bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambidestralidade organizacional em instituições de ensino superior: proposição de estágios evolutivos de ambidestria
Authors: Soares Juliano Lima , Reis Dálcio Roberto dos
Published: April 2021

Objetivo – O objetivo geral da pesquisa foi propor estágios evolutivos da ambidestralidade organizacional.Design/Metodologia/abordagem – A metodologia da pesquisa é classificada como um estudo exploratório e descritivo, cujo método de coleta de dados foi através de questionário, a amostra foi censitária por adesão, de uma população de 110 instituições de ensino superior (IES), participaram da pesquisa 79 instituições de ensino, distribuídos em todo território brasileiro e os respondentes da pesquisa foram os reitores ou diretores geraisResultados – Destaca-se que as IES fazem parte do mesmo grupo econômico, e mesmo que 96% dos casos foram classificados como organizações ambidestras e houve uma grande dispersão entre elas, sugerindo heterogeneidade entre os casos investigados.Originalidade – Com os achados, levantou-se a proposição da existência de diferentes níveis da ambidestralidade, a esse fenômeno, de forma preliminar, foi chamado de Grau de Maturidade da Ambidestralidade Organizacional.
Eficiência de mercado: uma aplicação no setor sucroalcooleiro da Paraíba
Authors: Moraes Alexandra Kelly , Sobral Marcos Felipe Falcão , Melo André Souza
Published: April 2021

Objetivo – Este artigo tem como principal objetivo analisar a eficiência do mercado de açúcar e etanol da Paraíba, mediante o teste de cointegração.Design/metodologia/abordagem – Para tanto, utilizaram-se séries históricas do açúcar e etanol do mercado paraibano, coletados na BM&FBOVESPA e na CEPEA. Quanto aos métodos, aplicaram-se as métricas de Estatísticas Descritiva para descrever os comportamentos das séries, o Teste Raiz Unitária Aumentado de Dickey-Fuller para verificar a estacionariedade, e por fim o Teste de Cointegração, para analisar a relação a longo prazo.Resultados – Os resultados indicaram um comportamento com diversos movimentos oscilatórios nos preços das séries. Quanto a estacionariedade das séries, as variáveis à vista e futuro do mercado paraibano, apresentou-se processo não estacionário. Por fim, as séries estimaram-se que não há cointegração. Podendo assim, concluir que o setor sucroalcooleiro do mercado paraibano é ineficiente, ou seja, as commodities desviar o valor real de mercado.Implicações/limitações da pesquisa – No desdobramento desta pesquisa, ficou evidente uma limitação no decorrer da fase exploratória, como: Restrições no período dos dados do açúcar e etanol hidratado disponíveis na CEPEA e BM&FBOVESPA, principalmente no que se refere as variáveis de preço à vista e futuro do mercado paraibano.Implicações práticas – Nesta pesquisa, podem-se constatar que o mercado paraibano seria considerado eficiente se refletisse as informações disponíveis nos preços das commodities, impossibilitando ganhos anormais.Originalidade/valor – Estudo sobre eficiência de mercado é relevante, pois possibilita identificar padrões de comportamento dos preços de ativos no mercado. Isto é, podem avaliar se os preços dos ativos sendo supervalorizadas e como isso afeta o investidor e a economia brasileira.
The use of adaptive project management practices and methodologies in the development of a professional doctoral program
Authors: Azevedo Gabriel Barroso De , Maccari Emerson Antônio , Asgary Nader
Published: April 2021

Purpose – Higher education institutions have used more and more project management tools to run development projects to create new professional postgraduate programs. The purpose of this research was to propose an adaptive project management model for creating a professional doctoral course in Business Administration, in order to fulfill the goals established by CAPES.Design/methodology/approach – For such, the qualitative approach was favored with the adoption of the single case study method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with academic coordinators who are experts in the field in addition to the gathering of documents, thus using data triangulation to explore the phenomenon. The analysis of primary data and the analysis of documents from the Coordinating Agency for Advanced Training of Graduate Personnel (CAPES) served as inputs for analyzing and interpreting the results.Findings – As a result, we developed an adaptive project management model with the following characteristics: a) constant planning of activities, occurring in every cycle of interactions; b) iteration using short activities, allowing for more control of the project; c) validations performed continuously to ensure the goals proposed by CAPES are reached; and d) adaptable to change of scope during the execution phase of the project life cycle.Research limitations/implications – Among the limitations of the study is the lack of other studies related to the use of adaptive project management methodologies for developing postgraduate programs. And for future researches, we point out the need for applying the proposed model, to verify its efficacy and adherence to the development of a professional doctoral course.Originality/value – This study contributes to the academy by highlighting the need for project management as a tool and technique for the development of stricto sensu professional graduate programs. In this way, HEIs will be able to use a model of adaptive project management practices to achieve the objectives proposed by the CAPES evaluation process. As a result, HEIs are strengthened in the management, control and monitoring of the progress of their programs.
Fifteen years of green supply chain research
Authors: Stefanelli Nelson Oliveira , Chiappetta Jabbour Charbel Jose
Published: April 2021

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion concerning how supply chains have evolved through the introduction of environmental concerns into the managerial field.Design/methodology/approach – The authors have reviewed several of the most relevant research results regarding Green Supply Chains and analyzed the status of cooperation among authors and countries.Findings – The authors set a discussion on the concept of the Green Supply Chain, along with its practices, drivers, motivations and barriers, presenting a modern review regarding the cooperation network among the mains authors and countries.Originality/value – Although research regarding Green Supply Chains has been intensively developed recently, there are several unexplored research avenues in which practitioners and scholars could advance. In order to support future studies concerning Green Supply Chains, ten research questions were elaborated.
First data on the Radiospongilla crateriformis (Potts, 1882) (Porifera: Spongillidae) from Nicaragua
Authors: Rueda Juna , Mesquita-Joanes Francesc
Published: April 2021

Durante el desarrollo de un curso sobre la evaluación de la calidad biológica de las aguas continentales en León (Nicaragua), se recolectaron ejemplares de la esponja de agua dulce Radiospongilla crateriformis (Potts, 1882) (Porifera: Spongillidae), la cual se cita aquí por primera vez para el país. Los muestreos se realizaron durante la tercera semana de enero de 2016 en el río Los Aposentos. Este circula dentro del recinto del Jardín Botánico Ambiental (JBAUNAN-León). Se aportan datos sobre la autoecología de los ejemplares recolectados y se discuten ciertas diferencias morfológicas con respecto a otras citas en países cercanos.

In the framework of a field course on water quality assessment in León (Nicaragua), we collected specimens of the freshwater sponge Radiospongilla crateriformis (Potts, 1882) (Porifera: Spongillidae), which is herein cited for the first time for this country. Samples were obtained during the third week of January 2016 from river Los Aposentos. This stream runs through the Environmental Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Ambiental, JBA-UNAN-León). We present data on the species autoecology and discuss morphological differences with previous findings from surrounding areas.
New chorological records for the Iberian bryophyte flora. VII
Authors: Cano María Jesús , Ríos Diana , Guerra Juan
Published: April 2021

A partir del estudio de muestras recolectadas y revisadas en el marco del Proyecto Flora Briofítica Ibérica (FBI), se aportan 15 novedades corológicas provinciales para España. A destacar las nuevas localidades ibéricas de Anoectangium aestivum, Ephemerum serratum e Hypnum jutlandicum.

From the study of samples collected and reviewed under Flora Briofítica Ibérica Project, 15 new provincial records for Spain are provided. The new Iberian localities for Anoectangium aestivum, Ephemerum serratum and Hypnum jutlandicum deserve special mention.
Propositions sur l’intelligence
Authors: Boyle-Singfield John
Published: April 2021

Propositions sur l’intelligence est un essai portant sur l’événement de la pensée comme une convergence de plusieurs domaines appartenant au réel, notamment à l’histoire, à la logique et à l’univers matériel-énergétique. L’auteur fait valoir ce point en opposition aux discours ambiants techno-animistes et neuro-centristes qui réduisent la pensée à la technique et aux particules élémentaires. En articulant une critique sur les structures mythologiques coercitives d’une technopole en pleine expansion, ce texte tente de recadrer la notion d’intelligence à l’intérieur d’une condition humaine et animale. À partir de ce point, Propositions sur l’intelligence réfute les dérives post-humaines d’une culture militarisée et spectaculaire, en réaffirmant la capacité d’un individu à s’engager pleinement avec la forme de la relation qu’il entretient avec sa pensée.
The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT): normative data for the Italian population
Authors: Saetti Maria Cristina , Difonzo Teresa , Sirtori Martina Andrea , Negri Luca , Zago Stefano , Rassiga Cecilia
Published: April 2021

The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT) is a neuropsychological instrument designed to measure attention, working memory and speed of information processing in a complex manner. It is currently used to evaluate different neurological diseases. the purpose of this study was to establish PASAT normative data for the healthy Italian population using the standardized methodology of Equivalents Scores. the brief PASAT auditory version included in the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite was administered to 146 healthy Italian participants, distributed for gender (70 men; 76 women), age (range 18-83) and education (8-19). We found that age and education, but not gender, were significant PASAT score predictors. PASAT normative Italian data may represent a useful application for clinicians and researchers to document mild executive deficits in different neurological populations.
Internetifolkloor globaalse pandeemia ajal: COVID-19 Valgevene veebihuumoris
Authors:   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Estonia, Fiadotava Anastasiya ,   Centre of Excellence in Estonian Studies
Published: April 2021

During the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic (February–July 2020) I collected 374 textual jokes, humorous images, and image macros related to the coronavirus from Belarusian social media, friends, and family members. Many of the examples in my dataset became local memes, circulating within and beyond the Belarusian mediascape. While the Belarusian government’s dismissive response to the pandemic was unique among the Eastern European nations, only 34 of my examples referred specifically to the situation in Belarus. Many more examples addressed such issues as living under a lockdown, compulsory mask wearing, and distant working and learning, even though these measures were not implemented in the country on a mass scale. This incongruity between people’s lived experience in Belarus and the content of humorous folklore circulating in the country illustrates the influence of global media coverage on vernacular humorous expressions. These vernacular expressions point to strong connections between the Belarusian mediascape and those of other countries, especially Russia, from where many of the examples originated. The paper also reflects a broader issue of globalization and digitalization of contemporary folklore, discusses the phenomenon of newslore and illustrates how some of the common characteristics of folklore can be applied to the digital forms of vernacular expression. The paper also looks at the balance between global and local in the online folklore.
Üks jälg Eesti folkloristikas. Elmar Daniel Päss 120
Authors:   Institute of Cultural Research, University of Tartu, Jaago Tiiu , Kõiva Mare ,   Department of Folkloristics, Estonian Literary Museum, Estonia,   Centre of Excellence in Estonian Studies
Published: April 2021

Folklorist Elmar Daniel Päss (1901–1970) was one of the first researchers who was educated in folklore at the University of Tartu: the Chair of Folklore started work in the autumn of 1919, and Elmar Päss entered university in the autumn of 1922. Already as a student, he attracted the attention of folklore professor Walter Anderson with his study about drinking in Estonian proverbs and folk songs, submitted for a students’ competition in 1924. There was no unified folklore archive in Tartu at the time (it was established in 1927). The study by Päss testified to his diligence (he examined collections of Estonian folklore both in Tartu and in Helsinki) as well as his ability to systematise and analyse voluminous material. He elaborated this study and defended it as his master’s degree in 1926. After a year in military service, he started work as a folklore assistant at the University of Tartu. In 1933 he became a scientific grantee, to work on a dissertation about Estonian and Ingrian Martinmas songs. Although the first version of the manuscript was completed in 1935, he did not defend the thesis. On the one hand, new material on Martinmas customs was constantly piling up, on the other hand, the defence seemed to be postponed due to economic difficulties. The establishment of the Soviet rule in 1940 and the following war further distanced Päss from research work. In 1947 the Institute of Estonian Language and Literature was founded at the Academy of Sciences, and for three years he worked there as a folklore researcher. However, his main occupation was a schoolteacher. So his most fertile scientific career remained in the 1920s–1930s. Three different intertwining directions can be distinguished in Päss’ scientific work: a comparative study of songs, customs related to calendar, wedding, and work, and the lore of border regions. Against the more general background of folkloristics, Päss’ research approaches are up to date: on the one hand, comparative and international research prevailing in the first decades of the century, on the other hand, considering the syncretic and functionalist viewpoint of lore that emerged in the late 1920s and in the 1930s. His studies of the customs and songs of Shrovetide and Martinmas could be part of classical Estonian folkloristics.
Influence of sex and maturity state on trace elements content in liver and muscle of the SciaenidaeTotoaba macdonaldi
Authors: Méndez-Rodríguez Lia C. , Hernández-Aguilar Berenice , de Anda-Montañez Juan A. , Balart Eduardo F. , Román-Rodríguez Martha J. , Zenteno-Savín Tania
Published: April 2021

Background

The fishTotoaba macdonaldiis endemic to the Upper Gulf of California. Its migratory movements involve sites with high levels of trace elements in the environment that can accumulate in tissues. In this study, lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) concentrations in male and female totoaba liver and muscle were quantified at various sexual maturity stages along the species’ geographic distribution.

Methods

Generalized linear models were used to explore associations between trace element concentrations and season of the year, sex/maturity stage, and total fish length.

Results

No detectable Pb concentrations were recorded in liver or muscle; Cu, Cd, Zn and Fe contents in totoaba liver and muscle were typical of fish inhabiting areas with no contamination issues and are within international maximum permissible levels for human consumption. Variations in the content of Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe in liver of totoaba seem to be more related to the feeding and reproductive physiology of this species than as result of environmental exposure. Results suggest that consumption of totoaba muscle does not pose a public health risk. Furthermore, depending on the sex/maturity stage of totoaba, this fish’s muscle may provide approximately 70% Cu, 60% Zn and 100% Fe of the recommended dietary reference intake.
spa diversity of methicillin-resistant and -susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in clinical strains from Malaysia: a high prevalence of invasive European spa-type t032
Authors: Jones Sherry Usun , Chua Kek Heng , Chew Ching Hoong , Yeo Chew Chieng , Abdullah Fatimah Haslina , Othman Norlela , Kee Boon Pin , Puah Suat Moi
Published: April 2021

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the important pathogens causing nosocomial infection. spa typing allows identification of S. aureus clones in hospital isolates and is useful for epidemiological studies and nosocomial infection control. This study aims to investigate the spa types in Malaysian S. aureus isolates obtained from various clinical specimens.

Method

A total of 89 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) [pus (n = 55), blood (n = 27), respiratory (n = 5), eye (n = 2)] isolates and 109 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) [pus (n = 79), blood (n = 24), respiratory (n = 3), eye (n = 2) and urine (n = 1)] isolates were subjected to spa typing with sequences analysed using BioNumerics version 7.

Results

The spa sequence was successfully amplified from 77.8% of the strains (154/198) and 47 known spa types were detected. The distribution of known spa types in MRSA (36.2%, 17/47) was less diverse than in MSSA (70.2%, 33/47). The most predominant spa types were t032 (50%) in MRSA, and t127 (19%) and t091 (16.7%) in MSSA, respectively. spa type t091 in MSSA was significantly associated with skin and soft tissue infections (p = 0.0199).

Conclusion

The previously uncommon spa type t032 was detected in the Malaysian MRSA strains, which also corresponded to the most common spa type in Europe and Australia, and has replaced the dominant spa type t037 which was reported in Malaysia in 2010.
Bioinformatic prediction of immunodominant regions in spike protein for early diagnosis of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Zhuang Siqi , Tang Lingli , Dai Yufeng , Feng Xiaojing , Fang Yiyuan , Tang Haoneng , Jiang Ping , Wu Xiang , Fang Hezhi , Chen Hongzhi
Published: April 2021

Background

To contain the pandemics caused by SARS-CoV-2, early detection approaches with high accuracy and accessibility are critical. Generating an antigen-capture based detection system would be an ideal strategy complementing the current methods based on nucleic acids and antibody detection. The spike protein is found on the outside of virus particles and appropriate for antigen detection.

Methods

In this study, we utilized bioinformatics approaches to explore the immunodominant fragments on spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.

Results

The S1 subunit of spike protein was identified with higher sequence specificity. Three immunodominant fragments, Spike56-94, Spike199-264, and Spike577-612, located at the S1 subunit were finally selected via bioinformatics analysis. The glycosylation sites and high-frequency mutation sites on spike protein were circumvented in the antigen design. All the identified fragments present qualified antigenicity, hydrophilicity, and surface accessibility. A recombinant antigen with a length of 194 amino acids (aa) consisting of the selected immunodominant fragments as well as a universal Th epitope was finally constructed.

Conclusion

The recombinant peptide encoded by the construct contains multiple immunodominant epitopes, which is expected to stimulate a strong immune response in mice and generate qualified antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Demystifying Breast FNAC’s Based on the International Academy of Cytology, Yokohama Breast Cytopathology System- A Retrospective Study
Authors: Nargund Ashwini , Mohan Rakshitha Hosur , Pai Malathi Mukunda , Sadasivan Baalu , Dharmalingam Priya , Chennagiri Premalata , Ramachandra C
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Breast cancer affects 2.1 million women each year and is the most common cancer among females, followed by lung, colorectum, uterus, and cervix. Breast cancer accounted for 6,26,679 (6.6%) deaths in 2018. Breast cancer incidence is on the rise in every part of the globe, including developed countries. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) shows high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy in evaluation of breast lesions. FNAC is part of the triple test and is the gold standard for assessment. The new reporting system for breast FNAC, proposed by the International Academy of Cytology (IAC) Yokohama Breast Cytopathology System, has standardised the reporting system to categorise breast lesions and as unmasked the diagnostic dilemma faced by reporting cytopathologist. Aim: The study aimed to categorise the samples according to IAC Yokohama Breast Cytopathology System and assess the Risk of Malignancy (ROM) for each category and increase the diagnostic yield of breast FNAC. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study included 1,467 breast FNAC cases, which were retrieved and reclassified based on the newly proposed IAC Yokohama System into five categories during January 2017-December 2018 in Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO), Bangalore. Histopathology correlation was done, and the Risk of Malignancy (ROM) was assessed whenever possible. The study results were analysed using Microsoft excel 2007, sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), and accuracy ratios were calculated using the MedCalc diagnostic test evaluation calculator, keeping histologic diagnosis as the gold standard. Results: Re-categorisation of 1,467 cases was done according to the Yokohama breast cytopathology system as insufficient material, benign, atypical, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant. The histopathology diagnosis was available in 1,069 cases. The respective ROM for each category was, 7.6% for category 1 (Insufficient), 15.26% for category 2 (Benign), 65.38% for category 3 (Atypical), 83.33% for category 4 (Suspicious) and 99.18% for category 5 (Malignant). Considering malignant cases as positive, sensitivity-86.75%, specificity-97.32%, PPV-99.19%, NPV-66.06% and accuracy of 88.96% was deduced. Conclusion: It is recommended to incorporate the IAC Yokohama system to categorise breast cytopathology with uniform terminologies. This will help diagnose breast lesions more consistently and accurately, which in turn helps the clinician manage the disease and predict the ROM and the patient outcome.
Expression of HER2/neu and Ki-67 in Urothelial Carcinoma and their Relation to Clinicopathological Data: An Egyptian Study
Authors: Ibrahim Badawia B , Mahmoud Samira A , Mohamed Alzahraa A , Hanbuli Hala M El
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy involving the urinary system and the ninth most common malignancy worldwide. Ki-67 is a nonhistone cellular marker for proliferation. HER2/neu is an oncogene that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of many cancer types. In bladder carcinoma, its clinical significance remains under-investigated and poorly linked to the patients’ clinicopathological features especially with no reported Egyptian study. Aim: The aim of this work was to study the expression of HER2/neu and Ki-67 in urinary bladder carcinoma to evaluate their role in tumourigenesis and their correlation with other available clinicopathological variables associated with urothelial carcinoma. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt. Samples were paraffin blocks from 60 cases diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma underwent radical cystectomy. Ki-67 and HER2/neu immunohistochemical staining was done and of Ki-67 and HER2/neu Immunostaining was recorded. The associations between Ki-67, HER2/neu expressions and clinical and histopathological parameters of urothelial bladder carcinoma was evaluated. Results: The Ki-67 expression had significant association with tumour histological grade and lymphovascular invasion (p-value <0.05). The association of HER2/neu expression had significant association with perineural invasion (p-value <0.05). Conclusion: HER2/neu immunostaining was not associated with most of the clinicopathologic prognostic factors in urothelial bladder carcinoma.
Decreased Serum Cholinesterase Activity- A Reliable Diagnostic Aid for Tuberculosis
Authors: Chattopadhyay Dipak Kumar
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Siderophore, the low molecular weight ferric iron chelator, is secreted extracellularly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, an obligate aerobe. The pathogenic mycobacteria need iron as co-factor for the extracellularly secreted enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) for its pathogenicity as well as it requires iron for its metabolic functions like reduction of oxygen for synthesis of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), etc. The termination of impulse conduction is endorsed by the rapid hydrolysis of Acetylcholine (ACh) by Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the central as well as peripheral nervous system (cholinergic pathway). The inhibitors to Cholinesterase (ChE) might lead to accumulation of ACh, hyper stimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors and also disruption of neurotransmission. Possibility of an inhibitor substance for AChE in Tuberculosis (TB) patients interestingly correlates with the symptom of night sweating in those subjects. Aim: To assay the level of serum ChE in normal control, lung disease control and tubercular subjects;circumvent the serum ChE level as a diagnostic potential in TB at an early stage. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on total 124 subjects, and were divided into three groups: Group 1: normal control (n=31), Group 2: lung disease control (n=31) and Group 3: patients suffering from TB {3A: pulmonary TB (n=31) and 3B: extrapulmonary TB (n=31)}. Serum ChE activity for all the subjects were measured according to the method of Hestrin S. Serum ChE level was assayed for group 3 subjects after additional one month’s anti-TB drug treatment and also for group 2 subjects after one month with usual treatment. The level of significance was assessed using Student’s t-test. Results: There was a significant inhibition of serum ChE activity in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB patients in comparison to that of in normal control as well as lung disease control subjects (p<0.01). With the anti-tubercular drug therapy for one month, there was significant recovery in the serum ChE activity in pulmonary as well as extrapulmonary tubercular subjects (p<0.01). Conclusion: It appears that the high level of hydroxamate type of siderophores (secreted by Mycobacterium tuberculosis for acquiring iron) might form ACh ferric hydroxamate complex binding more strongly with serum ChE resulting in inhibition of serum ChE activity in tubercular subjects. With anti-tubercular drug therapy, there was decrease in serum ACh ferric hydroxamate complex level resulting in recovery of serum ChE activity.
Review of Latest Potential Treatment Modalities in SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Kumar Pratyush , Tyagi Shivani
Published: April 2021

The ongoing Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can cause illnesses that vary from asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic conditions to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or respiratory failure requiring ventilator support or sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndromes. Timely treatment and appropriate management of COVID-19 diseased patients is crucial to curb the morbidity and mortality rates. Much of the research is focused on formulating preventive and therapeutic strategies based on the complex pathophysiology of this disease. New drugs targeting viral entry into host cells, inhibiting viral Proteases, viral RNA Polymerases (RdRp), transport channels, and the drugs with multicentric action, immunomodulators and adjuvants are being researched upon. Other management modalities like regenerative medicine and the use of convalescent plasma therapy have been explored. This review is aimed at the therapeutic aspects of the treatment and management modalities.
Obesity, Cardiovascular Diseases and COVID-19
Authors: Dongre Utpal Jagdish
Published: April 2021

Obesity is a metabolic disorder which is emerging as a worldwide epidemic. It is often associated with diabetes, hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). High calorie intake/nutrition causes excess deposition of Free Fatty Acids (FFA) in adipose tissue, which later transports those FFA to the liver for further metabolic activities, resulting in dyslipidemia. However, altered secretion of adipokines plays an important role in the pathophysiology of obesity related complications via low grade chronic inflammation. Adipokine like Interleukin-6 (IL-6) favour endothelial dysfunction by stimulating monocyte to macrophage differentiation using adhesion molecules. Secretion of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) components and angiotensin-II activity promotion are considered the additional functions of adipose tissue. Indeed, all these aspects of adipose tissues have been evidenced for the development and the progression of CVDs. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic affecting millions of people. Pre-existing obesity and CVDs have been suggested as a potential risk factor for increased severity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients. Therefore, this review focuses on the possible role of obesity related CVDs as a significant risk factor for COVID-19 severity.
Lipid Accumulation Product as a Marker of Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome- A Hospital Based Case-control Study
Authors: Babu Roshni H , Nair Rakhi S , Chakrapani Neelima
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent gynaecological endocrinopathy characterised mainly by anovulation and hyperandrogenism. Women with PCOS are at higher risk of developing Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) due to a number of risk factors associated with this disease. Obesity, especially central adipose tissue accumulation, plays a major role in the pathophysiology of this disease. Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) is a simple, inexpensive index to estimate cardiovascular risk and is based on fasting triglyceride and Waist Circumference (WC). Aim: To find out the association between LAP and cardiovascular risk factors in women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry and Department of Gynaecology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. Study subjects included 48 women with PCOS and 48 age and Body Mass Index (BMI) matched controls. Clinical and demographic data and medical history were evaluated. Duration of the study was six months. Anthropometric measurements, Blood Pressure (BP) and biochemical parameters like Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), lipid profile were recorded. LAP was calculated using the formula-Female LAP= {waist (cm) -58} × Triglyceride (TG) concentration (mmol/L). The quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Comparison of continuous variables between two groups was analysed by unpaired t-test. Categorical variables were analysed by Chi-square test. Correlations between continuous variables were tested using the Pearson correlation or Spearman correlation coefficient (r) analysis. The p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Variables which were statistically significant in univariate analysis were subjected to multivariate analysis. Results: The results of this study showed that the PCOS group had significantly higher WC than BMI matched control group. PCOS group had significantly higher mean TG level (p<0.05), mean FPG level (p<0.05) and lower mean High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level (p<0.05) than the control group. LAP value (p<0.001) was significantly higher in PCOS group compared to control group. The prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) was higher in women with PCOS. LAP values too were significantly higher in PCOS women with MetS. All CVD risk parameters except age showed a significant relationship with LAP values. Multiple linear regression model was done and LAP (p<0.001) was found to be an independent risk factor for CVD, adjusting for other factors. Conclusion: The study results shows that there is a significant association between LAP and cardiovascular risk markers. High LAP index is associated with cardiovascular risk markers in PCOS women irrespective of obesity.
Correlation of Body Mass Index, Mean Arterial Pressure with Peak Expiratory Flow Rate in Healthy Individuals- A Descriptive Study
Authors: Mathur Tanuj , Verma Dileep Kumar , Tiwari Sunita , Verma Narsingh , Singh Ranjana
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Modern lifestyle has resulted in an increased prevalence of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases along with being overweight. An interaction between the three factors has also been demonstrated. Aim: The study aimed to assess the relationship of Body Mass Index (BMI), Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) in healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was done in the Department of Physiology, KGMU, Lucknow from 30 July 2019 to 30 July 2020. Forty healthy individuals, aged 18-35 years were assessed for height, weight, blood pressure and spirometric parameter of PEFR. PEFR was chosen as it was a reliable representative of airways functioning. PEFR reflects proximal airway calibre changes which might be due to effect of airway geometry. A correlation test was run to test the relation between BMI and PEFR and MAP and PEFR. Results: A weak correlation (r=-0.136) was noted between BMI and PEFR indicating that as BMI increased, PEFR compromised. A linear correlation was observed between MAP and PEFR. Conclusion: The present study confirms a weak association of BMI and MAP with PEFR.
Physiological Behaviour and Yield Contribution of Oryza sativa Under Different Cultivation System in Boro Season
Authors: Islam Md. Shoriful , Hoque Md. Moinul , Ahamed Kamal Uddin , Bithy Parvin Akter , Ranu Sarmin Akter
Published: April 2021

Aims: The objectives of the research work were to evaluate the physiological behaviour and yield contributing attributes of rice under different system of cultivation in boro season.

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: Central research field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207 during November 2015 to May 2016.

Methodology: In this research we used three System of cultivation [T1: Low land transplant (anaerobic) condition; T2: Raised upland (aerobic) condition, and T3: Raised transplant (aerobic) condition] and five rice Varieties [V1: BRRI hybrid dhan3; V2:Bolaka; V3: Moina; V4: Gold and V5:BRRI dhan 45], where different morpho-physiological data was taken for evaluation their performance. The significance of the difference among the treatment means were estimated by the Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of probability [1].

Results: Among the different system of cultivation significant variation was observed on growth, yield and yield contributing parameters. All the studied hybrid varieties showed superiority in respect of physiological characters, yield and yield attributes in anaerobic condition over aerobic condition. BRRI hybrid dhan3 provided the highest grain yield (8.05 t ha-1) at low land transplant condition. BRRI hybrid dhan3 performed well due to yield attributes [amount of chlorophyll (2.47 mg g-1) in its flag leaves,leaf area index (4.25), shoot reserve translocation (34.97%), grain dry matter accumulated from current photosynthesis (85.87%) , higher filled grains per panicle and 1000 grain weight] than others varieties and the lowest (4.28 t ha-1) was obtained from BRRIdhan45 at raised transplant condition.

Conclusions: The results showed that Low land transplant condition with BRRI hybrid 3 showed the best performance regarding growth, yield and yield contributing characters of Boro rice varieties than others.
ANALISIS KEPUASAN KONSUMEN HOTEL BINTANG 2 DAN BINTANG 5 DI SURABAYA: PENERAPAN PROSES TEXT-MINING ATAS ULASAN DARING KONSUMEN
Authors: Thung Margaretha Felicia , Tjahjowidodo Bernadette Thalia , Wijaya Serli
Published: April 2021

Dengan berkembangnya teknologi, situs web berisi ulasan daring (online review website) sangat terkenal di kalangan konsumen karena ulasan daring dianggap sebagai sumber yang handal, terpercaya dan terbaru. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menganalisa ulasan daring di situs web Trip Advisor dan mengetahui atribut-atribut hotel yang menjadi penentu kepuasan maupun ketidakpuasan konsumen setelah menginap di hotel bintang 2 dan bintang 5 di Surabaya. Ulasan daring dianalisa melalui proses penambangan data (text-mining) menggunakan Voyant Tools. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat tujuh atribut hotel yaitu: Hotel, Service, Room, Food & Beverage, Location, Security dan Price/value yang sama-sama menentukan kepuasan konsumen ketika menginap di hotel bintang 2 dan bintang 5. Sebaliknya terdapat enam atribut hotel yang menentukan ketidakpuasan konsumen setelah menginap di hotel bintang 5 yaitu: Room, Hotel, Service, Food & Beverage, Location dan Price/value. Di sisi lain, atribut hotel yang paling banyak menjadi penyebab ketidakpuasan konsumen pada hotel bintang 2 adalah: Room, Hotel, Service, Food & Beverage dan Price/value.
Microwave‐Assisted Confining Flame‐Retardant Polypropylene in Carbon Nanotube Conductive Networks for Improved Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Flame Retardation
Authors: Hu Yanli , Feng Dong , Xie Yuhui , Xie Delong
Published: April 2021

Electrical conductive polymer composites (CPCs) with segregated structure can achieve better electrical conductivity with low content of conductive filler. Nevertheless, the undesirable properties of these CPCs, such as ease of burning, high smoke generation, weak interfacial adhesion, and poor mechanical performance, have restricted their practical applications. Herein, a promising microwave‐assisted strategy is developed for the fabrication of a flame‐retardant and electrically conductive polypropylene/ammonium polyphosphate/carbon nanotube (PP/APP/CNT) composite. Highly conductive networks can be set via the microwave‐selective heating, which results in an electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) of 32.1 dB of the composite with 7 wt% content of CNTs. Furthermore, the conductive segregated CNT network also serves as an excellent char‐forming agent to enhance the nonflammability and overcome the melt dripping issue of the pure PP matrix. As a result, the segregated conductive PP composites with 7 wt% CNTs and 15 wt% APP exhibit melt dripping and prompt self‐extinguishment, achieving the V‐0 rating level in the UL‐94 test. In brief, the well‐defined microwave‐assisted process provides a promising approach to fabricate various CPCs with simultaneously improved EMI shielding and flame‐retarding properties.
Thermoresponsive Poly (N‐Isopropylacrylamide)/Polycaprolacton Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Controlled Release of Antibiotics
Authors: Arroub Karim , Gessner Isabel , Fischer Thomas , Mathur Sanjay
Published: April 2021

Smart antibacterial materials capable of releasing antibiotic drugs upon exposure to external triggers are highly desired for various medical applications. Herein, the fabrication of thermosensitive drug‐loaded core−shell nanofibers using the electrospinning technique combined with in situ UV photopolymerization is reported on. The electrospinning method is used for shaping the core structure comprising biodegradable polymer polycaprolactone (PCL). The PCL fibers are coated with the temperature‐responsive poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) via a UV photopolymerization process that allows to precisely control the shell thickness as verified by transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The temperature‐dependent switchable wettability of prepared core−shell fibers is investigated and visualized though water contact angle measurements below and above the lower critical solution temperature. Loading of the antibiotic drug doxycycline hyclate (Doxy) in the PCL core nanofibers results in drug‐encapsulating fiber meshes that allow diffusion of drug molecules through the PNIPAM shell in a temperature‐dependent manner. The antibacterial activity is examined using Gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) as well as Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. The results demonstrate the high suitability of prepared biocompatible electrospun core−shell PCL/PNIPAM nanofibers as carriers for antibiotic drugs with temperature‐sensitive release behavior.
2D Core/Shell‐Structured Mesoporous Silicene@Silica for Targeted and Synergistic NIR‐II‐Induced Photothermal Ablation and Hypoxia‐Activated Chemotherapy of Tumors
Authors: Yin Haohao , Zhou Bangguo , Zhao Chongke , Sun Liping , Yue Wenwen , Li Xiaolong , Li Hongyan , Li Shaoyue , Xu Huixiong , Chen Yu
Published: April 2021

Silicene nanosheets, the emerging 2D nanomaterial, as the third topology of silicon‐composed materials with distinct physicochemical properties, is a desirable candidate for photothermal‐conversion nanoagent (PTA) and drug‐delivery nanosystems. Inspired by the individual physiochemical properties and structure features of mesoporous silica and 2D silicene, a distinctive 2D core/shell‐structured multifunctional silicon‐composed theranostic nanoplatform (Silicene@Silica) is constructed by coating a mesoporous silica layer onto the surface of 2D silicene nanosheets. The well‐defined mesopores originating from mesoporous silica shell provide the reservoirs for guest drug molecules and the core of silicene produces heat shock upon NIR‐II laser irradiation, aiming to induce the synergistic cancer‐therapeutic modality. Importantly, when AQ4N, hypoxia‐activated prodrug, is introduced into this system, this nanoplatform (Silicene@Silica–AQ4N) exhibits tumor microenvironment (TME)‐responsive and synergistic hyperthermia‐augmented therapeutic bioactivity. Such a nanoplatform can amplify the hypoxia of TME by destroying the tumor microcirculation and then further efficiently activate AQ4N, a DNA affinity agent and topoisomerase II inhibitor. The results reveal that this multifunctional theranostic nanoplatform can efficiently eliminate tumors without recurrence.
Chemical Insights into Interfacial Effects in Inorganic Nanomaterials
Authors: Hu Chengyi , Chen Ruihao , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: April 2021

The interfaces between inorganic functional nanomaterials and their surface modifiers play important roles in determining their chemical and physical properties. In numerous situations, interfaces created by organic ligands or secondary inorganic components on inorganic nanomaterials induce significant effects to promote their performances. However, it still remains challenging to understand those interfacial effects at the molecular level. Herein, strategies via the design of model inorganic nanomaterials with well‐defined and detectable interfaces to simplify the investigation of interfacial effects in inorganic nanomaterials are summarized. While atomically precise metal nanoclusters enable “seeing” how organic ligands are coordinated on metal surface to create nanoscale metal–organic interfaces, ultrathin low‐dimensional nanomaterials modified with organic ligands make it possible to extract the metal–organic interface structure from the average signal to investigate how steric and electronic effects enhance catalysis. The molecular mechanisms of the interfacial effects in supported metal catalysts are disclosed by designing two unique structures of supported catalysts. The interfacial engineering approach will be further extended to optimize the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells. Finally, a perspective on the development of operando characterization techniques is provided to track the dynamic interfacial structures during catalysis.
Tunable Bulk Polymer Planar Bragg Gratings Electrified via Femtosecond Laser Reductive Sintering of CuO Nanoparticles
Authors: Kefer Stefan , Bischoff Kay , Roth Gian‐Luca , Haubner Julian , Schmauss Bernhard , Hellmann Ralf
Published: April 2021

This contribution demonstrates and discusses electrically tunable polymer planar Bragg gratings based on bulk cyclic olefin copolymers. A lithographic single‐writing‐step method and femtosecond laser reductive sintering of copper(II) oxide nanoparticles are subsequently employed in order to generate buried photonic structures and copper conducting paths on top of the polymer substrate. This way, the necessary number of process steps for fabricating a planar polymer‐based electro‐optical device is greatly reduced. The response of a fully electrified grating structure follows temperature changes, induced by the copper conducting path, with sensitivities up to −31 pm K−1. Dilatometric measurements show that the specimen's behavior is correlated to the situationally reduced thermal expansion of the bulk polymer substrate. In consequence, the tuning response of the photonic platform follows a second order polynomial, whereas a direct current of 30 mA, which correlates to a power consumption of 18.3 mW, leads to a local temperature increase and a residual Bragg wavelength shift of 19.6 K and −547 pm, respectively. Moreover, the outstanding flexibility of the proposed fabrication concept is underlined by demonstrating alternative conducting path geometries, whereas one of the additional designs is adapted to control the spectral width of the Bragg grating's reflection peak.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on emergency medicine education: Insights from faculty and residents
Authors: Weygandt Paul L. , Jordan Jaime , Caretta‐Weyer Holly , Osborne Anwar , Grabow Moore Kristen
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The COVID‐19 pandemic continues to impact health systems across the United States and worldwide in an unprecedented way; however, its influence on frontline medical trainees’ educational experiences is unknown. Our objective was to determine the effects of COVID‐19 on emergency medicine (EM) training programs and residents.

Methods

We performed a mixed‐methods cross‐sectional survey study of faculty and residents at programs registered with Foundations of Emergency Medicine. Participants completed an online survey consisting of closed and open‐ended response items. We reported descriptive statistics for discrete and continuous data. Free‐response data were analyzed qualitatively using a thematic approach.

Results

Ninety‐two percent of faculty (119/129) and 47% (1,965/4,154) of residents responded to our survey. We identified three major themes related to effects on learning: 1) impact on clinical training, 2) impact on didactic education, and 3) impact on the trainee. Nearly all residencies (96%, 111/116) allowed residents to work with patients suspected of having COVID‐19, although fewer (83%, 96/115) allowed residents to intubate them. We found that 99% (1918/1928) of residents experienced virtual didactics. Faculty and trainees noted multiple educational challenges and strategies for adaptation. Trainees also expressed concerns about stress and safety.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 has impacted EM education in many ways including clinical training, didactic education, and trainee emotional state and concentration. Challenges and suggested solutions for learning in the virtual environment were also identified. While the pandemic continues to evolve and impact EM residents in various ways, our results may inform strategies to support medical educators and trainees during pandemics or other periods of significant disruption or crisis.