone Torres , Silva Rondinely Lima , de Sousa Duarte Humberlania , Silva Maria Laína , Matos Maria Nágila Carneiro , Cavalcante Rafaela Mesquita Bastos , Figueira Ciro Siqueira , Lorenzón Esteban Nicolás , Cilli Eduardo Maffud , da Cunha Rodrigo Maranguape Silva
Published: April 2020

Background:

Ciprofloxacin (Cip) is the most commonly used quinolone in clinical practice;
however large-scale use has favored the increase of multiresistant pathogenic microorganisms.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) appear to be a promising alternative in potentiating these conventional
drugs.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the peptide Lys-[Trp6]hy-a1 (lys-a1)
on the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of ciprofloxacin against clinically relevant gram-negative
bacteria.

Methods:

The antimicrobial effects of Cip and lys-a1 were assessed by determining the minimum
inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The synergistic
action of Cip and lys-a1 was determined by checkerboard assay. The time-kill curve was constructed
for the Cip/lys-a1 combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027. The antibiofilm
activity of this combination was analyzed by crystal violet, colony-forming unit count and
atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Results:

The data demonstrated that lys-a1 was able to inhibit planktonic growth of strains of P.
aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae both at 125 μg/mL. The fractional inhibitory concentration
index (FICi) showed a synergistic effect between Cip and lys-a1 against P. aeruginosa, decreasing
the MICs of the individual antimicrobial agents by 4- and 8-fold, respectively. This effect was also
observed for the death kinetics and antibiofilm activity. Analysis of the early biofilms (6 h) as well
as isolated cells by AFM images evidenced the cell perturbation caused by Cip/lys-a1 treatment.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that lys-a1 has biotechnological potential as a therapeutic tool for
the treatment of infections caused by clinically relevant microorganisms, especially P. aeruginosa.
Genus Arisaema: A Review of Traditional Importance, Chemistry and Biological Activities
Authors: Kant Kamal , Lal Uma R. , Rawat Ravi , Kumar Anoop , Ghosh Manik
Published: April 2020

Background:

The Arisaema (Araceae) is a genus of approximately 180 perennial herbs
widely distributed in the evergreen and deciduous forests. This genus (Arisaema) has been used as
a medicinal agent since ancient times. Experimental investigations have shown a promising
positive correlation with its folklore claim and this encourages us to report updated medicinal
review (genus Arisaema) for future research.

Objective:

This review aimed to summarize the ethnobotany, folklore uses, chemistry and
biological activities.

Conclusion:

The comprehensive literature on genus Arisaema indicates the presence of
terpenoids, flavonoids, and glycosphingolipids as the principal chemical constituents. Additionally,
phytosterols, alkaloids, carboline derivatives and miscellaneous compounds were documented in
plants of genus Arisaema. Biological investigations led to the credentials of antioxidant,
anticancer, insecticidal, antimicrobial, anthelmintic and hepatoprotective activities. Following,
several plant species are promising candidates for the treatment of cancer, parasitic diseases and
microbial infection complications. Though, a lot of facets of this genus like phytoconstituents
identification, mechanistic profile, adverse effects and clinical studies are still quite limited. Thus,
this systematic review may act as a powerful tool in future studies for promoting health benefits
against various health hazards.
A Comparative Study on the Incidence, Aggravation, and Remission of Lupus Nephritis Based on iTRAQ Technology
Authors: Liao Dong-Jiang , Cheng Xi-Ping , Li Nan , Liang Kang-Li , Fan Hui , Zhang Sui-Ying , Hu Xiao-Qian , Fan Ping , Wu Yuan-Sheng
Published: April 2020

Aim and Objective:

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the major complications of systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE). The specific mechanisms of pathogenesis, aggravation, and remission
processes in LN have not been clarified but is of great need in the clinic. Using isobaric tags for
relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology to screen the functional proteins of LN in
mice. Especially under intervention factors of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and dexamethasone.

Methods:

Mrl-lps mice were intervened with LPS, dexamethasone, and normal saline (NS) using
intraperitoneal injection, and c57 mice intervened with NS as control. The anti-ANA antibody
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to verify disease severity. Kidney tissue is
collected and processed for iTRAQ to screen out functional proteins closely related to the onset
and development of LN. Western blot method and rt-PCR (real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction)
were used for verification.

Results:

We identified 136 proteins that marked quantitative information. Among them, Hp,
Igkv8-27, Itgb2, Got2, and Pcx proteins showed significant abnormal manifestations.

Conclusion:

Using iTRAQ methods, the functional proteins Hp, Igkv8-27, Itgb2, Got2, and Pcx
were screened out for a close relationship with the pathogenesis and development of LN, which is
worth further study.
The Effect of Cyclosporine A on Dermal Fibroblast Cell - Transcriptomic Analysis of Inflammatory Response Pathway
Authors: Janikowska Grażyna , Kurzeja Ewa , Janikowski Marcin , Strzałka-Mrozik Barbara , Pyka-Pająk Alina , Janikowski Tomasz
Published: April 2020

Background:

The first immunosuppressive drug - cyclosporine A (CsA) has many
unquestioned merits in maintaining organ transplants in patients, as well as, in the treatment of many
inflammatory diseases, also associated with cutaneous manifestations. The main task of this drug is to
suppress the inflammatory response at the sites of action, which is not well known.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of CsA in therapeutic concentration
on the expression of genes associated with the inflammatory response pathway in normal human dermal
fibroblasts (NHDF; CC-2511), and this study attempted to determine the mechanism of its action.

Methods:

The cytotoxicity MTT test was performed. The expression of the inflammatory response
pathway genes was determined using HG-U133A_2.0 oligonucleotide microarrays. Statistical analysis
was performed by GeneSpring 13.0 software using the PL-Grid platform.

Results:

Among the 5,300 mRNA, only 573 were changed significantly in response to CsA compared
to the control fibroblasts (P≤0.05). CsA inhibited the expression of most genes associated with the inflammatory
response in NHDFs. There were only 19 genes with a fold change (FC) lower than -2.0,
among which EGR1, FOS, PBK, CDK1 and TOP2A had the lowest expression, as did CXCL2 which
can directly impact inflammation. Furthermore, ZNF451 was strongly induced, and COL1A1,
COL3A1, IL33, TNFRSFs were weakly up-regulated (FC lower than 2.0).

Conclusion:

The CsA in therapeutic concentration influences the genes linked to the inflammatory response
(in the transcriptional level) in human dermal fibroblasts. The findings suggest that the potential
mechanism of CsA action in this concentration and on these genes can be associated with a profibrotic
and proapoptotic, and genotoxic effects.
Approaches to researching digital-pedagogical competence development in VE-based teacher education
Authors: Hauck Mirjam , Müller-Hartmann Andreas , Rienties Bart , Rogaten Jekaterina
Published: April 2020

For the past two decades, Virtual Exchange (VE) has enjoyed increasing popularity in university education, including initial (language) teacher education programmes (O’Dowd, 2018). Collaborating online with colleagues and students from different cultural backgrounds and educational systems has allowed trainees to experience and reflect on issues related to technology and pedagogy in authentic linguistic and intercultural contexts. In 2017/2018, the Evaluating and Upscaling Telecollaborative Teacher Education (EVALUATE) project – an Erasmus+ funded European Policy Experimentation (EPE) – collected and analysed data from VEs across the curriculum involving over 1,000 participants at Initial Teacher Education (ITE) institutions in Europe and beyond.Here, we specifically focus on the impact of VE on their digital-pedagogical competence development. Following a mixed method design we used the Technological PedagogicalContent Knowledge (TPACK) work of Mishra and Koehler (2006) and Schmidt et al. (2009) in a pre-post-test manner. These were complemented by qualitative content analysis of prompted diary entries at key stages during the exchanges to collect further evidence of existing and emerging digital-pedagogical skills among the trainees. Based on one case study of a German-Polish EVALUATE exchange we will exemplify the aforementioned research methods and associated challenges. We will illustrate the urgent need for initial and in-service teacher education that combines technology and pedagogy and argue for VE as an ideal context to this effect. Finally, we will demonstrate how the chosen research approach has contributed to providing the kind of evidence required by education administrators and policy makers for a systematic integration of VE into teacher education programmes.
Pengembangan perangkat pembelajaran dengan pendekatan PBL berorientasi pada penalaran matematis dan rasa ingin tahu
Authors: Bukhori Bukhori
Published: April 2020

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menghasilkan perangkat pembelajaran matematika dengan pen­dekatan PBL yang berkualitas baik. Perangkat pembelajaran yang dikembangkan terdiri atas Rencana Pelaksanaan Pembelajaran (RPP) dan Lembar Kegiatan Siswa (LKS). Penelitian ini adalah penelitian pengembangan yang menggunakan model pengembangan Borg & Gall. Subjek uji coba penelitian adalah 68 siswa (34 siswa dari kelas VIII G SMPN 2 Garut dan 34 siswa dari kelas VIII G SMPN 6 Garut) dan 4 guru matematika yang berasal dari SMPN 2 Garut dan SMPN 6 Garut. Penelitian ini mengembangkan perangkat pembelajaran matematika dengan pendekatan PBL berupa RPP dan  LKS yang valid, praktis, dan efektif. Hasil validasi menunjukkan perangkat yang dikembangkan valid dengan kriteria sangat baik. Kepraktisan pada uji coba lapangan mencapai kategori sangat baik untuk penilaian guru dan mencapai kategori baik untuk penilaian siswa dengan rata-rata keterlaksanaan 92,48% untuk kelas VIII G dan 89,54% untuk kelas VIII A. Keefektifan perangkat yang dikembangkan terlihat dari (1) ketuntasan belajar secara klasikal sudah mencapai kriteria minimal 75% yaitu untuk tes prestasi belajar mencapai 98,53%; (2) hasil tes kemampuan penalaran  matematis mencapai 92,65%;  (3) berdasarkan angket rasa ingin tahu siswa, 97,06% siswa menunjukkan peningkatan skor rasa ingin tahu, dan 97,06% siswa menunjukkan rasa ingin tahu dengan kriteria minimal tinggi. Developing instructional kits with PBL approach oriented to mathematical reasoning and curiosity of students AbstractThis research aimed to produce mathematics instructional kits with PBL approach which has good quality. The instructional kits which were developed consists of lesson plans and student’s worksheets. This study was research and development that used Borg & Gall model. The subjects of this research involved 68 students (34 students of class VIII  G from SMPN 2 Garut and 34 students of class VIII A from SMPN 6 Garut) and four teacher at SMPN 2 and SMPN 6 Garut. This research developed the instructional kits of mathematics with PBL approach with the student’s worksheet and the lesson plans which were valid, practical and effective. The result of validation showed that the kits developed were valid in a very good criteria. The practicality on field trials reached very good category with an average adherence to 94.03%. Effectiveness of instructional kits were developed by (1) classical learning competeness reached at least 98.53%; (2) result of mathematical reasoning test reached at least 92.65%; and (3) based on the questioner of the curiosity, 97.06% of students showed enhancement scores for the students’ curiosity, and 97.06% of students showed enhancement scores for curiosity with minimum category of “high”.
Nursing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Protocol for a Scoping Review
Authors: Buchanan Christine , Howitt M Lyndsay , Wilson Rita , Booth Richard G , Risling Tracie , Bamford Megan
Published: April 2020

Background

It is predicted that digital health technologies that incorporate artificial intelligence will transform health care delivery in the next decade. Little research has explored how emerging trends in artificial intelligence–driven digital health technologies may influence the relationship between nurses and patients.

Objective

The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the findings from 4 research questions regarding emerging trends in artificial intelligence–driven digital health technologies and their influence on nursing practice across the 5 domains outlined by the Canadian Nurses Association framework: administration, clinical care, education, policy, and research. Specifically, this scoping review will examine how emerging trends will transform the roles and functions of nurses over the next 10 years and beyond.

Methods

Using an established scoping review methodology, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central, Education Resources Information Centre, Scopus, Web of Science, and Proquest databases were searched. In addition to the electronic database searches, a targeted website search will be performed to access relevant grey literature. Abstracts and full-text studies will be independently screened by 2 reviewers using prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included literature will focus on nursing and digital health technologies that incorporate artificial intelligence. Data will be charted using a structured form and narratively summarized.

Results

Electronic database searches have retrieved 10,318 results. The scoping review and subsequent briefing paper will be completed by the fall of 2020.

Conclusions

A symposium will be held to share insights gained from this scoping review with key thought leaders and a cross section of stakeholders from administration, clinical care, education, policy, and research as well as patient advocates. The symposium will provide a forum to explore opportunities for action to advance the future of nursing in a technological world and, more specifically, nurses’ delivery of compassionate care in the age of artificial intelligence. Results from the symposium will be summarized in the form of a briefing paper and widely disseminated to relevant stakeholders.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/17490
Health Communication Through News Media During the Early Stage of the COVID-19 Outbreak in China: Digital Topic Modeling Approach
Authors: Liu Qian , Zheng Zequan , Zheng Jiabin , Chen Qiuyi , Liu Guan , Chen Sihan , Chu Bojia , Zhu Hongyu , Akinwunmi Babatunde , Huang Jian , Zhang Casper J P , Ming Wai-Kit
Published: April 2020

Background

In December 2019, a few coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases were first reported in Wuhan, Hubei, China. Soon after, increasing numbers of cases were detected in other parts of China, eventually leading to a disease outbreak in China. As this dreadful disease spreads rapidly, the mass media has been active in community education on COVID-19 by delivering health information about this novel coronavirus, such as its pathogenesis, spread, prevention, and containment.

Objective

The aim of this study was to collect media reports on COVID-19 and investigate the patterns of media-directed health communications as well as the role of the media in this ongoing COVID-19 crisis in China.

Methods

We adopted the WiseSearch database to extract related news articles about the coronavirus from major press media between January 1, 2020, and February 20, 2020. We then sorted and analyzed the data using Python software and Python package Jieba. We sought a suitable topic number with evidence of the coherence number. We operated latent Dirichlet allocation topic modeling with a suitable topic number and generated corresponding keywords and topic names. We then divided these topics into different themes by plotting them into a 2D plane via multidimensional scaling.

Results

After removing duplications and irrelevant reports, our search identified 7791 relevant news reports. We listed the number of articles published per day. According to the coherence value, we chose 20 as the number of topics and generated the topics’ themes and keywords. These topics were categorized into nine main primary themes based on the topic visualization figure. The top three most popular themes were prevention and control procedures, medical treatment and research, and global or local social and economic influences, accounting for 32.57% (n=2538), 16.08% (n=1258), and 11.79% (n=919) of the collected reports, respectively.

Conclusions

Topic modeling of news articles can produce useful information about the significance of mass media for early health communication. Comparing the number of articles for each day and the outbreak development, we noted that mass media news reports in China lagged behind the development of COVID-19. The major themes accounted for around half the content and tended to focus on the larger society rather than on individuals. The COVID-19 crisis has become a worldwide issue, and society has become concerned about donations and support as well as mental health among others. We recommend that future work addresses the mass media’s actual impact on readers during the COVID-19 crisis through sentiment analysis of news data.
Reducing Drinking Among People Experiencing Homelessness: Protocol for the Development and Testing of a Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention (Preprint)
Authors: Businelle Michael S , Walters Scott T , Mun Eun-Young , Kirchner Thomas R , Hébert Emily T , Li Xiaoyin
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Adults who are homeless are more likely to have alcohol use disorders (AUDs) compared with domiciled adults. Although AUD treatments are commonly available, many factors (eg, transportation limitations and inability to schedule appointments) contribute to low treatment completion rates and low success rates of these interventions among adults experiencing homelessness. Most adults who are homeless own mobile phones; however, no interventions have been developed that use mobile devices to deliver and support AUD interventions for this population. Mobile phone–based AUD interventions may reduce barriers that have limited the use and utility of traditional interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to (1) identify variables (eg, affect, stress, geolocation, and cravings) that predict drinking among homeless adults (phase I), (2) develop a mobile intervention that utilizes an algorithm to identify moments of risk for drinking and deliver treatment messages that are tailored to the individual’s current needs in real time (phase II), and (3) pilot test the intervention app (phase III).

METHODS

In phase I, adults experiencing homelessness with an AUD (N=80) will complete baseline, equipment, 2-week, and 4-week follow-up visits in person. Participants will be prompted to complete five daily ecological momentary assessments on a study-provided smartphone for 28 days. The smartphone app will collect GPS coordinates every 5 min for the entire 28-day study period. Participants will wear a transdermal alcohol sensor that will objectively measure alcohol use. In phase II, we will use phase I data to develop an algorithm that identifies moments of heightened risk for drinking and develop treatment messages that address risk factors for drinking. Phase III will pilot test the intervention in 40 adults experiencing homelessness with AUD.

RESULTS

This project was funded in June 2018. IRB approval was obtained in October 2018, and data collection for phase I began in February 2019. Phase III data collection is expected to conclude in 2020. To date, 80 participants have consented to the study, and data analysis for phase I will begin in early 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This research will highlight intervention targets and develop a novel intervention for understudied and underserved adults experiencing homelessness with AUD.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/15610
Investigator Experiences Using Mobile Technologies in Clinical Research: Qualitative Descriptive Study (Preprint)
Authors: McKenna Kevin Christopher , Geoghegan Cindy , Swezey Teresa , Perry Brian , Wood William A , Nido Virginia , Morin Steve L , Grabert Brigid K , Hallinan Zachary P , Corneli Amy L
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

The successful adoption of mobile technology for use in clinical trials relies on positive reception from key stakeholders, including clinical investigators; however, little information is known about the perspectives of investigators using mobile technologies in clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to seek investigators’ insights on the advantages and challenges of mobile clinical trials (MCTs); site-level budgetary, training, and other support needs necessary to adequately prepare for and implement MCTs; and the advantages and disadvantages for trial participants using mobile technologies in clinical trials.

METHODS

Using a qualitative descriptive study design, we conducted in-depth interviews with investigators involved in the conduct of MCTs. Data were analyzed using applied thematic analysis.

RESULTS

We interviewed 12 investigators who represented a wide variety of clinical specialties and reported using a wide range of mobile technologies. Investigators most commonly cited 3 advantages of MCTs over traditional clinical trials: more streamlined study operations, remote data capture, and improvement in the quality of studies and data collected. Investigators also reported that MCTs can be designed around the convenience of trial participants, and individuals may be more willing to participate in MCTs because they can take part from their homes. In addition, investigators recognized that MCTs can also involve additional burden for participants and described that operational challenges, technology adoption barriers, uncertainties about data quality, and time burden made MCTs more challenging than traditional clinical trials. Investigators stressed that additional training and dedicated staff effort may be needed to select a particular technology for use in a trial, helping trial participants learn and use the technology, and for staff troubleshooting the technology. Investigators also expressed that sharing data collected in real time with investigators and trial participants is an important aspect of MCTs that warrants consideration and potentially additional training and education.

CONCLUSIONS

Investigator perspectives can inform the use of mobile technologies in future clinical trials by proactively identifying and addressing potential challenges.

CLINICALTRIAL
Switch from Mother Tongue to English: A Double Jeopardy
Authors: Ntombela Berrington
Published: April 2020

This paper interrogates the sorry state of switching from mother tongue instruction to English medium of instruction in South Africa. Adopting a critical approach to literature review, it critiques the resistance mounted on the utility of African languages as viable media of instruction. It argues that the status quo is perpetuated by the dominance of English as a medium of instruction both in South Africa and abroad, and that this state of affairs can be traced back to a colonial system which presently works itself out as globalisation and internationalisation. The paper ends by demonstrating how switching from mother tongue instruction to English medium of instruction robs learners and teachers of their intellectual capacity, where they appear incompetent due to a language barrier. The paper concludes that the situation could only be rescued by promoting mother tongue instruction for the majority of South Africans which at the moment is enjoyed by a minority.
ПУТОВАЊЕ У ИНОСТРАНСТВО КАО ПРАКСА КУЛТУРНЕ ПОТРОШЊЕ У ДРУШТВУ СРБИЈЕ
Authors: Рајковић Љубица М.
Published: April 2020

The paper presents research on travelling abroad as a form of cultural consumption in the Serbian society and the motivation (interest) of consumers to participate in such tourism practice. The relation between cultural consumption and travel abroad of citizens who use services of travel agencies in Serbia was analysed through foreign travel, education, tourism interests and destinations that generate certain cultural practices. According to Bourdieu’s view on the theory of cultural consumption, class affiliation of an individual and his/her family background determine cultural consumption and ways of satisfying his/her cultural needs, so travel abroad demonstrates exceptional importance in daily life of the dominant structural groups. In the Serbia’s society, the central axis that divides the practice of cultural consumption among its citizens that travel abroad is characterized by the following dimensions: occupation, education and the place of residence. Thus, foreign travel organized by travel agencies, as a cultural form in semi-peripheral society, such as the Serbia’s society, presents a mark of distinction that is affordable only to higher layers.The survey was conducted in the period from March to May 2014 by the students of Tourism Department at the Faculty of Geography in Belgrade, as part of their compulsory practical work in Sociology of Tourism. The survey was conducted in travel agencies in Belgrade and in central Serbian towns, in accordance with their individual choices and availability of agencies. The sample was made up of respondents from urban and rural settlements, a total of 613.
ВЕЗА ИЗМЕЂУ ТРАДИЦИОНАЛНЕ ХРАНЕ И ЛОЈАЛНОСТИ ТУРИСТА ПРЕМА РУРАЛНИМ ДЕСТИНАЦИЈАМА
Authors: Vujko Aleksandra , Petrović Marko D , Dragosavac Miloš , Ćurčić Nevena , Gajić Tamara
Published: April 2020

Gastronomy tourism can be regarded as a travel to a destination for cultural purposes with experiences of unique and traditional foods at the destination. Based on this, the main hypothesis is set. It follows that traditional food is one of the main reasons for loyalty of tourists. The paper is based on empirical research carried out amongst 328 foreign tourists from eight countries who visited six traditional farm houses (Salaši) in rural destination of Vojvodina (Serbia) in August 2015. The purpose of the study is to investigate the role and importance of traditional food in tourist satisfaction and the extent to which traditional food affects positive attitude and loyalty of the tourists about the rural destination. Analysis of the findings revealed that the traditional food is the attribute that most affected the overall rural tourism experience in Vojvodina (Serbia). It is concluded in the paper that traditional food is important contributor to tourist satisfaction and that satisfied tourists are always pleased to return to a destination.
Amenazas a la validez en evaluación: implicaciones en educación médica
Authors: Carrillo Avalos Blanca Ariadna , Sánchez Mendiola Melchor , Leenen Iwin
Published: April 2020

Las amenazas a la validez en evaluación educativa son elementos que interfieren con la interpretación propuesta de los resultados de una prueba, pueden ocurrir tanto en exámenes escritos como en pruebas de desempeño y evaluación de competencias clínicas. Estas amenazas se suelen agrupar en dos clases principales: subrepresentación del constructo y varianza irrelevante al constructo. La primera se refiere a que en la prueba no haya suficientes ítems, casos u observaciones para generalizar apropiadamente al dominio completo que se pretende evaluar. La segunda tiene que ver con la presencia de sesgos que interfieren de manera sistemática con la interpretación de los resultados de una prueba, como pueden ser la calidad de los ítems y errores sistemáticos de los evaluadores, entre otros factores que pueden influir sobre la puntuación obtenida. En este artículo se describen las características de las amenazas principales, su importancia y algunas recomendaciones para evitarlas al elaborar y aplicar instrumentos de evaluación en ciencias de la salud. La comprensión de estas amenazas es útil para desarrollar pruebas cuyos resultados tengan niveles aceptables de validez que nos permitan conocer mejor el desempeño de los estudiantes.
The operation capacity of the construction of a rockfill dam with a concrete screen accommodated to the conditions of Pskemskaya HPP
Authors: Podvysotckii Aleksei A. , Sainov Mikhail P. , Volkov Dmitrij V.
Published: April 2020

Introduction. A rockfill dam with a concrete screen is considered as an alternative to a traditional earth-faced rockfill dam in the process of designing a high-pressure Pskemsky hydraulic facility in Uzbekistan. A rockfill dam with a concrete screen has several strengths. However the geological structure of the dam site complexifies the application of a rockfill dam with
a concrete screen, because dam boards have a deep layer of gritstone. There arose a need to study the stress-strain state of a 190 m dam in 2D and 3D settings.

Materials and methods. The finite element method (FEM) and numerical modeling were employed to study the stress-strain state of the dam. The modulus of linear deformation of the rockfill top reaches 480 MPa, the one of the rockfill bottom — 240 MPa. The concrete deformation module was taken as equal to 29 and 12 hPa. The analysis took account of the isolation joint that separated the central part of the screen from its bank parts, while the contact surface of the screen and the dam body had a layer of friction-reduction emulsion.

Results. The research performed by the co-authors enabled them not only to analyze the screen’s displacements and strains, but also to consider longitudinal forces and bending moments.

Conclusions. A rockfill dam with a reinforced concrete screen has proven a reliable structure capable of accommodating static forces. However rock needs to be thoroughly compacted, and the water basin must be filled gradually. In this case, concrete compressive/tensile strength values will be sufficient in the 3D environment. The heterogeneity of the geological composition of the dam base cannot disintegrate the screen, because vertical joints compensate for the tensile stress arising inside.
Chanting to the choir: the dialogical failure of antithetical climate change blogs
Authors: Metcalfe Jennifer
Published: April 2020

Blogs provide potential for publics to engage more deliberatively through dialogue in controversial science than one-way dissemination methods. This study investigated who was commenting on two antithetical climate change blogsites; how they were commenting; and the quality of their dialogue. Most research into science blogs has focused on bloggers rather than commenters. This study found that both blogsites were dominated by a small number of commenters who used contractive dialogue to promote their own views to like-minded commenters. Such blogsites are consolidating their own polarised publics rather than deliberately engaging them in climate change science.