bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Psychometric Properties of the Perceived Stress Scale When Used to Measure Stress Levels of Finnish Nursing Undergraduate Students
Authors: Bhurtun Hanish Dev , Saaranen Terhi , Estola Matti
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

Stress is an important issue in clinical nursing education because it may obstruct learning in clinical environments. This study aimed to translate, adapt, and investigate the psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), an instrument for measuring stress.

Methods

Nursing students (N = 189) from five different universities of applied sciences participated in this study in 2018. The modified English version of the 29-item six-factor PSS was cross-culturally adapted into Finnish. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess the scale's factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to validate the “best fit” model.

Results

The proposed 16-item four-factor model showed excellent internal consistency, with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.90.

Conclusions

The results support the use of the 16-item four-factor stress scale to investigate stress among Finnish nursing students.
Validación de una encuesta para medir la satisfacción de los médicos residentes sobre el programa de especialización en Lima, Perú
Authors: Cabello Emilio , Cabello Almendra , Martínez Melissa
Published: April 2021

Objetivo: Validar una encuesta para medir el nivel de satisfacción de los médicos residentes sobre el programa de segunda especialización en un hospital público de Lima, Perú. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal. El nuevo constructo se elaboró considerando los requisitos de satisfacción según opinión de los residentes y los 5 componentes de calidad de la encuesta SERVQUAL. Previo a su aplicación, fue sometida a opinión de expertos y prueba piloto para evaluar el grado de entendimiento de las preguntas y tiempo para su aplicación. La confiabilidad se evaluó con el alfa de Cronbach y la validez de constructo mediante análisis factorial. Realizamos estadística descriptiva y Chi cuadrado considerando significativo p<0,05. Resultados: Se analizaron 218 (82,0%) encuestas.54,1% fueron del sexo femenino, 57,7% tenía edad ≤30 años, 86,2% era de plaza libre. El grado de entendimiento fue 9,98 y el tiempo de aplicación promedio fue 5,45 minutos. El alfa de Cronbach 0,919. Según el análisis factorial los 5 componentes principales de satisfacción explicaron el 65,5 % de la varianza de las 22 preguntas. La satisfacción global fue 71,8 %, fiabilidad 79,2%, capacidad de respuesta 80,2 %, seguridad 60,8%, empatía 82,8% y aspectos tangibles 55,9%. No se encontró diferencia significativa por género, grupo etario, modalidad de ingreso y especialidad. Conclusiones: La validación de la encuesta para medir satisfacción de los médicos residentes sobre el programa de segunda especialización demostró ser válida y confiable, constituyendo una herramienta útil para identificar las oportunidades de mejora para el perfeccionamiento continuo del programa de Residentado Médico.
Creación laparoscópica de neovagina según técnica de Davydov modificado, en pacientes con síndrome de Rokitanski
Authors: Rechkemmer Prieto Adolfo
Published: April 2021

Se describe una técnica quirúrgica alternativa para la formación de neovagina en ocho casos de agenesia de útero y vagina. Todas las pacientes tenían amenorrea primaria y ausencia congénita de útero y vagina (Síndrome de Rokitansky), y tenían entre 18 y 25 años de edad. De manera breve, la técnica consistió en hacer una disección roma en el espacio vésico-rectal hasta alcanzar el peritoneo. Se realizó tracción del peritoneo hacia abajo con una pinza, se abrió y se suturó con vicryl 0 al borde del orificio de la neovagina a nivel del introito. Por vía laparoscópica se cerró el peritoneo formando así la cúpula de la nueva vagina. Se colocó en la neovagina un molde de espuma de goma cubierto con un condón. La estancia hospitalaria osciló entre 2 y 5 días. No se presentaron complicaciones post operatorias. Luego de uno a seis meses el examen pélvico mostró una neovagina con una profundidad de 6 a 10 cm, sin tejido de granulación. Se concluye que la construcción de una neovagina usando peritoneo pélvico asistido por laparoscopía, seguido de un molde vaginal de espuma de goma, es una técnica eficiente y segura.
Dacrioestenosis con dacriocistitis aguda en lactante, a propósito de un caso
Authors: Simón-Campos Mirna Paola , Bermúdez-Azaña Katherine Lizbeth , Gonzales- Rojas Anderson , Vera-Abanto Mary Carmen , Sevilla-Cruz Tito Daniel , Celiz-Alarcón Edwin , Gil-Rodríguez Fernando Guillermo
Published: April 2021

La obstrucción del conducto nasolacrimal (OCNL) o dacrioestenosis consiste en una canalización incompleta de dicho conducto. El cuadro clínico se presentó a las 2-6 semanas de edad y se caracteriza por epifora y secreción mucopurulenta. Genera diversas complicaciones, como la dacriocistitis aguda, una inflamación supurativa caracterizada por dolor, eritema e hinchazón; que puede evolucionar a un absceso lagrimal, celulitis preseptal y puede complicarse a celulitis orbitaria, absceso orbitario, trombosis del seno cavernoso, trombosis de la vena oftálmica superior y meningitis. Se presenta el caso de un lactante de siete meses 28 días de vida extrauterina con antecedente de prematuridad, diagnóstico de Tetralogía de Fallot y dacrioestenosis en ojo derecho. A su ingreso a emergencia, se evidenció eritema, aumento de calor local, secreción sero-amarillenta, consistencia dura con dolor a la palpación y edema periorbitario derecho. Clínicamente se concluyó en el diagnóstico de dacriocistitis aguda.
Estrategia metodológica para el interés por el aprendizaje del inglés en los estudiantes de administración de una Universidad Privada de Lima
Authors:   , Falcón Sifuentes Nataly
Published: April 2021

La investigación tuvo como propósito el diseño de una una estrategia metodológica para contribuir al desarrollo del interés por el aprendizaje del idioma Inglés en los estudiantes de primer ciclo de la carrera de Administración de una universidad privada de Lima. La metodología empleada está enmarcada en el paradigma sociocrítico interpretativo, con un enfoque cualitativo y se materializa en una investigación educacional de tipo aplicada. Durante la realización del trabajo se requirió métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos, lo cual admitió el análisis del problema científico desde diferentes perspectivas. La muestra elegida por muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia la conforman cuatro docentes de la especialidad de inglés y 40 estudiantes de primer ciclo pertenecientes a la carrera de Administración de una universidad privada de Lima. En el diagnóstico de campo se utilizaron diferentes instrumentos y técnicas, los cuales fueron la entrevista semiestructurada a los profesores, la prueba pedagógica, la guía de observación de clases, y la encuesta a los alumnos, que garantizó la imparcialidad del problema estudiado. En conclusión, se aporta una estrategia metodológica que contribuye a mejorar la práctica pedagógica del educador en el proceso educativo de la asignatura de Inglés, con el propósito de favorecer a que los alumnos desarrollen el interés por el aprendizaje del idioma.
Opis turizma u kognitivnoj antropološkoj paradigmi
Authors: Fox John
Published: April 2021

U radu turizam razmatramo u kognitivnoj antropološkoj paradigmi, što nudi novi način gledanja na ovu razgranatu djelatnost. Različiti primjeri, uključujući Veliki kineski zid i Sveučilišni grad Oxford, upotrijebljeni su kao ilustracije. Zaključuje se da je turizam konačni cvijet kapitalizma.
Diversity and Life-Cycle Analysis of Pacific Ocean Zooplankton by Videomicroscopy and Dna Barcoding: Crustacea
Authors: Bryant Peter J , Arehart Timothy
Published: April 2021

Determining the DNA sequencing of a small element in the mitochondrial DNA (DNA barcoding) makes it possible to easily identify individuals of different larval stages of marine crustaceans without the need for laboratory rearing. It can also be used to construct taxonomic trees, although it is not yet clear to what extent this barcode-based taxonomy reflects more traditional morphological or molecular taxonomy. Collections of zooplankton were made using conventional plankton nets in Newport Bay and the Pacific Ocean near Newport Beach, California (Lat. 33.628342, Long. -117.927933) between May 2013 and January 2020, and individual crustacean specimens were documented by videomicroscopy. Adult crustaceans were collected from solid substrates in the same areas. Specimens were preserved in ethanol and sent to the Canadian Centre for DNA Barcoding at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada for sequencing of the COI DNA barcode. From 1042 specimens, 544 COI sequences were obtained falling into 199 Barcode Identification Numbers (BINs), of which 76 correspond to recognized species. The results show the utility of DNA barcoding for matching life-cycle stages as well as for documenting the diversity of this group of organisms.
Silicon Nitride, a Close to Ideal Ceramic Material for Medical Application
Authors: Heimann Robert B.
Published: April 2021

This topical review describes the results of recent research into and development of silicon nitride, a ceramic material with unique properties. The outcome of this ongoing research strongly encourages the use of monolithic silicon nitride and coatings as contemporary and future biomaterial for a variety of medical applications. Crystallographic structure, synthesis and processing of monolithic structures and coatings, and examples of their medical applications are covered that relate to spinal, orthopedic and dental implants, bone grafts and scaffolds, platforms for intelligent synthetic neural circuits, antibacterial and antiviral particles and coatings, optical biosensors, and nano-photonic waveguides for sophisticated medical diagnostic devices. The examples provided show convincingly that silicon nitride is destined to become a leader to replace titanium and other entrenched biomaterials in many fields of medicine.
Atypical Clinical Presentation of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: A 5-year Case-Series
Authors: Lechien Jerome R. , Hans Stephane , Bobin Francois , Calvo-Henriquez Christian , Saussez Sven , Karkos Petros D.
Published: April 2021

Background: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common disease in otolaryngology characterized by an inflammatory reaction of the mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract caused by digestive refluxate enzymes. LPR has been identified as etiological or favoring factor of laryngeal, oral, sinonasal or otological diseases. In this case-series, we reported atypical clinical presentation of LPR in patients presenting in our clinic with reflux. Methods: A retrospective medical chart review of 351 patients with LPR treated in the European Reflux Clinic in Brussels, Poitiers and Paris was performed. In order to be included, patients had to report atypical clinical presentation of LPR, consisting of symptoms or findings that are not described in reflux symptom score and reflux sign assessment. The LPR diagnosis was confirmed with 24-hour hypopharyngeal-esophageal impedance pH-study and patients were treated with a combination of diet, proton pump inhibitors and alginates. The atypical symptoms or findings had to be resolved from pre- to posttreatment Results: From 2017 to 2021, 21 patients with atypical LPR were treated in our center. The clinical presentation consisted of recurrent aphthosis or burning mouth (N=9), recurrent burps and abdominal disorders (N=2), posterior nasal obstruction (N=2), recurrent acute suppurative otitis media (N=2), severe vocal fold dysplasia (N=2), and recurrent acute rhinopharyngitis (N=1), tearing (N=1), aspirations (N=1) or tracheobronchitis (N=1). Abnormal upper aerodigestive tract reflux events were identified in all of these patients. Atypical clinical findings resolved and did not recur after an adequate anti-reflux treatment. Conclusion: LPR may present with various clinical presentations including mouth, eye, tracheobronchial, nasal or laryngeal findings, which may all regress with an adequate treatment. Future studies are needed to better specify the relationship between LPR and these atypical findings through analyses identifying gastroduodenal enzyme in the enflamed tissue.
Effect of Graphene on Ice Polymorph
Authors: Zheng Chuanbao , Lu Hao , Xu Quanming , Liu Tianyi , Patil Aniruddha , Wu Jianyang , Zhang Zhisen
Published: April 2021

Recently, ice with the stacking disorder structure, consisting of random sequences of cubic ice (Ic) and hexagonal ice (Ih) layers, is reported to be more stable than pure Ih/Ic. While, due to a much lower free energy barrier of heterogeneous nucleation, in practice, the freezing process of water is usually controlled by heterogeneous nucleation which is triggered by an external medium. Herein, molecular dynamic simulations were carried out to explore the polymorph dependence of ice on the lattice structure of substrates. It turns out that, during the nucleation stage, the polymorph of ice nuclei can be severely altered by the graphene substrate, on which the Ih was found to occupy an absolute majority in new-formed ice. This can be attributed to the structure similarity between graphene and basal face of Ih. Besides the nucleation stage, our results suggest that the substrate can not affect the polymorph of ice which is far from the graphene surface. The polymorph selectivity of graphene to Ih will diminish with the growth of ice layer.
Interconnected High-Dimensional Landscapes of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity and Stemness
Authors: Sahoo Sarthak , Duddu Atchuta Srinivas , Biddle Adrian , Jolly Mohit Kumar
Published: April 2021

Establishing macrometastases at distant organs is a highly challenging process for cancer cells, with extremely high attrition rates. A very small percentage of disseminated cells have the ability to dynamically adapt to their changing micro-environments through reversibly switching to another phenotype, aiding metastasis. Such plasticity can be exhibited along one or more axes – epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) being the two most studied, and often tacitly assumed to be synonymous. Here, we review the emerging concepts related to EMP and CSCs across multiple cancers. Both processes are multi-dimensional in nature; for instance, EMP can be defined on morphological, molecular and functional changes, which may or may not be synchronized. Similarly, self-renewal, multi-lineage potential, and anoikis and/or therapy resistance may not all occur simultaneously in CSCs. Thus, arriving at rigorous functional definitions for both EMP and CSCs is crucial. These processes are dynamic, reversible, and semi-independent in nature; cells traverse the inter-connected high-dimensional EMP and CSC landscapes in diverse paths, each of which may exhibit a distinct EMP-CSC coupling. Our proposed model offers a potential unifying framework for elucidating the coupled decision-making along these dimensions and highlights a key set of open questions to be answered.
Production of a β-Glucosidase-Rich Cocktail From Talaromyces Amestolkiae Using Raw Glycerol: Its Role for Lignocellulose Wastes Valorization
Authors: Méndez-Liter Juan , De Eugenio Laura I. , Hakalin Neumara L.S. , Prieto Alicia , Martinez Maria Jesus
Published: April 2021

As β-glucosidases represent the major bottleneck for industrial degradation of plant biomass, great efforts are being devoted both to discover novel and robust versions of these enzymes, as well as to develop efficient and inexpensive ways to produce them. In this work, raw glycerol from chemical production of biodiesel was tested as carbon source for the fungus Talaromyces amestolkiae with the aim of producing enzyme cocktails rich in this activity. Approximately 11 U/mL β-glucosidase were detected in these cultures, constituting the major cellulolytic activity. Proteomic analysis revealed BGL-3 as the most abundant protein and the main β-glucosidase. This enzyme crude was successfully used to supplement a basal commercial cellulolytic cocktail (Cellu-clast 1.5L) for saccharification of pretreated wheat straw, corroborating that even hardly exploitable industrial wastes, such as glycerol, can be used as secondary raw materials to produce valuable enzymatic preparations in a framework of circular economy
Preferences for Updates on General Research Results: A Survey of Participants in Genomic Research from Two Institutions
Authors: Taylor Casey Overby , Manov Natalie Flaks , Crew Katherine , Weng Chunhua , Connolly John J , Chute Christopher , Ford Daniel , Lehmann Harold , Rahm Alanna , Kullo Iftikhar , Caraballo Pedro , Holm Ingrid , Mathews Debra
Published: April 2021

There is a need for multimodal strategies to keep research participants informed about study results. Our aim was to characterize preferences of genomic research participants from two institutions along four dimensions of general research result updates: content, timing, mechanism, and frequency. Methods: We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey that was administered from 6-25-2018 to 12-5-2018. Results: 397 participants completed the survey, most of whom (96%) expressed a desire to receive research updates. Preferences with high endorsement included: update content (brief descriptions of major findings, descriptions of purpose and goals, and educational material); update timing (when the research is completed, when findings are reviewed, when findings are published, and when the study status changes); update mechanism (email with updates, and email newsletter); and update frequency (every three months). Hierarchical cluster analyses based on the four update preferences identified four profiles of participants with similar preference patterns. Very few participants in the largest profile were comfortable with budgeting less money for research activities so that researchers have money to set up services to send research result updates to study participants. Conclusion: This work provides evidence of a need for funders to incentivize researchers to communicate results to participants.
Review on Deep Neural Networks Applied to Low-Frequency NILM
Authors: Huber Patrick , Calatroni Alberto , Rumsch Andreas , Paice Andrew
Published: April 2021

This paper reviews non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) approaches that employ deep neural networks to disaggregate appliances from low frequency data, i.e. data with sampling rates lower than the AC base frequency. We first review the many degrees of freedom of these approaches, what has already been done in literature, and compile the main characteristics of the reviewed publications in an extensive overview table. The second part of the paper discusses selected aspects of the literature and corresponding research gaps. In particular, we do a performance comparison with respect to reported MAE and F$_1$-scores and observe different recurring elements in the best performing approaches, namely data sampling intervals below 10\,s, a large field of view, the usage of GAN losses, multi-task learning, and post-processing. Subsequently, multiple input features, multi-task learning and related research gaps are discussed, the need for comparative studies is highlighted, and finally, missing elements for a successful deployment of NILM approaches based on deep neural networks are pointed out. We conclude the review with an outlook on possible future scenarios.
The Effects of Group Art Therapy on the Primary Family Caregivers of Hospitalized Patients with Brain Injuries in South Korea
Authors: Kim NaYoung , Kim Shin-Jeong , Jeong Geum-Hee , Oh Younjae , Jang HeeJung , Kim AeeLee
Published: April 2021

This study examined the effects of group art therapy on depression, burden, and self-efficacy in primary family caregivers of patients with brain injuries. This was a quasi-experimental, nonequivalent control group and a pre- and post-test design. This study was carried out in one national rehabilitation hospital targeting 41 primary family caregivers of patients with brain injuries. Group art therapy intervention was carried out three days per week for 12 times over four consecutive weeks. The experimental group (n = 20) received group art therapy, whereas the control group (n = 21) did not. We used a time difference method to minimize the risk of contaminating the control group by sampling sequentially. The experimental group showed a significantly greater decrease in burden (t = 2.462, p = 0.020) and significantly greater improvement in self-efficacy (t = −6.270, p < 0.001) than the control group. Group art therapy may be an effective nursing intervention for primary family caregivers of patients with brain injuries.
INTEGRATION Framework for Modeling Tolls Considering Different Subpopulations with Different Values of Time
Authors: Rakha Hesham
Published: April 2021

Unique analytical challenges arise when drivers, who face a route choice between a toll lane and a set of free lanes, have different values of time. The most complex situation is one in which multiple sub-populations of drivers exist, each with their own unique mean and coefficient of variation of value of time. This situation, when imbedded within a larger network cannot be tackled using existing planning models, and consequently is usually only approximated. This paper examines these different approximations, the resulting numerical solutions and the implications of these approximations on the estimate of the number of expected toll lane users. The paper also shows how this problem can be solved using a combined traffic assignment/simulation model. The first part of this paper develops an analytical formulation for solving the toll lane scenario using the “value of time” representations range from the simplest to the most complex. It is shown that one of the most critical issues is a determination of who the marginal users are of the toll lane, at each level of usage, as the perceived disutility of the last marginal toll lane user depends dynamically upon that driver’s value of time. Analytical formulations based on these different approximations are then solved numerically in the second part of the paper. These numerical solutions show that significant different lane use estimates result, depending upon the representation of value of time. Consequently, it is clear that solving this problem with the fewest approximations is both of theoretical and practical importance. The third part of the paper illustrates the solution to the toll lane problem, with each level of approximation, using a combined traffic assignment/simulation model. The simulated resulting estimates of the toll lane usage for each case matches both the relative and absolute trends found in analytical solutions. However, the solution using the assignment/simulation model is not only much faster and simpler to obtain, but is also scalable both in size and complexity. The additional complexities, that are associated with a less approximate representation of value of time, should therefore be incorporated in all future assessments of toll lane facilities, be they analyzed analytically or through simulation.
A Multi-Domain Group-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity, Healthy Nutrition, and Psychological Wellbeing in Frail Older People: AMICOPE Development Study
Authors: Blancafort Alias Sergi , Cuevas-Lara Cesar , Martínez-Velilla Nicolás , Zambom-Ferraresi Fabricio , Soto Maria Eugenia , Tavassoli Neda , Mathieu Céline , Heras Muxella Eva , Garibaldi Pablo , Anglada Maria , Amblàs Jordi , Santaeugènia Sebastià , Contel Joan Carles , Domingo Riau Alex , Salvà Casanovas Antoni
Published: April 2021

The World Health Organization has developed the Integrated Care of Older People (ICOPE) strategy, a program based on the measurement of intrinsic capacity (IC) as “the composite of all physical and mental attributes on which an individual can draw”. Multicomponent interventions appear to be the more effective approach to enhance IC and to prevent frailty and dependence, being adapted physical activity is the preventive intervention that has shown more evidence in the treatment of frailty and risk of falls. The present study aims to describe the development of a multi-domain group-based intervention addressed to frail older people living in the community aimed to improve and/or maintain intrinsic capacity by means of promoting physical activity, healthy nutrition, and psychological wellbeing in frail older people. We used the GUIDED checklist to describe the development process of AMICOPE (Aptitude Multi-domain group-based intervention to improve and/or maintain IC in frail Older PEople). The intervention was built upon the ICOPE framework and it is described with Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) guidelines and it includes dietary advice, cognitive stimulation strategies, medication review, goal setting, and activities to strengthen social support and manage depressive symptoms, as well as strength, balance and flexibility exercise using the Vivifrail program. The study represents the first stage of the UK Medical Research Council framework for developing and evaluating a complex intervention. The next step should be carrying out a feasibility study for the AMICOPE intervention, and in a later stage, assessing the effectiveness in a randomized controlled trial.
Spatio-temporal Evolution and Improvement Potential of Agricultural Eco-efficiency in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Li Zaijun , Hu Meijuan , Jin Tao
Published: April 2021

Achieving eco-efficiency in agriculture production at low environmental costs is key to sustainable agriculture. Using the DEA-SBM model, this study evaluated the agricultural eco-efficiency of the 77 counties and districts in China’s Jiangsu province from 1999 to 2018 and analyzed its spatio-temporal evolution pattern and influencing factors. The mains conclusions were as follows: (1) The overall agricultural eco-efficiency and its decomposition terms, pure technology efficiency and scale efficiency, exhibited a fluctuating downward trend. The regional inequality in agricultural eco-efficiency had been widening and exhibited a strong positive spatial association. (2) The agricultural eco-efficiency in Jiangsu province presented a “high south and low north” spatial pattern. High-level agricultural eco-efficiency areas were in the Taihu Plain in Sunan, while low-level agricultural eco-efficiency zones are distributed across Subei City. The High-High-type spatial association pattern is concentrated in the Suzhou-Wuxi-Changzhou region, while the Low-Low areas are mainly in the coastal regions of Subei and Suzhong. (3) The spatial pattern of PTE and SE generally exhibited a “high south and low north” distribution. Areas with positive growth in agricultural eco-efficiency, PTE, and SE, were situated in Xuzhou, Nanjing city, and the bordering regions between Yangzhou and Huai’an, and Changzhou and Wuxi. (4) The excessive redundant use and application of pesticides, chemical fertilizer, agricultural diesel, labor, land, and agricultural carbon emission have been the primary factor affecting Jiangsu's agricultural eco-efficiency. Irrigation had also signficantly impacted agricultural eco-efficiency, while mechanical power and agricultural film had minimal effect. The majority of counties and districts in Subei, Suzhong, and Ningzhen Yang Hilly region have issues regarding their excessive usage of chemical fertilizer, pesticide, chemical fertilizer, agricultural diesel, labor, and land. The findings of this study can contribute towards a better understanding of agricultural eco-efficiency and spatial association effect and can help policymakers increase agricultural eco-efficiency.
Towards a Global Entrepreneurial Culture: A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Entrepreneurship Education Programs
Authors: Jardim Jacinto , Bártolo Ana , Pinho Andreia
Published: April 2021

The number of entrepreneurship education programs (EEP) has increased exponentially over the past two decades. However, a systematic review has not yet been carried out to confirm the effectiveness of EEPs and their presence in the current global world. The main objective of this study was to provide a systematic synthesis of EEP, exploring their characteristics and effectiveness. The search was carried out in the following databases: Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest and ERIC. Twenty-nine articles were included, with programs developed mainly in European (n=15), Asian (n=6) and American (n=5) countries. The programs were mainly aimed at higher education students (n=17), addressing the development of business plans and entrepreneurial skills. However, greater attention is paid to the entrepreneurial skills in both basic and secondary education. The development of the programs under analysis varied between one week and two years. The results of the studies showed the effectiveness of most of these programs in promoting entrepreneurial skills at all levels of education. In turn, there was not a verified increase in the intention to start a business, since this intention is determined by predisposition, namely socio-cultural and family aspects. This systematic review of the EEP points to the need for this type of program to be preferentially developed since the early school years, since it is at that time that predispositions are created for the development of entrepreneurial skills and intentions. This condition is corroborated by the global geography of the EEP, which demonstrates that, where there is currently an entrepreneurial culture, countries have made a long educational journey, with strategic options from the perspective of educational policies defending entrepreneurship among the younger generations.
Concurrent Heavy Metal Exposures and Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Case-Control Study From the Katanga Mining Area of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Malamba-Lez Didier , Tshala-Katumbay Désiré , Bito Virginie , RIGO Jean-Michel , Kipenge Kyandabike Richie , Ngoy Yolola Eric , Katchunga Philippe , Koba-Bora Béatrice , Ngoy-Nkulu Dophra
Published: April 2021

Blood and/or urine levels of 27 heavy metals were determined by ICPMS in 41 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and 29 presumably healthy subjects from the Katanga Copperbelt (KC), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After adjusting for age, gender, education level, and renal function, DCM probability was almost maximal for blood concentrations above 0.75 and 150 µg/dl for arsenic and copper, respectively. Urinary concentrations above 1 for chromium, 20 for copper, 600 for zinc, 30 for selenium, 2 for cadmium, 0.2 for antimony, 0.5 for thallium and 0.05 for uranium, all in μg/g of creatinine, were also associated with increased DCM probability. Concurrent and multiple exposures to heavy metals, well beyond permissible levels, are associated with increased probability for DCM. Study findings warrant screening for metal toxicity in case of DCM and prompt public health measures to reduce exposures in the KC, DRC.
Melanin Transfer in the Epidermis: The Pursuit of Skin Pigmentation Control Mechanisms
Authors: Moreiras Hugo , Seabra Miguel C. , Barral Duarte C.
Published: April 2021

The mechanism by which the pigment melanin is transferred from melanocytes to keratinocytes to achieve skin pigmentation remains controversial. Several models emerged in the past decades to explain the transfer process. Here, we review the proposed models for melanin transfer in the skin epidermis, the available evidence supporting each one, and the recent observations made by ours and other groups in favor of the exo/phagocytosis and shed vesicles models. Moreover, we propose that different models could coexist to sustain skin pigmentation under different conditions. Finally, we discuss new questions that ought to be addressed to solve the long-lasting quest for the understanding of how basal skin pigmentation is controlled. This knowledge will allow the emergence of new strategies to treat pigmentary disorders that cause a significant socio-economic burden to patients and healthcare systems worldwide and could also have relevant cosmetic applications.
Data Science and Analytics: An Overview from Data-Driven Smart Computing, Decision-Making and Applications Perspective
Authors: Sarker Iqbal H.
Published: April 2021

The digital world has a wealth of data, such as Internet of Things (IoT) data, business data, health data, mobile data, urban data, security data, and many more, in the current age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0 or 4IR). Extracting knowledge or useful insights from these data can be used for smart decision-making in various applications domains. In the area of data science, advanced analytics methods including machine learning modeling can provide actionable insights or deeper knowledge about data, which makes the computing process automatic and smart. In this paper, we present a comprehensive view on "Data Science'' including various types of advanced analytics methods that can be applied to enhance the intelligence and capabilities of an application through smart decision-making in different scenarios. We also discuss and summarize ten potential real-world application domains including business, healthcare, cybersecurity, urban and rural data science, and so on by taking into account data-driven smart computing and decision making. Based on this, we finally highlight the challenges and potential research directions within the scope of our study. Overall, this paper aims to serve as a reference point on data science and advanced analytics to the researchers and decision-makers as well as application developers, particularly from the data-driven solution point of view for real-world problems.
Short-Term Ex Vivo Culture of CTCs From Advance Breast Cancer Patients: Clinical Implications
Authors: Carmona-Ule Nuria , González-Conde Miriam , Abuín Carmen , Cueva Juan F , Palacios Patricia , López-López Rafael , Costa Clotilde , Dávila-Ibañez Ana B
Published: April 2021

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTC) have relevance as prognostic markers in breast cancer. However, the functional properties of CTCs or their molecular characterization have not been well-studied. Experimental models indicate that only a few cells can survive in the circulation and eventually metastasize. Thus, it is essential to identify these surviving cells capable of forming such metastases. Methods: We isolated viable CTCs from 50 peripheral blood samples obtained from 35 patients with advanced metastatic breast cancer using RosetteSepTM for ex vivo culture. The CTCs were seeded and monitored on plates under low adherence conditions and with media supplemented with growth factors and Nanoemulsions. Phenotypic analysis was performed by immunofluorescence and gene expression analysis using RT-PCR and CTCs counting by Cellsearch® system. Results: We found that in 75% of samples the CTC cultures lasted more than 23 days, predicting a shorter Progression-Free Survival in these patients, independently of having ≥ 5 CTC by Cellsearch®. We also observed that CTCs before and after culture showed a different gene expression profile. Conclusions: the cultivability of CTCs is a predictive factor. Furthermore, the subset of cells capable of growing ex vivo show stem or mesenchymal features and may represent the CTC population with metastatic potential in vivo.
Stratigraphic Scheme of Cambrian Deposits, South of the Cis-Yenisei Area of West Siberia
Authors: Kontorovich A.E. , Varlamov A.I. , Efimov A.S. , Kontorovich V.A. , Korovnikov I.V. , Krinin V.A. , Saraev S.V. , Sennikov N.V. , Filippov Yu.F.
Published: April 2021

––In this paper we present a stratigraphic scheme for the subdivision and correlation of the Cambrian deposits in the south of the cis-Yenisei area of West Siberia, which was adopted as a current scheme by the decision of the Interdepartmental Stratigraphic Committee in 2018. This scheme is based on the data from stratigraphic test wells (Lemok-1, Averinskaya-150, Tyiskaya-1, Vostok-1, Vostok-3, Vostok-4, etс.). In the study area, two structure-facies zones were identified: Kas (Lemok-1, Averinskaya-150, Tyiskaya-1, Vostok-4, and Eloguiskaya-1 wells), where sedimentary complexes accumulated in a salt subbasin, and Ket’ (Vostok-1 and Vostok-3 wells) with the deposition in an open sea basin. The boundary between these structure-facies zones is drawn along the inferred N–S-trending barrier reef zone. The rubrication in this paper is compiled in accordance with the requirements of the Stratigraphic Code of Russia for explanatory notes for regional stratigraphic schemes. Local stratigraphic subdivisions (formations, strata) are described and compared with the adjacent Turukhansk–Irkutsk–Olekma facies region of the Siberian Platform.
Genetic effects on longitudinal cognitive decline during the early stages of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kumar Atul , Shoai Maryam , Palmqvist Sebastian , Stomrud Erik , Hardy John , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Hansson Oskar
Published: April 2021

Background: Cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may depend on genetic variability.Methods: In the Swedish BioFINDER study, we used polygenic scores (PGS) (for AD, intelligence and educational attainment) to predict longitudinal cognitive change (measured by MMSE) over a mean of 4.2 years. We included 260 b-amyloid (Ab) negative cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals, 121 Ab-positive CU (preclinical AD), 50 Ab-negative mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and 127 Ab-positive MCI patients (prodromal AD). Results: The polygenic score (PGS) for intelligence (p = 2.9e-02, beta = 0.1) was protective in CU and MCI participants regardless of Ab status, while polygenic risk score for AD (p = 8.2e-03, beta = -0.12) was correlated with rate of cognitive impairment and was partially mediated by Ab-pathology (mediation effect 20 %). There was no influence of education PGS, implying that educational achievement and rate of cognitive impairment are unrelated.Conclusions: Genetic variants associated with intelligence mitigate cognitive decline independent of Ab-pathology, but the effects of genetic variants associated with AD are partly mediated by Ab-pathology.
Evaluation of an Oral Sodium Bicarbonate Protocol for High-Dose Methotrexate Urine Alkalinization
Authors: Heisler Rachel , Kelly Jordan , Abdi Sara Abedinzadegan , Hawker Jennifer , Fong Leanne , Quon Janet , Rioux Josee , Jupp Jennifer
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Intravenous (IV) sodium bicarbonate is considered standard therapy for high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) urine alkalinization. Due to a national IV sodium bicarbonate shortage, an oral (PO) sodium bicarbonate protocol was implemented by Alberta Health Services (AHS) for HDMTX urine alkalinization. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the PO sodium bicarbonate protocol compared to IV sodium bicarbonate for HDMTX urine alkalinization. Methods: A retrospective chart review of adult patients who received HDMTX (>500 mg/m2) with sodium bicarbonate for urine alkalinization at 4 hospitals in Alberta was conducted. Patients who received IV sodium bicarbonate between January-June 2017 and PO sodium bicarbonate between July-December 2017 were compared for the primary outcome of time to methotrexate clearance. Results: A total of 84 and 78 HDMTX cycles were included in the IV and PO cohorts, respectively. No difference in time to methotrexate clearance was seen between the IV and PO cohorts, 91.6 (± 35.4) hours and 95.2 (± 44) hours respectively; p=0.5. The proportion of HDMTX cycles that experienced a >25% increase in serum creatinine was not statistically significant, IV protocol 12% and PO protocol 5%; p=0.13. Nausea and emesis occurred more frequently in the PO cohort than the IV cohort, though rarely resulted in refused doses or change to alternate sodium bicarbonate formulations.Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the AHS PO sodium bicarbonate protocol was no different in time to methotrexate clearance or rates of increased serum creatinine when compared to IV sodium bicarbonate.
Genetic variation in lowland and mountain populations of Tofieldia calyculata and their ability to survive within low levels of genetic diversity
Authors: Vlasta Tomáš , Műnzbergová Zuzana
Published: April 2021

Loss of genetic diversity is expected to be a common reason for decline of populations of many rare species. To what extent this is true for populations at the range periphery remains to be explored. Alpine species with peripheral lowland populations are ideal but poorly known model system to address this issue. We investigated genetic diversity and structure of populations of Tofieldia calyculata, species common in central European mountains but highly endangered in lowlands using 17 microsatellite loci. We showed that lowland populations have lower genetic diversity than mountain populations and they are not clearly differentiated from mountain populations. Species probably survived the last glaciation in refugia in margins of Alps and western Carpathians. Some lowland populations are probably relict as well and contain unique genetic information. Their low genetic diversity is likely the result the of reduction of population sizes, gene flow during the Holocene and selfing. However postglacial colonization is also a case of some lowland populations. Based on data from herbarium specimens from extinct lowland populations, we demonstrated that lowland populations had low genetic diversity also in the past and main part of the genetic diversity was lost due to extinction of whole populations. Within population genetic diversity has not changed since the last century suggesting that these populations are able to survive with low levels of genetic diversity under suitable habitat conditions. This idea is also supported by finding of large viable recent populations with very low genetic diversity. We conclude that lowland populations are unique and deserve adequate conservation.
Symptom Clusters and Quality of Life in Ambulatory Patients With Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Chen Fengjiao , Leng Yamei , Ni Jingyao , Niu Ting , Zhang Li , Li Jiping , Zheng Yuhuan
Published: April 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the symptom clusters and associated clinical factors in ambulatory multiple myeloma patients undergoing medication therapy. We also aim to determine the correlations between symptom clusters and the patients’ quality of life. Methods: A total of 174 multiple myeloma patients hospitalized in the hematology day unit were included in this study. A cross-sectional survey aimed to examine the symptoms and quality of life was conducted. The symptoms were assessed by the Chinese version of Condensed Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. The quality of life was measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General. Principal component analysis was used to identify symptom clusters. Independent-Samples t test and Chi-square test were used for comparisons between groups. Spearman’s Rank Correlation Analysis was used to identify correlations.Results: We identified three symptom clusters in multiple myeloma patients: psychological, pain-dry mouth-difficulty sleep, and fatigue symptom cluster. For each symptom cluster, the patients could be categorized in severe-symptom group or mild-symptom group based on the distress of the symptoms. The patients in each group exhibited differential demographic and clinical features. The distress of each symptom cluster was adversely correlated with patients’ quality of life.Conclusions: The ambulatory multiple myeloma patients undergoing medication therapy experience multiple symptoms, which can be categorized into three symptom clusters. The distress of each symptom cluster was associated with patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics. The presence and distress of these symptom clusters have adverse impact on patient’s quality of life.
Construction of a microenvironment immune gene model for predicting the prognosis of endometrial cancer
Authors: Wang Yichen , Zhang Jingkai , Zhou Yijun , Li Zhiguang , Lv Dekang , Liu Quentin
Published: April 2021

Background: Infiltrating immune and stromal cells are important components of the endometrial cancer (EC) microenvironment, which has a significant effect on the biological behavior of EC, suggesting that unique immune-related genes may be associated with the prognosis of EC. However, the association of immune-related genes with the prognosis of EC has not been elucidated. We attempted to identify immune-related genes with potentially prognostic value in EC using The Cancer Genome Atlas database and the relationship between immune microenvironment and EC.Methods: We analyzed 578 EC samples from TCGA database and used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to screen out immune-related genes. We constructed a protein–protein interaction network and analyzed it using STRING and Cytoscape. Results: Using conjoint Cox regression and random forest algorithm, we found that TRBC2, TRAC, LPXN, and ARHGAP30 were associated with the prognosis of EC and constructed four gene risk models for overall survival and a consistent nomogram. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve for 1-, 3-, and 5-y overall survival was 0.687, 0.699, and 0.76, respectively. These results were validated using a validation cohort. Immune-related pathways were mostly enriched in the low-risk group, which had higher levels of immune infiltration and immune status. Conclusion: Our study provides new insights for novel biomarkers and immunotherapy targets in EC.
A Hybrid Improved Zhou and Wornell’s Inspired Fully Homomorphic Encryption Scheme for Securing Big Data Computation in Cloud Environment
Authors: R Nithiavathy , K Vanitha , A Manimaran , P Ilampiray , P Alaguvathana
Published: April 2021

The process of performing smart computations in the big data and cloud computing environment is considered to be highly essential in spite of its complexity and cost. The method of Fully Homomorphic encryption is considered to be the effective approach that provides the option of working with the encrypted form of sensitive data in order to preserve high confidentiality that concentrates on deriving benefits from cloud computing capabilities. In this paper, a Hybrid Improved Zhou and Wornell’s inspired Fully Homomorphic Encryption (HIZWFHE) Scheme is proposed for securing big data computation, when they are outsourced to cloud service. This HIZWFHE scheme is potent in encrypting integer vectors that permit the computation of big data represented in the contextual polynomial form in the encrypted form with a bounded degree of limits. This HIZWFHE scheme is determined to be highly applicable and suitable and applicable in cloud big data computation in which the learning process of low dimensional representations is of high concern.