bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semelparity and Reproductive Death in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Gems David , Kern Carina , Nour Joseph , Ezcurra Marina
Published: November 2020

In some species of salmon, reproductive maturity triggers the development of massive pathology resulting from reproductive effort, leading to rapid post-reproductive death. Such reproductive death, which occurs in many semelparous organisms (with a single bout of reproduction), can be prevented by blocking reproductive maturation, and this can increase lifespan dramatically. Reproductive death is often viewed as distinct from senescence in iteroparous organisms (with multiple bouts of reproduction) such as humans. Here we review the evidence that reproductive death occurs in C. elegans and discuss what this means for its use as a model organism to study aging. Inhibiting insulin/IGF-1 signaling and germline removal suppresses reproductive death and greatly extends lifespan in C. elegans, but can also extend lifespan to a small extent in iteroparous organisms. We argue that mechanisms of senescence operative in reproductive death exist in a less catastrophic form in iteroparous organisms, particularly those involving costly resource reallocation, and exhibiting endocrine-regulated plasticity. Thus, mechanisms of senescence in semelparous organisms (including plants) and iteroparous ones form an etiological continuum. Therefore understanding mechanisms of reproductive death in C. elegans can teach us about some mechanisms of senescence that are operative in iteroparous organisms.
Correlates of Ghanaian households’ use of clean cooking fuels: insight from the 2014 demographic and health surveys
Authors: Dadzie Seth Sylvester , Kenney Paul Lawer , Emmanuel Nakua Kweku , Herman Agboh Nuake Kofi , Henry Duah Ofori , Veronica Dzomeku Millicent , Pascal Agbadi
Published: November 2020

Background: Globally, about 2.9 billion persons, the majority of whom are from low and middle-income countries, depend on poorly combusted biomass and coal for cooking and heating. Using poorly combusted fuels have negative implication on people’s health and quality of life. In Ghana, only about two out of ten households use clean fuels for cooking. Predictive models of associated factors of clean cooking fuels in Ghana are rare.Objective: The study assessed the factors that influence Ghanaian households’ use of clean fuels. In this paper, we define electricity, LPG, and natural gas as clean cooking fuels, and kerosene, coal, lignite, charcoal, wood, straw/shrubs/grass, and agricultural crop as dirty cooking fuels.Methods: The study used the data of the cross-sectional demographic and health surveys conducted in 2014. Logistic regression was used to perform bivariate and multivariable analysis. We adjusted for the study designed and the household sampling weights.Results: We found that the following factors were associated with a higher odd of a Ghanaian household to use clean fuels for cooking: rich households, male-headed households, households’ headed by persons between 24years and 55 years, households with heads that were currently married or never married, households with heads that have attained at least a primary level education, households with less than eight members, households with at least two women, and households in Western, Central, Greater Accra, Volta, Eastern, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Upper East region. We further found that place of residence interacted with the relationship between study covariates and the uptake of clean cooking fuels.Conclusion: In view of these findings, we recommend: a national effort to subsidize and make LPG and the stoves that burn it affordable; education on efficient and sustainable consumption must be intensified and incorporated in the basic school’s curriculum to ensure the future generation are more health-conscious; creation of multiple LPG refilling outlets in all the regions in Ghana.
Prolonged Overall Treatment Time Negatively Affects the Outcomes of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Early-Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score-Weighted, Single-Center Analysis
Authors: IKAWA TOSHIKI , Tabuchi Takahiro , Konishi Koji , Morimoto Masahiro , Hirata Takero , Kanayama Naoyuki , Wada Kentaro , Toratani Masayasu , Okawa Sumiyo , Ogawa Kazuhiko , Teshima Teruki
Published: November 2020

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported conflicting results for the effect of overall treatment time (OTT) on tumor control with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To examine this effect, we conducted a propensity score-weighted, retrospective, observational study at a single institution.MethodsWe analyzed the data of 200 patients with early-stage NSCLC who underwent SBRT (48 Gy in 4 fractions) at our institution between January 2007 and October 2013. Patients were grouped into consecutive (OTT = 4–5 days, n = 116) or non-consecutive treatment groups (OTT = 6–10 days, n = 84). The outcomes of interest were local control and overall survival. The Cox regression model was used with propensity score and inverse probability of treatment weighting.ResultsThe median OTTs in the consecutive and non-consecutive groups were 4 and 6 days, respectively. The 5-year local control and overall survival rates in the consecutive group vs. non-consecutive group were 86.3% vs. 77.2% and 55.5% vs. 51.8%, respectively. After propensity score-weighting, consecutive SBRT was associated with positive local control (adjusted hazard ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.65; p=0.002) and overall survival benefits (adjusted hazard ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.91; p=0.019). Conclusions﻿Prolonged OTT negatively affected the outcomes of patients with early-stage NSCLC treated with SBRT. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that in patients with early-stage NSCLC treated with the same dose-fractionation regimen, consecutive SBRT has a more beneficial effect on tumor control than does non-consecutive SBRT.
Searching nature-based solutions to emerging diseases: a preliminary review of Cameroonian medicinal plants with potentials for the management of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: FEDOUNG Evariste FONGNZOSSIE , BIWOLE Achille , BIYEGUE Christine Fernande NYANGONO , NGANSOP Marlene , NTONGA Patrick AKONO , ESSONO Damien Marie , FUNWI Forbi Preascious , TONGA Calvin , NGUENANG Guy Merlin , KEMEUZE Victor Aimé , SONWA Denis Jean , TSABANG Nole , BOUELET ISabelle Sandrine , TIZE Zra , BOUM Alexandre Teplaira , SOLEFACK Marie Caroline MOMO , BETTI Jean Kagarde , BISSOUE Achille NOUGA , LEHMAN Leopold Gustave , MAPONGMETSEM Pierre Marie , NGANE Annie NGONO , YONKEU Jeanne NGOGANG
Published: November 2020

Since the outbreak in December 2019 in Wuhan (China) of COVID-19, approved drugs are still lacking and the world is seeking effective treatment. The purpose of this article is to review the medicinal plants with potential to be used as complementary therapies against COVID-19. Bibliographic information was searched in several databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PROTA), to retrieve relevant papers on (1) plants used to manage common symptoms of COVI-19, (2) plant secondary metabolites with confirmed inhibitory effects on COVI-19 and (3) plants exhibiting pharmacological activities of relevance for COVID-19 management. A total of 230 species was recorded as potential source of ingredients for the fight against the 2019 novel corona virus. Of these species, 30 contain confirmed antiCOVID-19 secondary metabolites, 90 are used traditionally to manage at least 3 common symptoms of COVID-19, 10 have immunostimulant activity, 52 have anti-inflamatory activity, 14 have antiviral properties and 78 species are documented as used to treat malaria. A PCA analysis showing cluster formatting among the recorded species recorded indicates 4 groups of species and an array of possibility of using individual species or combination of species for their complementary effects. The authors argue that Cameroonian medicinal plants can be of potential contribution to the fight against COVID-19. Further applied research is needed to provide more scientific evidence for their efficacy, to establish standard formulations and clinical studies as part of efforts to develop therapies for COVID-19.
Characteristics of the completed chloroplast genome sequence of Xanthium spinosum: Comparative analyses, identification of mutational hotspots and phylogenetic implications
Authors: Raman Gurusamy , Park KyuTae , Kim Joo Hwan , Park SeonJoo
Published: October 2020

Background: The invasive species Xanthium spinosum has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for many years. Unfortunately, no extensive molecular studies of this plant have been conducted. Results: Here, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of X. spinosum was assembled and analyzed. The cp genome of X. spinosum was 152,422 base pairs (bp) in length, with a quadripartite circular structure. The cp genome contained 115 unique genes, including 80 PCGs, 31 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Comparative analyses revealed that X. spinosum contains a large number of repeats (999 repeats) and 701 SSRs in its cp genome. Fourteen divergences (Π > 0.03) were found in the intergenic spacer regions. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Parthenium is a sister clade to both Xanthium and Ambrosia and an early-diverging lineage of subtribe Ambrosiinae, although this finding was supported with a very weak bootstrap value. Conclusion: The identified hotspot regions could be used as molecular markers for resolving phylogenetic relationships and species identification in the genus Xanthium.
A Pyropia haitanensis putative ABA-GPCR homologous protein as an early evolution transmembrane receptor protein?
Authors: Zhu Zhujun , Zhen Zhang-he , Chen Haimin , Jin Zhen , Chen Juanjuan , Gu Denghui , Luo Qijun , Yan Xiaojun , Yang Rui
Published: November 2020

Background

Algae respond to chemical and environmental stimuli in a way similar to higher plants. However, their receptors sensing stimuli remain a mystery.
Results

We identified and characterized one putative abscisic acid-G-protein coupled receptor homologous protein from red alga Pyropia haitanensis, Ph1205, and analyzed its evolution relationship, subcellular localization, and ligand-binding properties. Ph1205 contains 9 predicted transmembrane domains. Phylogenetic analysis revealed its early evolution. Recombinant expression of Ph1205-Egfp in HEK293T cells and immunofluorescence detection against N-terminal extracellular 14 amino acids (N14) of Ph1205 in Ph1205-transfected HEK293T cells and P. haitanensis protoplast confirmed its membrane location. Both N14 and Ph1205-transfected cells displayed high affinity with salicylic acid (SA) and oligoagar, which activated cAMP response element in HEK293T cells and upregulated luciferase activity. SA and oligoagar elicited similar but different transcriptional profiles of P. haitanensis, mainly by being involved in anabolic metabolism and cell growth. However, related intracellular signaling system in P. haitanensis has not yet fully evolved and evidently responded.
Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that Ph1205 displays some structural and functional characteristics as an early evolutionary membrane receptor, has potential extracellular-binding affinity to SA and oligoagar, and can activate heterotrimeric G-protein and CRE in animal cells.
A Nomogram with Lymph Node Status Predicts Survival and the Benefit of Postoperative Radiotherapy in IIIA-N2 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients after Surgery
Authors: Chen Ye , Dong Lei , Li Minjing , He Fei , Qiu ChenHui , Cai Wanru
Published: November 2020

Objective: This study aimed at establishing a novel nomogram predicting overall survival and investigating the survival benefit of postoperative radiotherapy in IIIA-N2 Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after surgery.Methods: Data of IIIA-N2 NSCLC patients between 2004 and 2016 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER). Patients were excluded if the information regarding follow-up time and clinicopathological features were incomplete. Through Univariate and multivariate analyses, independent prognostic factors were identified and integrated into the construction of nomogram. The survival benefit of PORT was investigated in model-defined low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk subgroups, respectively.Results: In total, 4389 patients were finally included for analysis. Patients’ age, sex, T stage, differentiation grade, examined lymph nodes number (ELN), metastatic lymph nodes number (MLN), and metastatic lymph nodes ratio (LNR) were identified as independent prognostic factors and were integrated into the construction of nomogram. The C-index and calibration curves indicated that the predictive performance of the nomogram was satisfactory. Patients were then categorized into three prognostic groups with the increasing risk of all-cause of death. Only patients in high-risk group could benefit from PORT.Conclusion: In this large-cohort retrospective study, A survival-predicting nomogram and risk stratification model were established to estimate prognosis in IIIA-N2 NSCLC patients. PORT was recommended for those patients in high-risk group. This study may provide additional integration, introspection, and improvement for therapeutic decision-making.
Central Contributions of Myocardial Injury to Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Tan Hu , Liu Chuan , Yang Jie , Yang Yuanqi , Shen Yang , Chen Renzheng , Ding Xiaohan , Gao Xubin , Ke Jingbin , Yuan Fangzhengyuan , He Chunyan , Li Qi , Hu Mingdong , Zhang Limin , Li Ping , Huang Lan
Published: November 2020

Objective: this study aimed to explore the impacts of myocardial injury on the clinical severity and outcomes in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods: we analyzed the electronic medical records of 1646 COVID-19 inpatients in Wuhan Huoshenshan Hospital. Results: 327 (19.9%) developed into severe cases, 23 (1.4%) died. In comparison to common cases, severe cases showed older age, more comorbidities, abnormal immune responses, as well as liver, renal, cardiac and coagulation disorders. Multivariable logistic regression identified that older age , combining with arrhythmia, abnormal lymphocyte percentage, elevated hypersensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and myocardial injury were the independent risk factors for the incidence of severe cases. Moreover, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with myocardial injury had increasing risks of mortality, incidence of severe cases, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Particularly, myocardial injury patients co-existed with any other risk factor further deteriorated the clinical outcomes.Conclusion: The presence of myocardial injury and its co-existing with older age, arrhythmia, abnormal lymphocyte percentage, or elevated hs-CRP were greatly associated with the incidence of severe patients and poor clinical outcomes.
Risk and Protective Factors Analysis for Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Critically Ill Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Xing Shunpeng , Ma Shaolin , Zhou Yuxi , Lei Ming , Feng Gang , Jiang Tao , Sun Baohanxing , Wang Jiemin , He Zhengyu , Gao Yuan , Wen Daxiang
Published: November 2020

Objective: To study the incidence and risk factors of postoperative clinical delirium in critically ill elderly patients in order to devise strategies for prevention and treatment.Methods: We collected clinical data from 451 critically ill patients in the intensive care unit from four hospitals in Shanghai Pudong New Area. Postoperative delirium was measured using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU), and then the incidence of postoperative delirium was calculated. We used univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors associated with postoperative delirium in critically ill elderly patients.Results: Among the 451 critically ill patients, 56 had delirium after operation. The incidence of postoperative delirium was 12.4%. Univariate analysis showed that the incidence of postoperative delirium was significantly higher (P <0.05) in patients who had a past history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), underwent emergency surgery, were not administered intraoperative Propofol, had postoperative hypertension, were administered postoperative methylprednisolone, and did not have postoperative analgesia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR=1.111, 95% CI, 1.056-1.168), surgical timing (OR=1.154, 95% CI, 1.058-7.200), and use of methylprednisolone postoperatively (OR=8.030, 95% CI, 1.050-61.408) were risk factors. Use of Propofol intraoperatively (OR=0.315, 95%CI, 0.124-0.800) was protective factors for postoperative delirium in elderly critically ill patients.Conclusion: Adavanced age, COPD history, emergency surgery, postoperative hypertension, use of methylprednisolone, and no postoperative analgesia are risk factors for postoperative delirium in critically ill elderly patients. Medical staff should be educated in evaluating delirium in postoperative patients and conducting risk assessment in order to prevent and treat the disease earlier, and reduce the incidence of delirium.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOMECHANICAL SUBSTANTIATION OF REPARATIVE REGENERATION OF INTERVERTEBRAL DISCS IN PATIENTS WITH DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASES
Authors: Bodnarchuk J. A. , Khyzhnjak M. V. , Potapov О. О. , Chopik N. G.
Published: November 2020

Degenerative disc diseases occupy the second place in the overall structure of morbidity with temporary disability. In 40% of patients with spinal osteochondrosis, diseases of the locomotor apparatus and connective tissue cause primary disability. Disc degeneration is a pathological process that is the main cause of low back pain and is observed in the vast majority of people at some point in their lives. The influence of mechanical stress leads to degenerative changes in the tissues of the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Limited transport and low cellular saturation of the discs hinder recovery, make the intervertebral disc particularly vulnerable to injury, and contribute to the appearance of morphological tissue damage associated with the processes of biological aging. The pathological process involves all structural elements of the intervertebral disc. The earliest manifestations of disc degeneration usually occur in the nucleus pulposus, where a reduced content of proteoglycans disrupts mechanical function, which leads to progressive morphological degeneration of the entire intervertebral segment. Existing treatment methods (both surgical and conservative) are not able to adjust the number of cells in the nucleus pulposus and are unable to stop the pathological process in the intervertebral disc. Prevention of degeneration or repair of the intervertebral disc is a potential treatment for lumbar pain syndromes. Cell therapy has become a subject of great interest, as new research reports significant regenerative potential for many cellular sources, including the regeneration of the nucleus pulposus region of the intervertebral disc. The use and implementation of modern cell therapy in practical neurosurgery allows us to approach the problem of intervertebral disc degeneration at a new qualitative level with the use of multipotent cells, biochemical peptides in the reparative processes of the nucleus pulposus, as a possibility of treatment and prevention of vertebrogenic pain syndromes in the future.

Keywords
intervertebral disc, nucleus pulposus, cell therapy, transplantation, degenerative changes, reparation
Heritage Areas of Former Cement Plants in Smart City Environments
Authors: GĄSOWSKA-KRAMARZ Agata
Published: October 2020

This paper explores whether the historical heritage of a city with cement roots can be based on intelligent tools and applications introduced by the city. Smart cities are introducing a conceptual development model based on innovation and modern technology. The aim of the study is to presentation the current layout of the spatial structure of cement plants built since the beginning of the 19th century and the critical transformations that are taking place in the analyzed areas. Moreover the paper checks the transformation of degraded areas of former cement plants and whether the aspect of the city's historical heritage can be included in the strategic areas of a smart city.
The Impact of the Trade War Between the USA and China on the Global Economy: The Reaction of Professional Men and Women in Zambia
Authors: Chibesakunda Wendy Mumbi Margaret
Published: November 2020

The purpose is to investigate if gender affects knowledge of the International Trade War. The results will show that if both men and women had knowledge in full, of the devastating effects of an International Trade War, before it's escalation, any trade war would be withheld. If women fully understood and participated in war issues, then the negotiations and agreements would be richer, stronger, subtler and firmly rooted especially in developing countries. The Author used the Chi Method to understand how knowledgeable are the Professional Men and Women in Zambia on The International Trade War and the data will show the knowledge imbalance. The Article confirms that more needs to be done with the dissemination of information and participation of women because the lack of knowledge and participation does not bring positive results according to the findings in research which is briefly referred to in the Literature Review. Sadly, it appears that the gender gap will always exist.
Photocatalytic degradation of Congo Red under UV irradiation by zero valent iron nano particles (nZVI) synthesized using Shorea robusta (Sal) leaf extract
Authors: Jha Aditya Kumar , Chakraborty Sukalyan
Published: October 2020

In the present study, photo catalytic degradation of azo dye Congo Red was conducted using Fe nano particles (nZVI) in the presence of UV light. nZVI was biosynthesized using FeSO4.7H2O precursor and leaf extract of Shorea robusta (sal) as reducing agent under optimum condition of 1 mM concentration of precursor and a ratio of 1:1 Sal leaf extract to precursor. TEM and AFM images revealed formation of well dispersed spherical nano particles of 54–80 nm. SAED patterns of nZVI particles indicated its crystalline nature, while EDX result showed the presence of iron as the most abundant element. In batch experiments, optimum degradation of CR was 96% at 220 ppm CR with a dose of 1.2 g/L nZVI at pH 4 in 15 min following pseudo second order kinetics. The study suggested nZVI to be a potentially economic and ecofriendly technique for treatment of Congo Red.
Global impact and clinical management of severe respiratory syndrome coronovirus-2 (COVID-19)
Authors: Ghidan Alaa Yousef , Ghethan Fatima Yousef , Alghanmi Mohammad , Sangeetha Casimeer C. , David Ernest , Hadadin Malik Saleh , Mohammad Mohammad Yasin
Published: October 2020

Coronaviruses are enveloped non-segmented positive-sense RNA viruses belonging to the family Coronaviridae and the order Nidovirales and broadly distributed in humans and other mammals. The recommendations for the management of COVID-19 are mentioned in a lot of Updated Literature such as in The "L. Spallanzani" National Institute for the Infectious Diseases. These recommendations are considered as expert's opinions, which may be modified according to newly produced literature data. In addition, Chloroquine and its derivative, hydroxychloroquine, have a long history as safe and inexpensive drugs for use in malaria-endemic regions and as daily treatments for autoimmune diseases, with the most common side effect being eye damage after long-term use (Kapoor and Kapoor 2020).  Although previous studies have revealed that chloroquine has therapeutic activity against viruses, including human corona virus OC43 in animal models and SARS-CoV in cell culture studies. we proposed that from natural Medicine the polyphenol compounds in olive leaf extracts were responsible for the stimulation of probiotic Microbes growth and metabolism and that olive leaf extracts ingested in human diet might have the same effect on desirable components of the intestinal microflora, Herbal medicines, plant products, and phototherapeutic have been widely used all over the world since ancient times.  Such as Orange, garlic, Bananas, and lemon have an effect on increasing the immune system. On the other hand; Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are a piece of evidence to treat the harmful responses arising from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are microbial agents which could be potentially used as an alternative to anti-viral to treat human infectious disease, especially influenza; there is a novel treatment by using magnetite nanoparticles as nanomedicine drug for Covid- 19.
Evaluation of Four Artificial Intelligence–Assisted Self-Diagnosis Apps on Three Diagnoses: Two-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Ćirković Aleksandar
Published: October 2020

Background

Consumer-oriented mobile self-diagnosis apps have been developed using undisclosed algorithms, presumably based on machine learning and other artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The US Food and Drug Administration now discerns apps with learning AI algorithms from those with stable ones and treats the former as medical devices. To the author’s knowledge, no self-diagnosis app testing has been performed in the field of ophthalmology so far.

Objective

The objective of this study was to test apps that were previously mentioned in the scientific literature on a set of diagnoses in a deliberate time interval, comparing the results and looking for differences that hint at “nonlocked” learning algorithms.

Methods

Four apps from the literature were chosen (Ada, Babylon, Buoy, and Your.MD). A set of three ophthalmology diagnoses (glaucoma, retinal tear, dry eye syndrome) representing three levels of urgency was used to simultaneously test the apps’ diagnostic efficiency and treatment recommendations in this specialty. Two years was the chosen time interval between the tests (2018 and 2020). Scores were awarded by one evaluating physician using a defined scheme.

Results

Two apps (Ada and Your.MD) received significantly higher scores than the other two. All apps either worsened in their results between 2018 and 2020 or remained unchanged at a low level. The variation in the results over time indicates “nonlocked” learning algorithms using AI technologies. None of the apps provided correct diagnoses and treatment recommendations for all three diagnoses in 2020. Two apps (Babylon and Your.MD) asked significantly fewer questions than the other two (P<.001).

Conclusions

“Nonlocked” algorithms are used by self-diagnosis apps. The diagnostic efficiency of the tested apps seems to worsen over time, with some apps being more capable than others. Systematic studies on a wider scale are necessary for health care providers and patients to correctly assess the safety and efficacy of such apps and for correct classification by health care regulating authorities.
Social Media Use for Health Communication by the CDC in Mainland China: National Survey Study 2009-2020
Authors: Zeng Runxi , Li Menghan
Published: October 2020

Background

In recent years, public health incidents that pose a serious threat to public life have occurred frequently in China. The use of social media by public health authorities has helped to reduce these threats by increasing effective risk communication between the government and the public.

Objective

The aim of this study is to reveal how China’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses social media to improve three aspects of health communication between the government and the public: adoption, operation, and interaction.

Methods

To analyze the 134 CDC government Weibo accounts at the provincial- and prefecture-level administration regions in mainland China, we collected their account data and extracted 1215 Weibo tweets. We also supplemented the data to reveal the overall performance of the CDC’s government Weibo use during the COVID-19 crisis.

Results

The registration rate of the CDC’s government Weibo accounts increased year by year, and the local authorities registered Weibo accounts before the central government authorities. In total, 29.8% (n=134) of the 450 CDC facilities have registered an account. Among the 134 CDC facilities that have registered Weibo accounts, the registration rate in the eastern region (n=68, 50.7%) was higher than those in the central region (n=30, 22.4%) and the western region (n=36, 26.9%). Nearly 90.0% of these Weibo accounts had official certification, but there were dropouts in the specific operating process. One-third of the accounts have not been updated for more than 1 year, and the number of Weibo followers was polarized, with a maximum and minimum difference of 1 million. The response rate to users’ comments was less than 1%. Emergency information, multimedia content, and original content were more helpful in promoting communication between the government and the public. Such interaction was partially improved during the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC updated the daily epidemic situation and provided popular science information for epidemic prevention and control for the public in a timely manner.

Conclusions

China’s CDC is using more social media to popularize daily health information and has taken the first step to improve communication between the government and the public. However, equal dialogue, two-way interactions, and effective communication with the public still need improvement.
A Blockchain-Based Consent Platform for Active Assisted Living: Modeling Study and Conceptual Framework
Authors: Velmovitsky Pedro Elkind , Miranda Pedro Augusto Da Silva E Souza , Vaillancourt Hélène , Donovska Tania , Teague Jennifer , Morita Plinio Pelegrini
Published: October 2020

Background

Recent advancements in active assisted living (AAL) technologies allow older adults to age well in place. However, sensing technologies increase the complexity of data collection points, making it difficult for users to consent to data collection. One possible solution for improving transparency in the consent management process is the use of blockchain, an immutable and timestamped ledger.

Objective

This study aims to provide a conceptual framework based on technology aimed at mitigating trust issues in the consent management process.

Methods

The consent management process was modeled using established methodologies to obtain a mapping of trust issues. This mapping was then used to develop a conceptual framework based on previous monitoring and surveillance architectures for connected devices.

Results

In this paper, we present a model that maps trust issues in the informed consent process; a conceptual framework capable of providing all the necessary underlining technologies, components, and functionalities required to develop applications capable of managing the process of informed consent for AAL, powered by blockchain technology to ensure transparency; and a diagram showing an instantiation of the framework with entities comprising the participants in the blockchain network, suggesting possible technologies that can be used.

Conclusions

Our conceptual framework provides all the components and technologies that are required to enhance the informed consent process. Blockchain technology can help overcome several privacy challenges and mitigate trust issues that are currently present in the consent management process of data collection involving AAL technologies.
Reflexiones sobre algunos aspectos del marco regulatorio venezolano: el papel del estado (estado social de derecho, estado de bienestar), la salud y la seguridad social como derecho social fundamental
Authors: Pereira Jardim Lourdes
Published: October 2020

El presente artículo tiene como propósito fundamental considerar aspectos generales del marco regulatorio venezolano, enmarcándose el papel que debe cumplir el Estado como estado de bienestar y como estado social de derecho, teniendo especial atención el derecho a la salud y a la seguridad social, además de contrastarse con cierto miramiento la patología del cáncer de mama como una aproximación a la situación crítica que se vive en los actuales momentos en Venezuela, en áreas prioritarias de la salud y que en circunstancias de cuarentena y de crisis socio económica se agudiza el panorama por las limitaciones que ello exige. Se refieren por otra parte, sucintamente aspectos del marco regulatorio que nos permite hacer algunas reflexiones sobre esos preceptos de orden legal y de cómo nos afecta. Del mismo modo, se hace reflexión sobre los desafíos que tiene el Estado para atender esta situación además, de mostrar esa dicotomía entre lo loable del espíritu de la ley en el marco regulatorio y lo que se entrevé en el plano concreto de la realidad venezolana.
¿Qué entender por causa del negocio jurídico?
Authors: Landestoy Mendez Pedro Luis
Published: October 2020

La causa del negocio jurídico es uno de los tópicos del Derecho privado que más polémica ha desatado desde su formulación. Esa controversia no cesa en la actualidad: todavía se debate entre los que la quieren desechar como algo inútil y los que defienden su permanencia en la doctrina, la jurisprudencia y la legislación. En ese contexto adverso, el presente artículo se propone realizar un estudio de la causa desde su conceptualización, a fin de brindar una definición holística del fenómeno en contraste con la concepción doctrinal imperante.
Crisis del derecho fundamental a la libertad de circulación como consecuencia de la pandemia originada por el covid-19 en España
Authors: Marruecos Rumí María Esther
Published: October 2020

En éste artículo nos proponemos poner de manifiesto la situación de peligro en la que se encuentra actualmente en España el derecho fundamental a la libertad ambulatoria una vez oficialmente finalizado el estado de alarma, y ello como consecuencia de que por parte de las respectivas Comunidades Autónomas donde se están produciendo nuevos contagios del COVID-19 se está adoptando como medida, la restricción de la libertad de circulación de la población de forma indiscriminada, cuando la Constitución Española prevé a tal efecto, de manera específica y con garantías, la declaración del estado de alarma al que nada impide volver siquiera parcialmente. Por el contrario, la restricción del derecho se está operando por vía de la legislación sanitaria e incluso por vía de decretos–leyes, autonómicos.
O TRIBUNAL PENAL INTERNACIONAL E O PRINCÍPIO DA LEGALIDADE
Authors: Feitosa Renato Almeida , Colen Guilherme Coelho
Published: October 2020

Questão central no Direito Internacional Penal é a da relativização de aspectos limitadores do poder de punir decorrentes do princípio da legalidade. Embora o princípio da legalidade tenha sido definido no Estatuto de Roma, muitos dos elementos caracterizadores dos antigos Tribunais ad hoc serviram de contradição àquele princípio. A investigação dessas contradições é o objeto da presente pesquisa.
O SOFT POWER COMO UM INSTRUMENTO DA POLÍTICA EXTERNA CHINESA E SUA ESTRATÉGIA NA ÁFRICA SUBSAARIANA
Authors: Heiermann Felipe Augusto
Published: October 2020

O enorme desenvolvimento econômico que a China vive nos últimos anos têm sido o pano de fundo para uma política externa baseada no soft power que se difunde em diversas regiões do globo, principalmente África e Sudeste Asiático. Tal política tem sido usada pelos chineses para suprir suas demandas internas de recursos primários, favorecimentos na Organização das Nações Unidas, maior adesão na política de “Uma só China”, bem como refutar a ideia mundialmente difundida de que o desenvolvimento chinês seria uma ameaça global. Através da política de soft power, a China procura afirmar que o desenvolvimento chinês é uma oportunidade de desenvolvimento mútuo e pacífico. Presente artigo pretende analisar essa estratégia chinesa bem como seus objetivos na África Subsaariana, maiores centros dos investimentos econômicos e culturais chineses nos últimos anos.
CASOS DE INSUCESSO EM INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO DE EMPRESAS BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Thiago Fernando , Kubo Edson Keyso de Miranda , Castro Denise Gutierrez
Published: October 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as falhas de multinacionais brasileiras na realização de Investimento Direto Estrangeiro - IDE, com base nas teorias de internacionalização de empresas. Para que a organização seja considerada internacional, ela precisa ter pelo menos parte seu faturamento provenientes do exterior, como em operações de importação e exportação, licenças, franquias, alianças, joint venture, aquisições de empresas no exterior, implantação de subsidiárias e greenfield. A abordagem utilizada foi a qualitativa por meio das técnicas de pesquisa documental e bibliográfica. Os dados foram coletados de matérias jornalísticas, documentos e relatórios das empresas e artigos científicos. As operações analisadas foram das empresas: O Boticário, Habib´s e WEG. Os dados foram tratados por meio de análise de conteúdo. Verificou-se que as falhas mais frequentes nas organizações analisadas são relacionadas à adaptação de processos, produtos, serviços e observação das leis e normas do mercado de destino. Outra dificuldade verificada foi o pouco incentivo das políticas brasileiras para internacionalização, as que existem estão voltadas mais para as atividades de exportação. Neste aspecto, a internacionalização de empresas pode alçar grandes oportunidades para as organizações brasileiras, mas também grandes ameaças, sugerindo melhor observação dos processos de adaptação local para formulação dos planejamentos estratégicos de internacionalização.
CURRÍCULO E RELAÇÕES DE GÊNERO: DESAFIOS DA EDUCAÇÃO SUPERIOR NA ERA TECNOLÓGICA
Authors: Sousa Eliane Ferreira de
Published: October 2020

A educação superior no Brasil segue, de maneira geral, tendência patriarcal nos currículos dos cursos de nível superior por fatores de toda ordem, sobretudo, cultural, à exceção de cursos tendencialmente demandados pelo público feminino. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é lançar questionamentos acerca da relação entre gênero e currículo, com foco no ensino superior no Brasil, e as perspectivas de mudança à luz das ferramentas tecnológicas.  Esse tema é justificável, haja vista a infinidade de debates que nunca esgotam o tema, mas que trazem à luz aspectos sensíveis da desigualdade. A metodologia consiste na análise qualitativa de artigos científicos que articulam ideias com o objetivo aqui delineado, cujos resultados (ou a expectativa) são discutidos no plano de ações de melhoria ao problema curricular da educação superior no Brasil. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo está dividido em quatro partes: a) a primeira expõe a questão pedagógica sob dois prismas, o da adoção de práticas pedagógicas ultrapassadas e a escravização dos sujeitos receptivos a essas práticas; b) currículo e gênero; c) os desafios da educação superior; e d) a sociedade da informação e a educação superior.
Migration in intermediary cities in the interior of the brazilian northeast: the attraction of migration as a distinctive element
Authors: Queiroz Silvana Nunes de , Ojima Ricardo , Campos Járvis , Fusco Wilson
Published: October 2020

In Brazil, the debate on intermediary cities gained prominence when the urban population supplanted the rural during the 1970s, and when, in the metropolises, there began a deconcentration of the population which, as from the 1980s, was redistributed across the metropolitan surroundings and the interior of the states. Thus, the aim of the present study is to discover how many intermediary cities there are, where they are located in the interior of the Northeastern region and their relevance in attracting migrants. Microdata was used from the 2010 demographic census, specifically the fixed data topic that questions migrants on their place of residence five years before the reference date of the survey. The results have demonstrated that, although most cities presented a population decline, with a move towards very distant locations (interregional), a large number play a relevant role in intraregional attraction (medium distance) and, notably, intrastate (short distance), which exercise the role of deconcentrating the population of the metropolises. The main immigrant destinations were Caruaru (PE), Petrolina (PE) and Mossoró (RN). On the other hand, the cities presenting the highest negative migration balance were Imperatriz (MA), Itabuna (BA) and Ilhéus (BA). Furthermore, through a literature review and data collected by the study, it was discovered that the definition of an intermediary city based on the criterion of population size is no longer recommended for a country of continental dimensions and distinct stages of development such as Brazil.
O sistema urbano da Bahia no contexto da emergência de novas hierarquias urbano-regionais
Authors: Porto Leonardo Rodrigues , Miranda Humberto
Published: October 2020

Qual foi a evolução do sistema urbano baiano no contexto da urbanização brasileira pós-1990? O objetivo deste texto é analisar as transformações nas redes de cidades do estado da Bahia em período mais recente. Buscou-se caracterizar a Região de Influência de Salvador, cujas articulações espaciais extrapolam as divisas do próprio estado. Esse recorte constitui importante instrumento de compreensão da dinâmica urbano-regional. Na conclusão, apresenta-se uma reflexão sobre as novas determinações da hierarquia urbano-regional baiana.
TANBÄªH AL-MÄ€SYI AL-MANSÅªB ILÄ€ TARÄªQ AL-QUSYASYÄª: Analisis Uslub Bahasa Arab dalam Karya â€˜Abd Ar-Rauf As-Singkili
Authors: Rasyad Rasyad , Hermansyah Hermansyah , Zulkhairi Zulkhairi
Published: November 2020

'Abd ar-Rauf al-Jawi al-Fansuri As-Singkili is a prolific scholar. He authored dozens of books in various fields and a variety of topics. Among his work written entirely in Arabic is al-MÄsyÄ« Tanbih al-MansÅ«b Tariq ila al-QusyÄshy. The text discusses the mysticism and monotheism, written around 1661 in Aceh. The text contains three forms of uslub, namely; uslub 'ilmi, uslub khitabi and uslub adabi. Uslub 'ilmi is more dominant in usage and more influential in the style of his thinking and writing than uslub khitabi adabi. There are lafadz tasybÄ«h, iqtibÄs, amr, nidaâ€™, tawkÄ«d, and others can be found in the three elements of uslub. The meaning of the uslub sentence itself depends on the context
Dinasti Fatimiyah Di Mesir (909-1172): Kajian Pembentukan dan Perkembangannya
Authors: Manan Nuraini A
Published: November 2020

The discussion of the Fatimid Dynasty was an interesting discussion, because the controversy caused by the dynasty was enough to stir the Islamic world. Some author said this kingdom has a great contribution to introduce Muslims to science, because they build the University of al-Azhar. On the other hand, this kingdom is said to be an intolerant extremist kingdom, suppressing Sunni Muslims or Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah. The history of the kingdom filled with oppression, deceit, and deviation from the teachings of Islam is also another side that needs to be raised and discussed. Before discussing the political power of the Fatimid dynasty, we first discuss the ideology of this kingdom, because this is the underlying political movement. Fatimid dynasty was a Shiite-ideological kingdom, more precisely the Ismailis. Isma’ili Shi’ah is a Shi’ite sect who believes that Ismail bin Ja’far is the seventh priest, as for the majority of Shia (Shi’a Itsna Asyriyah) believes that Musah bin Ja’fa was the seventh imam after Ja’far ash-Sadiq. The differences in this subject matter then evolved into other doctrinal principles that increasingly distinguished Ismaili Shiite teachings from mainstream Shiite, Shiite Asna Asyriyah, so this teaching became a separate sect. Ismailis have beliefs that deviate far from the teachings and creeds of Islam. Like other Shiite sects, Isma’ilis Shiites also believe that priests are awake from sinful deeds, they are perfect figures, and there is no gap at all
Testemunhos em fragmentos: memórias do colonialismo português na peça Amores Pós-Coloniais
Authors: Franco Roberta Guimarães
Published: October 2020

A companhia teatral Hotel Europa, codirigida por André Amálio e Tereza Havlíčková, estreou em fevereiro de 2019, no Teatro Nacional D. Maria II, em Lisboa, a peça "Amores pós-coloniais", a quarta da série de teatro documental dedicada a Portugal contemporâneo – “Portugal não é um país pequeno” (2015), “Passa-porte” (2016) e “Libertação” (2017). Em “Amores pós-coloniais”, seis atores – três homens (dois brancos e um negro) e três mulheres (uma branca e duas negras) – dividem o palco, contando histórias de relações amorosas marcadas pela Guerra Colonial, pela descolonização, e por uma sociedade portuguesa que nutre um “pensamento que ainda não se descolonizou”. A peça, composta por fragmentos de testemunhos, músicas e referências bibliográficas sobre o tema, forma uma espécie de mosaico sobre a descoberta, a sobrevivência ou não do amor como um sentimento marcado pelas transformações sociais e históricas. Amores em África, amores em Portugal, durante a Guerra Colonial, após o 25 de abril de 1974, e seus desdobramento na atualidade, relações inter-raciais, violência doméstica, racismo, filhos sem pais, são alguns dos temas abordados no palco, tendo a fonte testemunhal como principal elemento para a estruturação do espetáculo. Este artigo pretende discutir a construção da peça “Amores pós-coloniais” a partir do uso em cena de testemunhos sobre o recente período colonial português e seus desdobramentos após o processo de descolonização, evidenciando os fragmentos como um “lugar” possível para o emergir das memórias ainda silenciadas na sociedade de forma geral.
Língua comum indecifrada: Grace Passô, Adília Lopes
Authors: Martins Helena
Published: October 2020

Este artigo põe em zona de vizinhança alguns inventos de Grace Passô e de Adília Lopes. Toma essa (inusitada) aproximação como ocasião favorável para refletir sobre o comum – tema que anima este volume e que ganha contornos singulares na atenção criadora que as artistas brasileira e portuguesa lhe dispensam. Propõe-se que, nos dois casos, estão em jogo gestos de tradução do comum – sob a hipótese de que as duas autoras remoçam, cada uma à sua maneira, a ideia antiga de que a escrita artística contrai com a própria língua uma relação de tradução, voltada para liberar o outro rarefeito no mesmo. A compreensão de tradução que informa mais imediatamente o artigo é aquela que transborda dos escritos ensaísticos e da prática tradutória e poética de Anne Carson, notadamente suas reflexões em torno da tradução como catástrofe. Mostra-se como, ao traduzirem o comum, Grace Passô e Adília Lopes “catastrofizam-no”, atingindo modos arraigados com que nos habituamos a opor o dentro e o fora das línguas, das comunidades, dos corpos. Prometem, assim, deslocar a percepção hoje tão criticada quanto ainda insidiosa do comum como um espaço, equipando-nos com saberes experimentais que permitem divisá-lo, ou antes, vivê-lo como tarefa.
Múnus: refazer nexos, coabitar
Authors: Montaury Alexandre , Jorge Silvio Renato
Published: October 2020

APRESENTAÇÃO
Lobato e a Metafísica dos Personagens
Authors: Kiraly Cesar
Published: November 2020

Neste artigo investigo a primeira publicação de Lobato. N’O Saci-Pererê: resultado de um inquérito tento perceber elementos do que poderia ser denominado de uma metafísica política do personagem.
Entrevista com Iara Xavier Pereira
Authors: De Hollanda Cristina Buarque
Published: November 2020

Iara Xavier PereiraFoi militante da ALN [Ação Libertadora Nacional] e exilada política durante a ditadura militar. Retornou ao país pouco antes da Lei da Anistia de 1979 e teve papel chave na articulação da luta pela localização dos mortos e desaparecidos políticos, tendo participado, anos depois, da Comissão Especial Sobre Mortos e Desaparecidos Políticos como assessora.
Entrevista com Tarso Genro
Authors: De Hollanda Cristina Buarque
Published: November 2020

Tarso Genro Advogado e professor universitário. Foi deputado federal (1989, 1990-1991), duas vezes prefeito de Porto Alegre (1993-1996; 2001-2002), foi Ministro da Educação (2004-2005) e Ministro das Relações Institucionais (2006-2007) do primeiro governo Lula. Depois, Ministro da Justiça (2007-2010) no segundo mandato do mesmo Presidente e governador do Rio Grande do Sul (2011-2015).