bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Light-induced degradation of rhodamine B by tellurium quantum dots
Authors: Yu Hong , Yang Xiuyun , Zhang Donghui , Guo Manran , Hou Yue , Li Leijiao , Bao Siqi
Published: January 2021

Tellurium quantum dots (Te QDs) were prepared using bulk tellurium as the precursor. Te QDs can be a highly active photocatalyst for boosting the photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The morphology and composition of Te QDs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that in the presence of H2O2, the photocatalytic efficiency of Te QDs on RhB could achieve a good degradation effect within a very short time (30 min). The effects of initial dye concentration, pH value, light intensity, catalyst dosage and H2O2 concentration on dye degradation were successively studied. The effects of inorganic ions (NO3−, Cl−, SO42−, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Fe3+) on photocatalytic degradation were also discussed. Experimental results of free radical capture showed that OH• and O2•− played important roles in photocatalytic degradation. More importantly, Te QDs efficiency still remained above 85% after four cycles of use, indicating good stability, recyclability and utility. This work may inspire further design of other semiconductor QDs for highly efficient dye degradation.
Os princípios subjacentes às IFRS e as bases de mensuração dos elementos integrantes das demonstrações financeiras
Authors: Martucheli Camila Teresa , Pereira Filho Antônio Dias
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: Este ensaio teórico busca apresentar conceitos, argumentos e discussões acerca da adoção e utilização das IFRS, com foco em seus princípios subjacentes e bases de mensuração.

Metodologia: Revisão da literatura com a apresentação e discussão de argumentos de autores que pesquisaram sobre a utilização das IFRS e seus princípios subjacentes e bases de mensuração.

Resultados: Os padrões contábeis baseados em princípios são tidos, por uma corrente de autores, como uma possível solução para o problema da harmonização contábil. Porém, outra corrente de autores afirma que a padronização contábil baseada em princípios, embora possa resultar em relatórios financeiros com maior qualidade são menos assertivos, tendo em vista a existência de subjetividade no conteúdo das demonstrações financeiras. Tal fato leva à conclusão de que seria impossível a harmonização absoluta da normatização contábil.

Contribuições do Estudo: O estudo propõe apontamentos a respeito da discussão sobre as IFRS, responsáveis por aumentar a qualidade das demonstrações financeiras, ao mesmo tempo em que diminui a confiabilidade das informações produzidas, tendo em vista as dificuldades inerentes à aplicação do conceito de valor justo.
Modulation of Gut-Brain Axis by Probiotics: A Promising Anti-depressant Approach
Authors: Rajanala Koumudhi , Kumar Nitesh , Chamallamudi Mallikarjuna Rao
Published: January 2021

The human digestive system is embedded with trillions of microbes of various species
and genera. These organisms serve several purposes in the human body and exist in symbiosis with
the host. Their major role is involved in the digestion and conversion of food materials into many
useful substrates for the human body. Apart from this, the gut microbiota also maintains healthy
communication with other body parts, including the brain. The connection between gut microbiota
and the brain is termed as gut-brain axis (GBA), and these connections are established by neuronal,
endocrine and immunological pathways. Thus, they are involved in neurophysiology and neuropathology
of several diseases like Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), depression,
and autism. There are several food supplements such as prebiotics and probiotics that modulate the
composition of gut microbiota. This article provides a review about the role of gut microbiota in
depression and supplements such as probiotics that are useful in the treatment of depression.
Biomarker Approach Towards Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Authors: Malhotra Hitesh , Garg Vandana , Singh Govind
Published: January 2021

:

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder, recognized by cartilage as well as bone destruction, which causes irreversible joint deformities, which further results in functional limitations in the patient. Genes like HLA-DRB1 and PTPN22 are likely implicated in the genetic predisposition of rheumatoid arthritis pathology. The first and foremost clinical manifestation in a person with rheumatoid arthritis is joint destruction followed by cartilage and bone destruction caused by cell-cell interactions. The cell-cell interactions are thought to be initialized through the contact of antigen-presenting cells (APC) with CD4+ cells, leading to the progression of the disease. APC includes a complex of class ІІ major histocompatibility complex molecules along with peptide antigens and binds to the receptors present on the surface of T-cells. Further, the activation of macrophages is followed by the release of various pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and TNF-α, which lead to the secretion of enzymes that degrade proteoglycan and collagen, which in turn, increase tissue degradation. Biomarkers like IL-6, IL-12, IL-8 and IL-18, 14-3-3η, RANKL, IFN-γ, IFN-β and TGF-β have been designated as key biomarkers in disease development and progression. The study of these biomarkers is very important as they act as a molecular indicator of pathological processes that aggravate the disease.
Genomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics Approaches for Predicting Diabetic Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Darmayanti Siska , Lesmana Ronny , Meiliana Anna , Abdulah Rizky
Published: January 2021

Background:

There is a continuous rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus
(T2DM) worldwide and most patients are unaware of the presence of this chronic disease at the early
stages. T2DM is associated with complications related to long-term damage and failure of multiple
organ systems caused by vascular changes associated with glycated end products, oxidative
stress, mild inflammation, and neovascularization. Among the most frequent complications of
T2DM observed in about 20-40% of T2DM patients is diabetes nephropathy (DN).

Method:

A literature search was made in view of highlighting the novel applications of genomics,
proteomics and metabolomics, as the new prospective strategy for predicting DN in T2DM patients.

Results:

The complexity of DN requires a comprehensive and unbiased approach to investigate the
main causes of disease and identify the most important mechanisms underlying its development.
With the help of evolving throughput technology, rapidly evolving information can now be applied
to clinical practice.

Discussion:

DN is also the leading cause of end-stage renal disease and comorbidity independent
of T2DM. In terms of the comorbidity level, DN has many phenotypes; therefore, timely diagnosis
is required to prevent these complications. Currently, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated
glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are gold standards for assessing glomerular damage and
changes in renal function. However, GFR estimation based on creatinine is limited to hyperfiltration
status; therefore, this makes albuminuria and eGFR indicators less reliable for early-stage diagnosis
of DN.

Conclusion:

The combination of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics assays as suitable biological
systems can provide new and deeper insights into the pathogenesis of diabetes, as well as
discover prospects for developing suitable and targeted interventions.
In vitro, In vivo and In silico Antihyperglycemic Activity of Some Semi-Synthetic Phytol Derivatives
Authors: Upadhyay Harish C. , Mishra Akansha , Pandey Jyotsana , Sharma Pooja , Tamrakar Akhilesh K. , Srivastava Arvind K. , Khan Feroz , Srivastava Santosh K.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Due to the prevalence of type-2 diabetes across the globe, there is unmet need to explore new
molecular targets for the development of cost-effective and safer antihyperglycemic agents.

Objective:

Structural modification of phytol and evaluation of in vitro, in vivo and in silico antihyperglycemic activity of
derivatives establishing the preliminary structure activity relationship (SAR).

Methods:

The semi-synthetic derivatives of phytol were prepared following previously described
methods. The antihyperglycemic potential was measured in vitro in terms of increase in 2-
deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake by L-6 rat skeletal muscle cells as well as in vivo in sucrose-loaded
(SLM) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat models. The blood glucose profile was measured
at 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, 300 and 1440 min post administration of sucrose in rats. The in
silico docking was performed on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) as antidiabetic
target along with absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET)
studies.

Results:

Nine semi-synthetic ester derivatives: acetyl (1), lauroyl (2), palmitoyl (3), pivaloyl (4),
trans-crotonyl (5), benzoyl (6), m-anisoyl (7), 3,4,5-trimethoxy benzoyl (8) cinnamoyl (9) along with
bromo derivative (10) of phytol were prepared. The derivatives 9, 8 and 2 caused 4.5, 3.2 and 2.7
times more in vitro uptake of 2-DG respectively than rosiglitazone (ROSI). The derivatives showed
significant improvement in oral glucose tolerance both in SLM (29.6-21%) as well as STZ-induced
diabetic (30.8-19.0%) rats. The in silico ADMET, docking studies showed non-toxicity and high
binding affinity with PPARγ.

Conclusion:

The potent antihyperglycemic activity with favorable pharmacokinetics supports phytol derivatives as suitable
antidiabetic lead.
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for Simultaneous Determination of Bisphenols in Plastic Packed Dry Fruits Using Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes as Solid Phase Extraction Sorbent
Authors: Ahmed Ali Shazalia Mahmoud , Elamin Manahil Babiker , Ali Omar Mei Musa , Elbashir Abdalla Ahmed , Aboul-Enein Hassan Y.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Bisphenols A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), and bisphenol F (BPF) are manufactured
chemicals found in food packaging, drink containers, lotions, toys, plastic PVC flooring,
and water pipes. The aim of this work is to develop simple, rapid and reliable high-performance
liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) method for simultaneous determination
of bisphenols A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS) in plastic packed dry
fruits collected from Saudi Arabia markets.

Methods:

BPA, BPS and BPF in plastic packed dry fruits samples were extracted and clean up
using packed Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) mini-column followed by analysis using
HPLC-FLD.

Results:

The three BPs were separated within less than 12 min. The method was validated in terms
of linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision (repeatability) and
accuracy (recovery). Good linearity was obtained in the concentration range of 62.25-10000 μg/L
for BPS and 6.25-1000 μg/L for BPA and BPF. The LODs and LOQs were found to be 1.07, 12.09,
and 0.9939 μg/L and 3.56, 40.32 and 3.13 μg/L for bisphenols BPA, BPS, and BPF, respectively.
Recoveries for analytes in the samples were all within the range of 87% to 104%.

Conclusion:

The method was successfully applied to real dry fruit samples (i.e, dry date (Ajwa),
apricot, dry grapes and figs. The results obtained revealed that all of the tested BPs were present in
the samples.
Poly(diphenylamine) and its Nanohybrids for Chemicals and Biomolecules Analysis: A Review
Authors: Eswaran Muthusankar , Dhanusuraman Ragupathy , Chokkiah Bavatharani , Tsai Pei-Chien , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Alothman Zeid Abdullah , Ponnusamy Vinoth Kumar
Published: January 2021

Background:

This is the first review on Poly(diphenylamine) and its nanohybrids which covers about 181 references demonstrating the brief discussion on the theoretical studies, chemical, electrochemical and other-phase preparation techniques, polymerization and oxidation-reduction (redox) mechanisms, physicochemical and electrochemical properties along with electrochemical sensors and spectroscopic applications on the detection of chemicals and biomolecules analysis applications.

Objective:

The main aim of this detailed report is merely to afford a survey of the literature existing on this multifunctional conducting organic polymer (poly(diphenylamine)) that provokes a pathway to innovations and discoveries in the near future claim its applications in multidisciplinary fields, especially in the detection of chemicals and bio-molecules applications.

Methods:

We discussed the overall studies on poly(diphenylamine) and its various nanohybrids, including copolymers, homopolymers, carbon-based, and metal/metal-oxide hybrids. The different synthesis methods of poly(diphenylamine) such as chemical/electrochemical/mechano-chemical polymerization in terms of morphology and electrical conductivity were briefly discussed.

Conclusion:

This review manuscript deliberates the various synthesis approaches and applications based on the multifunctional conducting polymer poly(diphenylamine) and its nanohybrids. This review provides an outlook and challenges ahead that ignites spotlight to innovations and discoveries in the near future claim its applications in multidisciplinary fields, particularly in electrochemical sensors and spectroscopic applications towards the detection of chemicals and bio-molecules.
An Updated Review on COVID-19
Authors: Ebada Mahmoud Ahmed , Wadaa-Allah Ahmed , Bahbah Eshak , Negida Ahmed
Published: January 2021

:

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected more than seven million individuals in 213 countries
worldwide with a basic reproduction number ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 and an estimated case fatality rate ranging from 2% to
7%. A substantial proportion of COVID-19 patients are asymptomatic; however, symptomatic cases might present with fever, cough, and dyspnoea or severe symptoms up to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Currently, RNA RT-PCR is the
screening tool, while bilateral chest CT is the confirmatory clinical diagnostic test. Several drugs have been repurposed to
treat COVID-19, including chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine with or without azithromycin, lopinavir/ritonavir combination, remdesivir, favipiravir, tocilizumab, and EIDD-1931. Recently, Remdesivir gained FDA emergency approval based on
promising early findings from the interim analysis of 1063 patients. The recently developed serology testing for SARSCoV-2 antibodies opened the door to evaluate the actual burden of the disease and to determine the rate of the population
who have been previously infected (or developed immunity). This review article summarizes current data on the COVID-19
pandemic starting from the early outbreak, viral structure and origin, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, discharge criteria,
and future research.
Congenital Heart Disease in Non-Diabetic Large-for-Gestational-Age (LGA) Neonates
Authors: Firouzi Majid , Sherkatolabbasieh Hamidreza , Nezami Alireza , Shafizadeh Shiva
Published: January 2021

Background:

Congenital heart diseases are the most prevalent congenital abnormalities
in the neonates, caused by environmental and genetic factors and contributing to the leading cause
of death. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between neonates with large for gestational
age and increased risk of congenital heart diseases among non-diabetic mothers.

Methods:

In this study, 179 neonates with large gestational age in Khorramabad were enrolled
where heart abnormalities were evaluated using echocardiography.

Results:

87 neonates had more than 4000 g of birth weight with no heart abnormalities and 92
(51%) macrosomic neonates had congenital heart diseases. Statistical analysis revealed a significant
relationship between birth weight and increased risk of acquiring congenital heart disease between
the two groups. There was no significant relationship between birth weight, maternal age,
gender, labor type and blood group between the two groups. The highest incidence of congenital
heart anomalies was related to 38% of arterial septal defect (ASD) and 15.2% of ASD and VSD, respectively.

Conclusion:

The most prevalent abnormality was arterial septal ASD. None of these abnormalities
were associated with maternal age, birth weight and neonate gender. Future studies for congenital
heart disease and neonatal birth weight are, therefore, recommended.
Lubricant Oil Bioremediation by Rhodococcus erythropolis Bacteria and Indigenous Bacteria Isolated from Water Contaminated with Lubricant Oil
Authors: Murti Sujadi Frentina , Yahya Yahya , Kurniawan Andi , Aziz Amin Abd.
Published: January 2021

The bioremediation system can be improved by using specific bacterial potential as oil-degrading bacteria which microorganisms can use hydrocarbons as a carbon source for their metabolic processes. The aim of this study is to identify R. erythropolis on degradation oil contamination and to obtain indigenous bacteria as new agent bacteria on bioremediation of oil contamination. The polluted water samples from used oil were taken from PPN Prigi, Trenggalek, East Java, Indonesia. The parameters considered were the detection and characterization of indigenous bacteria that degraded used oil. The density of bacteria was analyzed in the interval time of days 0, 2, 4, 6 and 7 and TPH was analyzed at final incubation. The results of this study indicate that the effectiveness of reducing oil concentration was used in testing the potential of bacteria from the highest was Pseudomonas aeruginosa which as indigenous bacteria isolated from water contaminated sites with application cell rate 1×108 cells/ml. It reduced of oil concentration up to 53%, and 1×106 cells/ml reduced oil concentration up to 47%. While, R. erythropolis with application cell rate 1×108 cells/ml reduced 47%. This result was found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was effectively removed of oil concentration.
Adaptação Lexical Automática em Textos Informativos do Português Brasileiro para o Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Hartmann Nathan Siegle , Aluísio Sandra Maria
Published: January 2021

A Adaptação Textual é uma grande área de pesquisa do Processamento de Línguas Naturais (PLN), bastante conhecida como prática educacional, e possui duas grandes abordagens: a Simplificação e a Elaboração Textual. Não há muitos trabalhos na literatura de PLN que tratam todas as fases da Adaptação Lexical para implementação de sistemas. Vários trabalhos tratam independentemente as tarefas de Simplificação e Elaboração Lexicais, trazendo contribuições parciais, já que cada uma das tarefas possuem seus próprios desafios. Este trabalho propôs um pipeline para a Adaptação Lexical e apresenta contribuições para três das quatro etapas do pipeline, sendo elas: (i) proposta e avaliação de métodos para a tarefa de Identificação de Palavras Complexas; (ii) análise de córpus para levantamento de padrões de Elaboração Lexical do tipo definição; (iii) disponibilização do córpus SIMPLEX-PB 3.0, contendo em sua nova versão definições curtas extraídas de dicionário que foram revisadas manualmente, anotações de termos técnicos extraídas de dicionário, e métricas linguísticas de complexidade lexical; e (iv) proposta e avaliação de métodos para Simplificação Lexical, estabelecendo um novo SOTA para a tarefa aplicada no Português Brasileiro.
Adição à internet e caraterísticas de personalidade
Authors: Monteiro Ana Paula , Sousa Manuel , Correia Elisete
Published: January 2021

O uso problemático da internet principalmente pelos jovens constitui uma preocupação atual, no sentido de averiguar a prevalência do uso aditivo, assim como a possível associação com as diferenças individuais. Este estudo pretende conhecer a relação entre a adição à internet e as caraterísticas de personalidade, contempladas no modelo de cinco fatores. Pretendeu-se também analisar a relação entre as variáveis sociodemográficas, designadamente sexo e idade, e a adição à internet. Participaram na investigação 1050 estudantes universitários de diferentes cursos, entre os 17 e os 35 anos, sendo 633 do sexo feminino e 417 do sexo masculino, aos quais foi aplicado um questionário composto por questões sociodemográficas, o Internet Addiction Test (IAT), de Young (1998), validado para a população portuguesa por Pontes et al. (2014), e a versão portuguesa do NEO-Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) (Magalhães et al., 2014). As principais conclusões apontam que os indivíduos mais neuróticos, mais extrovertidos, menos amáveis e menos conscienciosos revelam um grau de adição à internet mais elevado. Observou-se ainda que os indivíduos mais jovens e do sexo masculino são tendencialmente mais adictos à internet. São discutidas as implicações práticas da investigação, limitações e propostas para estudos futuros.
Pesquisa biográfica e heterobiografização
Authors: Reis Rosemeire
Published: January 2021

Esse artigo tem como objetivo analisar processos de heterobiografização como dimensão importante da pesquisa biográfica em educação e como fonte de aprendizagens para o/a pesquisador/a. Compreende-se heterobiografização como aprendizagens obtidas a partir da escuta e interpretação das narrativas de experiência do outro. Para tanto, parte-se de uma pesquisa biográfica realizada em 2017 com estudantes de uma universidade parisiense, como parte dos estudos pós-doutorais desenvolvidos na Université Sorbonne Paris Nord. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, que se fundamenta numa análise sócio-histórico-antropológica da relação dos sujeitos com o mundo (Ferrarotti, 2014) e com a perspectiva da hermenêutica para as interpretações das entrevistas (Delory-Momberger, 2014; Ricœur, 1983), realizadas com quatro estudantes: dois homens (um de Master I e outro de Master II) e duas mulheres (uma de Master II e uma doutoranda). Como resultados apreendem-se dois tipos de aprendizagens para a pesquisadora: relacionada à construção da postura ética de valorização dos saberes do outro e à reflexividade quanto a pertinência da questão de pesquisa. Como conclusão identifica-se que o processo de heterobiografização vivenciado contribui para a biografização do/a pesquisador/a. O movimento entre heterobiografização e biografização é uma dimensão formativa e de produção de conhecimentos importantes no âmbito da pesquisa biográfica em educação.
Emerging Trends and Thematic Evolution of Breast Cancer: Knowledge Mapping and Co-Word Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Sadatmoosavi Ali , Tajedini Oranus , Esmaeili Omid , Abolhasani Zadeh Firouzeh , Khazaneha Mahdiyeh
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

One of the requirements for scientists and researchers to enter any field of science is to have a comprehensive and accurate understanding of that discipline.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to draw a science map, provide structural analysis, explore the evolution, and determine new trends in research articles published in the field of breast cancer.

METHODS

This study comprised a descriptive survey with a scientometric approach. Data were collected from MEDLINE using a search strategy based on Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms. This study used science mapping, which provides a visual representation and a longitudinal evolution of possible interrelations between scientific areas, documents, or authors, thus reflecting the cognitive architecture of science mapping. For this scientometric evaluation of the topic of breast cancer research, a very long period was considered for data collection. Moreover, due to the availability of numerous publications in the database, the assessment was divided into three different periods ranging from 1988 to 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 12,577 records related to scientometric studies were extracted. The field of breast cancer research demonstrated three diagrams containing the most relevant themes for the three chronological periods evaluated. Each diagram was plotted based on the centrality and density linked to each research topic. The research output in the field was observed to revolve around 8 areas or themes: radiation injury, cardiovascular disease, fibroadenoma, antineoplastic agent, estrogen antagonistic, immunohistochemistry, soybean, and epitopes, each represented with different colors.

CONCLUSIONS

In the strategic diagrams, the themes were both well developed and important for the structuring of a research field. The first quadrant comprised motor themes of the specialty, which present strong centrality and high density (eg, corticosteroid antineoplastic age, stem cell, T-lymphocyte, protein tyrosine kinase, dietary, and phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase). In the second quadrant of diagram, themes have well-developed internal ties but unimportant external ties, as they are of only marginal importance for the field. These themes are very specialized and peripheral (eg, DNA-binding). In the third quadrant, themes are both weakly developed and marginal. The themes in this quadrant have low density and centrality and mainly represent either emerging or declining themes (eg, ovarian neoplasm). Themes in the fourth quadrant of the strategic diagram are considered important for a research field but are not fully developed. This quadrant contains transversal and general, basic themes (eg, immunohistochemistry). Scientometric analysis of breast cancer research can be regarded as a roadmap for future research and policymaking for this important field.
Effects of Social Networking Service (SNS) Addiction on Mental Health Status in Chinese University Students: Structural Equation Modeling Approach Using a Cross-sectional Online Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Tingxuan , Wong Janet Y H , Wang Man Ping , Li Amanda Chiu Yin , Kim Sang Suk , Lee Jung Jae
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Although social networking services (SNSs) have become popular among young people, problematic SNS use has also increased. However, little is known about SNS addiction and its association with SNS use patterns and mental health status.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to test the mediating role of SNS addiction between SNS use patterns and mental health status among Chinese university students in Hong Kong (HK).

METHODS

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted using a convenience sampling method. In total, 533 university students (323 [66.9%] female, mean age [SD]=20.87 [2.68] years) were recruited from February to March 2019. Multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between SNS use and SNS addiction. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to examine the pathways and associations among SNS use, SNS addiction, psychosocial status, and mental health status (including anxiety and depressive symptoms).

RESULTS

A longer time spent on SNSs per day (>3 h), a longer time spent on each SNS access (≥31 min), a higher frequency of SNS access (≤every 30 min), a longer duration of SNS use before sleeping (≥61 min), and a shorter duration from waking to first SNS use (≤5 min) were significantly associated with a higher level of SNS addiction (adjusted beta [aβ]=6.03, 95% CI 4.66-7.40; aβ=4.99, 95% CI 3.14-6.83; aβ=5.89, 95% CI 4.14-7.64; aβ=5.92, 95% CI 4.19-7.65; and aβ=3.27, 95% CI 1.73-4.82, respectively). SEM showed a significant mediating effect of SNS addiction in the relationship between SNS use and psychosocial status, and mental health status, including an indirect effect (β=0.63, 95% CI 0.37-0.93) and the total effect (β=0.44, 95% CI 0.19-0.72), while the direct effect was insignificant (β=–0.19, 95% CI –0.49 to 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

SNS use patterns were associated with SNS addiction, and SNS addiction mediated the associations between SNS use, psychosocial status, and mental health status of Chinese university students in HK. The findings suggest that screening for and addressing excessive SNS use are needed to prevent SNS addiction and mental distress among young people.
Exercise and Creatine Supplementation to Augment the Adaptation of Exercise Training Among Breast Cancer Survivors Completing Chemotherapy: Protocol for an Open-label Randomized Controlled Trial (the THRIVE Study) (Preprint)
Authors: Patel Darpan I , Gonzalez Angela , Moon Crisann , Serra Monica , Bridges Preston Blake , Hughes Daniel , Clarke Geoffrey , Kilpela Lisa , Jiwani Rozmin , Musi Nicolas
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

In breast cancer survivors, chemotherapy-induced muscle loss has been shown to be attenuated with structured resistance exercise. Creatine supplementation can increase bioenergetics in skeletal muscle, which helps to improve overall strength and endurance and reduce muscular fatigue. Therefore, we hypothesize that adding creatinine supplementation to exercise training will accelerate improvements in strength, endurance, and bioenergetics in breast cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective is to determine the effects of combining creatine supplementation with exercise on modulating strength and physical function in breast cancer survivors by comparing these effects to those of exercise alone. The secondary objectives are to determine if creatine supplementation and exercise can increase the intramuscular storage of creatine and improve body composition by comparing this intervention to exercise alone.

METHODS

We aim to test our hypothesis by conducting an open-label randomized controlled trial of 30 breast cancer survivors who have completed chemotherapy within 6 months of enrollment. Eligible participants will be equally randomized (1:1) to either a creatine and exercise group or an exercise-only group for this 12-week intervention. Individuals who are randomized to receive creatine will be initially dosed at 20 g per day for 7 days to boost the availability of creatine systemically. Thereafter, the dose will be reduced to 5 g per day for maintenance throughout the duration of the 12-week protocol. All participants will engage in 3 center-based exercise sessions, which will involve completing 3 sets of 8 to 12 repetitions on chest press, leg press, seated row, shoulder press, leg extension, and leg curl machines. The primary outcomes will include changes in strength, body composition, and physical function in breast cancer survivors. The secondary outcomes will be intramuscular concentrations of creatine and adenosine triphosphate in the vastus lateralis, midthigh cross-sectional area, and quality of life.

RESULTS

As of October 2021, a total of 9 patients have been enrolled into the study. No unexpected adverse events have been reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Creatine is being studied as a potential agent for improving strength, endurance, and bioenergetics in breast cancer survivors following chemotherapy. The findings from our trial may have future implications for supporting breast cancer survivors in reversing the muscle loss experienced during chemotherapy and improving their physical function and quality of life.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04207359; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04207359

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/26827
COVID-19 Mask Usage and Social Distancing in Social Media Images: Large-scale Deep Learning Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Singh Asmit Kumar , Mehan Paras , Sharma Divyanshu , Pandey Rohan , Sethi Tavpritesh , Kumaraguru Ponnurangam
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The adoption of nonpharmaceutical interventions and their surveillance are critical for detecting and stopping possible transmission routes of COVID-19. A study of the effects of these interventions can help shape public health decisions. The efficacy of nonpharmaceutical interventions can be affected by public behaviors in events, such as protests. We examined mask use and mask fit in the United States, from social media images, especially during the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, representing the first large-scale public gatherings in the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the use and fit of face masks and social distancing in the United States and events of large physical gatherings through public social media images from 6 cities and BLM protests.

METHODS

We collected and analyzed 2.04 million public social media images from New York City, Dallas, Seattle, New Orleans, Boston, and Minneapolis between February 1, 2020, and May 31, 2020. We evaluated correlations between online mask usage trends and COVID-19 cases. We looked for significant changes in mask use patterns and group posting around important policy decisions. For BLM protests, we analyzed 195,452 posts from New York and Minneapolis from May 25, 2020, to July 15, 2020. We looked at differences in adopting the preventive measures in the BLM protests through the mask fit score.

RESULTS

The average percentage of group pictures dropped from 8.05% to 4.65% after the lockdown week. New York City, Dallas, Seattle, New Orleans, Boston, and Minneapolis observed increases of 5.0%, 7.4%, 7.4%, 6.5%, 5.6%, and 7.1%, respectively, in mask use between February 2020 and May 2020. Boston and Minneapolis observed significant increases of 3.0% and 7.4%, respectively, in mask use after the mask mandates. Differences of 6.2% and 8.3% were found in group pictures between BLM posts and non-BLM posts for New York City and Minneapolis, respectively. In contrast, the differences in the percentage of masked faces in group pictures between BLM and non-BLM posts were 29.0% and 20.1% for New York City and Minneapolis, respectively. Across protests, 35% of individuals wore a mask with a fit score greater than 80%.

CONCLUSIONS

The study found a significant drop in group posting when the stay-at-home laws were applied and a significant increase in mask use for 2 of 3 cities where masks were mandated. Although a positive trend toward mask use and social distancing was observed, a high percentage of posts showed disregard for the guidelines. BLM-related posts captured the lack of seriousness to safety measures, with a high percentage of group pictures and low mask fit scores. Thus, the methodology provides a directional indication of how government policies can be indirectly monitored through social media.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Canada: Content Analysis of Tweets Using the Theoretical Domains Framework (Preprint)
Authors: Griffith Janessa , Marani Husayn , Monkman Helen
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

With the approval of two COVID-19 vaccines in Canada, many people feel a sense of relief, as hope is on the horizon. However, only about 75% of people in Canada plan to receive one of the vaccines.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to determine the reasons why people in Canada feel hesitant toward receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

METHODS

We screened 3915 tweets from public Twitter profiles in Canada by using the search words “vaccine” and “COVID.” The tweets that met the inclusion criteria (ie, those about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy) were coded via content analysis. Codes were then organized into themes and interpreted by using the Theoretical Domains Framework.

RESULTS

Overall, 605 tweets were identified as those about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Vaccine hesitancy stemmed from the following themes: concerns over safety, suspicion about political or economic forces driving the COVID-19 pandemic or vaccine development, a lack of knowledge about the vaccine, antivaccine or confusing messages from authority figures, and a lack of legal liability from vaccine companies. This study also examined mistrust toward the medical industry not due to hesitancy, but due to the legacy of communities marginalized by health care institutions. These themes were categorized into the following five Theoretical Domains Framework constructs: knowledge, beliefs about consequences, environmental context and resources, social influence, and emotion.

CONCLUSIONS

With the World Health Organization stating that one of the worst threats to global health is vaccine hesitancy, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind this reluctance. By using a behavioral science framework, this study adds to the emerging knowledge about vaccine hesitancy in relation to COVID-19 vaccines by analyzing public discourse in tweets in real time. Health care leaders and clinicians may use this knowledge to develop public health interventions that are responsive to the concerns of people who are hesitant to receive vaccines.
Medidas desenvolvidas para avaliar os impactos psicológicos da pandemia de COVID-19: uma revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Mota Reis Lorena , Pereira Camila Jussara , de Assis Freire Sandra Elisa , de Medeiros Émerson Diógenes
Published: January 2021

ANTECEDENTES: As consequencias da pandemia de COVID-19 coloca em alerta a saúde mental da população mundial, nesse contexto as ferramentas psicométricas possuem um grande valor para o melhor entendimento do sofrimento psicológico nesse período. OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve por objetivo realizar um levantamento sobre os instrumentos psicométricos desenvolvidos e adaptados para mensurar construtos psicológicos no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19. MÉTODO: Foi realizado uma revisão sistemática da literatura nas bases de dados Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, BVS e PsycInfo. Foram incluídos textos completos em inglês, português ou espanhol. RESULTADOS: A busca resultou em 108 artigos, sendo 18 selecionados para análise. Os achados nos permitiram identificar os instrumentos disponíveis para a avaliação psicológica das pessoas durante a pandemia de COVID-19, possibilitando uma discussão focada nos artigos mais recentes. CONCLUSÕES: Os instrumentos psicométricos que têm sido desenvolvidos visam os impactos psicológicos que a pandemia do COVID-19 tem suscitado como: medo, comportamento obsessivo, ansiedade, estresse, crenças e fobias. Os instrumentos elencados servem para identificar indícios de adoecimento mental, sendo, portanto, ferramentas que podem ser utilizadas na prevenção e auxílio no diagnóstico de desconfortos mentais.
LAS REMESAS INTERNACIONALES: ¿ESTABILIZADOR AUTOMÁTICO O SÚPERMULTIPLICADOR DE LA POLÍTICA FISCAL?
Authors: Sovilla Bruno
Published: January 2021

RESUMEN

En este trabajo analizamos cómo impactan las remesas en la economía de un país receptor por el lado de la oferta y el de la demanda, insertándolas en un modelo estático neokeynesiano con precios flexibles. Demostramos que las remesas también repercuten en la efectividad de las políticas económicas y de sus multiplicadores dependiendo del grado de intervención del Banco Central en el mercado de divisas. Eso nos permite definir distintos escenarios macroeconómicos, cada uno con sus propias implicaciones de política económica.

 

INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCES: AN ECONOMIC STABILIZER

OR A FISCAL POLICY SUPER MULTIPLIER?

ABSTRACT

In this paper the impact of remittances on a recipient economy’s supply and demand sides is analyzed considering a static model with flexible prices. It is shown that remittances affect both the effectiveness of economic policies and their multipliers. This effect is also shown to depend on the degree of Central Bank intervention in the foreign exchange market. This allows us to define different macroeconomic scenarios, each with different economic policy implications.
¿De qué murió Caravaggio?
Authors: Fortoul van der Goes Teresa I.
Published: January 2021

Talented, proud and daring, Caravaggio had a tumultuous life in which he resounded everything established in his time: from the traditionalist school to scandalizing the artistic society of Rome. He had friends, but even more enemies. He lived his life for artistic creation and carnal pleasures, which would be deeply linked during his short life.
COVID-19 y su asociación con los IECA y ARAII
Authors: García Delgado Alejandro Jahén , García Lorenzo
Published: January 2021

MD. Alejandro Jahén García Delgado's letter to the Editor, provides an interesting opinion on the article ""COVID-19 and its Association with Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists"" by authors Luis M. Montaño Ramírez and Edgar Flores-Soto, published in Rev Fac Med (UNAM), 2020:63(4).
Charismatic leadership and millennial employee innovation performance relationship mediated by employees' leadership, professional, and organizational identification
Authors: Zhao Caihong , Tian Guixian , Wen Zhengzai , Gao Xingyu
Published: January 2021

Using leadership behavior and social identity theories, we conducted an empirical study with 361 millennial employees to explore the mechanisms underlying the impact of charismatic leadership on employee innovation performance in the Chinese context, and to understand the serial mediation
effects of employees' leadership, professional, and organizational identification. The results show that charismatic leadership had a significant positive effect on millennial employee innovation performance and that this relationship was partially mediated by employees' leadership, professional,
and organizational identification. Moreover, a serial mediation effect was found via employees' leadership and professional identification; leadership and organizational identification; professional and organizational identification; and leadership, professional, and organizational identification.
The findings offer a new paradigm to explain the mechanisms through which charismatic leadership affects millennial employee innovation performance. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Factors Affecting Tourists Satisfaction in Candirejo Tourism Village, Indonesia
Authors: Hillary Janne
Published: January 2021

Candirejo Village is a tourism village which focuses on the natural nuance of the village. The current challenge faced by Candirejo Village is how to significantly increase the number of tourists per year. In dealing with this challenge, the management should manage tourists satisfaction. The factors that need to be paid attention to the tourists' satisfaction are the attraction, facility, service, accessibility, and price. This study aims to examine and analyze the effect of attraction, facility, service, accessibility, and price on the tourist's satisfaction of Candirejo Village. The analysis results show that all of the independent variables jointly affect the tourist's satisfaction in Candirejo Village. Despite that, the price was the only factor individually affecting the tourist's satisfaction in Candirejo Village. Therefore, attraction, facility, service, accessibility, and price are multi-factors. Optimal synergized of these factors can increase the tourist's satisfaction in Candirejo Village.
Morfología de la cavidad visceral del pez jorobado Selene vomer (Teleostei: Carangidae)
Authors: Kobelkowsky Abraham , Beltrán-Vinalay Omar
Published: January 2021

El pez luna o jorobado Selene vomer es un teleósteo representante de la familia Carangidae con distribución en las costas del Atlántico Occidental, caracterizado por el extremo aplanamiento lateral de su cuerpo. Existen escasos registros de la anatomía de Selene Lacépède, 1802. El objetivo fue la determinación de la relación entre la forma comprimida del cuerpo de S. vomer y la organización de los órganos dentro la cavidad visceral. Mediante disección se determinaron los límites esqueléticos de la cavidad visceral y se analizó, describió e ilustró la anatomía de los órganos contenidos en la misma. La cavidad visceral es aplanada lateralmente, de aspecto lateral trapezoidal, vertical y extendida extra visceralmente mediante las cavidades viscerales secundarias. La vejiga gaseosa es amplia, unicameral, y desarrolla hacia atrás dos lóbulos posteriores. El mesonefros es comprimido y curvado y forma dos lóbulos renales anteriores. El tubo digestivo se dispone verticalmente y muestra un conjunto de ciegos duodenales ramificados. Las gónadas tienen una posición diagonal. Se reconoce una relación directa del aplanamiento lateral del cuerpo con la forma comprimida de la cavidad visceral y de sus órganos. La forma de la cavidad visceral está relacionada con el alargamiento vertical de las cinturas escapular y pélvica, las costillas pleurales y el primer pterigióforo anal. El órgano con mayor número de rasgos anatómicos especiales es la vejiga gaseosa, por sus lóbulos posteriores extraviscerales y por su anclaje a la columna vertebral mediante ligamentos.
Minha Cor (É) Vermelha: Performance como ritual, imagem como pele da performance
Authors: Gemaque Mapige
Published: January 2021

Este texto apresenta ações do momento ‘vivido’ na performance ritual Minha cor(é)vermelha, em que o cor(po)lítico, ideológico e ritualístico busca compreender os dramas sociais vivenciados pelas pessoas que vivem e demarcam espaços na Amazônia, através de experimentos performáticos que criam conexões com as particularidades sociais e antropológicas da vida amazônida e que atuam como elementos de resistência, enfrentamentos e atravessamentos po(é)ticos, pois é preciso (re)xistir para existir em alguns lugares dessa cartografia.
Mulheres de Fogo
Authors: Tavares Roberta
Published: January 2021

Mulheres de Fogo é o poema que dá nome ao zine (minilivro artesanal independente) de Roberta Tavares e que teve sua primeira edição em 2018, com grande repercussão e circulação na cidade de Belém e para além dela, o que levou a montagem da segunda edição em 2019, e  terceira em 2020,  colocando em xeque a ideia de que as pessoas não compram, não leem ou não se interessam por poesia – ideia que, segundo a poeta, talvez  tenha mais a ver com monopólio de mercado editorial e suas consequências do que propriamente com a poesia em si. Mulheres de fogo foi o poema da publicação independente mencionada que mais se tornou conhecido, lido e declamado por diferentes mulheres em diversos lugares.
Post-scriptum: A Amazônia em estado virótico!
Authors: Pinheiro Luizan
Published: January 2021

Sem resumo.
Corporate social responsibility spending of commercial banks: determinants and consequence
Authors: Musah Alhassan
Published: January 2021

The contribution of firms towards society in the form of corporate social responsibility has attracted significant concern for many stakeholders, especially among banks in Ghana. It is perceived that; banks especially do Corporate Social Responsibility just because they are the most profitable sector in Ghana. The study sort to examine the kind of relationship that exists between bank performance and CSR in Ghana. Also, to determine how bank size and profitability and it's listing status and foreign ownership influence CSR spending in Ghana. The study sampled 24 commercial banks over seven years from 2010 to 2016. The study analyzed data using statistical tools such as descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel regression analysis. The study found out that engaging in CSR activities increases banks' profitability in Ghana, especially for ROE.  Besides, the study concluded that bigger and larger banks are more profitable than small companies, so they are more involved in CSR activities. The study also investigated whether foreign ownership and the listing status of banks influence CSR spending. On this aspect, the study found out that banks' listing status influences CSR spending, but foreign ownership does not. The result implies that listed banks are more public and faces more social pressure hence they spend more on CSR to legitimize their operations.