bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro propagation of Indonesian stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) genotype using axenic nodal segments
Authors: Jadid Nurul , Anggraeni Suci , Ramadani Muhammad Rifqi Nur , Arieny Mutiara , Mas’ud Faisol
Published: February 2024

Objective

The high industrial demand for Stevia cultivation (Stevia rebaudiana) has increased due to its high stevioside content derived from the leaves. However, the low germination rate makes the cultivation of the plant become the main obstacle. Therefore, an efficient cultivation technique is required. This present work aims to analyze the effect of five combinations of Kinetin (Kin) and benzyladenine (BA) on stevia micropropagation using nodal segment explants.

Results

The micropropagation of stevia was performed using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with BA and Kin. We analyzed different organogenesis and callogenesis responses. In addition, the number of shoots and root formed during in vitro culture were also observed. Our results demonstrated that all treatments with Kin, both alone and in combination with BA, resulted in the development of callus on all nodal segment explants. Explants treated in MS with 1 mg L−1 BA exhibited the best average of shoot number (36.27). In contrast, the treatment without PGR resulted in the best root formation (2.6). The overall results suggested that different combination of BA and Kin resulted in distinct organogenesis responses, where 1 mg L−1 of BA was potentially used for boosting the number of shoots in micropropagation of stevia accession Mini.
Ileal prolapse through patent omphalomesenteric duct in a two year-old boy: a case report
Authors: Hawariat Binyam Yohannes Wolde , Ali Amal Ousman , Gebreselassie Hana Abebe
Published: February 2024

Background

Patent omphalomesenteric duct is one of the birth defects included in the spectrum of vitelline duct abnormalities. It is a rare anomaly with estimated prevalence of 0.13–0.2% in the general population. The most common presentation of patent vitelline duct is yellowish or mucoid type umbilical discharge which is usually noted in neonatal age or infancy. The main stay of diagnosis is clinical and outcome is favorable as long as timely surgical correction is offered. Here we present a 2 years old male child who presented with ileal prolapse through patent vitelline duct which is an exceptional mode of presentation of this pathology.

Case presentation

2 years old Ethiopian male child who was noticed to have umbilical discharge since early infancy presented with protrusion of pinkish mass per the umbilicus of 4 h duration. He had no signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction. Abdominal examination revealed a prolapsed bowel which was viable via the umbilicus which was about 6 cm long. Otherwise, he had no abdominal tenderness or rigidity. He was explored with a smiley incision just above the umbilicus. The prolapsed bowel was reduced gently to the abdominal cavity. The tract of the Patent vitelline duct was identified and completely resected along with a wedge of ileum at its base. Primary repair of the ileal end where the tract was inserted was done in two layers and abdomen was closed in layers. The child had smooth post op course and was discharged on the 4th post-operative day.

Conclusion

Prolapse of a bowel through the umbilicus is unusual presentation of a rare anomaly namely patent vitelline duct. This presentation warrants early surgical intervention before bowel ischemia issues. Hence, all clinicians dealing with children should be aware of this rare pathology so that urgent surgical management can be offered.
A study on entrepreneurial innovation among entities in Singapore
Authors: Rangaswamy Easwaramoorthy , Nawaz Nishad , Mohamed Sirajudeen Bin Syed , Joy Gemini Velleringatt
Published: February 2024

The present study aimed to study the entrepreneurial innovation among entities in Singapore. It evaluated the various obstacles that affect entrepreneurial innovation within entities. Further, it has also analysed the various elements that are crucial to overcome the obstacles that affect entrepreneurial innovation within entities. Various factors related to various sources of information fostering innovation activities in an organization were also studied. Difference between the product innovation and process innovation was studied. Furthermore, organizational innovation and marketing innovation were also studied. Lastly, organizational innovation’s degree of observed effect in the organization was also studied. Cross-sectional analysis using realism as epistemological view was undertaken in this study. Deductive research approach along with web-based survey using descriptive research design is the research methods followed in this study. Tools for results’ analysis include descriptive analysis, Q–Q plots, KMO and Bartlett's test, factor analysis and Chi-square tests. The study concluded that enterprises need to work aggressively in the new product development, market opportunities, organization capabilities to ensure that the organizations grow. It is highlighted that process innovation and product innovation have effects on the economic performance of the organization. It does flag that the market innovations are linked with the ways the enterprises change, evolve and develop their fundamental capabilities, which are part of the organizational innovations. Also, the study showed that organizational innovation has greatly helped to improve the quality of the goods or services and reduced costs per unit output. The reduced time to respond to customer or supplier needs and improved employee satisfaction and/or reduced rates of employee turnover is also seen as a significant observed effect of entrepreneurial innovation. Managerial and theoretical implications along with Ideas for future research is also provided.
Causal associations of COVID‐19 on neurosurgical diseases risk: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Dai Lirui , Lyu Liang , Zhou Peizhi , Jiang Shu
Published: February 2024

Many researchers have explored the potential association between one neurosurgical disease and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but few systematically analyzed the association and causality between COVID-19 and various neurosurgical diseases. A Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to evaluate the causal association between COVID-19 (including critically ill COVID‐19, hospitalized COVID‐19, and respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection) and 30 neurosurgical diseases within European populations. The consequences of inverse variance weighted models suggest that genetic susceptibility of critically ill COVID-19 may increase the risk of cerebral infarction (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02; p‐value = 0.006), genetic susceptibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection may increase the risk of stroke (OR = 1.02; p‐value = 0.047), and conversely, genetic susceptibility of hospitalized COVID-19 may reduce the risk of pituitary adenoma and craniopharyngioma (OR = 0.90; p‐value = 0.032). In addition, evidences revealed potential associations between genetic susceptibility of COVID-19 and spinal stenosis (OR = 1.03; p‐value = 0.028), diffuse brain injury (OR = 1.21; p‐value = 0.040) and focal brain injury (OR = 1.12; p‐value = 0.040). By testing for heterogeneity and pleiotropy, the above causal conclusions are robust. In summary, our analysis shows that COVID-19 has an independent and powerful causal influence on multiple neurosurgical disorders.
Determination of the median lethal dose of zinc gluconate in mice and safety evaluation
Authors: Wang Yong-cai , Yang Xia , Xiao Juan , Wei Su-mei , Su Ying , Chen Xiu-qi , Huang Ting , Shan Qing-wen
Published: February 2024

Background

Zinc Gluconate (ZG) is a safe and effective supplement for zinc. However, there is limited research on the optimal dosage for intravenous injection and the safety evaluation of animal models for ZG. This study aims to determine the safe dose range of ZG for intravenous injection in C57BL/6J mice.

Methods

A Dose titration experiment was conducted to determine the LD50 and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) of ZG in mice. Based on the LD50, four sub-lethal doses (SLD) of ZG were evaluated. Following three injections of each SLD and monitoring for seven days, serum zinc levels were measured, and pathological changes in the liver, kidney, and spleen tissues of mice were determined by histological staining.

Results

The dose titration experiment determined the LD50 of ZG in mice to be 39.6 mg/kg, with a 95%CI of 31.8-49.3 mg/kg. There was a statistically significant difference in the overall serum zinc levels (H = 36.912, P < 0.001) following SLD administration. Pairwise comparisons showed that the serum zinc levels of the 1/2 LD50 and 3/4 LD50 groups were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.001); the serum zinc level of the 3/4 LD50 group was significantly higher than those of the 1/8 LD50 and 1/4 LD50 groups (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the different SLDs of ZG and the serum zinc levels in mice (rs = 0.973, P < 0.001). H&E staining showed no significant histological abnormalities or lesions in the liver, kidney, and spleen tissues of mice in all experimental groups.

Conclusion

The appropriate dose range of ZG for intravenous injection in C57BL/6J mice was clarified, providing a reference for future experimental research.
Deep image prior inpainting of ancient frescoes in the Mediterranean Alpine arc
Authors: Merizzi Fabio , Saillard Perrine , Acquier Oceane , Morotti Elena , Piccolomini Elena Loli , Calatroni Luca , Dessì Rosa Maria
Published: February 2024

The unprecedented success of image reconstruction approaches based on deep neural networks has revolutionised both the processing and the analysis paradigms in several applied disciplines. In the field of digital humanities, the task of digital reconstruction of ancient frescoes is particularly challenging due to the scarce amount of available training data caused by ageing, wear, tear and retouching over time. To overcome these difficulties, we consider the Deep Image Prior (DIP) inpainting approach which computes appropriate reconstructions by relying on the progressive updating of an untrained convolutional neural network so as to match the reliable piece of information in the image at hand while promoting regularisation elsewhere. In comparison with state-of-the-art approaches (based on variational/PDEs and patch-based methods), DIP-based inpainting reduces artefacts and better adapts to contextual/non-local information, thus providing a valuable and effective tool for art historians. As a case study, we apply such approach to reconstruct missing image contents in a dataset of highly damaged digital images of medieval paintings located into several chapels in the Mediterranean Alpine Arc and provide a detailed description on how visible and invisible (e.g., infrared) information can be integrated for identifying and reconstructing damaged image regions.
Using an adaptive learning tool to improve student performance and satisfaction in online and face-to-face education for a more personalized approach
Authors: Contrino Monica F. , Reyes-Millán Maribell , Vázquez-Villegas Patricia , Membrillo-Hernández Jorge
Published: February 2024

It is becoming increasingly clear that not all students require the same education, and the requirement of personalized education is increasingly in demand. The incorporation of adaptive learning (AL) has increased in recent years. However, research on this subject is still evolving at the university level. In this study, we investigated the impact of integrating an AL tool (CogBooks®) in a university course (statistics for decision making) taught in an innovative online modality called FIT (flexible, interactive, and with technology), in which the course is designed in the CANVAS® platform and uses Zoom® as a means of communication with students. Learning outcomes were compared between the FIT courses with or without AL and between AL strategies in online and face-to-face courses. It was clear that AL improved the students’ achievement regardless of the modality. In addition, we conclude that students achieve better in AL courses in the classroom than in distance courses. Satisfaction surveys favor a preference for FIT courses with AL over classroom classes with AL. Our results suggest that AL is a solid strategy for teaching undergraduate courses.

Graphical abstract
Balancing short-term costs and long-term benefits: an analysis of the impact of hydroelectric power generation on electricity prices volatility in Cameroon
Authors: Akono Etienne Bienvenu , Kemezang Vatis Christian
Published: February 2024

This study examines the short- and long-term impacts of various factors on the volatility and price of electricity in Cameroon, including hydroelectric power generation, economic growth, energy demand, and exchange rates from 2000 to 2019. The study uses an autoregressive distributed lag model. The study found that increasing hydroelectric power generation has both positive and negative impacts on electricity prices in the short and long term. While increasing the share of hydropower in overall energy production results in increased variation of electricity costs in the short term, it leads to significant price reductions in the long run. The study also found that economic growth has a considerable positive impact on the variation of power prices, while energy demand has a negative but insignificant effect on price volatility in the short term. Further, the study indicates that measures, such as encouraging SME engagement in renewable energy production, could improve the participation of local enterprises in the power industry and reduce the volatility of electricity prices. On the other hand, the study suggests that exchange rates could have a negative impact on electricity prices in the short term, but depreciation of the local currency could lower fuel costs and improve the availability of power. Overall, the study provides insights that can inform policymakers, energy regulators, and investors in making decisions that contribute to the efficient and sustainable development of Cameroon's electricity market. The study also highlights the need to prioritize power generation to stimulate economic growth and private investment while promoting renewable energy production.
Family functioning in students of health sciences in four Latin American countries: a study of the structure and factorial invariance of the FACES III scale. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Vilca Lindsey W. , Díaz-Narváez Víctor , Calzadilla-Núñez Aracelis , Arispe-Alburqueque Claudia , Arciniega Susana Facio , Orostegui María Alejandra , Castellón-Montenegro Herminia , Santander Karina , López-Labarca Claudio , Álvarez Guiomar Hernández , Fernández-Aragón Shirley , Palacio Luz Marina Alonso , Reyes-Reyes Alejandro , Mendoza Marco Cervantes
Published: February 2024

Background

Psychometric studies of the FACES III scale in Spanish-speaking countries show a lack of agreement on the factorial structure of the scale. In addition, most of the studies have only performed exploratory analyses of its factorial structure.

Objective

The objective of the present study was to confirm the structure and factorial invariance of the FACES III scale in nursing and obstetric students from Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico.

Methods

A total of 3303 students from the four countries participated in this study (Colombia = 1559, Chile = 1224, Peru = 215, Mexico = 305).

Results

The results of the study showed that the Bi-factor model presents the best-fit indexes to the data from Colombia, Chile, and Mexico, but not from Peru. In addition, it was found that this model showed evidence of being strictly invariant among the three countries in the sequence of the invariance models proposed: metric invariance (ΔRMSEA = .000), scalar (ΔRMSEA = .008), and strict (ΔRMSEA = .008). The bi-factor model also showed adequate reliability indexes in the three countries.

Conclusion

It is concluded that the FACES III scale shows adequate psychometric performance under a bi-factor model in nursing and obstetric students from Colombia, Chile, and Mexico. The lack of fit of the model in Peru could be associated with the small sample size.
Environmental health of wildland firefighters: a scoping review
Authors: Held M. Bryan , Ragland Miranda Rose , Wood Sage , Pearson Amelia , Pearson Seth Wayne , Chenevert Olivia , Granberg Rachel Marie , Verble Robin Michelle
Published: February 2024

Background

Wildland firefighters are likely to experience heightened risks to safety, health, and overall well-being as changing climates increase the frequency and intensity of exposure to natural hazards. Working at the intersection of natural resource management and emergency response, wildland firefighters have multidimensional careers that often incorporate elements from disparate fields to accomplish the tasks of suppressing and preventing wildfires. Thus, they have distinctly different job duties than other firefighters (e.g., structural firefighters) and experience environmental health risks that are unique to their work. We conducted a systematic scoping review of scientific literature that addresses wildland firefighter environmental health. Our goal was to identify studies that specifically addressed wildland firefighters (as opposed to firefighters in a broader sense), geographic and demographic trends, sample sizes, patterns in analysis, and common categories of research.

Results

Most studies have clustered in a few highly developed countries, and in the United States within California and Idaho. Many studies fail to consider the impact that demographic factors may have on their results. The number of studies published annually is increasing and themes are broadening to include social and psychological topics; however, most authors in the field have published an average of < 3 articles.

Conclusions

We identify three areas that we believe are imminent priorities for researchers and policymakers, including a lack of diversity in study geography and demography, a need for more complex and interactive analyses of exposure, and prioritization of wildland firefighters in research funding and focus.
Revolutionizing fruit juice: exploring encapsulation techniques for bioactive compounds and their impact on nutrition, flavour and shelf life
Authors: Gómez-Gaete Carolina , Avendaño-Godoy Javier , Escobar-Avello Danilo , Campos-Requena Víctor H. , Rogel-Castillo Cristian , Estevinho Leticia M. , Martorell Miquel , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Calina Daniela
Published: February 2024

Bioactive compounds in food and beverages, including fruit juices, are susceptible to degradation or oxidation during processing and storage. This vulnerability can lead to a reduction in nutritional value and overall quality of the products. The objective of this research is to explore the potential of encapsulation techniques in preserving and enhancing the nutritional value of fruit juices. The encapsulation of natural compounds, enzymes, and probiotics is seen as a promising approach to fortifying fruit juices, improving their preservation and processing of these encapsulated natural compounds as additives in food packaging. The study involves a comprehensive review of various encapsulation techniques and materials used for encapsulating bioactive compounds. It also investigates the current applications of encapsulated natural products in the preservation of food and beverages. The encapsulation of bioactive compounds has shown the potential in improving the nutritional value and functional properties of fruit juice products and foods. It has also been found to enhance the preservation and processing of these products, contributing to their overall quality and safety. Encapsulation techniques offer a promising avenue for revolutionizing the fruit juice industry by enhancing the nutritional value and shelf life of products. They also present an opportunity for the development of more functional food products. Despite the promising results, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of encapsulation, determine the optimal conditions for encapsulating different ingredients, and assess the effects of encapsulation on the quality and safety of fruit juices. Future studies should focus on these areas to further advance the application of encapsulation techniques in the food and beverage industry.

Graphical Abstract
Underwater inertial error rectification with limited acoustic observations
Authors: Tang Hongqiong , He Hongyang , Li Fangneng , Xu Jiangning
Published: February 2024

Underwater inertial navigation is particularly difficult for the long-durance operations as many navigation systems such global satellite navigation systems are unavailable. The acoustic signal is a marvelous choice for underwater inertial error rectification due to its underwater penetration capability. However, the traditional Acoustic Positioning Systems (APS) are expensive and incapable of positioning with limited acoustic observations. Two novel underwater inertial error rectification algorithms with limited acoustic observations are proposed. The first one is the single acoustic-beacon Range-only Matching Aided Navigation (RMAN) method, which is inspired by matching navigation without reference maps and presented for the first time. The second is the improved single acoustic-beacon Virtual Long Baseline (VLBL) method, which considers the impact of indicated relative position increments on virtual beacon reconstruction. Both RMAN and improved VLBL are further developed when multi acoustic-beacons are available, named mAB-RMAN and mAB-VLBL. The comprehensive simulations and field investigations were conducted. The results demonstrated that the proposed methods achieved excellent accuracy and stability compared to the baseline, specifically, the mAB-RMAN and mAB-VLBL can reduce the inertial error by more than 90% and 98% when using single and double acoustic-beacons, respectively. These proposed techniques will provide new perspectives for underwater positioning, navigation, and timing.
Methods and functions of non-suicidal self-injury in an adolescent and young adult clinical sample
Authors: Abdou Eman Attia , Haggag Wafaa , Anwar Khaled Abdelmoez , Sayed Haydy , Ibrahim Omneya
Published: February 2024

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an emerging critical medical condition among adolescents and young adults worldwide. They use different methods for expressing their emotional needs. The aim of this study was to identify the methods of NSSI used by adolescents and young adults who presented with different psychiatric disorders, and their utilized functions.

Subjects/materials and methods

A case–control study was done on 100 late adolescent and young adult patients who attended Suez Canal University with psychiatric disorders. Sociodemographic data was obtained then they were assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Brief Non-suicidal Self-Injury Assessment Tool.

Results

Among the case group, 54% used scratching for self-harm while 36% used cutting. The most common body areas were hands (44%) and arms (42%). Eighty percent of the case group endorsed non-suicidal self-harm for dealing with anger, while 78% to cope with uncomfortable feelings and 72% to relieve stress with no statistically significant difference between males or females, nor among psychiatric comorbidities.

Conclusion

The most common method of NSSI was scratching and it was followed by cutting and banging. The most common body areas were hands and arms. Patients endorsed NSSI for various motives and several functions. However, Items on the automatic negative reinforcement scales were the most common functions, especially when dealing with anger.
Management of the
Striga
epidemics in pearl millet production: a review
Authors: Rouamba Armel , Shimelis Hussein , Drabo Inoussa , Shamuyarira Kwame Wilson , Mrema Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Pearl millet (
Pennisetum glaucum
[L.] R. Br.) is a drought-resilient and nutritious staple food crop widely cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions. Worldwide, pearl millet is ranked the 6th most widely produced cereal crop after wheat, rice, maize, barley, and sorghum, with a total production of 30.5 million tons on 32.1 million hectares. In Burkina Faso, it is the 3rd widely cultivated crop next to sorghum and maize, with a mean yield of 0.8 ton ha
−1
, far below the potential yield of 3.0 tons ha
−1
attributable to various production challenges. Among the production constraints, the parasitic weed
Striga
species, particularly
S. hermonthica
is endemic and causes up to 80% yield losses under heavy infestation. Different control methods (e.g., cultural practices, chemicals and bio-herbicides) have been recommended, but they have been largely ineffective due to diverse and complex problems, including the life cycle, seed production, and prolonged seed dormancy of
S. hermonthica
; poor access and cost of implementation. Breeding for host plant resistance presents a cost-effective, environmentally friendly and affordable method for smallholder farmers to control and reduce
Striga
infestations and improve pearl millet yields. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to present the impact of
S. hermonthica
damage on pearl millet production and productivity and assess the effectiveness of different management methods of
S. hermonthica
with an emphasis on host plant resistance. The first section of the review assesses the impact of
Striga
infestation on pearl millet production, followed by the developmental stages of
Striga
,
Striga
infestation and damage management strategies, breeding for
Striga
resistance and other
Striga
control methods. The paper summarises genetic resources, new breeding technologies, and innovations for the precision and speed breeding of
Striga-
resistant cultivars. The review will guide the use of the best breeding strategies and accelerate the breeding of new pearl millet cultivars that are best-performing and resistant to
S. hermonthica
to reduce damage incurred by
Striga
infestations on farmers’ fields in Burkina Faso and related agro-ecologies.
Women’s cellphone access and ownership in rural Uganda: implications for self-care interventions
Authors: Leahy Willow , Abomoslim Maryam , Booth Amy , Gottschlich Anna , Mwandacha Nelly , Dau Hallie , Naguti Priscilla , Payne Beth , Smith Laurie , Nakisige Carolyn , Ogilvie Gina
Published: February 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) call for cervical cancer elimination includes increasing global cervical screening coverage. HPV-based self-collection (HPV-SC) is a promising screening model for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and while digital technology, such as cellphones, can be used to streamline HPV-SC, there is limited data on digital technology penetration in LMICs. Determining women’s cellphone access is critical to understanding the feasibility of using cellphones to support HPV-SC.

Methods

This study is a secondary analysis of a larger clinical trial. Participants of a cluster-randomized trial comparing HPV-SC models in Uganda completed a survey, including questions about demographics, cellphone access/ownership, prior cervical cancer screening (CCS), and willingness to receive CCS information by text. A logistic regression model was used to determine adjusted rates of cellphone ownership using survey variables as factors.

Results

Of 2019 participants, 76.1% owned a cellphone. In non-cellphone owners (n = 483), 82.4% had daily cellphone access and 7.3% had no access. Compared to non-cellphone owners, cellphone owners were significantly older, more educated, closer to major health centers, more likely to have prior CCS, and more willing to receive a CCS text. In the logistic regression model, the aforementioned variables were all significantly associated with the odds of owning a cellphone.

Conclusions

As health care systems consider adopting HPV-SC, it is imperative to understand digital technology penetration. The majority of participants were cellphone owners and were willing to receive CCS information by text; however, significant socioeconomic and demographic differences remain between cellphone owners and non-owners. Further investigation is needed to understand whether HPV-SC using cellphones is feasible in similar settings.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, 12767014. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04000503.
Cognitive and mental health trajectories of COVID-19: Role of hospitalisation and long-COVID symptoms
Authors: Vakani Krupa , Ratto Martina , Sandford-James Anna , Antonova Elena , Kumari Veena
Published: February 2024

Background

There is considerable evidence of cognitive impairment post COVID-19, especially in individuals with long-COVID symptoms, but limited research objectively evaluating whether such impairment attenuates or resolves over time, especially in young and middle-aged adults.

Methods

Follow-up assessments (T2) of cognitive function (processing speed, attention, working memory, executive function, memory) and mental health were conducted in 138 adults (18–69 years) who had been assessed 6 months earlier (T1). Of these, 88 had a confirmed history of COVID-19 at T1 assessment (≥20 days post-diagnosis) and were also followed-up on COVID-19-related symptoms (acute and long-COVID); 50 adults had no known COVID-19 history at any point up to their T2 assessment.

Results

From T1 to T2, a trend-level improvement occurred in intra-individual variability in processing speed in the COVID, relative to the non-COVID group. However, longer response/task completion times persisted in participants with COVID-19-related hospitalisation relative to those without COVID-19-related hospitalisation and non-COVID controls. There was a significant reduction in long-COVID symptom load, which correlated with improved executive function in non-hospitalised COVID-19 participants. The COVID group continued to self-report poorer mental health, irrespective of hospitalisation history, relative to non-COVID group.

Conclusions

Although some cognitive improvement has occurred over a 6-month period in young and middle-aged COVID-19 survivors, cognitive impairment persists in those with a history of COVID-19-related hospitalisation and/or long-COVID symptoms. Continuous follow-up assessments are required to determine whether cognitive function improves or possibly worsens, over time in hospitalised and long-COVID participants.
Assessing the Landscape in Medical Education Literature in Medical Oncology: A Scoping Review
Authors: Jin Ruijia , Addison Sean , Kitchin Vanessa , Golden Daniel W. , Tam Vincent , Ingledew Paris-Ann
Published: February 2024

PURPOSE

Medical oncology and medical education (ME) have both expanded exponentially over the past 50 years; thus, it is important to understand the current status of postgraduate medical oncology education and develop ways to advance this field. This study undertakes a scoping review of ME literature in medical oncology to inform future scholarship in this area.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, ERIC, and Web of Science were searched to find peer-reviewed English language articles on postgraduate ME in medical oncology published from 2009 to 2020. Established scoping review methodologies were used in study design; articles were classified by specialty, learner training level, region of authorship, institution type, year of publication, journal type, study methodology, and research topic. Curriculum intervention, scholarship, and domain(s) of physician competency were also assessed. The results were interpreted using descriptive statistics and collated using predetermined conceptual frameworks.

RESULTS

A total of 2,959 references were initially found across four databases. After title and abstract screening, 305 articles remained; after full-text review, 144 articles were included in final analysis. Postgraduate medical oncology education research is increasing, with the majority of articles published in North America. Quantitative studies were most common, primarily survey approaches. For physician competencies, professionalism and medical expertise comprised the large majority of article focuses, whereas very few articles addressed leadership or health advocacy. Curriculum development, professional development, and communication skills were dominant research themes while no articles discussed teacher training.

CONCLUSION

Although areas such as professionalism and communication skills are well-studied, medical oncology ME research is lacking in leadership, health advocacy, and teacher training. This study provides valuable guidance for future ME research in medical oncology and establishes a benchmark to examine changes in educational scholarship over time.
The reform of police organizations in Brazil through the perspective of Organizational Studies
Authors: Alcadipani Rafael , Rezende Gustavo Matarazzo , Vianna Fernando , Fernandes Alan , Lima Renato Sérgio de
Published: February 2024

The first studies on public security as an organizational field in Brazil emerged in Social Sciences in the 1980s. Discussions on the central role of police organizations in contemporary society and studies about the reform of these institutions have required robust epistemological interactions. In this sense, Organizational Studies may contribute to enlightening the debate, offering insights into four fundamental categories: technology, use of force, culture and behavior, and minority groups. On the one hand, the dominant approach in the Social Sciences considers the police as a mere repressive and violent state apparatus, while on the other hand, the production of knowledge within the police follows a totally instrumental and little reflective approach. In our view, Organizational Studies can align with the Social Sciences’ reformist and professionalizing approaches when studying police organizations, offering a more reflective path so these institutions can expand the production of internal knowledge and improve their overall operation in Brazil.
Σχεδιασμός, σύνθεση και αποτίμηση της βιολογικής δράσης νέων ετεροκυκλικών ενώσεων που επάγουν τη δράση της διαλυτής γουανυλικής κυκλάσης
Authors: Κίντος Διονύσιος-Παναγιώτης
Published: February 2024

Η διαλυτή γουανυλική κυκλάση (sGC) είναι ένα ετεροδιμερές ένζυμο που καταλύει τη μετατροπή του GTP σε cGMP κατόπιν δέσμευσης του ενδογενούς ΝΟ σε μία ομάδα αίμης της ρυθμιστικής β1 H-NOX περιοχής. Μείωση είτε της βιοδιαθεσιμότητας του ΝΟ είτε της ευαισθησίας της sGC για τον ενδογενή προσδέτη λόγω απώλειας της αίμης σε συνθήκες οξειδωτικού στρες, μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε απορρύθμιση του NO/sCG/cGMP σηματοδοτικού άξονα. Η διαταραχή αυτή συσχετίζεται με ενδοθηλιακή δυσλειτουργία και κατ’ επέκταση με την εκδήλωση πολυάριθμων καρδιαγγειακών, νεφρικών και πνευμονικών παθήσεων. Για την αντιμετώπιση αυτών αναπτύχθηκαν τα τελευταία χρόνια δύο κατηγορίες θεραπευτικών παραγόντων, οι διεγέρτες και οι ενεργοποιητές της sGC, που επάγουν τη δράση της απευαισθητοποιημένης για το ΝΟ sGC μέσω ενός αιμο-εξαρτώμενου ή αιμο-ανεξάρτητου μηχανισμού, αντίστοιχα. Η παρούσα μελέτη εστίασε στην ανακάλυψη νέων χημικών οντοτήτων με αγωνιστική δράση έναντι της sGC. Συγκεκριμένα, για τον στοχευμένο σχεδιασμό επιστρατεύτηκαν μεθοδολογίες ορθολογικού σχεδιασμού, όπως υπολογιστικές μελέτες μοριακής προσομοίωσης πρόσδεσης καθώς και αναλύσεις σχέσεων χημικής δομής-βιολογικής δραστικότητας γνωστών αγωνιστών της sGC. Τα δεδομένα που προέκυψαν αξιοποιήθηκαν για τον σχεδιασμό νέων υποψήφιων αγωνιστών της sGC. Συγκεκριμένα, σχεδιάσθηκαν παράγωγα που έφεραν κατάλληλα υποκατεστημένο 3,4-διϋδροκινοξαλινονικό και πυραζολο[3,4-c]πυριδονικό σκελετό, ως νέοι υποψήφιοι ενεργοποιητές και διεγέρτες της sGC, αντίστοιχα. Ακολούθως, πραγματοποιήθηκε εκτενής διερεύνηση για την αποδοτική σύνθεση των επιθυμητών παραγώγων που προέκυψαν κατά τον μοριακό σχεδιασμό. Η σύνθεση των νέων ενώσεων επιτεύχθηκε μέσω συνθετικών οδών που περιλάμβαναν κατά κανόνα την ανοικοδόμηση των βασικών ετεροκυκλικών σκελετών από κατάλληλες πρόδρομες ενώσεις και ακολούθως την εισαγωγή των επιθυμητών υποκαταστατών σε συγκεκριμένες θέσεις των ετεροκυκλικών πυρήνων. Τέλος, επιλεγμένος αριθμός 3,4-διϋδροκινοξαλινονικών και πυραζολο[3,4-c]πυριδονικών παραγώγων μελετήθηκε σε in vitro βιολογικές δοκιμασίες ως προς την ικανότητά τους να επάγουν τη δράση της sGC. Αν και τα υπό μελέτη 3,4-διϋδροκινοξαλινονικά παράγωγα δεν προκάλεσαν αύξηση των επιπέδων του cGMP σε κυτταρικούς πληθυσμούς που εκφράζουν την sGC, εμφάνισαν sGC ενεργοποιητική δράση κατά τη λειτουργική τους αξιολόγηση στο απομονωμένο ένζυμο. Επιπλέον, επιλεγμένα πυραζολο[3,4-c]πυριδονικά παράγωγα εμφάνισαν sGC διεγερτική δράση, αφού η επίδραση τους σε A7r5 λεία μυϊκά και HUVEC ενδοθηλιακά κύτταρα προκάλεσε ενίσχυση της δράσης του ΝΟ, συνεισφέροντας με αυτό τον τρόπο σε ευεργετικές λειτουργίες του αγγειακού ενδοθηλίου, όπως η αναστολή πολλαπλασιασμού των λείων μυϊκών κυττάρων και η μείωση σχηματισμού φλεγμονής.
A critical evaluation of the impact of organizational citizenship behavior on innovation and idea generation
Authors: Βαρτζιώτη Νικόλ-Ξανθή
Published: February 2024

Η παρούσα μελέτη στοχεύει να διερευνήσει τους παράγοντες που συνθέτουν την Οργανωσιακή Συμπεριφορά Εργαζομένων (OCB) και σχετίζονται με τη δημιουργία ιδεών και την καινοτομία σε οργανισμούς. Ενόψει του υψηλού ανταγωνισμού στη διεθνή αγορά, οι οργανισμοί επιδιώκουν να προωθήσουν την καινοτόμο συμπεριφορά και να καλλιεργήσουν ένα ευνοϊκό περιβάλλον για τους εργαζόμενους για τη δημιουργία και τη διάδοση καινοτόμων ιδεών και δημιουργικότητας. Ως εκ τούτου, η ανάπτυξη και η αξιολόγηση του προτεινόμενου εργαλείου για τον εντοπισμό εργαζομένων με θετικές εργασιακές συμπεριφορές και στάσεις απέναντι στην καινοτομία θα ωφελούσε τους ειδικούς του ανθρώπινου δυναμικού. Για την επίτευξη αυτού του σκοπού, η παρούσα διατριβή συνέθεσε τα πιο σημαντικά μοντέλα καινοτομίας και εργασιακής συμπεριφοράς, ιδιαίτερα το μοντέλο Οργανωσιακής Συμπεριφοράς Εργαζομένων, το οποίο θα μπορούσε να χρησιμεύσει ως κριτήριο για την ανίχνευση της κλίσης των εργαζομένων προς τη δημιουργία ιδεών ως το πρώτο στάδιο της Καινοτόμου Εργασιακής Συμπεριφοράς. Πραγματοποιήθηκαν πολλαπλές παλινδρομήσεις για την αξιολόγηση των μοντέλων συμπεριφοράς που αναπτύχθηκαν κατά τη διάρκεια της έρευνας. Περαιτέρω, διεξήχθη μια δοκιμή ετεροσκεδαστικότητας για τον προσδιορισμό της διακύμανσης μεταξύ ανεξάρτητων μεταβλητών για να προσδιοριστεί η ακρίβεια με την οποία μπορούν να προβλέψουν αλλαγές στην εξαρτημένη μεταβλητή. Η έρευνά μας, που διεξήχθη στις μεγαλύτερες εταιρείες της αυτοκινητοβιομηχανίας στη Γερμανία, αποκαλύπτει ότι αρκετές διαστάσεις του μοντέλου της Οργανωσιακής Συμπεριφοράς Εργαζομένων, η ηλικία και η ταξινόμηση του τμήματος συσχετίζονται σημαντικά με τη δημιουργία ιδεών.
Foreign policy towards civilization megatrends in world politics
Authors: Zenderowski Radosław
Published: February 2024

The aim of this article is to indicate and analyze three selected civilization and culture megatrends that can be observed in the contemporary global policy which are important not only to a state’s foreign policy, but also to identities of particular states. Such analyses are preceded by: firstly, an indication of continuity and change of a state’s foreign policy over centuries, and secondly, an attempt at defining megatrends and selecting a few key megatrends outside the civilization and culture area (such an area essentially refers to norms, values and ideas and accompanying social practices). The following research questions were posed: What is the continuity and changeability of foreign policy since the mid-17th century? What are megatrends? How selected megatrends affect and modify the international environment.
Can vitamin D deficiency affect the development of cancer? - review of the literature
Authors: Różańska-Smuszkiewicz Gabriela , Koszyczarek Karolina , Kotowska Maja , Zamirska Wiktoria , Ziemiański Albin , Zięba Katarzyna , Zygmunt Anna , Smuszkiewicz-Różański Paweł
Published: February 2024

Introduction and purpose:

Over recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cases of cancer around the world. At the same time, there is the problem of vitamin D deficiency, which may affect up to one-quarter of the population. The aim of this article is to link these two epidemics and organize knowledge about vitamin D and its multidirectional effects related to many diseases, especially cancer.

State of knowledge:

Many scientific works have proven that vitamin D has a beneficial effect not only on the known calcium-phosphate metabolism. Researchers emphasize its pleiotropic effect on many organs and systems in the human body, and thus on many diseases, including cancer. Studies show that vitamin D modulates the expression of many different miRNAs specific to various types of cancer. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies showed the effect of calcitriol on cell growth and development. It influences processes such as differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, strengthens the immune system, and reduces oxidative stress.

Summary:

Based on accumulated research, we can conclude that vitamin D presumably regulates the entire process of tumorigenesis, from initiation to metastasis and cell-microenvironment interactions. However, some studies do not confirm these data or provide contradictory results. For this reason, it is necessary to deepen research on this topic in order to establish specific recommendations, therapeutic and preventive plans. However, vitamin D and its role in the pathogenesis of many diseases should not be underestimated. In cases of low vitamin D concentration in the body, its supplementation will be reasonable, considering the functional identity of this source compared to sun exposure or diet.
The Relationship Between Mental Health and Drugs used in Dermatology
Authors: Krzyżanowska Maria , Piątkiewicz Julia , Sztybór Mateusz , Nowak Gabriela , Kapica Marcin , Momot Karol , Wojtas Mikołaj , Głogowska Karen , Maleszewska Monika , Żmijewska Aleksandra
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION: Dermatological diseases are a common clinical problem in medical practice. Various groups of medications are used in their treatment. Psychiatric disorders also present a significant challenge for modern medicine, some of them may have iatrogenic origins. This study analyzes drugs used in dermatological diseases and their impact on mental health.
REVIEW METHODS: This review of the literature collects data from PubMed and Google Scholar about medications used for treating dermatological conditions and their potential impact on mental health.
THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Acyclovir, valacyclovir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, tetracyclines, retinoids, glucocorticoids, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, dapsone and methotrexate are mentioned in the literature as possible, but rare causes of the onset /exacerbation of various psychiatric symptoms. Comparing to general population, patients with skin disorders suffer more often from depression and anxiety. Those two diseases are mentioned most frequently in the context of psychiatric side effect of drugs discussed in the article.
SUMMARY: Psychiatric side effects of drugs used in dermatology are not common. However, given the rising incidence of mental health disorders worldwide, it is important to be aware of them.
Migration and Innovation: How Foreign R&D Hires Shape Firm-Level Exploration in Their Host Country
Authors: Uhlbach Wolf-Hendrik , Anckaert Paul-Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Prior research ascribes an important role to highly skilled immigrants in the production and diffusion of knowledge. However, little is known about their contributions to shaping the type and direction of organizational innovation. We aim to shed light on this question by investigating how newly hired foreign research and development (R&D) workers affect firm-level exploration. We argue that foreign R&D hires enable firms to overcome local search by making them aware of and providing access to novel knowledge tied to their home countries. We test this using a sample of 376 Danish R&D-active firms over the period from 2001 to 2013. Our findings reveal that newly hired foreign R&D workers contribute significantly more to exploration than other types of R&D workers within the firm. Moreover, we find support for the proposed mechanism and show that knowledge from the home countries of foreign hires shapes firms’ inventive output. Our results further suggest that the effect of foreign R&D hires is stronger for firms with a limited international search orientation and those with an incumbent R&D workforce with a shorter organizational tenure. These findings offer insights into a potential mechanism through which foreign R&D workers can shape firm-level exploration and the organizational contingencies that influence this relationship.

Funding: The authors got financial funding from the Novo Nordisk Foundation in the course of the project “Investments, incentives, and the impact of Danish research (Triple-I-Research)” [Grant NNF16OC0021444].

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.16073 .
“ERA PRECISO TER FIRMEZA E ELIMINAR OS PORMENORES”. IMPERIALISMO E COLONIZAÇÃO BRITÂNICA DA NIGÉRIA EM O MUNDO SE DESPEDAÇA, DE CHINUA ACHEBE
Authors: André Adolfo José de Souza
Published: February 2024

A proposta do artigo é fazer uma leitura do romance de Chinua Achebe O mundo se despedaça com o intuito de entender e analisar o impacto que a presença britânica teve na Nigéria, especialmente no imaginário vilarejo de Umuófia, onde a narrativa se desenvolve, no final do século XIX. A partir do ponto de vista do nativo, do guerreiro Okonkwo, Achebe proporciona uma profunda reflexão a respeito da violenta relação entre metrópole e colônia, colonizador e colonizado, e como a desigualdade na relação provoca um verdadeiro extermínio étnico e cultural, aquilo que Achile Mbembe (2018) entender ser necropolítica e V. Y. Mudimbe (2013) considera como marginalização das sociedades autóctones e o predomínio da cultura eurocêntrica. Assim, O mundo se despedaça, estimula a reflexão sobre o fim de culturas e a dominação do nativo pelo europeu.
SOBRE AS BELEZAS DA MORTE: ANCESTRALIDADE E APRENDIZAGEM EM "GOSTO DE AMORA"
Authors: Andrade Lucas Toledo de
Published: February 2024

Este artigo pretende analisar o conto “Gosto de Amora” (2019), presente na coletânea homônima, de Mário Medeiros. No conto, o narrador-personagem, por meio do olhar infantil, conta a sua travessia ao encontro dos antepassados. Ao se observar essa narrativa formalmente, notamos que ela apresenta uma desestruturação da noção cronológica e linear de tempo, propondo uma outra forma de pensar a existência, o que se relaciona à ideia de “tempo africano tradicional” (RIBEIRO, 2016). A partir disso, o narrador trabalha com temas, como – ancestralidade, tempo, memória e morte. A morte é representada a partir de imagens poéticas que simbolizam, em muitos momentos, o processo de formação e aprendizagem do negro na sociedade brasileira. Nesse sentido, buscamos compreender de que forma essa narrativa afro-brasileira, por meio de um narrador-personagem infantil, consegue apresentar os entrecruzamentos entre sujeito, ancestralidade, tradição africana e contemporaneidade.Abstract: This article aims to analyze the short story “Gosto de Amora”, present in the eponymous collection, of Mário Medeiros. In the short story, the first-person narrator, using a childish view, tells his path to meet the ancestors. When looking at this narrative formally, we see that it presents a destructuring of linear and cronologic notion of time, proposing another way of thinking about the life, what relates to the ideia of “tempo africano tradicional” (RIBEIRO, 2016). From this, the narrator works with themes: ancestrality, time, memory and death. The death is represented from poetic images that symbolize, in many moments, the formation and education process of black people in a Brazilian society. Therefore, we seek to understand how this Afro-Brazilian narrative, through a childish first-person narrator, manages to present the intersections between subject, ancestrality, African tradition and contemporary.