bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global implementation research capacity building to address cardiovascular disease: An assessment of efforts in eight countries
Authors: Weber Mary Beth , Baumann Ana A. , Rakhra Ashlin , Akwanalo Constantine , Gladys Amaning Adjei Kezia , Andesia Josephine , Apusiga Kingsley , Ha Duc A. , Hosseinipour Mina C. , Muula Adamson S. , Nguyen Hoa L. , Price LeShawndra N. , Ramirez-Zea Manuel , Fitzpatrick Annette L. , Fort Meredith P.
Published: September 2023

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but implementation of evidence-based interventions for risk factors such as hypertension is lacking, particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Building implementation research capacity in LMICs is required to overcome this gap. Members of the Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT) Consortium have been collaborating in recent years to establish a research and training infrastructure in dissemination and implementation to improve hypertension care. GRIT includes projects in Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Malawi, Nepal, Rwanda, and Vietnam. We collected data from each site on capacity building activities using the Potter and Brough (2004) model, mapping formal and informal activities to develop (a) structures, systems and roles, (b) staff and infrastructure, (c) skills, and (d) tools. We captured information about sites’ needs assessments and metrics plus program adaptations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All sites reported capacity building activities in each layer of the Capacity Pyramid, with the largest number of activities in the Skills and Tools categories, the more technical and easier to implement categories. All sites included formal and informal training to build Skills. All sites included a baseline needs assessment to guide capacity building activities or assess context and inform intervention design. Sites implementing evidence-based hypertension interventions used common implementation science frameworks to evaluate implementation outcomes. Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected timelines and in-person events, all projects were able to pivot and carry out planned activities. Although variability in the activities and methods used existed, GRIT programs used needs assessments to guide locally appropriate design and implementation of capacity building activities. COVID-19 related changes were necessary, but strong collaborations and relationships with health ministries were maintained. The GRIT Consortium is a model for planning capacity building in LMICs.
Paracoccidioidomycosis and pregnancy: A 40-year single-center cohort study in the endemic area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Benko Lorena Macedo Pestana , Vieira da Silva Mariana Evangelista de Souza , Falcão Eduardo Mastrangelo Marinho , Freitas Dayvison Francis Saraiva , Calvet Guilherme Amaral , Almeida Marcos de Abreu , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria , do Valle Antonio Carlos Francesconi , de Macedo Priscila Marques
Published: September 2023

The occurrence of acute paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in urban areas of the Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, has emerged in recent years. Therefore, young populations, including pregnant women, are at a higher risk of infection. Furthermore, young women undergoing itraconazole treatment for PCM have increased chances to get pregnant because this medication may reduce the effectiveness of contraceptives. Acute PCM is invasive, reaching abdominal organs, posing a maternal-fetal risk. PCM treatment in pregnant women is also challenging due to the teratogenicity associated with the currently available oral drugs. There are scarce studies on PCM and pregnancy, mainly consisting of case reports and experimental murine models that highlight the severity of this association. We conducted a database research at a PCM reference center in Rio de Janeiro state from 1980 to 2020. We included patients diagnosed with PCM who were pregnant shortly before, at admission, or at any moment of their PCM follow-up care. Data related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn were obtained from the Brazilian official public databases. We also reviewed the epidemiological and clinical features of these patients. During the study period, we identified 18 pregnant patients, with a median age of 26 years (range: 16–38). Among these cases, six (33.3%) were detected in the last 5 years, and 14 (77.8%) presented acute PCM, supporting the recent shift in the epidemiological profile towards acute PCM. Most pregnancies occurred during PCM treatment (n = 11, 61.1%), which led to challenges in the therapeutic management. Maternal-fetal complications occurred in some of these cases, including vaginal bleeding (n = 1), preeclampsia (n = 1), prematurity (n = 2), low birth weight (n = 4), and fetal deaths (n = 2). PCM during pregnancy presents a significant public health concern in the context of the emergence of acute PCM in urban areas.
Emotional states affect steady state walking performance
Authors: Homagain Abhishesh , Ehgoetz Martens Kaylena A.
Published: September 2023

Gait is a large component and indicator of health. Many factors affect gait including age, disease, and even mood disorders. Few studies have looked at the influence of emotional states on gait. This study aimed to investigate the influence of emotional states on walking performance to understand whether an emotional state may be an important factor to consider when evaluating gait. Thirty-six young adults were recruited (23F, 13M) and performed a neutral baseline condition of walking which included six passes of walking across an 8m walkway (a total of 48m of walking). Participants then completed 6 pseudo-randomized emotional state induction conditions while immersive 360-degree videos were used to induce the following emotional conditions: happiness, excitement, sadness, fear, and anger. Participants viewed the emotion elicitation videos using a virtual reality head-mounted display (HMD), then rated their emotional state using self-assessment manikins and walked (without the HMD) over a pressure sensor walkway. One-way repeated measures ANOVA and pairwise comparisons were used to examine differences in gait parameters across the emotional conditions. Participants walked with significantly reduced step length and speed during the sadness condition compared to the other emotional conditions and the neutral condition. Furthermore, participants adjusted the timing of their walking during the sadness condition and walked with significantly increased step, stance, and swing times compared to other emotional conditions, but not the neutral condition. Step time was significantly reduced during the conditions of excitement and fear compared to the neutral condition. Emotions may impact variety of gait parameters involving pace and rhythm, however have little influence on gait variability and postural control. These results indicate that perhaps the emotions of sadness and excitement should be taken into account as potential confounds for future gait analysis.
A simple, single-tube overlapping amplicon-targeted Illumina sequencing assay
Authors: Limberis Jason D. , Nalyvayko Alina , Ernst Joel D. , Metcalfe John Z.
Published: September 2023

Targeted amplicon sequencing to identify pathogens, resistance-conferring mutations, and strain types is an important tool in diagnosing and treating infections. However, due to the short read limitations of Illumina sequencing, many applications require the splitting of limited clinical samples between two reactions. Here, we outline hairpin Illumina single-tube sequencing PCR (hissPCR) which allows for the generation of overlapping amplicons containing Illumina indexes and adapters in a single tube, effectively extending the Illumina read length while maintaining reagent and sample input requirements.
Regional impact of aging population on carbon dioxide emissions in China: Evidence from panel threshold regression (PTR)
Authors: Liang Yifan , Xinping Han , Mazlan Nur Syazwani , Liang Bufan , Ting Liu
Published: September 2023

Carbon dioxide emission is a high-profile issue that can affect both the human economy and human existence, but few scholars have studied the relationship between these two. Therefore, this study constructs the panel threshold regression (PTR) based on the National Bureau of Statistics of China’s panel data from 2002 to 2019 in 19 regions. One of the advantages of PTR is to leverage segmented functions, allowing for a more detailed analysis of the data. Besides, by introducing the idea of a threshold, PTR can effectively avoid structural changes in the data. The different between this study and other research is that this study divides 19 regions into two parts: Eastern China and Central China. Based on that, this study researches and compares the different influences of the aging population on carbon emissions in these two regions. The results show that although the Environment Kuznets Curve has been confirmed in both Eastern China and Central China, with the development of the economy, the carbon emissions will increase in Eastern China and decrease in Central China, respectively. In addition, the key factors affecting carbon emissions in Eastern China and Central China are trade dependence and urbanization rate separately. Hence, this study suggests that the regional governments in Eastern China may guide and encourage more international trading companies to move to Central China, and at the same time, the regional governments in Central China should issue more policies to attract these companies, such as: reducing land lease fees and building better transportation infrastructure. Apart from that, the governments in Central China should vigorously increase the rate of urbanization to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.
Optimization of spatial distribution of sports parks based on accessibility analysis
Authors: Yang Kairan , Xie Yujun , Guo Hengtao
Published: September 2023

In recent years, public sports services have attracted great attention owing to their increasingly important role in public health. However, effective evaluation metrics measuring the efficiency of such services from a spatial perspective (e.g., accessibility and distribution of sports parks) remain absent. Indeed, most designs of sports park distribution in urban areas did not consider practical factors such as local road networks, population distribution, and resident preference, resulting in low utilization rates of these parks. In this study, a spatial accessibility-based method is proposed for evaluation of the distributions of sports parks. As a demonstration, the distribution of sports parks in the central urban area of Changsha, China was investigated using the proposed method by the GIS network analysis. Additionally, optimization strategies for sports park distribution (in terms of spatial distribution and overall accessibility) were developed by using spatial syntax.
From past to present: Exploring COVID-19 in Qatar’s hemodialysis population across Omicron dominant and pre-Omicron periods
Authors: Hamad Abdullah , Elgaali Musab , Ghonimi Tarek , Elshirbeny Mostafa , Ali Mohamed , Ibrahim Rania , Othman Muftah , Abuhelaiqa Essa , Ezzat Hany , Boubaker Karima , Alkadi Mohamad , Al-Malki Hassan
Published: September 2023

COVID-19 carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants have been identified since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to compare the incidence and outcomes of the COVID-19 Omicron dominant period versus other pre-Omicron period in hemodialysis patients. In this observational, analytical, retrospective, nationwide study, we reviewed adult chronic hemodialysis patients between March 1, 2020, and January 31, 2022. Four hundred twenty-one patients had COVID-19 during the study period. The incidence of COVID-19 due to the Omicron dominant period was significantly higher than other pre-Omicron period (30.3% vs. 18.7%, P<0.001). In contrast, the admission rate to ICU was significantly lower in the Omicron dominant period than in the pre-Omicron period (2.8% vs. 25%, P<0001) but with no significant difference in ICU length of stay. The mortality rate was lower in the Omicron dominant period compared to the pre-Omicron period (2.4% vs. 15.5%, P<0.001). Using multivariate analysis, older age [OR 1.093 (95% CI 1.044–1.145); P<0.0001] and need for mechanical ventilation [OR 70.4 (95% CI 20.39–243.1); P<0.0001] were identified as two independent risk factors for death in hemodialysis patients with COVID-19. In Conclusion, the COVID-19 Omicron variant had a higher incidence and lower morbidity and mortality than pre-Omicron period in our hemodialysis population.
Endotracheal tube, by the venturi effect, reduces the efficacy of increasing inlet pressure in improving pendelluft
Authors: Takahashi Kazuhiro , Toyama Hiroaki , Ejima Yutaka , Yang Jinyou , Kikuchi Kenji , Ishikawa Takuji , Yamauchi Masanori
Published: September 2023

In mechanically ventilated severe acute respiratory distress syndrome patients, spontaneous inspiratory effort generates more negative pressure in the dorsal lung than in the ventral lung. The airflow caused by this pressure difference is called pendelluft, which is a possible mechanisms of patient self-inflicted lung injury. This study aimed to use computer simulation to understand how the endotracheal tube and insufficient ventilatory support contribute to pendelluft. We established two models. In the invasive model, an endotracheal tube was connected to the tracheobronchial tree with 34 outlets grouped into six locations: the right and left upper, lower, and middle lobes. In the non-invasive model, the upper airway, including the glottis, was connected to the tracheobronchial tree. To recreate the inspiratory effort of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients, the lower lobe pressure was set at -13 cmH2O, while the upper and middle lobe pressure was set at -6.4 cmH2O. The inlet pressure was set from 10 to 30 cmH2O to recreate ventilatory support. Using the finite volume method, the total flow rates through each model and toward each lobe were calculated. The invasive model had half the total flow rate of the non-invasive model (1.92 L/s versus 3.73 L/s under 10 cmH2O, respectively). More pendelluft (gas flow into the model from the outlets) was observed in the invasive model than in the non-invasive model. The inlet pressure increase from 10 to 30 cmH2O decreased pendelluft by 11% and 29% in the invasive and non-invasive models, respectively. In the invasive model, a faster jet flowed from the tip of the endotracheal tube toward the lower lobes, consequently entraining gas from the upper and middle lobes. Increasing ventilatory support intensifies the jet from the endotracheal tube, causing a venturi effect at the bifurcation in the tracheobronchial tree. Clinically acceptable ventilatory support cannot completely prevent pendelluft.
Osmotic pump with potential for bone lengthening distracts continuously in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lippross Sebastian , Lorenz Heiko M. , Braunschweig Lena , Heede Andreas , Büscher Robin , Siegel Marlon , Schultheiß Gerhard , Vieten Sarah , Lüthje Annette , Matzen Andrea , Lüders Katja A. , Jäckle Katharina , Tsaknakis Konstantinos , Hell Anna K.
Published: September 2023

Background

In pediatric orthopedics, long bone lengthening procedures are routinely performed using manual, motorized or magnetically controlled implants. This study aims to prove expansion of a newly designed osmotic pump prior to long bone lengthening in living organisms and to rule out any complications related to in vivo conditions, such as congestion of the semipermeable membrane, local infection, or lack of water to drive the osmotic pump, as well as to compare in vivo and in vitro expansion data.

Methods

Osmotic pumps, which were designed to distract a plate osteosynthesis, were inserted in the dorsal paraspinal musculature of four piglets. To compare the performance of the pumps in in vivo and in vitro conditions, another set of pumps was submerged in physiologic saline solution at different temperatures. The lengthening progress was measured radiographically and sonographically in the study animals.

Results

Both, in vitro and in vivo tested osmotic pumps started distraction after an intended rest phase of four days and distracted evenly over the following twelve days. No complications, clogging or damages occurred. However, we observed a temperature dependency of the distraction rate ranging from 0.98 mm/day at 39°C to 1.10 mm/day at 42°C. With a second setup, we confirmed that the distraction rate differed by 72% within a measured temperature interval of 14° C.

Conclusions

The data presented here confirm that the novel osmotic pump showed comparable lengthening characteristics in vivo and in vitro. No complications, such as congestion of the semipermeable membrane, local infection, or lack of water to drive the osmotic pump were observed. Thus, osmotic pumps may have great potential in future applications such as long bone lengthening procedures, where continuous distraction probably provides a better bone quality than intermittent lengthening procedures. The fact that one pump failed to elongate in each condition, highlights the importance of technical improvement, but also demonstrates that this was not due to different circumstances within the in vivo or in vitro condition.
Barriers and facilitators of access to sexual and reproductive health services among migrant, internally displaced, asylum seeking and refugee women: A scoping review
Authors: Sawadogo Pengdewendé Maurice , Sia Drissa , Onadja Yentéma , Beogo Idrissa , Sangli Gabriel , Sawadogo Nathalie , Gnambani Assé , Bassinga Gaëtan , Robins Stephanie , Tchouaket Nguemeleu Eric
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Migrant, internally displaced, asylum seeking and refugee women experience ongoing risks of having their reproductive healthcare rights violated. This ever-increasing population also has limited access to sexual and reproductive health services. We conducted a scoping review to identify the barriers and facilitating factors when accessing sexual and reproductive health services for this specific population.

Methods

We searched the grey literature and queried eight bibliographic databases (Embase, Medline, Cinahl, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Hinari, and Cochrane Library) to extract articles published between January, 2000, and October, 2021. The extracted data were organized in a framework adapted from Peters et al. and then categorized as facilitators or barriers. We followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework and wrote the report according to the PRISMA-Scr recommendations.

Results

The search identified 4,722 records of which forty-two (42) met eligibility criteria and were retained for analysis. Ten (10) groups of factors facilitating and/or limiting access to sexual and reproductive health care emerged from the synthesis of the retained articles. The main barriers were lack of knowledge about services, cultural unacceptability of services, financial inaccessibility, and language barriers between patients and healthcare providers. Facilitators included mobile applications for translation and telehealth consultations, patients having a wide availability of information sources, the availability health promotion representatives, and healthcare providers being trained in cultural sensitivity, communication and person-centered care.

Conclusion

Ensuring the sexual and reproductive rights of migrant, internally displaced, asylum-seeking and refugee women requires that policymakers and health authorities develop intervention strategies based on barriers and facilitators identified in this scoping review. Therefore, considering their mental health in future studies would enable a better understanding of the barriers and facilitators of access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Retrospective analysis of real-world data to evaluate actionability of a comprehensive molecular profiling panel in solid tumor tissue samples (REALM study)
Authors: Leroy Karen , Audigier Valette Clarisse , Alexandre Jérôme , Boussemart Lise , Chiesa Jean , Deldycke Clotilde , Gomez-Rocca Carlos , Hollebecque Antoine , Lehmann-Che Jacqueline , Lemoine Antoinette , Mansard Sandrine , Medioni Jacques , Monnet Isabelle , Mourah Samia , Pierret Thomas , Spaëth Dominique , Civet Alexandre , Galoin Sandrine , Italiano Antoine
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Considering the growing interest in matched cancer treatment, our aim was to evaluate the ability of a comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) assay to propose at least one targeted therapy given an identified genomic alteration or signature (actionability), and to collect the treatment modifications based on the CGP test results in clinical practise for solid tumors.

Methods

This retrospective, multicentre French study was conducted among 25 centres that participated in a free of charge program between 2017 and 2019 for a tissue CGP test. Data were collected on the patient, disease, tumor genomic profile, treatment suggested in the report (related to the genomic profile results) and subsequent therapeutic decisions according to the physician’s declaration.

Results

Among the 416 patients, most had lung cancer (35.6%), followed by biliary tract cancer (11.5%) or rare cancers (11.1%); 75% had a metastatic disease. The actionability was 75.0% (95% CI [70.6%-78.9%]) for all patients, 85.1% and 78.4%, respectively in lung cancer and metastatic patients. After exclusion of clinical trial suggestions, the actionability decreased to 62.3% (95% CI [57.5%-66.8%]). Treatment modification based on the test results was observed in 17.3% of the patients and was more frequent in metastatic disease (OR = 2.73, 95% CI [1.31–5.71], p = 0.007). The main reasons for no treatment modification were poor general condition (33.2%) and stable disease or remission (30.2%). The genomic-directed treatment changes were performed mostly during the first six months after the CGP test, and interestingly a substantial part was observed from six to 24 months after the genomic profiling.

Conclusion

This French study provides information on the real-life actionability of a CGP test based on tissue samples, and trends to confirm its utility in clinical practice across the course of the disease, in particularly for patients with lung cancer and/or advanced disease.
The influence of hip revision stem spline design on the torsional stability in the presence of major proximal bone defects
Authors: Boettcher Julius M. , Sellenschloh Kay , Huber Gerd , Ondruschka Benjamin , Morlock Michael M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite the success of primary total hip arthroplasty, the number of revisions remains high. Infection, aseptic loosening, periprosthetic fractures and dislocations are the leading causes of hip revision. Current revision stem designs feature a tapered body with circumferential placed longitudinal thin metal splines that cut into the femoral cortex of the diaphysis to provide axial and rotational stability. Modifications to the spline design may help improve primary stability in various bone qualities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the rotational stability of a revision hip stem can be improved by an additional set of less prominent, wider splines in addition to the existing set of splines. It is hypothesized that the additional splines will result in greater cortical contact, thereby improving torsional strength.

Methods and findings

The ultimate torsional strength of an established modular revision stem (Reclaim®, DePuy Synthes) was compared to a Prototype stem design with two sets of splines, differing in prominence by 0.25 mm. Five pairs of fresh-frozen human femurs (n = 10) were harvested and an extended trochanteric osteotomy was performed to obtain common bone defects in revision. Stems were implanted using successive droptower impacts to omit variability caused by mallet blows. The applied energy was increased from 2 J in 1 J increments until the planned implantation depth was reached or seating was less than 0.5 mm at 5 J impact. The ultimate torsional strength of the bone-to-implant interface was determined immediately after implantation. Image superposition was used to analyze and quantify the contact situation between bone and implant within the femoral canal. Cortical contact was larger for the Prototype design with the additional set of splines compared to the Reclaim stem (p = 0.046), associated with a higher torsional stability (35.2 ± 6.0 Nm vs. 28.2 ± 3.5 Nm, p = 0.039).

Conclusions

A second set of splines with reduced prominence could be shown to improve primary stability of a revision stem in the femoral diaphysis in the presence of significant proximal bone loss. The beneficial effect of varying spline size and number has the potential to further improve the longevity of revision hip stems.
Psychometric properties of the Problematic Use of Social Networks (PUS) scale in Arabic among adolescents
Authors: Obeid Sahar , González-Nuevo Covadonga , Postigo Álvaro , El Dine Abir Sarray , Azzi Vanessa , Malaeb Diana , Hallit Souheil
Published: September 2023

Background

The Problematic Use of Social Networks (PUSN) scale assesses for the first time the comparative use of social networks along with addictive tendencies. However, it has only been validated in a Spanish sample. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the PUSN (PUSN-Ar) among Lebanese adolescents.

Methods

A total of 379 adolescents aged between 15 to 18 years (M = 16.07 years; 64.9% females) participated in this cross-sectional study conducted between January and May 2022. The problematic use of social networks—SNS (PUSN) scale yields of two subscales: addiction-related consequences of SNS use (SNS-ARC) and negative social comparison (SNS-NSC). The Beirut Distress Scale, the Smartphone Addiction Scale and the Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale were used to assess psychological distress, smartphone addiction and loneliness respectively.

Results

The PUS-Ar scale exhibited a two-dimensional structure (Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = .97; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = .08), consistent with the original scale. Both subscales, Negative Social Comparison (α = .96) and Addictive Consequences (α = .92), demonstrated excellent reliability. Additionally, measurement invariance was verified between males and females at the configural, metric and scalar levels. No significant difference was found between males and females in terms of SNS-NSC (20.75 ± 10.15 vs 21.09 ± 9.51; t(377) = -.32; p = .751) and SNS-ARC (19.08 ± 8.61 vs 19.76 ± 6.77; t(377) = -.79; p = .430). The SNS-ARC subscale was more correlated to smartphone addiction than the SNS-NSC (r = .73; p < .001 vs r = .54; p < .001) whereas both subscales were significantly associated with more stress and more loneliness.

Conclusion

The data collected in this study provided support for all the hypotheses formulated. Consequently, the PUS-Ar was deemed a suitable scale to measure problematic SNS among Lebanese adolescents. The PUS-Ar is currently available to researchers for use in evaluating PSNSU in Lebanon. However, it is important to note that further research is needed to explore its applicability and generalizability across different populations and contexts.
The emerging roles of MARCH8 in viral infections: A double-edged Sword
Authors: Yu Changqing , Liu Qiang , Zhao Zhuo , Zhai Jingbo , Xue Mengzhou , Tang Yan-Dong , Wang Chengbao , Zheng Chunfu
Published: September 2023

The host cell membrane-associated RING-CH 8 protein (MARCH8), a member of the E3 ubiquitin ligase family, regulates intracellular turnover of many transmembrane proteins and shows potent antiviral activities. Generally, 2 antiviral modes are performed by MARCH8. On the one hand, MARCH8 catalyzes viral envelope glycoproteins (VEGs) ubiquitination and thus leads to their intracellular degradation, which is the cytoplasmic tail (CT)-dependent (CTD) mode. On the other hand, MARCH8 traps VEGs at some intracellular compartments (such as thetrans-Golgi network, TGN) but without inducing their degradation, which is the cytoplasmic tail-independent (CTI) mode, by which MARCH8 hijacks furin, a cellular proprotein convertase, to block VEGs cleavage. In addition, the MARCH8 C-terminal tyrosine-based motif (TBM)222YxxL225also plays a key role in its CTI antiviral effects. In contrast to its antiviral potency, MARCH8 is occasionally hijacked by some viruses and bacteria to enhance their invasion, indicating a duplex role of MARCH8 in host pathogenic infections. This review summarizes MARCH8’s antiviral roles and how viruses evade its restriction, shedding light on novel antiviral therapeutic avenues.
The Reaction of Portuguese SMEs in the Face of the Covid-19 Crisis
Authors: Stefani Silvio Roberto , Teixeira Josélia Elvira
Published: September 2023

Purpose of the study: this study analyzes the micro, small, and medium enterprises SMEs’ reaction toward public policies to support domestic companies during the period of lockdown in Portugal. Methodology/approach: the research used a weekly survey conducted by Statistics Portugal in partnership with Banco de Portugal. The survey, was developed to monitor the impact of the pandemic on companies and this study analyzes the results of the survey. Main results:  the survey indicated that the companies most affected by the lockdown were micro-enterprises, mainly in the hospitality and restaurant industry. However, 82.3% of SMEs completely or partially continued to perform their activities during the lockdown. Most businesses were not planning to use government support mechanisms such as access to credit at lower interest rates. Nevertheless, more than a hundred thousand companies used the instrument of simplified layoffs made available by the government to suspend workers’ contracts. Theoretical/methodological   contributions: the study shows that contrary to the expectations of the policymakers, most SMEs did not use credit as a support tool to overcome the pandemic, among the other support policies the most used was the suspension of payment of tax. Relevance/originality: this study is valuable because it allows the analysis of what types of public policies can lead small businesses to cope with the crisis caused by Covid-19. Social / management contributions: the study also contributes by demonstrating whether the formulation and implementation of public policy can impact small businesses, but policy design has often not effectively reached its target audience.
Digital Archaeology, Cyber-Archaeology and Archaeogaming: Possibilities for a Discipline Facing the Digital World
Authors: Morais Cruz Matheus
Published: September 2023

This paper seeks to present an overview of the implications of the massive development of computer technologies, especially digital games, on archeology. For this, I will discuss some considerations about the area called Digital Archaeology – which came to be integrated into the debates around Digital Humanities. This field has been responsible for establishing the theoretical and methodological foundations for the holistic understanding of the use of computer technologies in the development of archaeological research. Afterward, I will briefly present the relationship between digital games and archaeology, from the main concepts and advances of Cyber-archaeology and Archaeogaming, two of the most essential branches of Digital Archaeology to deal with digital games. I will present ways in which Cyber-archaeology seeks to develop three-dimensional interactive applications for the production and communication of archaeological research based on the concepts of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality and their fundamental axes (immersion and real-time interactivity); and how Archaeogaming has been established as a fundamental scientific discipline for understanding the representations of different conceptions of culture and society portrayed in games and simulations through digital archaeological excavations. Finally, I will present some of the pioneer initiatives of cyber-archaeological and Archaeogaming projects developed in Brazil.
Theoretical investigation on the elastic and mechanical properties of high-entropy alloys with partial replacement of Sc in Hf0.25Ti0.25Zr0.25Sc0.25−x
Al
x
(x ≤ 15 %)
Authors: Maddheshiya Ajit Kumar , Singh Shakti Pratap , Singh Devraj , Yadav Phool Singh , Yadav Raja Ram , Yadav Thakur Prasad
Published: September 2023

The theoretical assessment of mechanical and elastic properties is used to analyze the distinctive properties of high entropy alloys (HEAs) at room temperature. Using Lennard–Jones potential model, the second order elastic constants (SOECs) and third order elastic constants (TOECs) have been determined for the HEAs Hf0.25Ti0.25Zr0.25Sc0.25−x
Al
x
(x ≤ 15 %) in their hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phases. SOECs have been used to calculate mechanical constants, Poisson’s ratio, Pugh’s ratio, Kleinman’s parameter. In order to determine the anisotropic behaviour of the selected HEAs, the elastic anisotropy has also been computed at room temperature. All the HEAs under consideration have anisotropy parameters that are not equal to one, indicating anisotropic behaviour. Later, the Grüneisen parameters were estimated for the chosen HEAs Hf0.25Ti0.25Zr0.25Sc0.25−x
Al
x
(x ≤ 15 %) along longitudinal and shear modes of wave propagation. Analysis of the research results reveals the inherent properties of HEAs.
Corporate Venturing in Deutschland und den USA
Authors: Sandikçi Süleyman , Metzler Jannik
Published: September 2023

Viele etablierte Unternehmen kooperieren im Rahmen von Corporate Venturing mit Start-ups, um einen Zugang zu neuen Technologien zu erhalten, neue Geschäftsfelder aufzubauen und Innovationen hervorzubringen. Der Großteil der in DAX und Dow Jones vertretenen Unternehmen, darunter auch zahlreiche produzierende Unternehmen, verfügt über Venture-Einheiten, die die Zusammenarbeit initiieren und steuern. Dieser Beitrag liefert auf Grundlage statistischer Daten Erkenntnisse zur Bedeutung von Start-up-Zentren und zur lokalen Präferenz von Venture-Einheiten in Deutschland und den USA.
Öncenzúra és Cancel Culture
Authors: Ádám Tislér
Published: September 2023

A cancel culture, vagy magyarul „az eltörlés kultúrája” az utóbbi évek egyik legtöbbször vitatott társadalmi jelensége a nyugati országokban. Az online térben végig söprő boszorkányüldözések elől látszólag senki nem rejtőzhet el, ha valaha olyat tett, vagy mondott, ami a társadalmi igazságosságért küzdő csoportok szerint elfogadhatatlan, vagy kívül esik a politikai korrektség határain. Ezek a csoportok nem tűrnek semmiféle ellenvéleményt, dogmatikus módon foglalnak állást, a velük történő konstruktív vitára alig van lehetőség. De mégis mi lehet az oka, hogy ezek a csoportok ilyen sikeresen tudják álláspontjukat érvényesítni a nyugati világban látszólag anélkül, hogy ellenvéleménybe ütköznének?
Gibraltár és a Brexit
Authors: Tímea Varga
Published: September 2023

Az Egyesült Királyság 2020. december 31-ével hivatalosan is kilépett az Európai Unióból, a 2016-os Brexit-népszavazással megkezdett eljárás azonban még mindig nem zárult le: továbbra is vannak megválaszolandó kérdések, és megoldandó problémák. Az egyik legnagyobb ilyen probléma az úgynevezett kemény ha-tárok kérdése: Észak-Írország és Gibraltár esetében. Annak ellenére, hogy az Egyesült Királyság és Spanyol-ország 2020 december végén sikeresen kötött egy átmeneti megállapodást, amely Gibraltárt a schengeni övezet részévé teheti, a probléma megoldása még várat magára. 2021. január 1-jével megkezdődött az átmeneti időszak, amelynek végén mindkét országnak alá kellene írnia a félsziget státusáról szóló szerződést, ez azonban mindeddig nem történt meg. Tanulmányomban Gibraltár helyzetével foglalkozom, azt vizsgálva, mit jelenthet ez az új megállapodás London, Madrid és Gibraltár számára. Továbbá szeretnék kitérni a jövőbeli szerződés kilátásaira, és arra is, hogy a Brexit megváltoztathatja-e azt a tényt, hogy a félsziget az Egyesült Királysághoz tartozik.
Haiti: A jövőjétől megfosztott ország biztonsági helyzete
Authors: Áron Balogh
Published: September 2023

A tanulmány elsődleges célja, hogy egy átfogó képet nyújtson a hagyományosan alulkutatott Haiti jelenkori biztonsági helyzetéről. Az elemzésben előbb bemutatásra kerülnek az állam 200 éves történelmének főbb fejezetei, s azok hatásai jelenünkre. A második rész pedig főleg a 2020-as évek történéseire fókuszál, melyek által egy összetett biztonsági kép prezentálására törekedtem. A törékeny államként meghatározott közép-amerikai ország helyzete számunkra is releváns lehet. Egyrészt emlékeztet minket, hogy a tágan vett transzatlanti térségben is foglalkoznunk kell a stabil államiság kérdésével. Másrészt az újonnan formálódó globális világrend egyik pólusának számító Egyesült Államok közeli szomszédságában lévő biztonsági kihívás – mint a bevándorlás, szervezett bűnözés terén – egyre több figyelmet érdemel.
Repertórios de luta de mulheres latino-americanas durante a pandemia
Authors: Sartorio Gonçalves Lara , Silva Reghim Mariane , Gonzalez Vitória
Published: September 2023

O protagonismo das mulheres e dos múltiplos feminismos latino

-

americanos ao longo da

pandemia caracterizam a luta popular do período. Observamos um processo inventivo e

multiplicador de repertórios mobilizados com acentuado giro decolonial. O propósito des

te

trabalho consistiu em tratar da trajetória dos movimentos feministas na América Latina,

apontando a emergência de diferentes repertórios em processos de continuidade, ruptura e

atualização. A partir desse desenvolvimento socio

-

histórico, teórico e da an

álise de dados

contidos nos monitoramentos de movimentos sociais em diferentes países da região, que

realizamos no bojo das iniciativas do Observatório de Movimentos Sociais na América Latina

(OMSAL), chegamos a conclusões interessantes: (a) os repertórios

de ação dos movimentos

feministas escancararam elementos cruciais para compreender o período da pandemia no

continente e seus impactos na vida social e política; (b) a vida das mulheres, sobretudo das

mulheres negras, sofreu impacto diferenciado da pandem

ia em diferentes temáticas; (c) o

cenário global de crescente autoritarismo, militarização, ascensão de extrema direita e de um

forte discurso antifeminista e nostálgico de períodos ditatoriais tornou o feminismo alvo de

resistência central; (d) a dinâmica

de afeto dos movimentos feministas reconstrói vínculos

sociais e ações de solidariedade.
Território, autonomia, soberania e extrativismo
Authors: Trotte Alyssa , Lopes Deborah , Closs Marília
Published: September 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar os conflitos socioambientais TIPNIS, Chepete

-

El Bala e

da extração de lítio na Bolívia durante o período de pandemia da Covid

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19, tendo como

recorte temporal abril de 2020 a abril de 2022. Para mapear os confli

tos, orientamo-nos pelas

seguintes perguntas: i) Quais foram os atores envolvidos nos conflitos? ii) Quais demandas

por eles pautadas? e iii) Como essas demandas foram reivindicadas na pandemia? Em termos

metodológicos, utilizamos fontes secundárias (jorna

is e meios de comunicação alternativos) e

mapeamento das redes sociais dos movimentos envolvidos nos casos estudados. À luz da

discussão contemporânea sobre extrativismo e neoextrativismo na América Latina,

concluímos que, durante a pandemia, há uma manute

nção nos padrões de relação Estado-recursos naturais por parte do governo, inalterados inclusive com as transições de governo

entre 2020 e 2021. Verifica-se, no entanto, que dentro das mesmas gramáticas de autonomia

e luta pelos territórios há um novo repe

rtório de ação sendo criado, com transformações nas

formas de reivindicação por parte dos atores sociais.
Creatividad, danza e indagación social
Authors: Paula Zanin María
Published: September 2023

El presente escrito busca adentrarse en algunos debates de la teoría sociológica que aportan

herramientas heurísticas como ejercicio reflexivo intrínseco para repensar los problemas de

investigación específicos. El objetivo es indagar sobre los fundamentos

de por qué la dimensión

creativa de la acción es clave para abordar la danza como práctica artística/expresiva colectiva.

En un primer apartado se pone en contexto y tensión el planteo teórico del sociólogo Hans Joas

en torno a la dimensión creativa de la

acción enfatizando su influencia pragmatista, sus aportes y

limitaciones en el marco del desarrollo de la teoría sociológica. Luego se introduce la danza como

práctica abordada desde lo social, dando cuenta de algunos antecedentes relevantes de

investigac

iones que la abordan y permiten indagar sobre los distintos lentes teóricos y

epistémicos utilizados en su análisis. Por último, como cierre del trabajo, se tensiona, en el marco

de la teoría sociológica contemporánea, algunos hallazgos, para abordar la da

nza desde la

creatividad y la expresividad como claves analíticas
SUBSTITUIÇÃO DO SULCO TROCLEAR POR PRÓTESE EM CÃO: RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Nativo de Mello Cabral Nathalia Maria , Britz Dias Vivian , Dachewsky Sayão Lobato Júlia , Ribeiro Santos Vinícius , Morel Ana Paula
Published: September 2023

A luxação patelar é uma das afecções ortopédicas mais comuns em cães, sendo classificada de acordo com sua severidade, desde o grau I até o grau IV. O mecanismo fisiopatológico ainda não é totalmente elucidado. Sabe-se que a frouxidão ligamentar facilita a saída da patela do sulco troclear, e este deslocamento desgasta os côndilos lateral e medial do fêmur, facilitando a luxação da patela. A alteração biomecânica do joelho pode ser constatada através de exame físico ortopédico e de exames de imagem. O tratamento é cirúrgico, sendo a prótese troclear uma excelente opção para restabelecer o funcionamento da articulação. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi relatar o primeiro caso de prótese para substituição da tróclea no procedimento de correção de luxação patelar no estado do Rio Grande do Sul.
Medicinal Plants for Traditional Treatment Used by the Malays in South Bangka Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Henri Henri , Sari Dayu Puspita , Hakim Luchman
Published: September 2023

The people of South Bangka Regency have been well-known for using plants as traditional medicine and applied it in their daily life, but the information about the indigenous medical system the limited written of documentation. This study aimed to describe the types of medicinal herbs, analyze the medicinal herbs used as traditional medicine, and discover the conservational effort practiced by the Malays which is the local ethnic of South Bangka Regency. The study employed a quantitative method with field observation techniques, interviews, and herbs identification. The data were analyzed using the ethnomedicinal quantitative method. The results showed that there were 117 species of medicinal herbs with 57 families, while the most frequently used herb was Areca catechu with the results of UV (0.16), FL (16.22), and RFC (0.004). On the important family value (FIV), the most frequently used herb was the Myrtaceae family with 9 species, followed by Poaceae with 8 species. One of the conservation efforts of medicinal plants is by conducting cultivation to help prevent extinction in their natural habitat.
Development of Pteridophyte Taxonomic Learning Resource to Foster Cognitive and Psychomotor Learning Outcomes
Authors: Aprilanti Harmita , Rahayu Enni Suwarsi , Hadiyanti Lutfia Nur
Published: September 2023

Authentic learning resources are meaningful for Biology learning, particularly in conceiving Plantae topic. The availability of plants, especially Pteridophyte in school environment is very limited and require more adequate plant learning resources. This study aimed to develop a Pteridophytes Taxonomic Learning Resource (PTLR) and tested its validity, practicality, and effectiveness. Research and Development were done refers to the ADDIE model. The PTLR was validated by a taxonomist and instructional media expert. The practicality was observed from the responses of teachers and students, while the effectiveness was explored based on cognitive and psychomotor learning outcomes. The PTLR was developed by container gardening method with 29 fern species representing the classes of Pteridophyte and showed specific characteristics which organized in their taxonomic groups. The results showed that PTLR is very valid with average score of 85.5% and considered practical by teachers (81.25%) and students (90.65%). The PTLR was also effective in achieving two basic competencies by Curriculum of 2013 of Biology with cognitive outcome N-gain of 0.57 (moderate) and psychomotor 86.34% (very good). In summing up, the PTLR is recommended as a learning resource of Plantae topic at senior high school. This research result enriches the types of innovative biology learning resources.
Increasing COVID-19 Vaccination Rates for Children With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Yan Adam P. , Archer Natasha M. , Arnold Dianne , Hansbury Eileen , Heeney Matthew M. , Johnson David , Lichtman Erica , McMullan Heather , Morrissey Lisa , Ilowite Maya
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 vaccine is important for children with sickle cell disease (SCD). This quality improvement project's objective was to increase the proportion of children with SCD receiving ≥2 COVID-19 vaccine doses to ≥70% by June 2022.

METHODS

We used the Model for Improvement framework. We assessed COVID-19 vaccination rates biweekly. Three plan-do-study-act cycles focusing on patient education, provider awareness, and access were performed. Process measures included the outcome of outreach calls and educational video views. Missed clinic appointments was our balancing measure. Line graphs and statistical process control charts were used to track changes. Interrupted time series was used to model implementation rates while accounting for preexisting trends.

RESULTS

A total of 243 patients were included. During the preintervention (September 2021–January 2022) and intervention periods (February 2022–June 2022), overall vaccination rates increased from 33% to 41% and 41% to 64%, respectively. Mean vaccination rate in eligible children in each 2-week period increased from 2.1% to 7.2%. The achieved vaccination rate was 11% greater than predicted for patients with SCD. For the general population the achieved vaccination rate was 23% lower than predicted. The proportion of missed visits did not change (9.0% vs. 9.6%). During outreach calls, 10 patients (13.5%) booked a vaccine. Forty percent of patients watched the promotional video.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant number of patients with SCD are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Targeting misinformation and improving vaccine access aided in increasing vaccination. Additional interventions are needed as a large number of patients remain unvaccinated.
When the Unknown Is Unknowable: Confronting Diagnostic Uncertainty
Authors: Faison Giulia , Chou Fu-Sheng , Feudtner Chris , Janvier Annie
Published: September 2023

The neonatology literature often refers to medical uncertainty and specifically the challenges of predicting morbidity for extremely premature infants, who can have widely varying outcomes. Less has been written about situations in which diagnoses are simply unknown or unattainable. This case highlights the importance of communication amidst uncertainty from a lack of knowledge about aspects of a patient’s condition. Using epidemiologic and clinical reasoning, the authors challenge the assumption that diagnostic uncertainty must necessarily portend prognostic uncertainty. When physicians’ quest for a diagnosis becomes burdensome and detrimental to the infant’s quality of life, this should be abandoned and replaced by focusing on prognosis. The authors focus on the shift of the physician’s role toward one of support, assisting the family in ascribing meaning to the dying experience. By focusing on prognosis and support, communication can proceed with more clarity, understanding, and empathy.