Global Technical Communication and Content Management: A Study of Multilingual Quality

The field of technical communication (TC) is facing a dilemma. Content management (CM) strategies and technologies that completely reshape writing and translation practices are adopted in an increasing number of TC work groups. One driving factor in CM adoption is the promise of improving quality of multilingual technical texts, all the while reducing time/cost of technical translation and localization. Yet, CM relies on automation and privileges consistency¯an approach that is problematic in global TC with its focus on adapting texts based on the characteristics of end-users. To better understand the interdisciplinary dilemma of multilingual quality in CM, during my dissertation project I conducted a twelve-month long qualitative case study of multilingual quality at a leading manufacturer of medical equipment who had adopted CM strategies and technologies to create technical texts in several languages three years before my study began. In my study, I drew upon an interdisciplinary theoretical base (genre ecology framework, activity theory, actor-network theory, and Skopos theory) to examine the construction of multilingual quality understandings and approaches by global TC stakeholders who are employees and contractors of the company and the role of CM in their practices. Examination of the extensive data I collected through observations, interviews, questionnaires, document collection/content analysis, and software exploration uncovered the staggering disconnects in understandings of and approaches to multilingual quality. These disconnects resulted from the lack communication between stakeholders and were promoted by the different relations to CM technology and the mediating work of the new genre, chunks of content. Inhibited knowledge sharing, risk of expertise invisibility and loss, and constrained new ideas about improving multilingual quality were some of the rhetorical, social, and political implications of these disconnects. As a result of my analysis, I sketched strategies for achieving contextualized multiple-stakeholder approaches to multilingual quality and outlined leadership possibilities for technical communicators in global information development. This analysis provides TC practitioners with strategies for improving multilingual quality in CM contexts; TC educators with ideas for expanding teaching approaches by combining digital and cross-cultural literacies; and TC researchers with opportunities for rhetorical action through critiquing, theorizing, and innovating CM

Na⁺ entry through heteromeric TRPC4/C1 channels mediates (-)Englerin A-induced cytotoxicity in synovial sarcoma cells

The sesquiterpene (-)Englerin A (EA) is an organic compound from the plant Phyllanthus engleri which acts via heteromeric TRPC4/C1 channels to cause cytotoxicity in some types of cancer cell but not normal cells. Here we identified selective cytotoxicity of EA in human synovial sarcoma cells (SW982 cells) and investigated the mechanism. EA induced cation channel current (Icat) in SW982 cells with biophysical characteristics of heteromeric TRPC4/C1 channels. Inhibitors of homomeric TRPC4 channels were weak inhibitors of the Icat and EA-induced cytotoxicity whereas a potent inhibitor of TRPC4/C1 channels (Pico145) strongly inhibited Icat and cytotoxicity. Depletion of TRPC1 converted Icat into a current with biophysical and pharmacological properties of homomeric TRPC4 channels and depletion of TRPC1 or TRPC4 suppressed the cytotoxicity of EA. A Na⁺ /K⁺-ATPase inhibitor (ouabain) potentiated EA-induced cytotoxicity and direct Na⁺ loading by gramicidin-A caused Pico145-resistant cytotoxicity in the absence of EA. We conclude that EA has a potent cytotoxic effect on human synovial sarcoma cells which is mediated by heteromeric TRPC4/C1 channels and Na⁺ loading

ЭВОЛЮЦИЯ И СОВРЕМЕННЫЕ ТЕНДЕНЦИИ РАЗВИТИЯ КОНКУРЕНТНОЙ ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ

In modern conditions of dynamic development of the market environment, deployment of informatization and globalization processes, and tightening of economic confrontation of companies, development of framework conditions for efficient competition and ensuring on this basis the current and long-term business competitiveness takes on particular significance. Competitive policy plays a significant role for solving this problem, which under modern economic conditions is one of the most important tools for economic processes state management aimed at formation and development of highly efficient economy with a significant growth potential and allowing to solve the whole range of social and economic problems. The results of studying the foreign experience in development and nature of the main provisions of antimonopoly and competition laws are presented in the article, and the main stages of its evolution are outlined. It was determined that qualitative changes in the world economy, active globalization and in-formatization processes, development of new economy and network structures had a significant impact on the modern model of competition policy. The key aspects of competition economic policy formation in the regional integration countries unions (EU, APEC, NAFTA, OECD, CIS, EAEU, etc.) are highlighted. It was determined that the EU legislation was considered one of the best examples of efficient international competition law. The main directions of the EU’s competition policy and peculiarities of its promotion to other countries were revealed; peculiarities of developing a single competitive economic policy within the framework of EAEU were studied. The conducted researches allowed to determine that processes in the world economy had a significant impact on competition law, which during its formation has undergone significant changes, had become more flexible and targeted and acquired systemic character. Systematic study of the world experience, the EU’s experience first of all, is obviously of a great interest for the Republic of Belarus with the market economy at the stage of active formation, as well as the corresponding policy for competition and competitiveness support. Learning this experience is important for successful integration of the country into the European and Global trade and economic area. The theoretical basis of the modern competition policy is formed by a number of conceptual approaches, which have to be learned to understand its key characteristics and accents, directions and methods, and also to predict the forms of its further modernization.В современных условиях динамического развития рыночной среды, развертывания процессов информатизации и глобализации, ужесточения экономического противоборства компаний особое значение приобретает формирование рамочных условий для эффективной конкуренции и обеспечение на этой основе текущей и долгосрочной конкурентоспособности бизнеса. Существенную роль в решении этой задачи призвана играть конкурентная политика, которая в современных условиях хозяйствования выступает одним из важнейших инструментов государственного управления экономическими процессами, направленными на формирование и развитие высокоэффективной экономики, обладающей значительным потенциалом роста и позволяющей решать весь комплекс социально-экономических задач. В статье представлены результаты исследования зарубежного опыта развития и содержания основных положений антимонопольного и конкурентного законодательства, выделены основные этапы его эволюции. Установлено, что качественные изменения мирового хозяйства, активно происходящие процессы глобализации и информатизации, развитие новой экономики и сетевых структур оказали существенное воздействие на современную модель конкурентной политики. Выделены ключевые аспекты формирования конкурентной экономической политики в региональных интеграционных объединениях стран (ЕС, АТЭС, НАФТА, ОЭСР, СНГ, ЕАЭС и др.). Установлено, что одним из лучших примеров эффективного международного законодательства о конкуренции считается законодательство ЕС. Раскрыты основные направления конкурентной политики ЕС и особенности ее продвижения в другие страны; исследованы особенности формирования единой конкурентной политики в рамках ЕАЭС. Проведенные исследования позволили установить, что процессы, происходящие в мировой экономике, оказали существенное влияние на конкурентное законодательство, которое за время своего становления претерпело существенные изменения, стало более гибким и целенаправленным, приобрело системный характер. Систематизированное изучение мирового опыта, прежде всего ЕС, представляет несомненный интерес для Республики Беларусь, рыночная экономика которой, как и соответствующая политика поддержки конкуренции и конкурентоспособности, находится в стадии активного формирования. Освоение этого опыта важно для успешной интеграции страны в общеевропейское и глобальное торгово-экономическое пространство. Теоретическую основу современной конкурентной экономической политики образует ряд концептуальных подходов, без освоения которых невозможно уяснить ее ключевые характеристики и акценты, направления и методы, а также прогнозировать формы ее дальнейшей модернизации

Identificando um modelo para atividades criativas de estudantes de matemática: Um estudo qualitativo

This study aims to examine the experience of creative activities of undergraduate students and identify a model for a better understanding of these activities. Data were collected using a qualitative approach using grounded theory (grounded theory or foundation data theory) and semi-structured in-depth interview tools. The statistical population consists of students studying mathematics at public universities in Russia. Thirteen math students participated voluntarily through purposive and theoretical sampling methods. Data were analyzed through a coding process in two stages: free and axial. Credibility, reliability, transferability, and verification criteria were used to ensure the quality of research. The conceptual model extracted from the data in a systematic paradigm model of grounded theory method includes phenomena, strategies, intervening factors, contextual conditions, contexts, and consequences. The model indicates that several factors affect the sensation of mathematical creativity.Este estudio tiene como objetivo examinar la experiencia de las actividades creativas de los estudiantes de pregrado e identificar un modelo para una mejor comprensión de estas actividades. Los datos se recopilaron utilizando un enfoque cualitativo utilizando la teoría fundamentada (grounded theory o teoría de los datos fundacionales) y herramientas de entrevistas en profundidad semiestructuradas. La población estadística consiste en estudiantes de matemáticas en universidades públicas de Rusia. Trece estudiantes de matemáticas participaron voluntariamente a través de métodos de muestreo intencional y teórico. Los datos fueron analizados a través de un proceso de codificación en dos etapas: libre y axial. Se utilizaron criterios de credibilidad, confiabilidad, transferibilidad y verificación para asegurar la calidad de la investigación. El modelo conceptual extraído de los datos en un modelo de paradigma sistemático del método de la teoría fundamentada incluye fenómenos, estrategias, factores intervinientes, condiciones contextuales, contextos y consecuencias. El modelo indica que varios factores afectan la sensación de creatividad matemática.Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a experiência de atividades criativas de alunos de graduação e identificar um modelo para uma melhor compreensão dessas atividades. Os dados foram coletados por meio de uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando-se teoria fundamentada (grounded theory ou fundamentos teóricos dos dados) e instrumentos de entrevista em profundidade semiestruturada. A população estatística consiste em estudantes que estudam matemática em universidades públicas na Rússia. Treze alunos de matemática participaram voluntariamente através de métodos de amostragem intencional e teórica. Os dados foram analisados ​​por meio de um processo de codificação em duas etapas: livre e axial. Critérios de credibilidade, confiabilidade, transferibilidade e verificação foram usados ​​para garantir a qualidade da pesquisa. O modelo conceitual extraído dos dados em um modelo de paradigma sistemático do método de teoria fundamentada inclui fenômenos, estratégias, fatores intervenientes, condições contextuais, contextos e consequências. O modelo indica que vários fatores afetam a sensação de criatividade matemática

Роль конусно-лучевой компьютерной томографии в диагностике кистовидных образований челюстей

Research objective. The study aimed to evaluate cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) capabilities in diagnostics of cystic masses of the jaw.Methods. Over a period of 2015–2016 32 patients age 6 to 67 underwent both panoramic tomography and CBCT (using panoramic tomographic scanner STRATO 2000 and cone-beam computed tomographic scanner i-Cat respectively). 47% (n = 15) of the participants were women, 53% (n = 17) – men. Radiation exposure for a single procedure amounts to 0,05 mSv for panoramic tomography, 0,07 mSv for CBCT (FOV =13 cm), 0,06 mSv for CBCT (FOV =8 cm).Results. Comparative analysis of obtained results demonstrates that CBCT showed 54% (n = 27) more cystic masses of the jaws than panoramic radiography could. CBCT additionally showed the following pathologies: granulomas smaller than4 mm diameter – 85% (n = 23), 83% (n = 23) of said granulomas were found on maxilla, radicular cysts of maxilla – 11% (n = 3), incisive canal cyst – 4% (n = 1). Additionally panoramic tomography analysis misdiagnosed 5 granulomas (80% (n = 4) on mandibular premolar and molar areas) that were not found during CBCT analysis.Conclusion. The low effective dose and high informativity of CBCT enables the method to be used instead of intraoral radiography, panoramic tomography and MSCT as a screening procedure in diagnostics of dento-facial system pathologies, including cystic masses of the jaw. Цель исследования: определить возможности применения конусно-лучевой компьютерной томографии в диагностике кистовидных образований челюстей.Материал и методы. За период 2015–2016 гг. 32 пациентам в возрасте от 6 до 67 лет были выполнены компьютерно-томографические исследования на цифровом ортопантомографе STRATO 2000 и на конуснолучевом компьютерном томографе i-Cat, доля женщин среди пациентов составила 47% (n = 15), мужчин – 53% (n = 17). При выполнении одного исследования лучевая нагрузка на пациента на цифровом ортопантомографе составила 0,05 мЗв, на конусно-лучевом компьютерном томографе – 0,07 мЗв при FOV =13 см и 0,06 мЗв при FOV =8 см.Результаты. При сравнительном анализе результатов было выявлено, что конусно-лучевая компьютерная томография позволила обнаружить на 54% (n = 27) больше кистовидных образований челюс тей, чем ортопантомография. По результатам конусно-лучевых компьютерных томограмм дополнительно были выявлены следующие патологические состояния: гранулемы диаметром менее4 мм – 85% (n = 23), из которых на верхней челюсти располагаются 83% (n = 19), радикулярные кисты верхней челюсти – 11% (n = 3), киста резцового канала – 4% (n = 1). Также анализ ортопантомограмм позволил диагностировать 5 гранулем (80% (n = 4) которых располагались на нижней челюсти в области премоляров и моляров), впоследствии не обнаруженных при оценке результатов конусно-лучевой компьютерной томографии.Заключение. Низкая лучевая нагрузка и высокая информативность конусно-лучевой компьютерной томографии позволяют использовать ее вместо внутриротовой рентгенографии, ортопантомографии и МСКТ в качестве скринингового метода в диагностике различных патологий зубочелюстной системы, в том числе кистовидных образований челюстей

Conveying meaning through shapes and lines: What practicing engineers can teach Higher Education (HE) about Information Literacy in g/local worksites

Scientists and engineers often think in and through images (e.g., Hutto 2007). “Scientific print genres” frequently contain “at least one and often more than one graphical display and one mathematical expression per page of running text”; sometimes, even, a visual will cover 90% of a page (Lemke, 2004). Given the relative uniformity of principles, practices and tools across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, one might expect standardized science and technology (S&T) visuals. Worldwide, however, scientists and engineers are influenced by their own personal experiences and by material and cultural contexts (e.g., physical environs, technological resources, educational systems). A previous study (in press) found significant variations in HE students’ portrayal of S&T concepts for students in globally disparate cultures (Durão, Pinto, Henneke, and Balch). This trend motivated us to analyze similarly disparate S&T practitioners’ visual representations and their reasons for those representations. The VISTAC - Science and Technology Visuals in Action Engineering Pilot Study attempts to achieve the following: Understand when, where and how workplace engineers use and produce S&T visuals. Interpret differences and similarities in S&T visuals. Learn how engineers produce and are informed by such visuals. This qualitative study comprises demographic questionnaires, ethnographic and video-ethnographic shadowing, and closing reflective interviews with participants. Data collection draws on primary research from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Greece, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden, the U.S. This presentation reports preliminary findings of the pilot study and reveals implications for HE information literacy

Hygienic aspects of new technologies using of the fuel cycle center

The aim: justification of criteria for making decision on possibility of the regenerated fuel use in operating productions. Hygienic criteria have been formulated to be guided in order to make a decision on possibility and suitability to carry out planned change of technology at the enterprises of the nuclear fuel circle, its reconstruction, change the line of business, as well as usage of raw materials with worse characteristics