bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of an Australian community suicide prevention networks program in preventing suicide: a controlled longitudinal study
Authors: Morgan A. J. , Roberts R. , Mackinnon A. J. , Reifels L.
Published: October 2022

Background

Suicide is a major issue affecting communities around the world. Community-based suicide prevention approaches can tailor activities at a local level and are recognised as a key component of national suicide prevention strategies. Despite this, research exploring their effects on completed suicides is rare. This study examined the effect of a national program of community suicide prevention networks on suicide rates in catchment areas across Australia.

Methods

Australian suicide data from the National Coronial Information System for 2001–2017 were mapped to geographic catchment areas of community suicide prevention networks and matched control areas with similar characteristics. The effect of network establishment on suicide rates was evaluated using longitudinal models including fixed effects for site type (network or control), time, season, and intervention (network establishment), with site included as a random intercept.

Results

Sixty suicide prevention networks were included, servicing areas with a population of 3.5 million. Networks varied in when they were established, ranging from 2007 to 2016. Across the time-period, suicide rates per 100,000 per quarter averaged 3.73 (SD = 5.35). A significant reduction in the suicide rate of 7.0% was found after establishment of networks (IRR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.87 to 0.99, p = .025).

Conclusion

This study found evidence of an average reduction in suicide rates following the establishment of suicide prevention networks in Australian communities. These findings support the effectiveness of empowering local communities to take action to prevent suicide.
Patients’ views on using human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson’s disease: an interview study
Authors: Drevin Jennifer , Nyholm Dag , Widner Håkan , Van Vliet Trinette , Viberg Johansson Jennifer , Jiltsova Elena , Hansson Mats
Published: October 2022

Background

Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) as a source for the development of advanced therapy medicinal products are considered for treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Research has shown promising results and opened an avenue of great importance for patients who currently lack a disease modifying therapy. The use of hESC has given rise to moral concerns and been the focus of often heated debates on the moral status of human embryos. Approval for marketing is still pending.

Objective

To Investigate the perspectives and concerns of patients with PD, patients being the directly concerned stakeholders in the ethical discussion.

Methods

Qualitative semi-structured interviews related to this new therapy in seventeen patients from two Swedish cities.

Results

The participants expressed various interests related to the use of human embryos for development of medicinal therapies; however, overall, they were positive towards the use of hESC for treatment of PD. It was deemed important that the donating woman or couple made the choice to donate embryos voluntarily. Furthermore, there were concerns that the industry does not always prioritise the patient over profit; thus, transparency was seen as important.
Accuracy of SCORTEN in predicting mortality in toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Strużyna Jerzy , Surowiecka Agnieszka , Korzeniowski Tomasz , Korulczyk Patrycja , Drozd Lukasz , Stachura Aldona , Torres Kamil , Krajewski Andrzej
Published: October 2022

Background

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) patients require multi-directional and multi-disciplinary treatment. In most cases, they are hospitalised at intensive care units and require multi-directional, burn-complication preventive care. Choosing the most appropriate treatment option might be troublesome even when predicting scores are used. SCORTEN is the most renowned prognostic score for TEN patients, however, there are some data indicating that the accuracy of this test may be limited. The credibility of not just the predicted mortality risk, but also componential laboratory results and clinical features subject to debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and credibility of SCORTEN in clinical practice, on proprietary material.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 35 patients with diagnosed in histopathology TEN was performed. The inclusion criteria were as follows: day of submission before 5th day from the onset of the symptoms, full protocol of plasmaphereses and IVIGs according to our scheme. Our protocol includes cycle of plasmapheresis with frozen fresh plasma twice daily for the first 2 days following admission, and once daily for the subsequent 5 to 7 days. IVIGs were administered after the first two sessions of plasmapheresis, for 4 to 7 days. The dosage was calculated according to body weight, at 0.4 to 0.5 g/kg per dose.

Results

The sensitivity of SCORTEN for the analysed cohort was 100%, with a specificity of 24%. The estimated death was 41,9%, while the actual death rates were 12,5%. Our protocol improved the survival, OR = 26,57, RR = 6,34, p = 0,022. Decrease in mortality was caused by a combined treatment protocol we use- plasmaphereses with IVIGs. No independent risk factor was significant in death evaluation.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the scoring system for predicting death among TEN patients are reliable when they are high. New prognostic factors should be found to improve the evaluation of patients with low SCORTEN.
Parental satisfaction and its associated factors towards neonatal intensive care unit service: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alle Yewlsew Fentie , Akenaw Bantigegn , Seid Shimelis , Bayable Samuel Debas
Published: October 2022

Background

Parental satisfaction is a well-established outcome indicator and tool for assessing a healthcare system’s quality, as well as input for developing strategies for providing acceptable patient care. This study aimed to assess parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care unit service and its associated factors.

Method

A cross-sectional study design was conducted on parents whose neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, in North Central Ethiopia. Data were collected by adopting an EMPATHIC-N instrument during the day of neonatal discharge, after translating the English version of the instrument to the local language (Amharic). Both Bivariable and multivariable logistic analyses were done to identify factors associated with parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care unit service. P < 0.05 with 95% CI was considered statistically significant.

Results

The data analysis was done on 385 parents with a response rate of 95.06%. The overall average satisfaction of parents with neonatal intensive care unit service was 47.8% [95% CI= (43.1–52.5)]. The average parental satisfaction of neonatal intensive care unit service in the information dimension was 50.40%; in the care and treatment dimension was 36.9%, in the parental participation dimension was 50.1%, in the organization dimension was 59.0% and the professional attitude dimension was 48.6%. Gender of parents, residency, parental hospital stay, birth weight, and gestational age were factors associated with parental satisfaction.

Conclusion

There was a low level of parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care unit service. Among the dimensions of EMPATHIC-N, the lowest parental satisfaction score was in the care and treatment while the highest parental satisfaction score was in the organization dimension.
Turning up the heat on non-immunoreactive tumors: autophagy influences the immune microenvironment in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lu Si-Yuan , Hua Jie , Liu Jiang , Wei Miao-Yan , Liang Chen , Meng Qing-Cai , Zhang Bo , Yu Xian Jun , Wang Wei , Xu Jin
Published: October 2022

Background

Autophagy regulators play important roles in the occurrence and development of a variety of tumors and are involved in immune regulation and drug resistance. However, the modulatory roles and prognostic value of autophagy regulators in pancreatic cancer have not been identified.

Methods

Transcriptomic data and survival information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to construct a risk score model. Important clinical features were analyzed to generate a nomogram. In addition, we used various algorithms, including ssGSEA, CIBERSORT, XCELL, EPIC, TIMER, and QUANTISEQ, to evaluate the roles of autophagy regulators in the pancreatic cancer immune microenvironment. Furthermore, the mutation landscape was compared between different risk groups.

Results

Pan cancer analysis indicated that most of the autophagy regulators were upregulated in pancreatic cancer and were correlated with methylation and CNV level. MET, TSC1, and ITGA6 were identified as the prognostic autophagy regulators and used to construct a risk score model. Some critical clinical indicators, such as age, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) T stage, AJCC N stage, alcohol and sex, were combined with the risk model to establish the nomogram, which may offer clinical guidance. In addition, our study demonstrated that the low score groups exhibited high immune activity and high abundances of various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and NK cells. Patients with high risk scores exhibited lower half inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for paclitaxel and had downregulated expression profiles of PD1, CTLA4, and LAG3. Mutation investigation indicated that the high risk groups exhibited a higher mutation burden and higher mutation number compared to the low risk groups. additionally, we verified our risk stratification method using cytology and histology data from our center, and the results are satisfactory.

Conclusion

We speculated that autophagy regulators have large effects on the prognosis, immune landscape and drug sensitivity of pancreatic cancer. Our model, which combines critical autophagy regulators and clinical indicators, will provide guidance for clinical treatment.
Effects of a high-fat meal on inflammatory and endothelial injury biomarkers in accordance with adiposity status: a cross-sectional study
Authors: de Souza Maria das Graças Coelho , Maranhão Priscila Alves , Panazzolo Diogo Guarnieri , Nogueira Neto José Firmino , Bouskela Eliete , Kraemer-Aguiar Luiz Guilherme
Published: October 2022

Background

It is known that consuming a high-fat meal (HFM) induces microvascular dysfunction (MD) in eutrophic women and aggravates it in those with obesity. Our purpose was to investigate if the MD observed after a single HFM intake is caused by endothelial damage or increased inflammatory state, both determined by blood biomarkers.

Methods

Nineteen women with obesity (BMI 30-34.9 kg/m2) and 18 eutrophic ones (BMI 20.0-24.9 kg/m2) were enrolled into two groups: Obese (OBG) and Control (CG), respectively. Blood samples were collected at five-time points: before (fasting state) and 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after HFM intake to determine levels of adipokines (adiponectin, leptin), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), inflammatory [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6)] and endothelium damage [soluble E-selectin, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)] biomarkers.

Results

Levels of soluble E-selectin, leptin, and PAI-1 were higher in OBG at all-time points (P < 0.05) compared to CG. In the fasting state, OBG had higher levels of NEFA compared to CG (P < 0.05). In intra-group analysis, no significant change in the levels of circulating inflammatory and endothelial injury biomarkers was observed after HFM intake, independently of the group.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that women with obesity have an increased pro-inflammatory state and more significant endothelial injury compared to eutrophic ones. However, the consumption of a HFM was not sufficient to change circulating levels of inflammatory and endothelial injury biomarkers in either group.

Registration number for clinical trials:

NCT01692327.
Effect of high-intensity interval training on aerobic capacity and fatigue among patients with prostate cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chang Ming , Wang Junguo , Hashim Hairul A. , Xie Shihao , Malik Adam A.
Published: October 2022

Objective

This study focused on evaluating whether high-intensity interval training (HIIT) had an effect on aerobic capacity and fatigue among patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and exploring its effect on the immune system of PCa patients.

Methods

To investigate the potential effect of HIIT on patients with prostate cancer, a meta-analysis was carried out. From January 2012 to August 2022, studies that met predefined criteria were searched in the Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. Analysis of the standardized mean differences was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 software with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

This review examined a total of 6 articles. There were 215 male patients with PCa involved, and the mean age was 64.4 years. According to the results of the meta-analysis, the HIIT group (n = 63) had greater VO2peak (P<0.01) than the control group (CON) (n = 52) (P = 0.30, I2 = 19% in the heterogeneity test; MD, 1.39 [0.50, 2.27]). Moreover, fatigue was significantly different (P<0.01) between the HIIT (n = 62) and CON (n = 61) groups (P = 0.78, I2 = 0% in the heterogeneity test; SMD, −0.52 [−0.88, −0.16]). Furthermore, among PCa patients, HIIT showed higher efficacy (P < 0.01) in decreasing PSA than the CON regimen (P=0.22, I2 = 34% in the heterogeneity test; MD, −1.13 [−1.91, −0.34]).

Conclusions

HIIT improves aerobic capacity, fatigue, and PSA levels among PCa patients but does not significantly affect IL-6 or TNF-α content. Therefore, HIIT may be a novel and potent intervention scheme for PCa patients.
First genetic report of Ixodes kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp.
Authors: Numan Muhammad , Islam Nabeela , Adnan Muhammad , Zaman Safi Sher , Chitimia-Dobler Lidia , Labruna Marcelo B. , Ali Abid
Published: October 2022

Background

Hard ticks (Ixodidae) are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit various pathogens to a variety of hosts including humans. Transhumant herds have been involved in the spread of ticks and associated Rickettsia spp., and studies on this neglected topic have been unexplored in many regions including Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate ticks infesting transhumant herds of sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) in district Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Methods

Of the 144 examined animals, 112 hosts (68 sheep and 44 goats) of transhumant herds were infested by 419 ticks of different life stages including nymphs (105; 25%), males (58; 14%) and females (256; 61%). For molecular analyses, DNA was extracted from 64 collected ticks and subjected to PCR for the amplification of tick 16S rDNA and ITS2 partial sequences and for the amplification of rickettsial gltA and ompA gene sequences.

Results

All tick specimens were identified as Ixodes kashmiricus based on morphological features. The obtained 16S rDNA and ITS2 sequences showed 95.7% and 95.3% identity, respectively, with Ixodes kazakstani reported from Kyrgyzstan. In the phylogenetic tree, the sequences clustered with members of the Ixodes ricinus species complex, including I. kazakstani and Ixodes apronophorus. Additionally, rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences were 99.7% identical to Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont of Ixodes spp. from Panama and Costa Rica and 99.2% with Rickettsia endosymbiont from the USA. Phylogenetically, the rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences from I. kashmiricus clustered with various haplotypes of Rickettsia endosymbiont, which were sister cladded to Rickettsia monacensis.

Conclusions

This is the first genetic report of I. kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp. Large-scale tick surveillance studies across the country are needed to investigate Ixodes ticks and associated pathogens.

Graphical Abstract
Planning of distributed renewable energy systems under uncertainty based on statistical machine learning
Authors: Fu Xueqian , Wu Xianping , Zhang Chunyu , Fan Shaoqian , Liu Nian
Published: October 2022

The development of distributed renewable energy, such as photovoltaic power and wind power generation, makes the energy system cleaner, and is of great significance in reducing carbon emissions. However, weather can affect distributed renewable energy power generation, and the uncertainty of output brings challenges to uncertainty planning for distributed renewable energy. Energy systems with high penetration of distributed renewable energy involve the high-dimensional, nonlinear dynamics of large-scale complex systems, and the optimal solution of the uncertainty model is a difficult problem. From the perspective of statistical machine learning, the theory of planning of distributed renewable energy systems under uncertainty is reviewed and some key technologies are put forward for applying advanced artificial intelligence to distributed renewable power uncertainty planning.
Algerian extra hard cheese of Klila: a review on the production method, and microbial, organoleptic, and nutritional properties
Authors: Benamara Rym Nouria , Benahmed Meryem , Ibri Kada , Moussa Boudjemaa Boumediene , Demarigny Yann
Published: October 2022

This paper reviews the traditional practice of Klila production, its microbiological, physicochemical and nutritional properties and aims to raise awareness of Klila. The main objective of this review is to highlight the typicality of Klila and to propose a form of labelling that could help promote it. The Klila is a traditional extra hard cheese from southern Algeria. Nomadic tribes produce it from goat, sheep, or cow milk. Curdled milk is obtained by spontaneous fermentation. It is churned to recover the butter. The co-product, a sour, fat-free milk: Lben, undergoes a moderate heat treatment to get a fresh cheese which, after a dehydration process, gives the Klila. The chemical composition of this product varies regarding fat content. It has a very low water content (less than 10%) and comes in very hard pieces of varying size and irregular shape. The dry matter, for instance, can vary from 33 to 95%. Water availability (Aw) varies from 0.32 to 0.467. Fat rate can vary a lot from region to region from 9.5 to 29.3 g/100 g of cheese. The protein rate also varies a lot: between 29.9 and 71.4 g/100 g of cheese. The lactose concentration can range within 1.2 to 2.4 g/100 mL. The microbiological quality of Klila depends mainly on the quality of the raw milk used and all hygienic factors that surround milk production. The physicochemical conditions that prevail inside Klila are not favourable for the microbial growth. The Klila is an example of adaptation of the nomads’ lifestyle in the Algerian Sahara who use it as a culinary adjunct for nutritional and therapeutic purposes. The Klila can be grinded to be put as ingredient in “Zrizri” dessert with dates and clarified butter (smen). Some people prefer to consume fresh Klila with dates and green tea.
IMproving PULmonary hypertension Screening by Echocardiography: IMPULSE
Authors: Slegg Oliver Graham , Willis James Alexander , Wilkinson Fiona , Sparey Joseph , Wild Christopher Basil , Rossdale Jennifer , Ross Robert Mackenzie , Pauling John D. , Carson Kevin , Kandan Sri Raveen , Oxborough David , Knight Daniel , Peacock Oliver James , Suntharalingam Jay , Coghlan John Gerard , Augustine Daniel Xavier
Published: October 2022

Background

The world symposium on pulmonary hypertension (PH) has proposed that PH be defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) > 20 mmHg as assessed by right heart catheterisation (RHC). Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is an established screening tool used for suspected PH. International guidelines recommend a multi-parameter assessment of the TTE PH probability although effectiveness has not been established using real world data.

Study aims

To determine accuracy of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and British Society of Echocardiography (BSE) TTE probability algorithm in detecting PH in patients attending a UK PH centre. To identify echocardiographic markers and revised algorithms to improve the detection of PH in those with low/intermediate BSE/ESC TTE PH probability.

Methods

TTE followed by RHC (within 4 months after) was undertaken in patients for suspected but previously unconfirmed PH. BSE/ESC PH TTE probabilities were calculated alongside additional markers of right ventricular (RV) longitudinal and radial function, and RV diastolic function. A refined IMPULSE algorithm was devised and evaluated in patients with low and/or intermediate ESC/BSE TTE PH probability.

Results

Of 310 patients assessed, 236 (76%) had RHC-confirmed PH (average mPAP 42.8 ± 11.7). Sensitivity and specificity for detecting PH using the BSE/ESC recommendations was 89% and 68%, respectively. 36% of those with low BSE/ESC TTE probability had RHC-confirmed PH and BSE/ESC PH probability parameters did not differ amongst those with and without PH in the low probability group. Conversely, RV free wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) was lower in patients with vs. without PH in low BSE/ESC probability group (− 20.6 ± 4.1% vs − 23.8 ± 3.9%) (P < 0.02). Incorporating RVFWLS and TTE features of RV radial and diastolic function (RVFAC and IVRT) within the IMPULSE algorithm reduced false negatives in patients with low BSE/ESC PH probability by 29%. The IMPULSE algorithm had excellent specificity and positive predictive value in those with low (93%/80%, respectively) or intermediate (82%/86%, respectively) PH probability.

Conclusion

Existing TTE PH probability guidelines lack sensitivity to detect patients with milder haemodynamic forms of PH. Combining additional TTE makers assessing RV radial, longitudinal and diastolic function enhance identification of milder forms of PH, particularly in those who have a low BSE/ESC TTE PH probability.
Extension and dynamical phases in random walkers depositing and following chemical trails
Authors: Khuntia Subhashree Subhrasmita , Chaudhuri Abhishek , Chaudhuri Debasish
Published: October 2022

Active walker models have proved to be extremely effective in understanding the evolution of a large class of systems in biology like ant trail formation and pedestrian trails. We propose a simple model of a random walker which modifies its local environment that in turn influences the motion of the walker at a later time. We perform direct numerical simulations of the walker in a discrete lattice with the walker actively depositing a chemical which attracts the walker trajectory and also evaporates in time. We propose a method to look at the structural transitions of the trajectory using radius of gyration for finite time walks. The extension over a definite time window shows a non-monotonic change with the deposition rate characteristic of a coil-globule transition. At certain regions of the parameter space of the chemical deposition and evaporation rates, the extensions of the walker shows a re-entrant behavior. The dynamics, characterised by the mean-squared displacement, shows deviation from diffusive scaling at intermediate time scales, returning to diffusive behavior asymptotically. A mean-field theory captures the variation of the asymptotic diffusivity.
Spleen size in homozygous sickle cell disease: trends in a birth cohort using ultrasound
Authors: Walker Thomas M , Hambleton Ian R , Mason Karlene P , Serjeant Graham
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

To provide ultrasound baselines for spleen length in homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS) and in normal controls with a HbAA genotype.

Methods:

The Jamaican cohort study identified 311 babies with HbSS and 246 matched HbAA controls during the screening of 100,000 consecutive deliveries in Kingston, Jamaica from 1973 to 1981. Ultrasonography commenced in 1988 when the youngest patients were aged 6 years at which time deaths, emigrations and default had reduced the numbers to 206 HbSS and 89 controls. It continued annually until 2000.

Results:

The spleen was visualized in all HbAA controls but in only 1103/2138 (52%) scans in HbSS. Where available, mean splenic lengths were significantly lower in HbSS (77–103 mm in males, 70–83 mm in females) compared to normal controls (89–101 mm in males, 86–95 mm in females). Assessed by statistical modelling after adjusting for body height, the splenic ratio (splenic length/body height) declined over the age range 12–20 years in HbSS, consistent with progressive splenic fibrosis. Genetic factors known to inhibit sickling, α thalassemia and fetal hemoglobin level (HbF) significantly reduced the decline in splenic ratio. Clinical splenomegaly was an insensitive measure of splenic enlargement as only 50% of patients aged 18 years and above with spleens measuring ≥150 mm on ultrasonography had palpable spleens.

Conclusions:

An age-related decline in splenic length occurred in HbSS and occurred more slowly with genetic factors known to inhibit sickling. The standards provided may be of value in assessing minor degrees of subclinical acute splenic sequestration.

Advances in knowledge

These are the first standards available for splenic length in HbSS. They may be useful in detecting red cell sequestration, not apparent from clinical splenomegaly and also provide a model for identifying factors inhibiting vaso-occlusion.
A prototype low-cost secondary standard calorimeter for reference dosimetry with ultra-high pulse dose rates
Authors: Bass Graham A , Shipley David R , Flynn Samuel F , Thomas Russell A S
Published: October 2022

Objectives:

Ultra-high pulse dose rate modalities present significant dosimetry challenges for ionisation chambers due to significant ion recombination. Conversely, calorimeters are ideally suited to measure high dose, short duration dose deliveries and this work describes a simple calorimeter as an alternative dosemeter for use in the clinic.

Methods:

Calorimeters were constructed featuring a disc-shaped core and single sensing thermistor encased in a 3D-printed body shaped like a Roos ionisation chamber. The thermistor forms one arm of a DC Wheatstone bridge, connected to a standard DMM. The bridge-out-of-balance voltage was calibrated in terms of temperature. A graphite-core calorimeter was calibrated in terms of absorbed dose to water (J/kg) in Co-60 and conventional 6, 10 and 15 MV X-rays. Similarly, an aluminium-core calorimeter was calibrated in a conventional 20 MeV electron beam and tested in a research high dose per pulse 6 MeV electron beam.

Results:

Calorimeters were successfully calibrated in terms of absorbed dose to water in conventional radiotherapy beams at approximately 5 Gy/min with an estimated uncertainty of ±2–2.5% (k = 2), and performed similarly in a 6 MeV electron beam delivering approximately 180 Gy/s.

Conclusions:

A simple, low-cost calorimeter traceably calibrated to existing primary standards of absorbed dose could be used as a secondary standard for dosimetry for ultra-high pulse dose rates in the clinic.

Advances in knowledge:

Secondary standard calorimeters for routine measurements are not available commercially; this work presents the basis of a simple, low-cost solution for reference dosimetry for ultra-high pulse dose rate beams.
Διερεύνηση των μεθόδων και πολιτικών εξυγίανσης επιχειρήσεων και τραπεζών
Authors: Πάτσης Πάρις
Published: October 2022

Στη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία το πρόβλημα των επισφαλών δανείων αντιμετωπίζεται ως ένα πρόβλημα που προκύπτει εξωγενώς. Οι προσπάθειες της ακαδημαϊκής κοινότητας αλλά και των επαγγελματιών του κλάδου είναι να προσεγγίσουν τα επισφαλή δάνεια ως πρόβλημα των τραπεζών και όχι των επιχειρήσεων. Ενώ η διοίκηση των επιχειρήσεων, η λογιστική και η διοικητική λογιστική καθώς και η μηχανική των δανείων εμφανίζουν τεχνικές και προτάσεις, αυτές παραμένουν αποσπασματικές. Σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής έρευνας είναι η διερεύνηση του προβλήματος των μη εξυπηρετούμενων δανείων καθώς και η ανάπτυξη προτάσεων και μεθόδων για την επίλυσή του. Η παρούσα διδακτορική έρευνα προσεγγίζει το θέμα της από τη πλευρά της διοίκησης επιχειρήσεων, της λογιστικής, της χρηματοοικονομικής και της χρηματοοικονομικής μηχανικής ενώ η τραπεζική εμπλέκεται μόνο στα θέματα τιτλοποιήσεων όπου και αυτή εξετάζεται παράλληλα με το συμφέρον του επενδυτή. Για τη ποσοτική διερεύνηση χρησιμοποιήθηκαν οικονομετρικά εργαλεία και προχωρημένες μέθοδοι επιχειρησιακής έρευνας. Ως στοιχεία χρησιμοποιήθηκαν πραγματικά δεδομένα από επιχειρήσεις, αναπτύσσοντας γενικά case studies και από το τραπεζικό σύστημα για την περίπτωση των τιτλοποιήσεων επισφαλών δανείων και της αρχικής προσέγγισης του προβλήματος των NPEs. Η συνεισφορά της διδακτορικής έρευνας έγκειται στη προσέγγιση του προβλήματος αποκλειστικά εντός του επιστημονικού πλαισίου το οποίο έθεσε και αυτό από μόνο του αποτελεί την πρωτοτυπία της. Επίσης, παρήχθησαν πρωτότυπες και καινοτόμες λύσεις για την αντιμετώπιση του προβλήματος όπως οι τιτλοποιήσεις, οι εταιρικοί μετασχηματισμοί και οι εξατομικευμένες λύσεις για επιχειρήσεις. Τα πρωτότυπα υποδείγματα και οι καινοτόμες ποσοτικές εφαρμογές έχουν αδιαμφησβήτητη ακαδημαϊκή αξία και αποτελούν μεθόδους καλής πρακτικής.
SARS-CoV-2 and the role of airborne transmission: a systematic review
Authors: Heneghan Carl J. , Spencer Elizabeth A. , Brassey Jon , Plüddemann Annette , Onakpoya Igho J. , Oke Jason L. , Evans David H. , Conly John M. , Jefferson Tom
Published: October 2022

Background: Airborne transmission is the spread of an infectious agent caused by the dissemination of droplet nuclei (aerosols) that remain infectious when suspended in the air. We carried out a systematic review to identify, appraise and summarise the evidence from studies of the role of airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: We searched LitCovid, MedRxiv, Google Scholar and the WHO Covid-19 database from 1 February 2020 to 30 May 2022 and included studies on airborne transmission. Data were dual extracted, and we assessed quality using a modified QUADAS 2 risk of bias tool.

Results: We included 128 primary studies and 29 reviews on airborne SARS-CoV-2. Of the 128 primary studies, 105 (82%) reported data on RT-PCR from air samples, 28 (22%) report cycle threshold values and 36 (28%) copies per sample volume. All primary studies were observational. The research often lacked standard methods, standard sampling sizes and reporting items. We found 69 descriptions of different air samplers deployed. Of the 80 in-hospital studies that reported binary RT-PCR tests, 362/3079 air samples from 75 studies conducted in hospital ward environments were positive (median 8%, IQR=0 to 23%); 23 studies reported 74/703 RT-PCR positive air samples in the ICU setting (median 17%, IQR=0% to 38%) Thirty-eight studies reported potential air transmission in the outdoors or in the community. Twenty-six studies attempted viral culture, none of which definitively demonstrated that replication-competent SARS-CoV-2 could be recovered in the air.

Conclusion:  SARS-CoV-2 RNA is detectable intermittently in the air in various settings. Standardized guidelines for conducting and reporting research on airborne transmission are needed. The lack of recoverable viral culture of SARS-CoV-2 from air samples prevents firm conclusions about the definitive role of airborne transmission in SARS-CoV-2.
Hypoxic preconditioning promotes survival of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell via expression of prosurvival and proangiogenic biomarkers
Authors: Suryawan I Gde Rurus , Pikir Budi Susetyo , Rantam Fedik Abdul , Ratri Anudya Kartika , Nugraha Ricardo Adrian
Published: October 2022

Background: Contributing factors for improved survival of human adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (h-AMSCs) cultured through hypoxia preconditioning, in example apoptosis inhibition involving BCL2 and HSP27 expression, trigger signal expression (VEGF), SCF expression, OCT-4 expression, and CD44+ expression. The objective if this study was to explain the mechanism and role of hypoxic preconditioning and the optimal duration of hypoxic preconditioning exposure to improve survival of h-AMSCs.

Methods: An experimental laboratory explorative study (in vitro) with hypoxic preconditioning in h-AMSCs cultures. This research was conducted through four stages. First, isolation of h-AMSCs culture from adipose tissue of patients. Second, the characterization of h-AMSCs from adipose tissue by phenotype (flowcytometry) through CD44+, CD90+ and CD45-expression before being pre-conditioned for hypoxic treatment. Third, the hypoxic preconditioning in h-AMSCs culture (in vitro) was performed with an oxygen concentration of 1% for 24, 48 and 72 hours. Fourth, observation of survival from h-AMSCs culture was tested on the role of CD44+, VEGF, SCF, OCT-4, BCL2, HSP27 with Flowcytometry and apoptotic inhibition by Tunnel Assay method.

Results: The result of regression test showed that time difference had an effect on VEGF expression (p<0.001;β=-0.482) and hypoxia condition also influenced VEGF expression (p<0.001;β=0.774). The result of path analysis showed that SCF had effect on OCT-4 expression (p<0.001; β=0.985). The regression test results showed that time effects on HSP27 expression (p<0.001; β=0.398) and hypoxia precondition also affects HSP27 expression (p<0.001; β=0.847). Pathway analysis showed that BCL2 expression inhibited apoptosis (p=0.030; β=-0.442) and HSP27 expression also inhibited apoptosis (p<0,001;β=-0.487).

Conclusion: Hypoxic preconditioning of h-AMSC culture has proven to increase the expression of VEGF, SCF, OCT-4, and BCL2 and HSP27. This study demonstrated and explained the existence of a new mechanism of increased h-AMSC survival in cultures with hypoxic preconditioning (O2 1%) via VEGF, SCF, OCT-4, BCL2, and HSP 27.
The development of the personality of a younger student is a priority goal of modern primary education
Authors: Vinogradova Natalya
Published: October 2022

The article deals with the problem of the development of the personality of a younger schoolchild as a member of Russian society, a citizen of the Russian Federation, as well as a subject of a new for him, socially important educational and cognitive activity. The content of the process of education in elementary school, its methods, techniques and forms of organization are characterized. Examples of the integration of educational and upbringing tasks in the classroom and in extracurricular activities of schoolchildren are given.
Colágeno tipo I en el agrandamiento gingival inducido por tratamiento ortodóntico: un estudio inmunohistoquímico piloto
Authors: Simancas-Escorcia Víctor , Harris-Ricardo Jonathan , Díaz-Caballero Antonio
Published: October 2022

Introducción: el tratamiento ortodóntico es responsable del agrandamiento gingival (AG), una condición clínica caracterizada por el crecimiento patológico, difuso o localizado del tejido gingival. La acumulación excesiva de la matriz extracelular (MEC), incluyendo el colágeno tipo I, parece contribuir a las manifestaciones patológicas del AG. El objetivo del artículo es identificar y describir la distribución del colágeno tipo I en el tejido gingival de pacientes con AG por ortodoncia fija. Materiales y métodos: estudio de tipo descriptivo que analizó los tejidos gingivales de sujetos diagnosticados con AG portadores de ortodoncia (test, n = 5) e individuos periodontalmente sanos (control, n = 5). Las muestras se obtuvieron mediante gingivectomía. Todas las biopsias fueron fijadas, incluidas en parafina, cortadas y analizadas por medio de la coloración rojo picrosirius/verde rápido, para distinguir las fibras de colágeno. Mediante una reacción inmunohistoquímica, el colágeno tipo I fue identificado con anticuerpo monoclonal. Resultados: en los pacientes con AG por tratamiento ortodóntico, se identificó un tejido epitelial hiperplásico con aumento evidente de las prolongaciones epiteliales y un tejido conectivo con abundantes haces de fibras de colágenos, principalmente en la lámina basal y la zona subyacente. Las fibras de colágeno tipo I en los tejidos de pacientes con AG por ortodoncia fueron gruesas de aspecto desorganizado, con una tinción inmunohistoquímica intensa, en comparación con las fibras del grupo control. Conclusiones: el aumento de fibras de colágenos, en especial de colágeno de tipo I, es un hallazgo histológico que caracteriza a los pacientes con AG por ortodoncia fija.
Las prácticas de integración cuerpo-mente como promotoras de estados emocionales saludables
Authors: Lozada Mariana , D’Adamo Paola
Published: October 2022

Introducción: recientes investigaciones provenientes de diversos campos emergentes como la psiconeuroinmunología, la medicina integrativa o la epigenética han dado cuenta de la estrecha vinculación entre los estados emocionales y la salud. El objetivo fue evaluar la eficacia de una intervención basada en la realización de prácticas de integración cuerpo-mente sobre la regulación emocional. Materiales y métodos: en 102 participantes, de entre 34 y 65 años de edad, se analizaron cambios en la Escala de Afectividad Positiva y Negativa (panas), antes y después de participar en la intervención propuesta, que se realizó durante ocho encuentros de seis horas de duración cada uno, a lo largo de cuatro meses. Resultados: se encontró un aumento en la afectividad positiva y una disminución en la afectividad negativa luego de la intervención. El índice de afectividad (i. e. afectividad positiva/afectividad negativa) se incrementó de una relación 2:1 a una relación 3:1. Esta última proporción ha sido asociada con estados saludables. Conclusiones: el estudio contribuye a demostrar el beneficio que brindan las prácticas de integración cuerpo-mente en la regulación emocional y la afectividad positiva. Esto podría propiciar un mayor bienestar psicofísico individual y colectivo.
Evaluación del Modelo de Predisposición Adquirida para consumo de alcohol en adolescentes
Authors: Paternó Manavella María Agustina , Rivarola Montejano Gabriela , Michelini Yanina , Rodríguez Espínola Solange , Pilatti Angelina
Published: October 2022

Introducción: durante la adolescencia se observan altas tasas de consumo elevado de alcohol. El Modelo de Predisposición Adquirida (MPA) postula que la confluencia de factores de personalidad (como la impulsividad) y factores psicosociales (como las expectativas hacia el alcohol [EA]) predice el consumo de sustancias. Algunos resultados previos respaldan el MPA para explicar el uso de alcohol en adolescentes argentinos; sin embargo, no queda claro el modo en que distintas dimensiones de impulsividad se asocian con el uso de alcohol en esta etapa del desarrollo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue examinar, en una muestra de adolescentes argentinos, el rol mediador de las EA en la relación entre cinco dimensiones de impulsividad rasgo, medidas con la escala UPPS-P y la frecuencia de Consumo Episódico Elevado de Alcohol (CEEA). Materiales y métodos: participaron 427 adolescentes de 13 a 18 años (58 % mujeres; M edad = 15.72, de = 1.48), escolarizados en el nivel medio (91.1 % en gestión privada). Resultados: apoyando el MPA, la tendencia a actuar precipitadamente bajo estados emocionales intensos (tanto positivos como negativos) se asoció a una mayor frecuencia de CEEA vía una mayor anticipación de efectos positivos del consumo de alcohol. Urgencia positiva tuvo, además, un efecto directo sobre la frecuencia de CEEA. Conclusiones: esta información puede ser de utilidad para el desarrollo de intervenciones destinadas a disminuir el desarrollo o mantenimiento de EA positivas y, de esta manera, reducir el consumo de alcohol en los adolescentes.
Does Competition Benefit Complements? Evidence from Airlines and Hotels
Authors: Forbes Silke J. , Kosová Renáta
Published: October 2022

We analyze how changes in the market structure of one industry—airlines—affect the performance of firms in a complementary industry—hotels—using an instrumental variables strategy to account for potential correlation between unobserved shocks to both markets. We find that more intense airline competition boosts hotel performance across all standard measures: price, occupancy rate, and revenue per available room. Spillovers vary across hotel quality and passenger type: Lower-quality branded hotels serving more price-sensitive travelers, most likely brought into the market because of more intense airline competition, benefit the most. However, performance spillovers do not translate into higher hotel entry.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4568 .
A Macrofinance Model for Option Prices: A Story of Rare Economic Events
Authors: Hasler Michael , Jeanneret Alexandre
Published: October 2022

We propose a macrofinance model that rationalizes robust features in equity index option markets. When rare disasters are followed by economic recoveries, the slope of the implied volatility term structure is positive in good times but turns negative in bad times. Additionally, implied volatility decreases with moneyness in bad times (volatility skew), whereas the shape becomes a smile in good times in the presence of rare economic booms. Our theory contributes to understanding the dynamics of the implied volatility surface yet keeping standard asset-pricing moments realistic.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.

Funding: The authors are grateful to HEC Montreal, the University of Texas at Dallas, and particularly to the Canadian Derivatives Institute for generous financial support.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4587 .
Analisando letras e letreiros Art Déco em projetos arquitetônicos
Authors: D’Elboux José Roberto , Farias Priscila Lena
Published: October 2022

Este artigo tem como foco os métodos e procedimentos de análise adotados para a condução de uma pesquisa que teve como objeto principal o estudo das letras e letreiros presentes em projetos arquitetônicos desenvolvidos entre 1925 e 1955 na cidade de São Paulo. Foram consideradas tanto as letras utilizadas para fornecer informações em projetos arquitetônicos, quanto aquelas projetadas para efetivamente serem inseridas nas edificações. Foram analisados projetos elaborados pelo Escritório Técnico Ramos de Azevedo Severo & Villares; pelo escritório Siciliano & Silva; e pelos arquitetos Elisiário Bahiana, Álvaro Botelho, Gregori Warchavchik, Rino Levi e Jayme da Fonseca Rodrigues. A adoção de uma estratégia metodológica pluralista para a análise de dados envolvendo materiais de diferentes naturezas, aliada a procedimentos de visualização gráfica desses dados, mostrou-se eficiente na realização do estudo. Foram verificadas correlações entre modelos de letras adotados em letreiros de projetos arquitetônicos, desenho de letras efetivamente construídas e aplicadas nas edificações e formas características do estilo Art Déco.
Identidade visual como potência de pertencimento e engajamento em causas sociais: o caso Mó Limpeza.
Authors: Barros Camila Bezerra Furtado , Arraes Beatrice Cavalcante , Lima André Carvalho de
Published: October 2022

A partir da descrição e contextualização de uma ação projetual desenvolvida durante a pandemia de Covid-19, objetiva-se compreender a potência de engajamento e mobilização social que podem ser fomentados por meio do desenvolvimento de um projeto de identidade visual. Para tanto, fez-se necessário refletir sobre o design como prática coletiva (FRY, 2018) de reelaboração contínua (LATOUR, 2014), para, então, em parceria com o coletivo arRUAça, desenvolver o projeto de pias móveis destinadas à população em situação de rua, que ancorou a necessidade do desenvolvimento de uma identidade visual. No recorte da identidade visual, partiu-se da noção de que esta atua, sob o suporte da pia móvel, de maneira estratégica que se inscreve em uma relação de disputa simbólica. A identidade visual desenvolvida de maneira coletiva ampliou a significação da pia para além da sua funcionalidade fazendo deste dispositivo (FOUCAULT, 1994; AGAMBEN, 2005) que carrega em si a luta pelo direito à saúde.
Uso de materiais de manipulação como artefato de ensino na educação infantil: uma análise por meio do Design
Authors: Jaramiski Silvia Ines , Pacheco Waleska Chagas Sieczkowski , Alves Marcia Maria
Published: October 2022

Crianças são curiosas por natureza, suas agilidades e motricidades são estimuladas a todo o momento em suas descobertas e se tornam fundamentais para o seu desenvolvimento cognitivo e intelectual. Esta pesquisa se baseia na EdaDe (Educação através do Design) e busca aproximar crianças e os materiais utilizando o Design como ferramenta de conexão. Compreender como o Design pode contribuir no ensino da Educação Infantil por meio de materiais de manipulação é o objetivo da pesquisa. O Design atuando junto a Educação Básica pode auxiliar em conteúdos de difícil compreensão e estimular através de experiências. Nessa pesquisa teórica baseada na revisão narrativa, discorre-se sobre o potencial da configuração de estímulos tanto dentro quanto fora da sala de aula e que podem auxiliar também na socialização da criança através de materiais manipuláveis instigando a caracterização, dimensionamento e funcionalidade do objeto pelos dos alunos.
Editorial
Authors: Carvalho André , Necyk Barbara , Noury Carolina , Carvalho Ricardo Artur P.
Published: October 2022

Editorial
Design, linguagem e objeto háptico
Authors: Portugal Cristina , Guimarães Márcio J. S. , Correia Ana
Published: October 2022

Este artigo inicia-se apresentando a importância do desenvolvimento da modalidade tátil, em seguida, uma reflexão sobre como ocorre a aquisição da linguagem por crianças e por fim, faz uma análise do objeto para a aquisição da linguagem por meio da leitura visual e tátil. O processo metodológico adotado teve caráter qualitativo e envolveu pesquisa bibliográfica, pesquisa documental, e ações projetuais, abrangendo estudos referenciais para análises e avaliações, buscando compreender os processos de interação que as crianças com ou sem deficiência visual realizam ao ler, interpretar e elaborar conceitos acerca das imagens e narrativas apresentadas em livros ilustrados infantis. Como resultado, obteve-se a elaboração de um esquema de decodificação da informação visotátil, que aponta elementos de design que promovem a aquisição da linguagem por crianças com deficiência visual.
Literacia imagética e construção de imagem na sociedade do desempenho
Authors: Sobral Julieta Costa , Costa Carlos Eduardo Félix da
Published: October 2022

Este artigo trata da importância de se investir na literacia imagética como ferramenta de estímulo ao pensamento crítico e à criatividade, apresentando duas ferramentas-conceito capazes de auxiliar tanto na análise quanto na construção de imagens. É parte de uma pesquisa de doutorado desenvolvida em torno de possibilidades de ativação de potências poéticas individuais através da experimentação visual e suas implicações no contexto do ensino de graduação em Design. Nossa premissa é que o investimento simultâneo na literacia visual, no conhecimento da História da Cultura, bem como no exercício de práticas reflexivas que transitem entre o fazer analógico e o digital dentro do ensino-aprendizagem pode contribuir significativamente para o processo de autoconstrução do indivíduo. Para tanto nos apoiamos sobretudo nas reflexões de Villem Flusser, Byung-Chul Han, Jorge Larrosa Bondía, Michel Serres, Georges Didi-Huberman e Jacques Rancière.
Traçando paralelos: VKHUTEMAS e o design no Brasil
Authors: Mosquini Isabela , Tomé Jessica Maria , Dos Santos Rochelle Cristina , Buse Pinheiro Thabata Janine
Published: October 2022

O presente estudo busca explorar o teor do ensino em design, apontando diferenças e semelhanças entre a educação de design no Brasil e a escola russa de design VKHUTEMAS (Ateliês Superiores Técnico-Artísticos Estatais da Rússia). O objetivo é promover uma reflexão sobre o caráter do ensino, considerando suas finalidades, interesses e a quais propósitos o design tem servido à sociedade. Os relatos aqui trazidos buscam auxiliar como embasamento histórico e pedagógico para a discussão e reflexão do ensino do design, identificando seus objetivos frente a diferentes contextos.