bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Literature in the new era: a study of Glück’s poetic quality and its affinity with the characteristics of Chinese culture
Authors: Liu Yijun
Published: February 2024

Abstract: As a modern American poet with international influence, Louise Glück’s works demonstrate a unique spirit of innovation and sense of experimentation, which would open up a new field of poetic creation. Therefore, it is important to study the influence of Gluck’s works on the literature of the new Chinese period. This paper examined the dissemination of Chinese cultural influences and their role in contemporary Chinese literature through the lens of poetics in Glück’s literary works. By employing data mining techniques, this paper conducted an online survey on the sales volume and readership of Glück’s works, examining the readers’ demographic information, including age, education level and regional distribution. The survey results demonstrated that from March 2020 to October 2020, the average monthly sales volume of Glück’s print books was 13,625, while the average monthly readership of e-books was 21,520.75. Glück’s works have been widely disseminated in China and collided with Chinese culture. Glück’s poetic nature and stubborn spirit of solitude without sinking have opened up new possibilities for contemporary Chinese literature and provided a new way for writers to explore art.
The unconsciousness of the female discipline ideology - analysis of the symptoms of the three poems of Qingping Tune from the perspective of feminism
Authors: Huo Ziliang
Published: February 2024

Abstract: In this paper, from the perspectives of feminism, through the analysis of Li Bai’s inheritance and innovation of palace-style poetry in his creation, the author puts forward two techniques and their symptom in the three poems of Qingping Tune: inheriting the sensationalization of palace-style poetry and innovating in the mythological and legendary techniques of palace-style poetry. Based on these two techniques, the unconsciousness of the fetish and goddess mythological fantasy is revealed from the “blankness” of the image itself, so as to achieve the research effect of a comprehensive analysis of the female discipline ideology in the aristrocrats’ patriarchal courtly literature.
A defense of an inferentialist historiography of philosophy: commitments, incompatibilities, and entitlements
Authors: Ferreira Gabriel
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Even if we deny any kind of exceptionalism to philosophy as an intellectual enterprise (see Williamson, 2007), it seems easy to concede that, at least concerning relations with its own history, philosophy is different from other fields of knowledge (see Williamson, 2018). However, questions regarding the scope, role and validity of the history of philosophy for philosophical activity are as old as philosophy itself, as well as becoming relevant in the so-called “parting of ways” between analytic and hermeneutic phenomenological trends. However, it is possible to say that, at least since the second half of the last century, we have seen an important inflection about the place and importance of the history of philosophy in contemporary philosophy: both because of the “historical turn” in analytical philosophy, with works by Strawson, Sellars and, more recently, Brandom, serving as good examples of such a movement, and due to the recently renewed interest in questions of metaphilosophy. An example of this second movement is the debate between the so-called appropriationists and contextualists. Hence, this paper sets out to analyze the two main arguments against rational reconstructions - the GTRC and the causation of anachronism - and offer a defense of an inferentialist approach to the history of philosophy, based on Robert Brandom’s work, which is simultaneously open to certain contextualism, as well as establishing parameters for rational reconstructions.
The ideological background of ancient Chinese clothing culture
Authors: Zhang Bin , Yang Ping
Published: February 2024

Abstract: China has been known as a country of clothing since ancient times, and its clothing culture is dazzling. Any nation’s art and culture have their specific philosophical thought background. Behind the Chinese costume culture, it also contains the ancient Chinese people’s ideological connotation. Ancient Chinese society spanned five thousand years, the social trend of thought was constantly changing, and the clothing system was also constantly updated. Through the study of the ideological history background of ancient Chinese clothing culture, we can broaden the research angle of ancient Chinese philosophy and more comprehensively understand the traditional clothing culture.
Aesthetic conceptions and cultural symbols in traditional Chinese painting
Authors: Guan Yan
Published: February 2024

Abstract: The aesthetic conception in traditional Chinese painting is an essential concept in ancient Chinese aesthetic thought and serves as the supreme aesthetic criterion pursued in classic painting creation. Artists use unique works to showcase the aesthetic conception in traditional Chinese painting, thereby highlighting the distinctive features of Chinese painting. This article conducts a genealogical analysis of artistic conception in traditional Chinese painting. It combines it with specific cultural symbols for interpretation to unveil the philosophical ideas and cultural concepts concentrated in traditional Chinese painting.
TUMOR MARKERS EXPRESSION LEVELS IN GASTRIC CANCER PATIENT’S PERIPHERAL BLOOD BY RT-PCR ASSESSMENT
Authors: KAWAKAMI Gabriel da Silva , PEREIRA Marina Alessandra , KUBRUSLY Márcia Saldanha , CARRASCO Alexis Germán Murillo , RAMOS Marcus Fernando Kodama Pertille , RIBEIRO JÚNIOR Ulysses
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hematological recurrence is the second most frequent cause of failure in the treatment of gastric cancer. The detection of circulating tumor markers in peripheral blood by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method may be a useful tool to predict recurrence and determine the patient’s prognosis. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the association between the tumor markers level in peripheral blood and its impact on patient survival. AIMS: To evaluate the expression of the circulating tumor markers CK20 and MUC1 in peripheral blood samples from patients with gastric cancer by qRT-PCR, and to verify the association of their expression levels with clinicopathological characteristics and survival. METHODS: A total of 31 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were prospectively included in this study. CK20 and MUC1 expression levels were analyzed from peripheral blood by the qRT-PCR technique. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant (p>0.05) association between CK20 expression levels and clinical, pathological, and surgical features. Higher MUC1 expression levels were associated with female patients (p=0.01). There was a correlation between both gene levels (R=0.81, p<0.001), and CK20 level and tumor size (R=0.39, p=0.034). CONCLUSIONS: CK20 and MUC1 expression levels could be assessed by qRT-PCR from total peripheral blood samples of patients with gastric cancer. CK20 levels were correlated to MUC1 levels as well as to tumor size. There was no difference in disease-free survival and overall survival regarding both genetic markers expression in this series.
LAPAROSCOPIC RIGHT AND LEFT COLECTOMY: WHICH PROVIDES BETTER POSTOPERATIVE RESULTS FOR ONCOLOGY PATIENTS?
Authors: Pinto Rodrigo Ambar , Soares Diego Fernandes Maia , Gerbasi Lucas , Nahas Caio Sérgio Rizkallah , Marques Carlos Frederico Sparapan , Bustamante-Lopes Leonardo Alfonso , Camargo Mariane Gouvea Monteiro de , Nahas Sérgio Carlos
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach considerably reduced the morbidity of colorectal surgery when compared to the open approach. Among its benefits, we can highlight less intraoperative bleeding, early oral intake, lower rates of surgical site infection, incisional hernia, and postoperative pain, and earlier hospital discharge. AIMS: To compare the perioperative morbidity of right versus left colectomy for cancer and the quality of laparoscopic oncologic resection. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients submitted to laparoscopic right and left colctomy between 2006 and 2016. Postoperative complications were classified using the Clavien-Dindo scale, 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 293 patients were analyzed, 97 right colectomies (33.1%) and 196 left colectomies (66.9%). The averageage was 62.8 years. The groups were comparable in terms of age, comorbidities, body mass index, and the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification. Preoperative transfusion was higher in the right colectomy group (5.1% versus 0.4%, p=0.004, p<0.05). Overall, 233 patients (79.5%) had no complications. Complications found were grade I and II in 62 patients (21.1%) and grade III to V in 37 (12.6%). Twenty-three patients (7.8%) underwent reoperation. The comparison between left and right colectomy was not statistically different for operative time, conversion, reoperation, severe postoperative complications, and length of stay. The anastomotic leak rate was comparable in both groups(5.6% versus 2.1%, p=0.232, p>0.05). The oncological results were similar in both surgeries. In multiple logistic regression, ASA statistically influenced the worst results (≥ III; p=0.029, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical and oncological results of laparoscopic right and left colectomies are similar, making this the preferred approach for both procedures.
Por dentro dos cantinhos obscuros: Carmen Dolores, uma feminista em defesa da causa divorcista (1905-1910)
Authors: Rocha Ana Vitoria Sampaio Castanheira
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Durante a Primeira República, sobretudo após a separação entre Igreja e Estado e a instituição do casamento civil em 1890, o divórcio tornou-se tema de debate entre a população brasileira. Em meio aos políticos, juristas, clérigos e jornalistas que se ocuparam com a questão divorcista estava Carmen Dolores, pseudônimo de Emília Moncorvo Bandeira de Melo, cronista do jornal O País. Carmen Dolores atuou de forma vigorosa na defesa da causa divorcista, atrelando-a ao incipiente feminismo que começava a tomar formas no Brasil e construindo laços de solidariedade com outras/os ativistas da causa. Sua atuação não se limitou às páginas da imprensa, estando ela, também, presente nas reuniões do Instituto da Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil (IOAB) como ouvinte para apoiar as/os advogadas/os em defesa do divórcio.
Counterurbanization in the peri-urban forest of Guadalajara, México
Authors: Ríos-Llamas Carlos , Hernández-Vázquez Samuel
Published: February 2024

Abstract Forests and farms are often replaced by counter-urbanization, in which people move from urban to rural areas, causing the progressive growth of rural areas beyond cities. This article delves into the counterurbanization process in the peri-urban forest of Guadalajara, Mexico known as “Bosque La Primavera'' (BLP), discussing three key elements: (1) the absence of a forest buffer zone, (2) the shift from agricultural to industrial and tertiary activities, and (3) green tourism and neo-ruralism moving to the countryside. A mixed methodological approach based on the Theory of Change (ToC) was used. Data was collected from an organization implementing a forest conservation program in 2020 and 2021. Twelve interviews were conducted with brigade members and academics. From the counterurbanization perspective, this study illustrates how unregulated urbanization, land use changes, and green tourism have all contributed to the progressive degradation of forest reserves in the BLP. Due to the growing links between urban and rural areas, rural economies in peri-urban forests are gradually being replaced by industrial and tertiary practices, whereas tourist amenities require new services that alter rural living patterns.
Quem recebe e que diferença fazem: emendas orçamentárias nos municípios brasileiros pós EC 86/2015 (2015-2019)
Authors: Cate Lidia Ten
Published: February 2024

A partir do estudo de emendas orçamentárias individuais ao Projeto de Lei Orçamentária Anual (PLOA) alocadas aos municípios, busca-se analisar os fatores relacionados às chances de um município receber esses recursos e os efeitos do recebimento em suas dinâmicas eleitoral e orçamentária. As análises exploram o tema abrangendo emendas alocadas entre 2015 e 2019, com o uso de abordagem quantitativa, por meio dos modelos de regressão linear e Propensity Score Matching. As conclusões indicam papel ativo dos municípios na alocação desses recursos e interferência de suas características políticas e orçamentárias na propensão ao recebimento de emendas. Além disso, identificam-se retornos orçamentários e políticos diversos entre emendas alocadas em saúde, educação e urbanismo, sendo esta última responsável pelas maiores expansões orçamentárias e pelos retornos eleitorais.
Painéis de monitoramento interativos da pandemia de COVID-19 no mundo com o uso de dados abertos antecipando ondas da doença no Brasil
Authors: Schrarstzhaupt Isaac Negretto , Bragatte Marcelo Alves de Souza , Kawano-Dourado Letícia , Oliveira Leonardo Rovatti de , Vieira Gustavo Fioravanti , Diaz-Quijano Fredi Alexander , Fontes-Dutra Mellanie
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o desenvolvimento, a implementação e o uso de painéis para a análise epidemiológica de dados abertos durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Os painéis foram criados para analisar dados públicos relacionados á COVID-19 de várias fontes, incluindo dados oficiais dos governos e de redes sociais, a nível global. Técnicas de processamento e limpeza foram utilizadas para aglutinar os bancos de dados. Calculamos o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman entre as curvas de sintomas gripais da pesquisa da Universidade de Maryland em conjunto com o Facebook, chamada COVID Trends and Impacts Survey (CTIS), e a curva de casos notificados pelo Ministério da Saúde no Brasil. Resultados: Os painéis obtiveram sucesso em antecipar a chegada de novas ondas de COVID-19 no Brasil. A análise do dado revelou a correlação entre a pesquisa CTIS e o número oficial de casos no país. O artigo destaca o potencial de painéis interativos como uma ferramenta de tomada de decisão no contexto de emergências de saúde pública, como, por exemplo, no uso destes para a comunicação oficial do governo do Rio Grande do Sul. Conclusão: O uso de painéis para prever o avanço da COVID-19 no Brasil foi uma ferramenta útil para a tomada de decisão. A antecipação de ondas da doença possibilita tempo oportuno para que essas decisões sejam potencialmente mais assertivas. Isso esboça a necessidade de mais ações interdisciplinares dessa natureza, com ferramentas de visualização nas pesquisas epidemiológicas.
Central auditory processing and aphasia: A scoping review
Authors: Bezerra Raquel de Oliveira , Santos Ana Cecília de Brito Vidal , Lima Daviany de Oliveira , Lima Ivonaldo Leidson Barbosa , Rosa Marine Raquel Diniz da
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT Purpose: to report scientific evidence on the impact of aphasia on central auditory processing and map the contribution of auditory training to aphasic individuals. Methods: a scoping review approaching national and international databases (SciELO, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) and the gray literature (Google Scholar and Open Grey). The inclusion criteria covered articles that addressed the interface between central auditory processing and aphasia, excluding duplicates, literature reviews, and scientific abstracts. Literature Review: the review comprised 13 articles that met the eligibility criteria for this study. Seven of the selected articles assessed central auditory processing, four used electrophysiological examinations (such as auditory brainstem response and long-latency auditory evoked potentials) to assess the auditory pathway, and only one analyzed the intervention in aphasic individuals with auditory training. Conclusion: scientific evidence points to an important change in aphasic people’s central auditory processing, with impaired figure-ground, auditory closure, temporal resolution and ordering, and binaural integration. Moreover, it is relevant to assess auditory processing, given the contribution of auditory training in speech-language-hearing therapy for a better prognosis in the rehabilitation of aphasia.
The effects of the RELATo-BRAZIL Intervention Program in early-grade readers: outcomes of a pilot study
Authors: Blasi Helena Ferro , Deschamps Luciane Mari , Veiga Renata Maykot , Fermino Ester Martins
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT Purpose: to carry out a pilot study applying the Reading and Language Together - Brazil program (RELATo-Brazil), targeting the development of reading and oral language abilities, aiming to improve phonological awareness skills and vocabulary knowledge in the school context. Methods: 9 children of both genders, aged between 8 and 10, enrolled in the second year of elementary school at a private school in the city of Florianópolis, SC, Brazil, joined in the study. The program was applied within three phases: Phase 1 - pre-intervention, with reading and vocabulary assessment tests; Phase 2 - intervention with sessions of different types, A, B, C and Phase 3 - post-intervention, which consisted of the subjects' reassessment, using the same tests applied in Phase 1. The data were stored in Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and exported for statistical analysis in the IBM SPSS software, the 25th version. The significance level considered was p ≤ 0.05. Results: following 21 intervention sessions, a better performance among the participants was observed when comparing the results of the pre-intervention and post-intervention phases. There is a statistically considerable difference in the percentage distributions of the conceptual vocabulary fields for Furniture and utensils (p=0.028), Places (p=0.009) and Shapes and colors (p=0.047). The reading rate did not show a statistical difference, but the children performed better in reading time and accuracy after the intervention. Conclusion: the data suggest that training in phoneme awareness and oral language and linking them in the context of authentic book reading are effective strategies for improving both reading and oral language skills.
Qualidade de vida e metamemória em estudantes do nível superior durante a pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: Santos Nathália Monteiro , Guedes-Granzotti Raphaela Barroso , Cruz Pablo Jordão Alcântara , Dória Grace Anne Azevedo , Dornelas Rodrigo , César Carla Patrícia Hernandez Alves Ribeiro , Santos Priscila Lima dos , Silva Kelly da
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a qualidade de vida e a metamemória e verificar seus preditores em estudantes durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal realizada por meio de coleta online com a aplicação de um questionário inicial para caracterizar a amostra, do WHOQOL-bref para investigar a qualidade de vida e do Questionário de Metamemória em Adultos (versão reduzida) - MIAr para avaliar a metamemória, em um grupo de estudantes de graduação e outro de pós-graduação. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial. Realizou-se a regressão linear múltipla para verificar as variáveis preditoras. Foi considerado o nível de significância de 5% (p≤0,05). Resultados: participaram do estudo 977 universitários, sendo a maioria (70,73%) do gênero feminino e com faixa de renda menor que três salários-mínimos (63,56%). Para a qualidade de vida, tanto para o grupo de graduandos quanto de pós-graduandos, a faixa de renda, o grupo de risco para COVID-19 e a idade foram preditores, enquanto para uma boa metamemória os preditores foram o gênero masculino e a idade. Conclusão: para os estudantes, durante a pandemia da COVID-19, o principal preditor da qualidade de vida foi possuir maior faixa de renda e o da metamemória foi ser do gênero masculino.
Nuevas estrategias para viejos dilemas: autopsia verbal, instrumento pericial del Trabajo Social Forense
Authors: Yannotti Carla Calce
Published: February 2024

Resumo El artículo aborda la aplicación de la autopsia verbal por parte de Trabajadores Sociales Forenses en la investigación de situaciones de violencia, para dar respuesta a solicitudes de la Fiscalía Penal de Violencia de Género en el periodo 2021-2022. Esta metodología, utilizada en la investigación de Femicidios, implica la realización de entrevistas con familiares y amigos de la víctima para recopilar información sobre las relaciones y circunstancias previas al evento violento. Los hallazgos presentados en el artículo muestran la relevancia de esta técnica en el proceso pericial, al mismo tiempo que aporta conocimiento para comprender el fenómeno de la violencia hacia las mujeres. La autopsia verbal, permite conocer detalles de la dinámica de la violencia en el entorno donde ocurrió el evento. De esta forma, se pueden identificar patrones y factores de riesgo que contribuyeron al suceso violento y que pueden ser abordados por políticas y programas de prevención.
Debriefing, a dialogical space for the development of reflective thinking in nursing
Authors: Oliveira Saionara Nunes de , Martini Jussara Gue , Caravaca-Morera Jaime Alonso , Prado Marta Lenise do , Canever Bruna Pedroso , Bortolato-Major Carina , Knihs Neide da Silva
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the pedagogical elements necessary for the debriefing to favor the development of reflective thinking. Method: A single case study developed at the Centro de Simulación en Salud of the Escuela de Enfermería of the Universidad de Costa Rica in October 2018. Data were collected through interviews, observation and document analysis. For data analysis, the strategy of theoretical propositions and the construction of explanation technique were used. Results: The data originated two categories: 1) pedagogy of the organization, addressed elements thought by the professor to facilitate the dialogue; 2) facilitation pedagogy, brought elements from the dialogue itself that enrich the discussion, mobilize the group, provoke reflection and engagement. Final considerations: It is essential to include the following as pedagogical elements in order to favor the development of reflective thinking: prior planning, adequate environment, systematization, pedagogical training in facilitating debriefing, openness to dialogue, pedagogical respect, valorization of positive aspects, patience, and motivation.
Debriefing, espaço dialógico para o desenvolvimento do pensamento reflexivo na enfermagem
Authors: Oliveira Saionara Nunes de , Martini Jussara Gue , Caravaca-Morera Jaime Alonso , Prado Marta Lenise do , Canever Bruna Pedroso , Bortolato-Major Carina , Knihs Neide da Silva
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender os elementos pedagógicos necessários para que o debriefing favoreça o desenvolvimento do pensamento reflexivo. Método: Estudo de caso único desenvolvido no Centro de Simulaciónen Salud da Escuela de Enfermería da Universidad de Costa Rica em outubro de 2018. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas, observação e análise documental. Utilizaram-se a estratégia de proposições teóricas e a técnica de construção de explanação para a análise dos dados. Resultados: Os dados originaram duas categorias: 1) pedagogia da organização, a qual abordou elementos pensados pelo docente para facilitar o diálogo; 2) pedagogia da facilitação, a qual trouxe elementos do próprio diálogo que enriquecem a discussão, mobilizam o grupo, provocam a reflexão e o engajamento. Considerações finais: Torna-se imprescindível incluir como elementos pedagógicos que favoreçam o desenvolvimento do pensamento reflexivo os seguintes: planejamento prévio, ambiente adequado, sistematização, formação pedagógica em facilitação de debriefing, abertura ao diálogo, respeito pedagógico, valorização do positivo, paciência e motivação.
Associação entre lesão cutânea e importância atribuída à prevenção pelos profissionais de saúde na pandemia
Authors: Brandão Euzeli da Silva , Lanzillotti Regina Serrão , Granja Paula Dadalti , Silva Liliane Faria , Mandelbaum Maria Helena Sant’Ana , Tonole Renato
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a associação entre ocorrência de lesão cutânea por uso de produtos e/ou equipamentos de proteção individual e importância atribuída aos cuidados preventivos entre profissionais de saúde atuantes na linha de frente durante a pandemia da Covid-19. Método: Estudo transversal, analítico, realizado entre maio e junho de 2020, com uma amostra por conveniência (n=398) de profissionais de saúde de 10 categorias profissionais. Para verificar a existência de associação entre a ocorrência ou não de lesão de pele e as variáveis de exposição utilizou-se Tabela de Contingência para obter a Razão de Prevalência e respectivos Intervalos de Confiança. Resultados: 260 (65,3%) participantes autodeclararam desenvolvimento de lesões na pele, predominando enfermeiros (53,8%), mulheres (54,0%), provenientes de instituições públicas (52,8%), caracterizadas por lesões por pressão (37,3%), dermatite de contato/alérgica (25,8%), e ambas as lesões de forma simultânea (16,5%). Mais da metade dos profissionais (53,5%) usou produtos preventivos, principalmente hidratantes (51,0%). Conclusão: Ocorreu probabilidade de associação de risco entre a ocorrência de lesão de pele e a menor importância atribuída ao fator preditor Protocolo para uso adequado de produtos e EPIs.
Protective measures against COVID-19: communicative, social and emotional impacts on hearing aids users
Authors: Fornari Bruna Luísa , Patatt Fernanda Soares Aurélio
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT Purpose to investigate the communicative, social, and emotional impacts generated by adopting protective measures against COVID-19 and associate them with the degree of hearing loss and the time of use of hearing aids. Methods cross-sectional quantitative study, with 72 individuals, divided into adults and older adults, with bilateral hearing loss up to moderately severe degree, users of hearing aids fitted before the pandemic in a public hearing health program who had maintained effective use of the devices. The participants were invited to participate in the study while waiting for an appointment and signed the consent form. After that, medical records were accessed to collect information about audiological profiles and the fitting/use of hearing aids. Afterward, a protocol with objective questions was orally applied in a silent room. Data were tabulated and subjected to Equality of Two Proportions and Chi-Square statistical tests. Results in both groups, a significant number of users had communication impacted by the use of masks and by social distancing, with difficulty with digital technologies (cell phones/computers) predominating among adults, while older adults more commonly experienced communicative impairments during video calls. The communicative impediment existed regardless of the audiological profile and device use time. When asked if they stopped communicating and if the measures affected their social life, the sample was divided between “yes/sometimes” and “no”. As for the emotional impact of protective measures, there was a greater impact among adults. Conclusion protective measures affected the communication of hearing aids users but did not discourage communicative exchanges and social interactions for approximately half of the sample, with the emotional impact being more evident in adults. Such difficulties were not related to the audiological profile and daily use of the devices.
Alternative therapies for viral infections caused by SARS-Cov-2
Authors: Risto Josif , Hamiti Arjan , Rrapaj Enilda
Published: February 2024

Abstract Introduction The relevance of the studied topic lies in the complexity of the treatment of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Objective To discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of alternative treatments compared to conventional medical approaches, and to highlight the importance of collaborative communication between patients and healthcare providers in making informed decisions about alternative treatments of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods The research methodology employed literature analysis methods, including bibliographic and bibliosemantic approaches. The study used theoretical, systematic, and statistical methods, including analysis, synthesis, generalization, interpretation, classification, and meta-analysis to explore alternative treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infections, their interrelationships, and statistical trends in incidence. Results The study identifies diverse alternative therapies for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections, highlighting herbal medicine, acupuncture, reflexology, biohacking, homoeopathy, and magnetotherapy. It underscores the potential benefits of herbal remedies like garlic, ginger, chamomile, and honeysuckle, as well as vitamins (C, D, B12) and minerals (zinc, selenium) in managing COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusion While of-fering holistic benefits, these therapies warrant cautious consideration due to limited scientific backing and potential interactions. Cultural understanding, patient-provider dialogue, and informed choices are key in harnessing the potential of alternative medicine along-side conventional approaches for managing COVID-19 challenges.
Effect of toxoplasmosis on personality profiles of Iranian men and women
Authors: Khademvatan Shahram , Khajeddin Niloufar , Saki Jasem , Izadi-Mazidi Sakineh
Published: February 2024

There is evidence to suggest that the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis, changes the personality of people who are infected with it. The aim of this study was to compare the personality characteristics of Iranian students with and without latent toxoplasmosis. A total of 237 students (111 men and 126 women) of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences (Ahvaz, Iran) were tested for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies and completed demographic questionnaires and Cattell’s 16 Personality Factor Questionnaire. Data were analysed using multiple univariate analyses of variance. Women with latent toxoplasmosis had a significantly different personality profile from women without toxoplasmosis, namely higher O (apprehension), N (privateness) and Q4 (tension) scores, and lower Q1 (openness to change) scores. Infected men had significantly higher L (vigilance, mistrust) scores compared to non-infected men. Factors E (dominance) and Q1 (openness to change) tended to be higher in infected men than non-infected men but the difference was not quite statistically significant. Our findings have, for the first time, independently confirmed that personality profile is affected by latent toxoplasmosis.
Ruthenium in Medicine: Current Clinical Uses and Future Prospects
Authors: Allardyce Claire S. , Dyson Paul J.
Published: February 2024

There is no doubt about the success of precious metals in the clinic, with, for example, platinum compounds being widely used in the treatment of cancer, silver compounds being useful antimicrobial agents and gold compounds used routinely in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The medicinal properties of the other platinum group metals are now being recognised and of these a ruthenium anticancer agent has recently entered the clinic, showing promising activity on otherwise resistant tumours. Like all metal drugs, the activity of the ruthenium compounds depends on both the oxidation state and the ligands. By manipulating these features ruthenium-centred antimalarial, antibiotic and immunosuppressive drugs have been made. In addition, ruthenium has unique properties which make it particularly useful in drug design. In this review we discuss ruthenium from a clinical stance and outline the medicinal uses of ruthenium-based compounds.
Platinum Aluminide Coatings for Oxidation Resistance of Titanium Alloys
Authors: Gurrappa I.
Published: February 2024

Titanium alloys are used in the manufacture of gas turbine aircraft engine compressor section components, which in use are exposed to high temperatures and corrosive environments. The platinum aluminide coatings described here have been developed to protect titanium alloys from oxidation and alpha case formation and can thus significantly improve the life of the alloys. The coatings showed a very low weight gain and alpha case formation did not occur during the entire period of exposure. The superior performance of the coating is due to the formation of a protective, adherent and continuous alumina scale on its surface. The results clearly suggest that this platinum aluminide coating is a prospective coating material to protect the titanium alloy components both from oxidation and alpha case formation.
Catalysis for Low Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Ralph T. R. , Hogarth M. P.
Published: February 2024

Much of the performance still to be gained in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) in use today is available from improvements to the cathode, traditionally made from unsupported or carbon-supported platinum. The search for improved cathode electrocatalysts has resulted in the development of platinum alloys which if tailored to the desired stack operating conditions can double the activity for oxygen reduction. Recently, advances have been made in cathode design which have raised performance levels in PEMFCs. The new electrocatalysts and cathode designs have increased electrical efficiency and power densities to the PEMFC stack, needed for commercial use. Improvements have also been achieved at the anode, by developments in platinum-ruthenium anodes for carbon monoxide and cell reversal tolerance. In this first paper, new cathode materials and designs are discussed; a second paper to be published in the April issue will look at anode advances.
The Transition Layer in Platinum-Alumina - The Morphology and Properties of the Layer In Crucibles Between Metal and Ceramic
Authors: Panfilov Peter , Bochegov Alexander , Alexander Yermakov
Published: February 2024

Platinum-based composites are potential materials to substitute for platinum in some applications, for example, for containers in which to grow single crystal oxides. Ceramic coated platinum is the best material for crucibles as: first, the cylindrical geometry is suitable for coating with ceramic; second, the ceramic coating carries the basic mechanical loading, with the platinum acting both as the heater and anticorrosive coating; and third, refining this secondary platinum for recycling is neither a complicated nor expensive procedure. Plasma evaporation of alumina onto platinum is a technology that can be successfully applied to manufacturing commercial composite containers. In this paper the problem of cohesive strength between Pt and Al2O3, and the morphology and properties of the transition layer between the metallic matrix and the ceramic will be discussed.
The Minting of Platinum Roubles - PART I: History and Current Investigations
Authors: Raub Christoph J.
Published: February 2024

Nineteenth century Russian roubles are collectors items, but because of their history, there is a question over each one whether it is a genuine Russian rouble or a forgery. There has been some prior research and analysis on the platinum used to make these roubles and on their method of manufacture. As W. C. Heraeus and Johnson Matthey both hold small collections of roubles never before investigated, it was decided to see what could be found out about them and what this could tell us about their origins. This is the first of a three part series and begins with some of the background history to the work. Part II appears later in this issue and Part III will be published in July.
Treatment of Platinum Flotation Products
Authors: Tatarnikov A. V. , Sokolskaya I. , Shneerson Ya. M. , Lapin A. Yu. , Goncharov P. M.
Published: February 2024

A flowsheet has been developed for the production of rich concentrates of precious and non-ferrous metals by a complex treatment of the flotation products from South African platinum-containing chrome ores. The procedure involves: autoclave leaching, roasting, hydrochlorination and precious metal recovery by sorption. Autoclave oxidative leaching of the initial material allows the non-ferrous metals to pass into solution from where they are recovered as a rich sulfide concentrate (> 30% nickel and copper). Recovering the precious metals into solution combines two operations: sinter roasting and hydrochlorination. Roasting destroys the precious metal acid-proof mineral forms. The precious metals are recovered from solution by ion exchange using anionites that are finally burned. The ash from the burning is a concentrate of precious metals (> 75% in total) which are recovered in three forms: ammonium chloroplatinate with purity > 98%, palladium dichlorodiamine with purity > 96%, and a mixture of rhodium, ruthenium and iridium hydrates. The flowsheet uses full water rotation and minimum consumption of reagents, and gives a good recovery of metals to commodity concentrates (nickel > 98%, copper > 80% and precious metals (in total) > 95%).
Cathodic Protection Applications Using Platinum Anodes
Authors: Preiser H. S.
Published: February 2024

The introduction of platinum-clad anode materials has opened up wide possibilities to the designer of cathodic protection systems. The economic advantages and excellent performance of composite anodes of platinum on tantalum or titanium are reviewed in this article.
The Tensile Properties of Iridium at High Temperatures
Authors: Mordike B. L. , Brookes C. A.
Published: February 2024

In this paper the authors describe their determination of the tensile strength and ductility of iridium at temperatures up to 2000° C. The tensile strength of iridium at high temperatures, in the presence of carbon vapour, compares favourably with those of tungsten, molybdenum, tantalum and niobium, all of which are attacked to a much greater degree by the carbon.
Thermal Expansion of Rhodium-Platinum Alloys
Authors: Barter B. , Darling A.S.
Published: February 2024

This note, communicated from the Johnson Matthey Research Laboratories, records an investigation of the thermal expansion characteristics of a number of rhodium-platinum alloys at temperatures up to 1500°C. The data obtained will be found particularly helpful to users of these alloys in the glass industry.
Reaction of Oxygen with the Platinum Metals
Authors: Chaston J. C.
Published: February 2024

This paper has been written to provide a framework for the observed facts relating to the reactions between platinum and oxygen at temperatures up to the melting point. A thin film of feebly -stable solid platinum oxide is believed to form on platinum surfaces in air or oxygen at room temperatures and to thicken as the temperature is raised to about 500°C, when it decomposes. The loss of weight of platinum at higher temperatures is attributed to the formation of gaseous PtO2, and deposition of platinum on cooler surfaces (above about 500°C) to its disproportionation. A succeeding paper will deal with the oxidation of the other platinum metals.
Carbon in Platinum and Palladium
Authors: Selman G. L. , Ellison P. J. , Darling A. S.
Published: February 2024

Carbon diffuses rapidly through heated membranes of platinum and palladium even though its solubility in the former metal is less than 0.02 per cent by weight at 1700°C. Palladium takes up more than 0.4 per cent by weight of carbon at 1400°C and this interstitial solubility hardens it considerably and distends the lattice. The effects of carbon on the microstructure and mechanical properties of platinum and palladium are described in this article, which dispels some illusions and surveys the practical consequences of the constitutional relationships observed.
Alloy Films of the Platinum Metals as Model Catalysts for Research
Authors: Moss R. L.
Published: February 2024

Model platinum metal alloy catalysts for research purposes are conveniently prepared as thin films by simultaneous evaporation of the component metals. These catalysts can be characterised in some detail with respect to structural features such as phase-separation, crystallite size and orientation. In addition to the measurement of bulk composition, which would usually be carried out, advances have recently been made in analysing the surface composition, which isof greater significance for the discussion of catalytic behaviour.
The Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide on Supported Platinum
Authors: Shishu R. C. , Kowalczyk L. S.
Published: February 2024

Reliable kinetic rate data have not previously been available for the oxidation of carbon monoxide on platinum catalysts used in the control of automobile exhaust emissions. This paper discusses results of studies using an isothermal differential catalyst bed and confirms that mass transfer and pore diffusion did not control the reaction rate, so that the observed kinetics represent the true surface reaction rates.
Fused Salt Platinum Plating for Industrial Applications
Authors: Notton J. H. F.
Published: February 2024

Fused salt platinum electroplating has been successfully applied to the continous cladding of molybdenum wire. The deposit obtained is ductile and has many other attractive features when compared to aqueous platinum plating, such as good adhesion and high purity. The process is equally suitable for thin coatings of a few microns or for electroforming components more than a millimetre thick.
Current Research on the Palladium-Hydrogen System
Authors: Lewis F. A.
Published: February 2024

Activity in the field of study of hydrogen in metals continues to increase, and there has been a complementary sustained interest in both practical and theoretical aspects of the high solubility and diffusivity of hydrogen in palladium and certain of its alloys. This article reviews some of the relevant papers presented at the conference on “Hydrogen in Metals” held in Paris in June.
Platinum Group Alloy Containers for Radioisotopic Heat Sources
Authors: Inouye H.
Published: February 2024

The conversion of heat energy, resulting from the decay of plutonium-238 dioxide, to electrical energy for spacecraft requires alloys capable of containing the isotopic fuel at temperatures up to about 2000°C and of withstanding impact velocities of 90 metres per second. The development and properties of a platinum-30 per cent rhodium-8 per cent tungsten and an iridium-0.3 per cent tungsten alloy doped with 40 ppm each of thorium and aluminium, which meet the stringent service requirements, are reviewed.
Productivity in Platinum Mining
Authors: I.E.C.
Published: February 2024

Notable progress has been made by Rustenburg Platinum Mines in their efforts to increase mechanisation and to improve efficiency during mining operations; a brief account of some aspects of this work is presented here. It is anticipated confidently that such means will help them to maintain supplies of the platinum group metals at prices which both encourage demand and ensure supply.
Car Exhaust Catalysts for Europe
Authors: Diwell A. F. , Harrison B.
Published: February 2024

Although Europe is following the example of the U.S.A. in progressively lowering permitted emission levels of pollutants from motor vehicles, it seems unlikely to introduce lead free petrol in the foreseeable future. Proposed regulations seek a level of emission control which will, in all probability, necessitate the use of oxidation catalysts. In the presence of leaded fuel conventional autocatalysts used in the U.S.A. are susceptible to poisoning after relatively low mileages and there is a potential requirement for a catalyst system capable of functioning satisfactorily on fuel containing substantial concentrations of lead. Following the identification of the nature and the type of the poisoning lead species, Johnson Matthey has developed a first generation lead tolerant catalyst system for emission control. This has demonstrated durability for 50,000 kilometres road usage with leaded fuel.
Catalysts for Nitrogen Oxides Control under Lean Burn Conditions
Authors: Truex T. J. , Searles R. A. , Sun D. C.
Published: February 2024

Regulations to control the exhaust emissions from motor vehicles are being adopted by more and more countries around the world, and in future more stringent regulations will be introduced, particularly in the U.S.A. and Europe. This, together with the need to show good pollution control under real-world driving conditions, has led to the widespread introduction of closed-loop, three-way catalysts based on the use of platinum group metal technology. The increasing concern about emissions of carbon dioxide, as well as the three traditional pollutants, offers an opportunity for catalyst technology to control nitrogen oxides from both fuel efficient lean burn petrol engines and from diesel engines, thus complementing the use of platinum group metals catalysts to control nitrogen oxides and other emissions. This paper reviews the development of “lean-NOx” technology based on the use of zeolite supported catalysts; it highlights the promise shown and the shortcomings still to be overcome.
Ruthenium, Nitric Oxide and Disease
Authors: Fricker S. P.
Published: February 2024

Recent discoveries in the biological sciences have revealed that nitric oxide has a number of important physiological functions and is also implicated in a number of diseases. This realisation has provided a stimulus for nitric oxide related drug research and development. In this review new work aimed at the development of potential therapeutic use of ruthenium compounds, particularly ruthenium(III) polyaminocarboxylate, JM1226, is presented and discussed in the context of the chemistry and biology of nitric oxide. Based on these studies, prospects for the further development of JM1226 appear promising.
Formation and Decomposition of Palladium Hydride Particles
Authors: Cobden P. D. , Nieuwenhuys B. E. , Gorodetskii V. V. , Parmon V.N.
Published: February 2024

Nanoscale changes in surface structure that accompany the low temperature exposure of palladium to hydrogen are reported. Field Emission Microscopy, a method for rapid in situ imaging of surface processes, has been used to examine palladium tips of radius ∼ 200 nm, produced
by a novel technique. Images are presented of the initial stages of the uptake of hydrogen. Subsurface hydrides were initially formed when palladium tips were exposed to hydrogen gas at low temperatures, starting at highly open surfaces present on the tip. Extruding PdH particles were also
formed on top of the palladium tip and their growth was observed to proceed in a ‘staccato’-like manner. Palladium crystallites remained on the surface after most of the hydrogen had been removed from the palladium sample by heating in vacuum. On heating the crystallites remained
quite stable up to a temperature of ∼ 700 K, but then melted back into the tip.
Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner’s Feuerzeug
Authors: Kauffman George B.
Published: February 2024

Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner, born in 1780, was the Professor of Chemistry and Technology at the University of Jena, from 1810 to 1849. During this time he observed the action of platinum black on hydrogen, which led to his invention of the pneumatic gas lighter (Feuerzeug) and to
Berzelius’concept of catalysis, besides making other contributions to pure and applied chemistry. On the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of his death in 1849 a Feslkolloquium was held to commemorate his work at the Friedrich-Schiller- University of Jena. Here we describe some aspects
of his life and work.