bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and feasibility of randomized trial to reduce urinary bisphenols in women with obesity
Authors: Hagobian Todd , Delli-Bovi Zoe , Mercado Adrian , Bird Alyssa , Guy Megan , Phelan Suzanne
Published: January 2021

Background

Bisphenol exposure is widespread and correlated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Previous intervention studies have successfully lowered bisphenol exposure among women of normal weight. The primary objective of this study was to develop and test the feasibility of a 3-week behavioral change intervention, rooted in social cognitive theory, to lower a broad range of bisphenols (BPA, BPS, and BPF) in women with obesity.

Methods

Thirty women with obesity (31.1 ± 5.6 kg/m2, 21.1 ± 3.1 years) were randomly assigned to an intervention or control. The intervention included weekly face-to-face meetings to reduce bisphenol exposures from food, cosmetics, and packaged products. Fasting urinary bisphenols, creatinine, and weight were assessed at study entry and after 3 weeks.

Results

The intervention was evaluated as feasible (100% of enrollment and recruitment, 96% of retention and attendance at lesson plan visits, and 96% of a collection of urine samples). Adherence to the intervention was estimated based on completion of self-monitoring records; the number of daily records completed was 7.7 ± 1.3 (mean ± SD) after week 1, 7.1 ± 1.5 after week 2, and 4.4 ± 0.9 after week 3. In secondary analysis, there was a significant treatment × time effect on creatinine-corrected urinary BPS (− 1.42 μg/g creatinine in the intervention vs. − 0.09 μg/g creatinine in the control group).

Conclusion

In women with obesity, the 3-week intervention was considered feasible with promising preliminary results of decreasing BPS concentrations. These data warrant future large-scale clinical trial interventions to reduce bisphenol exposure and determine whether reductions in bisphenols positively impact diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk markers. This study was retroactively registered at ClinicalTrial.gov Identifier NCT03440307.
Agricultural adaptation to climate change in the trans-Himalaya: a study of Loba Community of Lo-manthang, Upper Mustang, Nepal
Authors: Khattri Man Bahadur , Pandey Rishikesh
Published: January 2021

This paper presents community interference on agricultural ecology against climate change impacts in Lo-manthang, Upper-Mustang, Nepal. The peoples’ response strategies are based on traditional agroecological knowledge. This study applied the human ecological approach (Cause ➔ Effect ➔ Response) to analyze continuity and change in the agricultural practice of the indigenousLobacommunity of the Trans-Himalaya. Data were generated through anthropological fieldwork using quasi-ethnomethodology. Qualitative data on changing climate was further supported by the analysis of meteorological records of last 40 years from the nearest station. The overall impression of the study is that theLobasare hardly adapting to the dynamics of socio-environmental factors as climatic, geo-environmental, and politico-institutional changes. The strategy adopted to respond to the impacts of change on the local livelihoods is particularly associated with altering traditional agricultural practices. Indigenous knowledge-based systems of farm, labor, and resource management, accompanied by changes in food preference (food value) and linking agriculture with spiritual practice, are specific adaptation options, further supported by emerging options such as occupational modernization and migration. However, not all of these strategies produced positive outcomes in the local socio-ecological system of Lo-manthang. Therefore, policymakers should recognize Trans-Himalayan environmental uniqueness and its sensitivity to different drivers while designing policy to address them.
Ecological risk assessment of the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of the abandoned sections of Orji Mechanic Village, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ibe Francis Chizoruo , Duru Chidi Edbert , Isiuku Benaiah Obinna , Akalazu Jacienta Ngozi
Published: January 2021

Background

Ecological risk assessment of the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils of the abandoned sections of Orji Mechanic Village, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. The main objective of the study was to determine the levels of soil contamination from polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs) due to anthropogenic events in the mechanic village before reclamation.

Results

Analysis of soil samples revealed mean PAH levels ranging from 1.22E−02 ± 0.00 to 5.60E−02 ± 0.01 mg/kg, with higher PAH concentrations observed at 0–10 cm compared to other depths. The sum of PAHs (∑PAHs) ranged from 1.58E−01 to 6.71E−01 mg/kg, as the sum of low molecular weight PAHs (∑LPAHs) varied from 7.16E−03 to 1–1.60E−01 mg/kg, while the sum of high molecular weight PAHs (∑HPAHs) ranged from 1.81E−02 to 5.42E−01 mg/kg. The sum of carcinogenic PAHs (∑Carcino-PAHs) varied from 5.39E−01 to 9.74E−02 mg/kg, indicating elevated levels of carcinogens in the sampled soils. Diagnostic ratio, principal component, and correlation analysis of the results revealed that pyrogenic sources were primarily responsible for the observed PAHs owing to the activities of automobile mechanics in the Orji Mechanic Village. Benzo(a)pyrene equivalent (BePeq) of the PAHs indicated high carcinogenic potency for sample A. The total cancer risk was above 1 × 10–6, indicating a greater risk of cancer due to contact with the contaminated soil samples; hence, the result of this study is a serious ecological concern.

Conclusion

There may be accumulation of these contaminants in the investigated area, which will eventually contaminate the groundwater as well as surface water resources. Remedial measures to prevent possible health problems due to the PAHs which results from the activities of automobile mechanics are therefore recommended.
Long-term result of a second or third two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty for infected total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kim Young-Hoo , Park Jang-Won , Jang Young-Soo
Published: January 2021

Background

Persistent or recurrent infection after two-stage revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for the treatment of an infected TKA is a dreaded complication. The purpose of the current study was to determine the ability of a second or third two-stage revision TKA to control infection, evaluate the long-term survivorship of the TKA prosthesis, and measure the functional outcome after a second or third two-stage revision TKA for reinfection.

Methods

We evaluated 63 patients (65 knees) with failed two-stage TKA treated with a second or a third two-stage revision TKA. There were 25 men and 38 women (mean age, 67 ± 10.2 years). The mean follow-up from the time of a second two-stage TKA revision was 15.1 years (range, 10 to 19 years) and the mean follow-up from the time of a third two-stage TKA revision was 7 years (range, 5 to 10 years).

Results

Overall, infection was successfully controlled in 49 (78%) of 65 knees after a second two-stage revision TKA was performed. In the remaining 16 knees, recurrent infection was successfully controlled in 12 knees (75%) after a third two-stage revision TKA. Survivorship, free of implant removal for recurrent infection, was 94% at 15.1 years (95% CI, 91 to 100%). Survival free of revision TKA for mechanical failure was 95% (95% CI, 92 to 100%).

Conclusions

The results of the current study suggest that a second or a third two-stage revision TKA is a reasonable option for controlling infection, relieving pain, and achieving a satisfactory level of function for patients with infected TKAs.
How perceived organizational politics cause work-to-family conflict? Scoping and systematic review of literature
Authors: Fiaz Sumbol , Qureshi Muhammad Azeem
Published: January 2021

Work–family conflict is a subject of interest for researchers in the field of organizational behavior for decades because of its negative impact on an individual’s life. The existing literature identified that workplace stressors contribute to work–family conflict and Perceived Organizational Politics emerged as an aversive workplace stressor. From empirical pieces of evidence, it is observed that perceived organizational politics and work–family conflict are indirectly associated with each other, and their impact on employees is unavoidable. To explore this uncovered relationship, at first, this study used a keywords co-occurrence network mapping approach and found that perceived organizational politics and work–family conflict are associated with each through various workplace variables. Further, with the help of a scoping review identify those specific variables, and, lastly, a systematic review approach used to identify a mechanism of how these identified variables form an association between perceived organizational politics and work–family conflict. Based on the findings of the systematic review, this study proposed a conceptual framework that extends the existing literature by providing new insight into concepts of perceived organizational politics by linking it with work–family conflict. This study introduced a novel way to develop a conceptual framework by linking three distinct approaches of research. In the last, this study proposed recommendations for future research.
Acute kidney injury in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 (retrospective study)
Authors: Azeem Haitham A. , Abdallah Hytham , Abdelnaser Mohamad M.
Published: January 2021

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) has named the virus as 2019 novel coronavirus on January 12, 2020, and has declared a public health emergency globally on January 30, 2020. The epidemic started in Wuhan, China, in December of 2019 and quickly spread to over 200 countries. COVID-19 can cause multiple organ injuries (e.g., kidney, heart, blood, and nervous system). Among them, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical complication due to its high incidence and mortality rate. So, it is essential to evaluate AKI in COVID-19 patients during this pandemic state. The aim of this work is to detect the occurrence of AKI in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. So, a retrospective study was conducted on hospitalized adult patients > 18 years old with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the Abo Teeg Hospital at Assiut City, Egypt, from May 1, 2020, to July 1, 2020. All data were collected from medical records, patients’ follow-up, and charts. Data were verified, coded by the researcher, and analyzed using IBM-SPSS 21.0.

Results

Eighty-six COVID-19 patients were admitted to Abo Teeg Hospital in Assiut City, Egypt, between May and July 2020. Thirty-eight patients (33%) were of the male gender. Mean age was 58.07 ± 17.9, and 61 patients developed AKI. 32.8% of the AKI group were a stage I severity (increase in serum creatinine by 0.3 mg/dl within 48 h), 21.3% of them presented by stage II (2–2.9 times increase in serum creatinine), and 45.9% were in stage III (3 times or more increase in serum creatinine). The overall hospital mortality for the patients admitted to ICU with AKI was 6.7% (11/61), compared to 1% (4/25) in those without AKI.

Conclusion

Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 had a higher risk of AKI, and we recommended that those patients should be evaluated after discharge for the development of CKD.
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Prognostic Factors at Presentation in a Resource-Limited Center
Authors: Korubo Kaladada Ibitrokoemi , Okite Uchechukwu Prince , Ezeugwu Sampson Ibekwe
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

Determining chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) prognosis using the International Prognostic Index markers such as TP53 and immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region gene mutation in a resource-limited setting is difficult to achieve because of cost and equipment unavailability. The aim of this study is to determine prognostic factors easily available to hematologists in low- or medium-income countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study conducted at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Data were retrieved from CLL patient records from January 2004 to December 2019 (15 years). Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software version 25.

RESULTS

A total of 46 records were reviewed, with a median age of 55 years and a male:female ratio of 1:1.2. All patients were symptomatic at presentation, with splenomegaly (91.3%), anemia (82.6%), and lymphadenopathy (76.1%) predominating. About 89.1% of the patients presented at Binet stage C and/or high-risk Rai (Rai stages III and IV) with 10.9% presenting at Binet stage B and/or intermediate-risk Rai (Rai stage II). Only 13% of the patients had immunophenotyping done with 6.5% being done for the Matutes CLL score. The 5-year overall survival (OS) was 15.7% with a median survival of 26 months. WBC count and absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) > 100 × 109/L were significant poor prognostic markers ( P = .013 and .021, respectively). Thirty-five (76.1%) received chemotherapy, and they had a better median survival than those who did not (26 v 17.5 months). The most common regimen used was cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone for 15 (42.9%) patients.

CONCLUSION

WBC count and ALC > 100 × 109/L were poor prognostic markers. Patients who received chemotherapy had a better OS.
Socioeconomic Factors Influence the Impact of Tumor HPV Status on Outcome of Patients With Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Marks Jennifer A. , Switchenko Jeffrey M. , Steuer Conor E. , Ryan Martha , Patel Mihir R. , McDonald Mark W. , Higgins Kristin , Beitler Johnathan J. , Shin Dong M. , Gillespie Theresa W. , Saba Nabil F.
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE:

Human papilloma virus (HPV) association remains one of the most important predictors of clinical outcome in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC). We aimed to determine whether the relationship between HPV status and overall survival was influenced by socioeconomic factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Using the National Cancer Database, we examined the relationship between socioeconomic status and overall survival, controlling for demographics and socioeconomic variables (age at diagnosis, race, sex, clinical stage, facility type, facility location, insurance status, median-income quartiles, percent of no high-school education quartiles, rural-urban dwelling, Charlson-Deyo score, primary site, and treatment type).

RESULTS:

HPV-positive patients with private insurance have improved overall survival compared with HPV-positive patients who are uninsured (hazard ratio [HR], 0.51, 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.63, P < .001). HPV-negative patients with private insurance have improved overall survival compared with HPV-negative patients who were uninsured (HR, 0.62, 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.73, P < .001). HPV-positive patients living in the south had improved overall survival compared with HPV-positive patients living in the west (HR, 0.83, 95% CI, 0.72 to 0.96, P = .013). As assessed through interaction, relationships between survival and insurance ( P = .004), rural-urban status ( P = .009), and facility location ( P = .021) statistically differed between HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients.

CONCLUSION:

HPV status impact on overall survival for patients with OPSCC is influenced by socioeconomic factors including insurance status and treatment facility. A deeper understanding of these interactions is needed to improve equity of care for patients with OPSCC.
Telemedicine in Community Cancer Care: How Technology Helps Patients With Cancer Navigate a Pandemic
Authors: Patt Debra A. , Wilfong Lalan , Toth Sara , Broussard Stephanie , Kanipe Kristen , Hammonds Jason , Allen Victoria , Mautner Beatrice , Campbell Nakedra , Dubey Ajay K. , Wu Nini , Neubauer Marcus , Jones Ben S. , Paulson R. Steven
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 places unprecedented demands on the oncology ecosystem. The extensive pressure of managing health care during the pandemic establishes the need for rapid implementation of telemedicine. Across our large statewide practice of 640 practitioners at 221 sites of service, an aggressive multidisciplinary telemedicine strategy was implemented in March by coordinating and training many different parts of our healthcare delivery system. From March to September, telemedicine grew to serve 15%-20% of new patients and 20%-25% of established patients, permitting the practice to implement safety protocols and reduce volumes in clinic while continuing to manage the acute and chronic care needs of our patient population. We surveyed practice leaders, queried for qualitative feedback, and established 76% were satisfied with the platform. The common challenges for patients were the first-time use and technology function, and patients were, in general, grateful and happy to have the option to visit their clinicians on a telemedicine platform. In addition to conducting new and established visits remotely, telemedicine allows risk assessments, avoidance of hospitalization, family education, psychosocial care, and improved pharmacy support. The implementation has limitations including technical complexity; increased burden on patients and staff; and broadband access, particularly in rural communities. For telemedicine to improve as a solution to enhance the longitudinal care of patients with cancer, payment coverage policies need to continue after the pandemic, technologic adoption needs to be easy for patients, and broadband access in rural areas needs to be a policy priority. Further research to optimize the patient and clinician experience is required to continue to make progress.
Circulating Tumor DNA Predicts Pathologic and Clinical Outcomes Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation and Surgery for Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: McDuff Susan G. R. , Hardiman Karin M. , Ulintz Peter J. , Parikh Aparna R. , Zheng Hui , Kim Daniel W. , Lennerz Jochen K. , Hazar-Rethinam Mehlika , Van Seventer Emily E. , Fetter Isobel J. , Nadres Brandon , Eyler Christine E. , Ryan David P. , Weekes Colin D. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Cusack James C. , Goyal Lipika , Zhu Andrew X. , Wo Jennifer Y. , Blaszkowsky Lawrence S. , Allen Jill , Corcoran Ryan B. , Hong Theodore S.
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

This study was designed to assess the ability of perioperative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) to predict surgical outcome and recurrence following neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine patients with newly diagnosed LARC treated between January 2014 and February 2018 were enrolled. Patients received long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiation prior to surgery. Plasma ctDNA was collected at baseline, preoperatively, and postoperatively. Next-generation sequencing was used to identify mutations in the primary tumor, and mutation-specific droplet digital polymerase chain reaction was used to assess mutation fraction in ctDNA.

RESULTS

The median age was 54 years. The overall margin-negative, node-negative resection rate was 73% and was significantly higher among patients with undetectable preoperative ctDNA (n = 17, 88%) versus patients with detectable preoperative ctDNA (n = 9, 44%; P = .028). Undetectable ctDNA was also associated with more favorable neoadjuvant rectal scores (univariate linear regression, P = .029). Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was calculated for the subset (n = 19) who both underwent surgery and had postoperative ctDNA available. At a median follow-up of 20 months, patients with detectable postoperative ctDNA experienced poorer RFS (hazard ratio, 11.56; P = .007). All patients (4 of 4) with detectable postoperative ctDNA recurred (positive predictive value = 100%), whereas only 2 of 15 patients with undetectable ctDNA recurred (negative predictive value = 87%).

CONCLUSION

Among patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation for LARC, patients with undetectable preoperative ctDNA were more likely to have a favorable surgical outcome as measured by the rate of margin-negative, node-negative resections and neoadjuvant rectal score. Furthermore, we have confirmed prior reports indicating that detectable postoperative ctDNA is associated with worse RFS. Future prospective study is needed to assess the potential for ctDNA to assist with personalizing treatment for LARC.
Tumor DNA Mutations From Intraparenchymal Brain Metastases Are Detectable in CSF
Authors: Cheok Stephanie Kim , Narayan Azeet , Arnal-Estape Anna , Gettinger Scott , Goldberg Sarah B. , Kluger Harriet M. , Nguyen Don , Patel Abhijit , Chiang Veronica
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE

Discordant responses between brain metastases and extracranial tumors can arise from branched tumor evolution, underscoring the importance of profiling mutations to optimize therapy. However, the morbidity of brain biopsies limits their use. We investigated whether cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in CSF could serve as an effective surrogate marker for genomic profiling of intraparenchymal (IP) brain metastases.

METHODS

CSF and blood were collected simultaneously from patients with progressive brain metastases undergoing a craniotomy or lumbar puncture. Mutations in both biofluids were measured using an error-suppressed deep sequencing method previously published by our group. Forty-three regions of 24 cancer-associated genes were assayed.

RESULTS

This study enrolled 14 patients with either IP brain metastases (n = 12) or cytology-positive leptomeningeal disease (LMD, n = 2) and two controls with normal pressure hydrocephalus. Primary cancer types were lung, melanoma, renal cell, and colorectal. cfDNA was measurable in all sixteen samples of CSF. Cancer-associated mutations were found in the CSF of ten patients (eight with IP [67%] and two with LMD [100%]) and plasma of five patients (five with IP [42%] and none with LMD). All patients with plasma cfDNA had extracranial tumors. Among the five patients in the cohort who also had mutation data from time-matched brain metastasis tissue, four patients (80%) had matching mutations detected in CSF and brain, whereas only one patient (20%) had matching mutations detected in plasma and brain.

CONCLUSION

The detection of mutational DNA in CSF is not restricted to LMD and was found in two thirds of patients with IP brain metastases in our cohort. Analysis of CSF can be a viable alternative to biopsy for detection of somatic mutations in brain metastases.
Ocean acidification alters properties of the exoskeleton in adult Tanner crabs, Chionoecetes bairdi
Authors: Dickinson Gary H. , Bejerano Shai , Salvador Trina , Makdisi Christine , Patel Shrey , Long W. Christopher , Swiney Katherine M. , Foy Robert J. , Steffel Brittan V. , Smith Kathryn E. , Aronson Richard B.
Published: January 2021

Ocean acidification can affect the ability of calcifying organisms to build and maintain mineralized tissue. In decapod crustaceans, the exoskeleton is a multilayered structure composed of chitin, protein and mineral, predominately magnesian calcite or amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC). We investigated the effects of acidification on the exoskeleton of mature (post-terminal-molt) female southern Tanner crabs, Chionoecetes bairdi. Crabs were exposed to one of three pH levels – 8.1, 7.8 or 7.5 – for 2 years. Reduced pH led to a suite of body region-specific effects on the exoskeleton. Microhardness of the claw was 38% lower in crabs at pH 7.5 compared with those at pH 8.1, but carapace microhardness was unaffected by pH. In contrast, reduced pH altered elemental content in the carapace (reduced calcium, increased magnesium), but not the claw. Diminished structural integrity and thinning of the exoskeleton were observed at reduced pH in both body regions; internal erosion of the carapace was present in most crabs at pH 7.5, and the claws of these crabs showed substantial external erosion, with tooth-like denticles nearly or completely worn away. Using infrared spectroscopy, we observed a shift in the phase of calcium carbonate present in the carapace of pH 7.5 crabs: a mix of ACC and calcite was found in the carapace of crabs at pH 8.1, whereas the bulk of calcium carbonate had transformed to calcite in pH 7.5 crabs. With limited capacity for repair, the exoskeleton of long-lived crabs that undergo a terminal molt, such as C. bairdi, may be especially susceptible to ocean acidification.
Discrimination of Methanol from Ethanol in Gasoline Using a Membrane-type Surface Stress Sensor Coated with Copper(I) Complex
Authors: Nishikawa Michihiro , Murata Tomohiro , Ishihara Shinsuke , Shiba Kota , Shrestha Lok Kumar , Yoshikawa Genki , Minami Kosuke , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: January 2021

We successfully fabricated a novel sensing platform, a Membrane-type Surface stress Sensor (MSS) coated with copper(I) complex bearing phen and BINAP ligands, [Cu(phen)((±)-BINAP)]PF6 (1, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, BINAP = 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl), for specific molecular sensing. Based on the transduction of mechanical stresses derived from sorption-induced deformation of Cu(I) complex, the detection performance of various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been investigated. The fabricated sensor devices showed selective responses to methanol over a wide range of VOCs. In addition, distinct MSS signals upon exposure to methanol were observed for mixing samples of methanol in n-hexane and gasoline with clear discrimination of ethanol mixtures. In fact, gasoline vapor with 1% methanol exhibited much higher MSS responses than 20% ethanol containing gasoline samples. Methanol contamination in gasoline and related petroleum samples is a world-wide common problem in the automobile and fuel sectors where detection of methanol contaminants with portable devices by easy procedures is required. The current research results will contribute to fulfilling these social demands.
Nanographenes from Distinct Carbon Sources
Authors: Matsumoto Ikuya , Sekiya Ryo , Haino Takeharu
Published: January 2021

This article reports production protocols for nanographenes and the effect of the reaction conditions on their structures and optical properties. These fundamental studies are of value for exploring suitable reaction conditions for the production of nanographenes with desirable properties. Graphite, finely crushed graphite powders, and artificial graphite, all of which are commercially available, are employed. Nanographenes are produced by the acid-assisted oxidative cleavage of the parent carbons followed by neutralization and deionization. The use of dialysis membranes for the size separation of nanographenes offers nanographenes with a specific size distribution, thereby allowing their structures and optical properties to be compared. Experiments demonstrate that small amounts of acids (60 ml of conc. H2SO4 and 20 mL of 60% HNO3) and oxidation for 12 h promotes a more efficient and cost-effective production of nanographenes from 2 g of a carbon source. The functionalization of the nanographene edges with p-propargyloxybenzyl amine confirms that the armchair edge with two carboxy groups is the dominant edge structure, irrespective of the carbon source.
Influence of Reaction Temperature on CO2-to-methanol Hydrogenation over MZrOx (M = Al, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ga, and In)
Authors: Tada Shohei , Iyoki Kenta
Published: January 2021

To open up the possibility of synthesizing useful substances from CO2, we have developed new catalysts that hydrogenate CO2 to methanol with high yield at 300 °C and higher. In this study, methanol synthesis via CO2 hydrogenation at 250–350 °C and 10 bar was investigated using Zr-based metal oxide catalysts, MZrOx (M = Al, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ga, and In). The different metals (M) determined the suitable reaction temperature wherein the maximum yield of methanol was obtained. CuZrOx was a suitable catalyst for low-temperature methanol synthesis because the yield decreased with increasing reaction temperature from 250 °C to 350 °C. In contrast, ZnZrOx, GaZrOx, and InZrOx were suitable for methanol synthesis at 300 °C and higher. In particular, ZnZrOx afforded the highest yield of methanol (60 mLSTP h−1 g−1 at 300 °C) among the prepared MZrOx catalysts.
Chiral Magnetism: Coupling Static and Dynamic Chirality
Authors: Inoue Katsuya
Published: January 2021

The synthesis, structure, magnetic properties and magnetic structure of two molecular chiral magnets and one inorganic chiral magnet are presented. In magnetic crystals belonging to the Sohncke group, which includes the chiral group, the chiral non-collinear spin structure is achieved through Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya interactions in addition to the usual exchange spin interactions and dipole-dipole spin interactions. Experimentally, a chiral helical magnetic (CHM) structure is observed as the ground state in most of this category of uniaxial chiral magnets as a non-collinear spin structure. CHM structure transforms into a chiral spin soliton (CS) magnetic structure in a magnetic field. The (CS) magnetic structure forms a chiral spin soliton lattice (CSL) magnetic structure when the nearest neighbor magnetic interaction is ferromagnetic. Since the CHM and CSL magnetic structures are topologically protected, they are not affected by defects and are therefore extremely stable. A series of studies have revealed that the chiral magnetic structure is perfectly coupled to the non-symmetric crystal structure. It was also found that the CHM and CSL magnetic structures are macroscopic spin-phase coherent states.
Polariton Chemistry in Cavity Vacuum Fields
Authors: Hirai Kenji , Uji-i Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Even without external photon pumping, cavity vacuum fields can be strongly coupled with molecular transitions (electronic excitation and molecular vibration), resulting in the formation of polaritonic states. The energy states of molecular systems are altered under strong coupling, revealing intriguing phenomena, such as improvements in energy/exciton transfer and modulation of chemical reactions. In this review, we highlight recent advances in cavity strong coupling, including exciton strong coupling and vibrational strong coupling, from a chemistry-based viewpoint.
CuCl/AgSbF6 and Rh2(OAc)4 Comparison for the Synthesis of N-O Tethered Three and Five Membered Rings via Diazo Chemistry
Authors: Merey Gokce , Kubilay H Nur , Anac Olcay
Published: January 2021

Diazocarbonyl compounds are versatile precursors of carbenes leading to various structures by using several metal catalysts, especially copper and rhodium salts. In this study, eight different diazocarbonyls having N-O moiety were used. The N-O tethered structures were preferred because they may allow some useful transformations of the final products into valuable compounds via N-O cleavage. In the presence of a double bond on the –OR function of the starting diazo compound, CuCl/AgSbF6 catalyst yielded only cyclopropyl fused oxazinane/oxazepane derivatives over cyclopropanation while Rh2(OAc)4 catalyst was giving mainly isooxazolidinones via C-H insertion.
Conductive Boron-doped Diamond Powder/Nanoparticles for Electrochemical Applications
Authors: Kondo Takeshi
Published: January 2021

Boron-doped diamond powder (BDDP) and boron-doped nanodiamond (BDND) were developed with the aim of expanding the area of application of conductive diamond electrodes. BDDP and BDND are conductive diamond powders obtained by depositing a boron-doped diamond (BDD) layer on the surface of diamond powder (DP) and nanodiamond (ND) substrates, respectively, by using the chemical vapor deposition method. As the particle size of BDDP depends on that of the DP substrate, it can be arbitrarily selected in the range of at least submicrometer to several micrometers. BDDP can be used for an electrode material of screen-printed diamond electrode, which is a disposable and sensitive electrode for electrochemical detection even from biological fluids. BDDP can also be applied to a durable cathode catalyst support of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. BDND is a conductive diamond particle with a large specific surface area of 650 m2/g or more, and is expected to be used as an electrode material for aqueous electric double-layer capacitors with a large cell voltage leading to high energy and high-power densities. BDDP and BDND are highly versatile functional electrode materials that can be made into inks and pastes, and can be combined easily with other compounds. Therefore, they should be useful for greatly expanding the application fields of diamond electrodes.
Recognizing the value of software: a software citation guide
Authors: Katz Daniel S. , Chue Hong Neil P. , Clark Tim , Muench August , Stall Shelley , Bouquin Daina , Cannon Matthew , Edmunds Scott , Faez Telli , Feeney Patricia , Fenner Martin , Friedman Michael , Grenier Gerry , Harrison Melissa , Heber Joerg , Leary Adam , MacCallum Catriona , Murray Hollydawn , Pastrana Erika , Perry Katherine , Schuster Douglas , Stockhause Martina , Yeston Jake
Published: January 2021

Software is as integral as a research paper, monograph, or dataset in terms of facilitating the full understanding and dissemination of research. This article provides broadly applicable guidance on software citation for the communities and institutions publishing academic journals and conference proceedings. We expect those communities and institutions to produce versions of this document with software examples and citation styles that are appropriate for their intended audience. This article (and those community-specific versions) are aimed at authors citing software, including software developed by the authors or by others. We also include brief instructions on how software can be made citable, directing readers to more comprehensive guidance published elsewhere. The guidance presented in this article helps to support proper attribution and credit, reproducibility, collaboration and reuse, and encourages building on the work of others to further research.
Enhancing nutrition specific interventions through public health policies and public-private partnerships in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: a desk review
Authors: Mohammad Ali Arabia , Salah Hassan , Awad Mataria , Asmus Hammerich , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub
Published: January 2021

Background: Public private partnerships (PPPs) in public health have been widely promoted as an effective tool for accelerating progress toward achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG2 “to eliminate hunger”. Partnership with the private sector was found to be very instrumental in improving the nutritional status of poor and food-insecure people and promoting healthy lifestyles. In countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), PPPs for nutrition actions have been mainly driven by the United Nations (UN) and international development agencies to support low and middle-income countries in achieving better health outcomes. Despite the increased prominence of engaging the private sector in public health actions in the EMR, evidence on the role of the private sector in the design/implementation of these actions is still not documented.

The objective of this study is to assess the role and contribution of the private sector in the design/implementation of nutrition-specific interventions addressing the double burden of malnutrition in countries from the EMR and identify the key factors for successful PPP implementation.

Methods: The study design was descriptive using secondary data obtained from digital internet sources, including World Health Organization (WHO) databases, grey literature, and websites of the UN and international development agencies. 

Results: The desk review revealed that the private sector has played a sizable role in the implementation of food fortification initiatives and in the implementation of nutritional policies promoting healthy diets. The experience of the EMR shows the significant impact of government commitment, and the availability of national policies and systems for monitoring and enforcement on the sustainability and effectiveness of PPP-specific nutrition interventions.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the key actions recommended for governments to enhance the application of PPPs as a tool to accelerate the EMR’s progress toward achieving nutrition targets under SDG2 by 2030.
Influence of Risk Factors on the Duration of the Working Capacity Period and Labor Productivity of Employees
Authors: Butova S. , Nesolenaya O.
Published: January 2021

The quality of labor resources, the level of labor productivity and the duration of the working capacity period largely depend on the health status of working citizens. Today, there are a huge number of factors that determine the professional health of employees, among which the key place is occupied by professional risks. According to the world health organization, occupational risks are responsible for 1,7% of DALY losses worldwide, reflecting the years of an employee's life spent in a state of disability. At present, there is practically no developed system of professional risk assessment and management in Russia, which is designed to preserve the health of an employee in the course of their work. In this regard, within the framework of this study, the authors attempt to determine a set of key factors that have the greatest impact on the professional health and duration of the working capacity of employees.
Age Diversity in an Ecosystem Concept. Grouping Age Thresholds and Saving Success for Older Workes
Authors: Durakova Irina
Published: January 2021

The article attempts to justify the possibility of preserving the success of older employees through the formation of ecoystem concept and policy age diversity. To implement these ideas, the content of the main, the determinates working capacity is updated. The similarity the grouping of age thresholds and the possibility of their transformation through the modeling of functional ages is shown.
Developing Tools for Recruiting of Hospital Teachers to the Network of Hospital Schools «Uchimznaem»
Authors: Suhanova G. , Sharikov S.
Published: January 2021

Hospital education is a new phenomenon in the Russian educational space that has emerged and strengthened into the pedagogical community by authors and creators of the Federal educational project "UchimZnaem". To date, the project includes seven elementary and secondary schools in Moscow and about 40 school sites in the regions of Russia. The main problem faced by the heads of hospital schools is to search and select of teachers for long-term ill children who receive education within the walls of medical institutions. After all, for the majority of teaching staff, a medical organization is not a natural environment for professional activity as in pedagogical universities no one prepared them to work in a children's hospital. In this article, the authors attempted to identify and group the main categories of requirements for a hospital teacher. The formulated requirements were then evaluated by the expert community in terms of importance and formed the basis for the scheme of the recruitment process for hospital teachers for the flagship site of the «UchimZnaem» project.
The Effects of Social Media Content Created by Human Brands on Engagement: Evidence from Indian General Election 2014
Authors: Mallipeddi Rakesh R. , Janakiraman Ramkumar , Kumar Subodha , Gupta Seema
Published: January 2021

With human brands or individual celebrities in fields ranging from sports to politics increasingly using social media platforms to engage with their audience, it is important to understand the key drivers of online engagement. Using Twitter data from the political domain, we show that positive and negative-toned content receive higher engagement, as measured by retweets, than mixed or neutral toned tweets. However, less popular human brands generate higher social media engagement from positive-toned content compared with more popular human brands. Therefore, we recommend that popular human brands (e.g., popular politicians or chief executive officers) keep their content objective rather than emotional. Furthermore, the tone of related brands (i.e., human brands who belong to the same political party) has a strong reinforcement effect; that is, social media engagement is higher when the tone of the focal human brand and related brands are the same and lower when the tones are different. Therefore, we prescribe that human brands actively coordinate their social media content with related brands to generate higher engagement. From human brands’ perspective, our findings recommend a comprehensive social media strategy, which takes into account the tone of content, tone of related brands’ content, and human brands’ popularity.
Intervenções, regulações e contestações - Olhares sobre as cidades contemporâneas
Authors: Guimarães Roberta , Marx Vanessa
Published: January 2021

A apresentação do Dossiê “Espaços, simbolismos e relações de poder” expõe e comenta sete textos que debatem os processos de produção e simbolização dos espaços, sejam eles classificados como urbano, rural, popular, étnico-racial, de gênero etc. Com o objetivo de intercruzar olhares e fomentar um amplo diálogo, selecionamos pesquisas realizadas em Lisboa, Buenos Aires, Cariri cearense, São Paulo, Curitiba, Porto Alegre e Rio de Janeiro. O resultado foi a formação de um corpo de artigos que analisa traços marcantes do tempo presente, como a crescente mercantilização dos espaços, a onda de políticas governamentais de viés conservador e a disseminação de iniciativas de reconhecimento de memórias coletivas. Foram ainda observados como indivíduos e coletividades percebem os locais que habitam, quais ações impetram para garantir seus interesses ou provocar mudanças na ordem social e como determinadas intervenções reificam ou desestabilizam ordenamentos territoriais, diferenças culturais e desigualdades sociais. A partir dos textos, desenhamos um itinerário de leitura dividido em dois grandes eixos. O primeiro composto por análises que privilegiam a compreensão dos processos de financeirização e explorações fundiária, imobiliária, turística e securitária, bem como a operação da máquina política e burocrática do Estado pelos entes privados e seus interesses. E o segundo com estudos que se voltam de forma mais acentuada para o entendimento dos dissensos e conflitos em torno dos modos de ocupação dos espaços e dos pleitos de reconhecimento social de segmentos subalternizados e minoritários.
As construções conectoras [com isso] e [como se não bastasse (x)] na promoção da coesão híbrida: um estudo centrado no uso
Authors: Lopes Monclar Guimarães , Moura Samara Costa
Published: January 2021

o presente trabalho busca descrever as propriedades formais e funcionais de duas construções conectoras complexas: [com isso] e [como se não bastasse (x)]. O particular interesse por esses objetos, aparentemente tão distintos, está tanto no fato de eles estabelecerem relações coesivas mais amplas quanto no de operarem em diferentes níveis: conectam orações, períodos e/ou parágrafos. Para esta pesquisa, empregamos metodologia quali-quantitativa para o estudo de 60 dados do século XXI, extraídos do Corpus Now (www.corpusdoportugues.org). Fundamentamos nossas análises nos pressupostos teóricos da Linguística Funcional Centrada no Uso (cf. CUNHA et al., 2013; OLIVEIRA e ROSÁRIO, 2016, entre outros), em diálogo com os estudos da Linguística Textual (cf. FÁVERO, 2004; KOCH, 2003). Os resultados evidenciam que: i) tais construções estabelecem uma coesão híbrida, isto é, tanto sequencial quanto referencial, haja vista que, ao mesmo tempo em que apresentam elementos que promovem a conexão lógica, encapsulam porções precedentes do texto; ii) a porção encapsulada de material precedente está associada à posição assumida pela construção dentro do texto; iii) [com isso] é uma construção polissêmica e pode atuar como conector lógico ou como sequenciador; iv) [como se não bastasse (x)], além de atuar como conector de adição, expressa a postura epistêmica do falante.
Marcadores discursivos focalizadores com 'bem' sob a perspectiva da Linguística Funcional Centrada no Uso
Authors: Cunha Lacerda Patrícia Fabiane Amaral da , Barbosa Gustavo Ribeiro Patrício
Published: January 2021

Este trabalho tem como objetivo fundamental propor uma rede construcional constituída por marcadores discursivos focalizadores formados por verbos de percepção cognitiva no imperativo em P2 e pelo advérbio focalizador bem –, como, por exemplo, “olha bem”, “veja bem” e “repara bem”. A fim de cumprir o objetivo proposto, baseamo-nos, do ponto de vista teórico, na Linguística Funcional Centrada no Uso (BYBEE, 2010; MARTELOTTA, 2011; FURTADO DA CUNHA et al., 2013; TRAUGOTT; TROUSDALE, 2013; ROSÁRIO; OLIVEIRA, 2016; BISPO; SILVA, 2016), abordagem que concebe a língua como um inventário de construções organizadas em rede. Também para o cumprimento do objetivo proposto, realizamos uma análise sincrônica de dados a partir de um corpus escrito sincrônico atual, cujas sincronias representam os anos de 2008, 2011, 2014 e 2017. Para o tratamento dos dados, adotamos, do ponto de vista metodológico, o equacionamento entre a análise qualitativa dos dados e o cálculo da frequência de uso (CUNHA LACERDA, 2016). Como resultado mais proeminente, a análise realizada aponta que as construções identificadas, cuja forma mais genérica é [verbo imperativo + bem], apresentam diferentes funções, entre as quais se destacam a chamada de atenção do interlocutor pelo locutor e a focalização de um elemento da sequência discursiva. Palavras-chave: Linguística Funcional Centrada no Uso. Construcionalização gramatical. Focalização. Marcadores discursivos focalizadores. Marcadores discursivos com “bem”.
Algumas notas sobre Morfologia Relacional: uma “prima” da Gramática das Construções
Authors: Victorio Gonçalves Carlos Alexandre
Published: January 2021

No presente artigo, pretendemos apresentar um recente quadro teórico surgido no âmbito da Gramática das Construções: a Morfologia Relacional. Desenvolvida nos quatro últimos anos por Ray Jackendoff (USA) e Jenny Audring (Holanda), o modelo inova não apenas ao priorizar a morfologia, como o faz a Morfologia Construcional de Booij (2010), mas também por enfatizar as relações horizontais entre esquemas, generalização que os autores denominam de “esquemas irmãos”. Procuramos mostrar suas vantagens no tratamento de questões morfológicas, como os hápax sufixais e os padrões “virais”, muito embora o modelo também aborde questões sintáticas. Ao apresentar esse novo quadro teórico, procuramos mostrar os pontos de convergência e de divergência entre este e outras abordagens construcionistas.
Factors influencing nurses' engagement with CPD activities: a systematic review
Authors: Walter Juliette K , Terry Louise M
Published: January 2021

Background:

Continuing professional development (CPD) is necessary for nurse registration and development. Understanding the factors influencing engagement may enhance CPD uptake.

Review question:

What factors influence hospital-based nurses' engagement with CPD activities in the UK?

Design:

This was a systematic review incorporating narrative synthesis. Database searches for published and grey literature from January 1995 to November 2018 were conducted via EBSCO Discovery Service, the British Nursing Index and the British Library.

Review methods:

An approved systematic review protocol was followed with studies then assessed against strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Included studies were critically appraised, data extracted and a narrative synthesis conducted.

Findings:

Five studies were reviewed. Four themes emerged: nurses' individual resources, their professional motivation, organisational commitment to learning and development, and managerial support.

Conclusion:

Factors influencing nurses' engagement with activities are multifaceted and inter-woven. A question-based checklist to facilitate discussions between nurses and educators, managers or appraisers is presented.
Looking back over the past year in patient safety
Authors: Tingle John
Published: January 2021

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses some recent legal cases and patient safety reports