bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Highly Efficient Magnetic Phosphoric Acid Modified Defatted Chlorella Vulgaris Algae ( MDCV/Fe3O4) as a Novel Biosorbent for Methylene Blue Removal
Authors: Salehi Zeinab , Naziri Sahar
Published: January 2021

Background:A novel biosorbent based on defatted Chlorella vulgaris (DCV) as a by-product of the biofuel industry was considered as an economical and inexpensive biosorbent in the form of magnetic modified defatted Chlorella vulgaris (MDCV/Fe3O4) for methylene blue (MB) removal. The lipid extraction was performed on raw Chlorella vulgaris (RCV). Phosphoric acid was selected as a DCV modifier. During acid modification, the variables affecting the biosorption capacity and the residual algae such as temperature (30-70 ), the contact time of DCV with acid (3-9 hr), the concentration of acid (2-6 mol/L), and the ratio of acid volume to DCV (30-70 mL/g) were investigated and optimized using Minitab-18 software. The modified defatted Chlorella vulgaris (MDCV) was prepared by acidification of DCV under optimal conditions. MDCV/ was prepared using the co-precipitation method for easy and low-cost separation of biosorbent. The XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, BET, and VSM analyses were performed to identify the structures and characteristics of RCV, DCV, MDCV, and MDCV/. Some experimentsere designed using Minitab-18 software to investigate the effects of temperature (5-45 ), contact time (30-90 min), biosorbent dosage (15-45 mg), initial concentration of MB (20-100 mg/L), and pH (5-9) on the biosorption capacity of MDCV/. The kinetic, isothermal and thermodynamic parameters were investigated on MDCV/.Results:The specific surface area of MDCV/ was 25.20 . RCV, DCV, and MDCV/ had a crystalline structure and MDCV had an amorphous structure. The data were most consistent with Pseudo-second-order and Freundlich models. The maximum biosorption capacity of MDCV/ was calculated in the amount of 32.44‌ mg/g. According to the positive values of and negative values of (-46.56 kJ/mol) and (-0.17 kJ/mol.K), the biosorption of MB on MDCV/ was non-spontaneous, exothermic with a decrease in irregularity.Conclusions:In this study, MDCV/ was applied as the MB biosorbent. Modifications such as lipid extraction, phosphoric acid modification and magnetization improved this biosorbent in its biosorption capacity and separation. Data were optimized in the acid modification and MB biosorption steps. Comparison of the characteristics of MDCV/ with unmodified species confirmed its high efficiency. Kinetic, isothermal and thermodynamic studies were also performed.
Different Timings of Early Cumulus Cells Removal Have Different Multiple Pronuclei Rates in Human in Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Liu Zhiren , Liu Qicai , Jiang Mingting , Chen Xingting , Lin Chen , Guo Yujia
Published: January 2021

Background: Cumulus cells removal 4 h post-insemination has a significantly higher multiple pronuclei (MPN) rate than cumulus cells removal 20 h post-insemination. And, cumulus cells removal 6 h post-insemination has a significantly lower MPN rate than cumulus cells removal 20 h post-insemination. However, it remains unclear whether the different timings of early cumulus cells removal, such as the timings of 4, 5 and 6 h post-insemination, have significantly different MPN rates.Methods: This was a retrospective study. The included cycles were early cumulus cells removal cycles (n=752) at our center from January 2015 to August 2020. The included cycles were divided into two groups according to whether MPN exist (MPN=0% and MPN>0%). The patient and cycle stimulation characteristics of the two groups were compared. Binary logistic regression was performed to investigate the correlation between the timing of early cumulus cells removal and MPN. The cohort study was also performed to compare the patient characteristics, cycle stimulation characteristics, fertilization outcomes, and cultivation outcomes.Results: In the population of our study, the timing of early cumulus cells removal had a significant effect on the MPN. The cumulus cells removal ≤4 h post-insemination group had a high MPN rate, and the 5.5<time≤6 h group had a high fertilization failure rate. However, 2PN rate was not significantly different among the different timings of early cumulus cells removal. In addition, the ≤4 h post-insemination group had a high grade 1–2 embryo rate at day 3.Conclusion(s): Even if all the timings of cumulus cells removal are early, the different timings of early cumulus cells removal still have a significant effect on the MPN.
Implementing Cloud Radio Access on a Multi-Core System
Authors: Gerai V. , Krishnamurty T.S. , Chakraborty K.L.
Published: January 2021

In this article, we propose the implementation of a Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) on a multicore unified device that facilitates the processing of multiple distributed antennas in the base band. In order to decrease their runtime, we present a parallel processing model based on both functional and data decomposition of virtualized Base Band Unit (BBU) functions. We are investigating two parallel running BBU work scheduling techniques, where computational resources can be distributed by user equipment (UE) or by code blocks (CB). We implement a batch queuing model by using data obtained while running an open source RAN code to determine the necessary processing power in a data center while following tight latency criteria in the downlink and uplink directions. When processing a hundred LTE-cells in a multicore device, the proposed model is validated by simulation. The findings provide useful advice on the sizing and implementation of Cloud-RAN applications such as cryptography [9].
Clinical features and outcomes of combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma versus hepatocellular carcinoma versus cholangiocarcinoma after surgical resection: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Lin Chih-Wen , Wu Tsung-Chin , Lin Hung-Yu , Hung Chao-Ming , Hsieh Pei-Min , Yeh Jen-Hao , Hsiao Pojen , Huang Ya-Ling , Li Yu-Chan , Wang Ya-Chin , Shu Chih-Wen , Chen Yaw-Sen
Published: January 2021

Background: Combined hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC) is an infrequent type of primary liver cancer that comprises hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC). This study investigated the clinicopathological features and prognosis among cHCC-CC, HCC, and CC groups.Methods: We prospectively collected the data of 608 patients who underwent surgical resection for liver cancer between 2011 and 2018 at E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Overall, 505 patients with cHCC-CC, HCC, and CC were included, and their clinicopathological features, overall survival (OS), and recurrence were recorded. OS and recurrence rates were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier analysis.Results: In the entire cohort, the median age was 61 years and 80% were men. Thirty-five (7.0%) had cHCC-CC, 419 (82.9%) had HCC, and 51 (10.1%) had CC. The clinicopathological features of the cHCC-CC group were more identical to those of the HCC group than the CC group. OS was significantly lower in the cHCC-CC group than in the HCC group but was not significantly higher in the cHCC-CC group than in the CC group. The median OS of cHCC-CC, HCC, and CC groups was 50.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 38.7–61.2], 62.3 months (CI: 42.1–72.9), and 36.2 months (CI: 15.4–56.5), respectively. Cumulative OS rates at 1, 3, and 5 years in cHCC-CC, HCC, and CC groups were 88.5%, 62.2%, and 44.0%; 91.2%, 76.1%, and 68.0%; and 72.0%, 48.1%, and 34.5%, respectively. After propensity score matching (PSM), OS in the cHCC-CC group was not significantly different from that in the HCC or CC group. However, OS was significantly higher in the HCC group than in the CC group before and after PSM. Furthermore, the disease-free survival was not significantly different among cHCC-CC, HCC, and CC groups before and after PSM.Conclusion: The clinicopathological features of the cHCC-CC group were more identical to those of the HCC group than the CC group. The OS rate was significantly lower in the cHCC-CC group than the HCC group. However, after PSM, OS and disease-free survival in the cHCC-CC group were not significantly different from those in the HCC or CC group.
The Importance Of Bioaerosol In Forensic Investigations
Authors: Bulski Karol
Published: January 2021

The article discusses the importance of bioaerosol in terms of forensic microbiology and explains its usefulness in forensic investigations. Examples of investigative practice and crime investigations available in the literature are also presented, with special focus on the importance of biological aerosol analyses during evidence proceedings.

1. Introduction. 2. Biological aerosols. 3. Bioaerosols in forensic investigations. 4. Summary
Characteristics of private equity return: evidence from Brazil
Authors: Coelho Carlos , Contani Eduardo , Madkur Federico
Published: January 2021

Private equity (PE) stands out significantly in the world as one of the main development tools of the capital market in emerging economies and alternative sources of finance for companies. Particularly, the increase in fund value and continuous returns are objects of intense study in Brazil. The paper aims to find determinants to Brazilian private equity returns, regarding three relevant variables funds characteristics and GDP to a macroeconomic view. A sample of 1,112 PE funds registered at the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) was used and analyzed by three main variables: period of establishment, equity size, and exclusivity as possible determinants of funds’ performance using multiple regression model and fourth variable GDP is applied as a descriptive variable. The results indicate that older funds had a return premium of 1.5% monthly over young funds, smaller funds had a return premium of 1.4% over larger funds, and exclusivity does not influence the funds’ performance. Thus, the paper provides a basis for the relevant factors that an investor should verify in Brazil’s private equity fund before allocating the resources.
Economic growth and unemployment linkage in a developing economy: a gender and age classification perspective
Authors: Ume Kalu Ebere , Achike Chinwe , Ogbo Ann , Ukpere Wilfred
Published: January 2021

This paper examined the growth and unemployment linkage from a gender-classification perspective using the Nigerian economic environment. The autoregressive distributed lag model in its baseline form, the bound test, and error correction representation were used as the estimation approach. Annualized time series spanning 1981 to 2017 were used for the variables of interest. Generally, it was found that female unemployment has a positive significant influence on GDP growth rate in Nigeria, while youth unemployment negatively and significantly influences GDP. It was also found that male unemployment does not significantly affect the GDP growth rate in Nigeria. In the long run, the main variables influencing GDP growth rate within the context of this study include unemployment rate, ratio of labor force size to the national population, female unemployment rate, and youth unemployment rate. The error correction representation and the bound test estimates confirm that growth adjusts to the dynamics of the studied unemployment variables. The study advocates for an increase in government capital expenditure, as this is theoretically and practically known to create new jobs. This spending should go into real and core productive sectors that would create upstream and downstream jobs opportunities.
A sportolói identitás és a sport-elköteleződés összefüggései serdülő sportolók körében
Authors: Berki Tamás , Pikó Bettina
Published: January 2021

Számos nemzetközi kutatás bizonyította a sportolói identitás jelentőségét serdülő sportolóknál, hiszen az közvetve befolyásolhatja testi és szellemi fejlődésüket. Hazánkban a sportolói identitás vizsgálata még gyermekcipőben jár, ezért célunk az volt, hogy feltárjuk a serdülő sportolók identitásának összefüggéseit szociodemográfiai adatokkal, sportolási szokásokkal és a sport-elköteleződés modellel. Összesen 344 középiskolás sportoló vett részt a kutatásunkban, akiknek átlagéletkora 16,6 életév volt. Kérdőíves vizsgálatunkhoz a szociodemográfiai adatok és sportolási szokások mellett az ún. Sportolói identitás skálát és az ún. Sport-elköteleződés kérdőívet használtuk. Adataink elemzéséhez kétmintás t-próbát, egyszempontos varianciaanalízist, korrelációt, valamint regresszióanalízist alkalmaztunk. Eredményeinkben azt tapasztaltuk, hogy a sportolói identitás szintje nemenként, tagozatonként, versenyzési szintekként különbözik, és függ a kortól, a sportágban eltöltött időtől, valamint az edzésmennyiségtől is. Regressziós elemzésünkből kiderült, hogy a sport iránti elköteleződés nagymértékben magyarázza a sportolói identitást. Személyes befektetések-mennyiség és a Lelkes elköteleződés rendelkeznek a legnagyobb magyarázó erővel a sportolói identitásra. Az Értékes lehetőségek, Törekvés a fejlődésre – közösség, Erőltetett elköteleződés, és a Közösségi támogatás – érzelmi változók szintén szignifikánsan pozitív magyarázó erővel bírnak a modellben. Érdekes módon a Sportélvezet és a Törekvés a fejlődésre, egyéni, negatív kapcsolatban állnak a sportolói identitással, miközben korábbi tanulmányok rávilágítottak pozitív hatásukra a fizikai aktivitás terén. Eredményeinkből arra következtethetünk, hogy a magas fokú identitás kialakulása nemcsak belső motiváció eredménye lehet, hanem a közösség, de még a kényszer hatására történő sportolás is erősítheti a sportolói identitást.
Az intézményi hatás és modelljeinek vizsgálata közép-kelet-európai felsőoktatási intézmények sportjában
Authors: Kovács-Nagy Klára , Moravecz Marianna , Rábai Dávid , Szabó Dániel , Nagy Zsuzsa
Published: January 2021

Tanulmányunk célja, hogy feltárja, milyen intézményi környezeti tényezők jellemzik néhány kárpát-medencei felsőoktatási intézmény sportéletét. Fő kérdésünk, hogy az intézményi hatás modelljei hogyan jelennek meg a sport területén a vizsgált felsőoktatási intézményekben, milyen tényezők miként befolyásolhatják a hallgatók sportolási szokásait. Az intézményi hatás tényezőinek megragadásához nemzetközi modelleket vettünk alapul. Feltáró kutatásunk célja, hogy megnézzük, ezek a modellek milyen módon és formában jennek meg a vizsgált felsőoktatási intézmények sportjában. Tanulmányunkban bemutatjuk az intézmények sport, illetve konstruált környezetét, szervezeti és infrastrukturális hátterét, valamint az oktatók szerepét.
A gyermekkor felszabadítása Czóbel Béla festészetében II.
Authors: Támba Renátó
Published: January 2021

Tanulmányomban egy korábbi cikkem folytatásaként Czóbel Béla fiúgyermek-ábrázolásainak elemzésére vállalkozom a gyermekkor-történeti ikonográfia eszközeivel, az alkotó életművében fellelhető releváns tárgyú képek pedagógiai eszmetörténeti háttérmotívumainak feltárására, s ezzel együtt a kép mögött húzódó gyermekszemléleti mintázatok feltárására törekedve. Czóbel a Nyolcak alkotójaként érintkezésbe került a művészcsoportra nagy hatást gyakorló baloldali szellemi áramlatokkal, így áttételesen az életreform-mozgalmak új ember- és gyermekszemlélete is hatást gyakorolhatott felfogására, így a látottak értelmezésekor elsősorban az életreform, a reformpedagógia és a gyermektanulmányi mozgalom eszméi felől indulva kezdjük el, hasonlóan előző, ugyancsak a Neveléstudományban közölt írásomhoz. Alapvető feltevésem szerint Czóbel festészetében a fiúgyermek a korszak „gyermek megváltó” toposzának tükrében értelmezhető, aki a társadalom megreformálásának zálogaként a természetes állapothoz való visszatérés lehetőségét hozza el a civilizációs sallangoktól terhelt polgári létmódtól menekülő ember számára.
Patogeneza skutków ubocznych radioterapii w tkankach prawidłowych
Authors: Rzewuska Karolina
Published: January 2021

Kluczowym wyzwaniem w radioterapii jest dobranie odpowiednich maksymalnych dawek promieniowania docierających do komórek nowotworowych przy jednoczesnej minimalizacji uszkodzeń zdrowej tkanki.   Powodzenie radioterapii w zwalczaniu guza zależy głównie od całkowitej dawki podanej w trakcie  leczenia, zaś tolerancja na promieniowanie tkanek prawidłowych stanowi pewne ograniczenie w doborze maksymalnych dawek. W celu uniknięcia niepożądanych skutków po radioterapii pewnych progów dawek nie powinno się przekraczać. Ryzyko uszkodzenia popromiennego tkanek prawidłowych zwiększa się wraz z dawką całkowitą, liczbą frakcji radioterapii oraz objętością tkanek, które zostały napromienione. Szczególnie podatnymi na powikłania są pacjenci poniżej 10 roku życia oraz pacjenci powyżej 70 roku życia.

Wykorzystywane promieniowanie jonizujące w radioterapii powoduje uszkadzanie struktur komórkowych, odpowiedzialnych za podstawowe procesy komórkowe. Promienie X zderzają się z elektronami powodując  jonizację cząsteczek.  Elektrony te tracą zdolność do prawidłowego funkcjonowania w obrębie komórki. W przebiegu tego procesu uszkodzony zostaje kwas deoksyrybonukleinowy (DNA- z ang. deoxyribonucleic acid) co może powodować mutacje. Najbardziej podatnymi na popromienne uszkodzenia są komórki krwiotwórcze, komórki śródbłonka, śluzówek i przewodu pokarmowego. Można więc wyróżnić kilka efektów po kontakcie żywej komórki z promieniowaniem jonizującym. Pierwszym z nich może być tak duże uszkodzenie komórki, że nie będzie ona  w stanie pełnić swoich funkcji i dojdzie do jej śmierci. Komórka może też stracić swoją zdolność do ,,reprodukcji” mimo, iż pozostaje żywa. Kod DNA może zostać uszkodzony na tyle, że powstające kopie komórek będą się znacznie różnić od komórki pierwotnej. Promieniowanie może też nie wywołać skutków ubocznych i nie mieć wpływu na komórkę.
Charakterystyka radiofarmaceutyków stosowanych w diagnostyce raka płuca
Authors: Vierstra Lena , Pietrzak Agata
Published: January 2021

Nowotwór złośliwy płuca jest jednym z najczęstszych źródeł zachorowań i zgonów z przyczyn onkologicznych na świecie. Niezwykle istotnym elementem postępowania wobec chorych z podejrzeniem lub rozpoznaniem raka płuca jest odpowiednia diagnostyka. Techniki obrazowania radioizotopowego znajdują szerokie zastosowanie w ocenie guzów płuca, jednakże czułość i swoistość metody zależna jest od wyboru preparatu radiofarmaceutycznego.
Inducing granulation within a full-scale activated sludge system to improve settling
Authors: Avila Isaac , Freedman Dan , Johnston Joel , Wisdom Blair , McQuarrie James
Published: January 2021

Most cold-climate biological nutrient removal facilities experience poor settling mixed liquor during winter, resulting in treatment capacity throughput limitations. The Metro Wastewater Reclamation District in Denver, Colorado, operated two full-scale secondary treatment trains to compare the existing biological nutrient removal configuration (Control) to one that was modified to operate with an anaerobic selector and with hydrocyclone selective wasting (Test) to induce granulation. Results from this evaluation showed that the Test achieved significantly better settling behaviour than the Control. The difference in the mean diluted SVI30 between the Test and Control were statistically significant (P < 0.05), with values of 77 ± 17 and 135 ± 25 mL/g observed for the Test and Control respectively. These settling results were accompanied by differences in the particle size distribution, with notably higher settling velocities commensurate with increasing particle size. The degree of granulation observed in the Test train was between 32 and 56% of the mass greater than ≥250 μm in particle size whereas 16% of the mixed liquor in the Control was ≥250 μm over the entire study period. The improved settling behaviour of the Test configuration may translate into an increase of secondary treatment capacity during winter by 32%.
Um estudo sobre os fatores determinantes da estrutura de capital das empresas brasileiras: uma análise de regressão quantílica
Authors: Quintella Junior Osvaldo Martins , Coelho Claudio Ulysses Ferreira
Published: January 2021

Objetivo: O presente artigo teve como objetivo principal analisar os fatores determinantes da estrutura de capital de noventa e quatro empresas dentre as quinhentas maiores companhias brasileiras do anuário da revista Exame de 2018.
Metodologia: Como base para a pesquisa foram utilizadas informações das demonstrações contábeis das maiores empresas brasileiras. Os dados foram obtidos a partir das informações financeiras do exercício de 2017 de 94 empresas, dentre as 500 maiores segundo o anuário da revista Exame de 2018. A inferência dos dados foi feita através de análise estatística descritiva e da análise de regressão quantílica. Os dados foram obtidos diretamente dos sites das próprias empresas e por meio do software Economática. A análise descritiva e econométrica foi feita utilizando o software Stata 12.
Resultados:  Os resultados indicam que variáveis como tamanho e estrutura dos ativos são significantes, em alguns quantis, para determinar a forma pela qual as empresas adotam determinada estrutura de capital. Além disso, os resultados indicam que a relação entre o tamanho da empresa e o nível de endividamento total é positivo para o quantil 25 da amostra. Outro ponto a destacar é que a variável estrutura dos ativos tem uma relação positiva com a variável endividamento de longo prazo, para os quantis 75 e 95.
Contribuições do Estudo: Esta pesquisa é uma importante contribuição para a literatura na área de finanças, tendo em vista a utilização do método da regressão quantílica. A escassez de pesquisas feitas utilizando esse método é notória. Além disso, os resultados obtidos por outros trabalhos sobre o tema ainda não são convergentes acerca das variáveis relevantes para a determinação da estrutura de capital.
An analysis of the efficiency of public expenditure on education in the Municipalities of the State of Amazonas from 2013 to 2017
Authors: Mayara Guimarães de Sousa  , Carla Macedo Velloso dos Santos  , Adenes Teixeira Alves  , Manoel Martins do Carmo Filho
Published: January 2021

Purpose:  This article aimed to evaluate the efficiency of public expenditure in the municipalities of the State of Amazonas with primary education in the years 2013 to 2017 by building a ranking of the efficiency of the municipalities relating the results obtained in IDEB by each city in the period, under the counterpart of the values of expenses paid for primary education, the average number of students enrolled in the period, average expenditure per student and GDP per capita of each municipality.

Methodology: We used Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) technique to evaluate the 37 Amazonian municipalities' efficiency in the sample. The variables analyzed include municipal data on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), number of inhabitants, number of students enrolled, spending on education, and IDEB notes for the period.

Results:  The results showed that only eight municipalities (21.6%) were classified as efficient and that these municipalities were those with the worst starting conditions, in terms of average wealth and educational performance, and that made the lowest expenses per enrolled student, which reaffirms the finding of diminishing returns to scale in education. On the other hand, the least efficient municipalities were those with the best starting condition in terms of GDP per capita and which presented high expenditures per student, but which reached the worst performances in the 2017 IDEB.

Contributions of the Study:  Considering the amounts spent by Amazonian municipalities on primary education, taking into account the size and performance in the IDEB of each city in the period under analysis, the research seeks to demonstrate the efficiency in the application of spending on primary education, providing useful and information for a more qualified and efficient allocation of public resources in education, providing improvements in the social aspects of the population aspects.
What is the value of the company? The valuation case of Magazine Luiza
Authors: Kelly Silva Jacques  , Vivian Duarte Couto Fernandes  , Lísia de Melo Queiroz  , Moisés Ferreira da Cunha
Published: January 2021

Objective: Magazine Luiza, founded in November 1957, a national retail icon, started in 2011 at B3, with exponential growth in the valuation of its shares. This case provides the following pedagogical objectives: a) to promote the problem analysis, to propose and inquire decisions regarding valuation; b) stimulate reflection between the theory that supports the evaluation purposes and the way it should be developed and applied; c) expand the ability to relate the valuation theoretical assumptions of valuation and their adequacy to reality.
Methodology: The Financial Statements were extracted from the MGL company website, on Economática® and on B3 website. Professor Damodaran's database was also used. We highlight the data are real, however, on the other hand, the existence of Alpha Varejo and its proposed acquisition of Magazine Luiza is considered as a hypothetical situation.
Results: From a behavioral point of view, it allows students and professors to have fair and discussions so that there is mutual respect for divergent opinions and ideas, allowing the exposure of their points of view. Estimating the company's value using the Discounted Cash Flow and Relative Valuation methods is a complex task and can be considered as an important decision-making process, especially for the company's shareholder. In the use of methods, there is the need to choose appropriate premises that best reflect the reality of the company.
Study Contributions: The performance of the proposed activity, with undergraduate or graduate students in the business area in disciplines aimed to analyze the financial viability of companies and valuation, contributes to the training of these students with critical analysis development and stimulating discussion in ​​finance area.
A Novel Nanoformulation of Ellagic Acid is Promising in Restoring Oxidative Homeostasis in Rat Brains with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Harakeh Steve , Qari Mohamad H. , Ramadan Wafaa S. , Al Jaouni Soad K. , Almuhayawi Mohammed S. , Al Amri Turki , Ashraf Ghulam Md. , Bharali Dhruba J. , Mousa Shaker A.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Aluminum toxicity induces neurodegenerative changes in the brain and results in
Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Objective:

Here, the aim was to evaluate the antioxidant therapeutic effects of ellagic acid (EA) and EA-loaded
nanoparticles (EA-NP) in an aluminum chloride-induced AD rat model.

Methods:

The nanoparticles’ loading of EA was 0.84/1 w/w. The in vitro release kinetics of EA from EA-NP in
fetal bovine serum showed 60% release in the first 1-5 hours, followed by sustained release at 60-70% over
6-24 hours. Six groups were implemented; group 1 served as the control, group 2 received EA, group 3 received
EA-NP, group 4 was the AD rat model administered AlCl3 (50 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, groups 5 (AD+EA)
and 6 (AD+EA-NP) were treated with EA and EA-NP, respectively, for 2 weeks after AlCl3 was stopped. The
neurotoxicity in the rat brain was examined by measuring the brain antioxidant biomarkers catalase, glutathione,
and total antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid, TBA). Histopathological
studies using hematoxylin and eosin, cresyl violet, silver stains, and the novel object recognition test were examined.

Results:

Data revealed significant increase of antioxidant biomarkers and decreased TBA in the EA-NP group.
The pathological hallmarks of AD-vacuolation of the neurons, chromatolysis, neurofibrillary tangles, and the senile
plaques in brains of the AD rat model were decreased and restoration of Nissl granules was noted. The calculated
discrimination index in the behavioral test increased more in cases treated with EA-NP.

Conclusion::

The treatment of AD with EA-NP was more effective than EA in alleviating the oxidative neurotoxic
effects on AD rat brains.
Statins, Risk of Death and Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Dementia: A Registry-Based Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Petek Bojana , Xu Hong , Villa-Lopez Marta , Winblad Bengt , Kramberger Milica G. , Eriksdotter Maria , Garcia-Ptacek Sara
Published: January 2021

Background :

Survival in patients with dementia is variable. Statins are a cornerstone of cardiovascular
prevention. However, the effect of statins on mortality and risk for stroke in patients with
dementia is not clear.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to analyse the association between the use of statins and the risk of
all-cause death and first ischemic stroke in patients diagnosed with dementia.

Methods:

A longitudinal cohort study of 48 771 patients based on combined Swedish registries was
conducted. The association between the incident use of statins one year prior to dementia diagnosis, allcause
mortality and first ischemic stroke was examined using propensity score-matched flexible parametric
or Cox hazard survival models and is presented with hazard ratios and corresponding 95% confidence
intervals.

Results:

After propensity score matching, incident users of statins (n=1412) had a lower risk of all-cause
death (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.74-0.91) and ischemic stroke (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.89) compared to
matched non-users (n=4482). In stratified analysis, the protective association between incident statin use
and survival was observed in men, patients older than 75 years, with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular
dementia. Furthermore, we observed a protective association between incident use of statins and first
ischemic stroke risk in men, patients older than 75 years and with mixed dementia. There was a graded
association between cumulative doses of statins and mortality.

Conclusion:

The use of statins might be beneficial for the survival and ischemic stroke risk in patients
with dementia in a dose-dependent manner.
Synthesis, Characterization and Photocatalytic Activity of Tin Oxide Nanocrystals
Authors: Sharma Shatendra , Vats Monika , Sharma Jyotsna , Chhabra Arvind , Kumar R.K. Rakesh , Chuang Cheng-Hsin
Published: January 2021

Background:

Tin oxide nanoparticles also show good photocatalytic efficiency due to wide bandgap and high recombination rates of photo-generated electron-hole pairs. Being non-toxic and chemically stable, the tin oxide nanoparticles are used as dynamic photo-catalyst for the degradation. Tin oxide nanocrystals suitable for charge storage devices are synthesized using the coprecipitation technique.

Objectives:

Synthesis of Tin oxide nanocrystals by using the co-precipitation method for photocatalytic activity under sunlight that can be used for photo-degradation. The method of synthesis and characterization are also discussed.

Materials and Methods:

The nanocrystals are prepared by co-precipitation method using stannic chloride and sodium carbonate. Sodium carbonate is added under constant stirring drop by drop for 90 minutes. The solution is settled for 4 hours. The precipitates are first washed using de-ionized water and then with ethyl alcohol. The dried powder of nanocrystals is then calcinated at 500°C for one hour in a muffle furnace. The structural, morphological, optical, and electrical characterization of these synthesized crystals is done using (XRD), (FESEM), (TEM), (UV-Visible), (FT-Raman), Zeta potential, and dielectric constant measurements.

Results and Discussion:

The sizes of synthesized nanocrystals vary from 25 nm to 100 nm and are found to be optically transparent. The dielectric constant of nanocrystals is measured in the frequency range of 100Hz-1MHz and it can be seen that it declines from ~2000 at a frequency of 100Hz to ~30 at 1MHz. However, this decline in dielectric constant with frequency can be explained well on the basis of strong space charge polarization and rotational direction polarization processes in nanostructures. In the high-frequency regions, these processes cannot follow the electrical field frequency variations that result in the rapid decrease of dielectric constant.

Photocatalytic Activity::

The photocatalytic activity of the particles under sunlight is also investigated, which shows that the crystals show degradation of the methylene blue dye under sunlight irradiation.

Theoretical investigations with DFT:

The bandgap of the particles was also calculated from the UV-VIS spectra, which was found to be ~3.6 eV and this experimentally observed value of bandgap matches with that calculated theoretically from Density Functional Theory (DFT) using Local Density Approximation (LDA).

Conclusion:

The method of synthesis reported in the present paper is scalable and can be used for the commercial synthesis of SnO2 nano-crystals for electrodes and energy storage devices.
The Skeletal Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonists: A Concise Review
Authors: Mohamad Nur-Vaizura , Ima-Nirwana Soelaiman , Chin Kok-Yong
Published: January 2021

Prolonged treatment with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonists is known
to induce bone loss among prostate cancer patients. However, evidence on the skeletal effects of
GnRH antagonists is relatively less well-known. This review aims to examine the effects of GnRH
antagonists on bone health. GnRH antagonists are an effective treatment for hormone-dependent
conditions, such as advanced prostate cancer and endometriosis. They induce a competitive and reversible
GnRH-receptor blockage, thereby suppressing the release of gonadotropins and sex hormones.
The sex hormone ablation results in undesirable side effects, including accelerated bone
loss. In animal studies, treatment with GnRH antagonists is reported to cause deterioration of bone
microstructure. Human clinical trials revealed significant bone loss at the spine, hip and femur in
patients treated with GnRH antagonists. Thus, osteoporosis and the resultant fragility fractures
pose a significant impact on health and quality of life of GnRH antagonist users. Thus, early preventive
measures of bone loss are critical in preventing fractures and its associated morbidity in these
patients.
Different Morphology of Neuritic Plaques in the Archicortex of Alzheimer’s Disease with Comorbid Synucleinopathy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Jankovska Nikol , Olejar Tomas , Kukal Jaromir , Matej Radoslav
Published: January 2021

Background:

Bulbous neuritic changes in neuritic plaques have already been described, and
their possible effect on the clinical course of the disease has been discussed.

Objective:

In our study, we focused on the location and density of these structures in patients with only
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and patients with AD in comorbidity with synucleinopathies.

Methods:

Utilizing immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy, we evaluated differences of neocortical
and archicortical neuritic plaques and the frequency of bulbous changes in the archicortex of
14 subjects with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), 10 subjects with the Lewy body variant of Alzheimer's disease
(AD/DLB), and 4 subjects with Alzheimer's disease with amygdala Lewy bodies (AD/ALB). Also,
the progression and density of neuritic changes over the time course of the disease were evaluated.

Results:

We found structural differences in bulbous dystrophic neurites more often in AD/DLB and
AD/ALB than in pure AD cases. The bulbous neuritic changes were more prominent in the initial and
progressive phases and were reduced in cases with a long clinical course.

Conclusion:

Our results indicate that there is a prominent difference in the shape and composition of
neocortical and archicortical neuritic plaques and, moreover, that bulbous neuritic changes can be observed
at a higher rate in AD/DLB and AD/ALB subjects compared to pure AD subjects. This observation
probably reflects that these subacute changes are more easily seen in the faster clinical course of
AD patients with comorbidities.
Remdesivir (GS-5734) for COVID-19 Treatment: Past and Recent Updates
Authors: Arul Santhosh , Dayalan Haripriya
Published: January 2021

Background:

SARS-CoV-2 is a pandemic now, and several measures have been taken
by countries to prevent, control, and treat the disease. WHO has been working meticulously and
has been providing up to date information and statistics on incidences and death. Several broad-
-spectrum anti-viral drugs are available and have been used in the past to fight against the viral outbreak.
Recently remdesivir, an experimental prodrug from Gilead Sciences, has been found to be a
potential drug to be used as a therapy to treat COVID-19.

Objective:

Here, we have reviewed several previous findings from the literature and present an up
to date information on remdesivir.

Results :

Remdesivir was initially invented for use against Ebola virus treatment and has proved effective
against different strains of Ebola, Nipah, and other strains of coronaviruses. Clinical trials
with remdesivir for COVID-19 patients have begun, and several off label use of remdesivir have
been reported recently. Currently, the drug seems to have an effect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus,
with side effects among a few patients. Although the results are not conclusive, they are partly
promising. This review provides past and recent updates on the use of remdesivir.

Conclusion:

From the review, we conclude that the drug remdesivir is known to exhibit its mechanism
of action by terminating the RNA synthesis, and it is a potential drug against the novel coronavirus.
As fotografias nos arquivos pessoais e familiares: para uma revisão teórica
Authors: Mariz Anna Carla Almeida , Silva Armando Malheiro da , Cordeiro Rosa Inês de Novais
Published: January 2021

Research about personal and family archives that was developed based on the literature published in Portuguese language and on technical visits carried out in December 2019 at the Archive and Library of the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, in Évora, and at the Photographic Documentation Archive of the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, in Lisbon, with the objective of verifying how the archival processing of photographs presents itself in this panorama. It seeks to examine how the authors conceptualize personal and family archives and how is the photographs presentation in these archives. It was found that there is no consensus among the authors on the terminology used in this area and that, although photographs are present in most personal archives, the literature in the area does not reflect this reality.
IImpacto da dinâmica emocional na aprendizagem em cursos a distância no ensino superior
Authors: Oliveira Teresa , Morgado Lina
Published: January 2021

Este artigo analisa a problemática das emoções online em contextos de aprendizagem online, apresentando um novo modelo para a lábil identificação emocional. Trata-se duma investigação sobre a vinculação do docente-estudante, baseada no design de experiências de aprendizagem decorrentes das necessidades emergentes no contexto online, reforçadoras da interação afetiva e motivacional.  Pretende-se melhorar o bem-estar e a qualidade na aprendizagem, envolvendo os estudantes integrados em ambientes digitais formais e não formais, no ensino superior. Recorre à metodologia Design-Based-Research, num estudo multi-casos: cenário “fechado”: LMS+Licenciatura e cenário “misto”: LMS +Twitter+Mestrado. A caracterização do bem-estar emocional e envolvimento cognitivo advém da análise daqueles cenários, produzindo princípios de design e soluções baseadas em estratégias de proximidade: Fóruns temáticos, Feedbacks, Acompanhamento Online e Fórum Café-Lounge.  Os dados foram recolhidos com base em: Escala de Emoções (90 emoções positivas e negativas); questionário e entrevista semi-estruturada; análise das interações no discurso online. Os resultados obtidos no cenário 1 apontam para a importância do reforço da presença emocional do Professor e das micro-lideranças estudantis. Apesar de não corresponder a uma participação massiva, beneficiou a aprendizagem e bem-estar do grupo, criando-lhe o desejo da replicação desta experiência. Considera-se necessário que as estratégias de classificação e presença emocional sejam aperfeiçoadas noutras investigações.
Educação Transformadora
Authors: Prigol Edna liz , Behrens Marilda Aparecida
Published: January 2021

O movimento da educação na busca de superação da prática pedagógica conservadora, leva a questionar os processos de fragmentação do conhecimento gerados pela visão cartesiana. Para tanto, buscou-se investigar uma visão na educação que acolha a reforma desse pensamento para atingir uma educação complexa e transformadora. Optou-se por dialogar com autores como Paulo Freire e Edgar Morin, na busca de eleger de suas obras os pontos convergentes e complementares com a finalidade de tecer construtos que possam subsidiar epistemologicamente uma nova prática pedagógica complexa e transformadora. Na pesquisa do tipo revisão bibliográfica de natureza qualitativa, crítica e reflexiva, utilizou-se da metodologia denominada estado do conhecimento para revisitar algumas obras dos autores eleitos para o estudo. Para a análise dos dados utilizou-se dos procedimentos de Bardin (2011). Os resultados indicam que as teorias têm pontos que se aproximam e acolhem fundamentos epistemológicos que possibilitam subsidiar o docente na superação da prática pedagógica conservadora para uma proposição que leve à emancipação e protagonismo do aluno e do professor. Das convergências e complementariedades entre as duas teorias ressalta-se a importância de pontos como a visão ética, a reforma de pensamento, a contextualização, o diálogo e a religação de saberes.
Propuesta didáctica para una primera aproximación a la escritura del artículo científico en Euskera
Authors: Boillos Mari Mar , Bereziartua Etxeberria Garbiñe
Published: January 2021

Producir textos académicos escritos es una de las primeras tareas a las que se enfrenta el alumnado una vez ingresa en la universidad. Iniciar los estudios superiores trae consigo la necesidad de aprender las formas de interacción oral y escrita de esa nueva comunidad discursiva y, como consecuencia, entrar en un proceso de alfabetización académica. Escribir será, además, la herramienta con la que los estudiantes mostrarán los conocimientos aprendidos y el medio por el que serán evaluados. Este trabajo presenta una herramienta didáctica para que el alumnado se acerque, con la ayuda del profesorado o de manera autónoma, a la escritura de textos académicos en euskera, independientemente del área en el que estén recibiendo su formación. Se trata de una propuesta didáctica que busca mejorar la formación en Educación Superior y responder a las demandas educativas mediante el enfoque basado en los géneros discursivos. En este caso, el género seleccionado es el artículo científico. La aplicación de esta propuesta contribuye a identificar las características de estos textos académicos y a familiarizarse con las demandas comunicativas de estas producciones. De manera paralela, propicia el aprendizaje autónomo y el desarrollo de habilidades discursivas para desenvolverse en la comunidad universitaria.
Les décrocheurs scolaires se racontent
Authors: Melin Valérie
Published: January 2021

Cet article questionne l’entretien de recherche comme dispositif d’intervention visant à favoriser et à accompagner le processus d’émancipation d’acteurs sociaux confrontés à une identité négative dans le cadre d’une enquête portant sur les trajectoires biographiques de jeunes, anciens décrocheurs en situation de raccrochage scolaire. En développant une méthodologie de l’entretien fondé sur les principes théoriques de la recherche biographique en éducation, on a dégagé un certain nombre de conditions favorables à ce processus d’émancipation. La prise en compte de ces conditions permet, en particulier, d’éviter l’écueil de la réduction de l’enquêté à un objet de savoir pour le considérer comme le sujet de ses transformations possibles dans le contexte de ses interactions avec le chercheur. L’entretien de recherche n’est pas sans incidence sur le chercheur qui expérimente au contact des enquêtés un espace de subjectivation réciproque, initiant un changement de position et une modification de son récit personnel.
YouTube Videos Demonstrating the Nasopharyngeal Swab Technique for SARS-CoV-2 Specimen Collection: Content Analysis
Authors: Itamura Kyohei , Wu Arthur , Illing Elisa , Ting Jonathan , Higgins Thomas
Published: January 2021

Background

Real-time polymerase chain reaction using nasopharyngeal swabs is currently the most widely used diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 detection. However, false negatives and the sensitivity of this mode of testing have posed challenges in the accurate estimation of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection rates.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether technical and, therefore, correctable errors were being made with regard to nasopharyngeal swab procedures.

Methods

We searched a web-based video database (YouTube) for videos demonstrating SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab tests, posted from January 1 to May 15, 2020. Videos were rated by 3 blinded rhinologists for accuracy of swab angle and depth. The overall score for swab angle and swab depth for each nasopharyngeal swab demonstration video was determined based on the majority score with agreement between at least 2 of the 3 reviewers. We then comparatively evaluated video data collected from YouTube videos demonstrating the correct nasopharyngeal swab technique with data from videos demonstrating an incorrect nasopharyngeal swab technique. Multiple linear regression analysis with statistical significance set at P=.05 was performed to determine video data variables associated with the correct nasopharyngeal swab technique.

Results

In all, 126 videos met the study inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 52.3% (66/126) of all videos demonstrated the correct swab angle, and 46% (58/126) of the videos demonstrated an appropriate swab depth. Moreover, 45.2% (57/126) of the videos demonstrated both correct nasopharyngeal swab angle and appropriate depth, whereas 46.8% (59/126) of the videos demonstrated both incorrect nasopharyngeal swab angle and inappropriate depth. Videos with correct nasopharyngeal swab technique were associated with the swab operators identifying themselves as a medical professional or as an Ear, Nose, Throat–related medical professional. We also found an association between correct nasopharyngeal swab techniques and recency of video publication date (relative to May 15, 2020).

Conclusions

Our findings show that over half of the videos documenting the nasopharyngeal swab test showed an incorrect technique, which could elevate false-negative test rates. Therefore, greater attention needs to be provided toward educating frontline health care workers who routinely perform nasopharyngeal swab procedures.