bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
As molduras argumentativas do Instagram: design descritivo-analítico de interação multimodal
Authors: Bacelar Ana Paula de Sousa , Damasceno-Morais Rubens
Published: December 2021

A análise apresentada neste artigo busca dimensionar os comentários on-line do perfil @escolasempartidooficial num plano teórico metodológico que articula princípios da Netnografia ao aparato teórico do modelo dialogal da argumentação. Para a construção do design de interação multimodal do Instagram, conjugamos contribuições teóricas da Argumentação e da Retórica (PLANTIN, 2002, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2016; GRACIO, 2013) à literatura específica das mídias digitais (DIONÍSIO, 2011; ROJO, 2012; NEIVA, 2013; SLOAN; QUAN-HAASE, 2017; KOZINETS, 2014). Partimos da ideia de que, na página analisada, a identidade profissional docente é posta em questão quando ocorre o choque de posicionamentos dos docentes e do Escola Sem Partido sobre “o que é ser professor”. Conforme buscaremos mostrar a seguir, a partir dessa estase, os usuários (seguidores e não-seguidores) passam a manifestar as suas avaliações através de ícones de interação específicos da plataforma e, principalmente, dos comentários que, no deslinde da discussão, fundam cadeias de interação organizadas em molduras argumentativas.
Percepção dos consumidores portugueses sobre estereótipos de gênero nos argumentos publicitários verbais e não verbais
Authors: Pio Melissa
Published: December 2021

Os estereótipos, com sua característica heurística, têm sido amplamente utilizados na publicidade ao longo das décadas. Porém, essa forma de fast reasoning torna-se facilmente falaciosa na medida em que faz uso de generalizações, muitas vezes implícitas, e de internalizações vigentes no contexto cultural no qual as mensagens estão inseridas, levando os consumidores a certas conclusões, nem sempre fundamentadas. Dentre os estereótipos mais utilizados pelos anunciantes estão os estereótipos de gênero. E, apesar de estudos recentes evidenciarem uma diminuição da sua presença nas mensagens das marcas, essa redução não é significativa. Além disso, quando tratado, este tema é mais comumente explorado do ponto de vista da análise de conteúdos, deixando assim uma lacuna no que diz respeito à recepção que os consumidores fazem destes estereótipos, tanto em um âmbito internacional, quanto no contexto português. Este estudo tem como objetivo começar a diminuir essa lacuna, através de um estudo piloto que mensurou como os consumidores residentes em Portugal avaliam o grau de estereotipia de gênero nos argumentos verbais e não verbais de anúncios fictícios, levantando evidências de qual elemento, o texto verbal ou a imagem, tem um papel mais preponderante nessa avaliação. Isso foi feito através de dois questionários, um com graus de estereótipos de gênero variando no texto verbal e o outro na imagem. Como resultado, pudemos levantar evidências de que o texto verbal parece deixar a presença de estereótipos de gênero mais clara para os respondentes que, por sua vez, tiveram mais facilidade em reconhecer estereotipias ligadas ao status ocupacional
Gênero jurídico petição inicial e sua argumentação verbo-visual: desafios metodológicos e teóricos
Authors: Lanzillo Anderson Souza da Silva , Pinto Rosalice
Published: December 2021

O presente trabalho, baseado em pressupostos teóricos e em categorias analíticas da Retórica, da Semiótica Social, da Linguística Textual e da Análise do discurso, visa a estudar de que forma a argumentação retórica verbo-visual é construída em gêneros jurídicos. De forma a atender o objetivo proposto, foi selecionada, a partir de um corpus constituído de vinte petições iniciais de recuperação judicial, a relativa à empresa Livraria Cultura como exemplo prototípico, para fins da investigação em andamento. Estudos preliminares permitiram pontuar algumas categorias analíticas e mostrar a relevância do uso retórico-argumentativo das imagens – principalmente a da Loja, do Teatro e gráficos/tabelas-, para a construção do ethos (da empresa) e do pathos (do juiz). Evidentemente, trata-se de um estudo piloto, carecendo de ser testado em um corpus mais alargado
Migrações e refúgio: abordagens discursivas
Authors: Lara Glaucia Muniz Proença , Da Rosa Marluza , Tauzin-Castellanos Isabelle
Published: December 2021

Apresentação do dossiê "Migrações e refúgio: abordagens discursivas"
A Fundamental Investigation of the Early Neolithic of Southern China
Authors: Girchenko Ekaterina A.
Published: December 2021

The reviewed investigation made by Stanisław Robert Kuczera “The Antique and Ancient History of China. Early Neolithic of the South” (Moscow, St. Peterburg, Nestor-Istoriya, 2020, 596 p.) provides an overview of the main early Neolithic complexes in the south of China. The work has been carried out for several dozens of years and is based on the analysis of more than 2000 different scientific publications. In terms of its depth and thoroughness of presented research, this monograph has no analogues in the Russian language. Based on the systematization and analysis of the scientific articles of Chinese archaeologists it presents an overview of migrations, emergence of ceramics, methods of stone processing, domestication of plants and animals in the Early Neolithic of southern China. Radiocarbon data of the archaeological sites is being widely presented in Russian for the first time. Four chapters provide a comprehensive investigation of different aspects of the Neolithic economy of the region.
Mongolia’s Soft Power Tools in Relation to Russian Regions at the Beginning of the 21st Century.
Authors: Aktamov Innokentii G. , Rodionov Vladimir A.
Published: December 2021

This article discusses the features of international relations in Inner Asia through the prism of the Russian-Mongolian relationship. The specifics of contemporary bilateral relationships is determined by the nature of mutual influence in the economic, political and humanitarian spheres. The aim of this research is to analyze Mongolian implementation of the concept of ‘soft power’ in relation to the regions of Russia, which are culturally and historically defined as a ‘Mongolian world’. It was revealed that the foreign policy of Mongolia in relation to Russian regions such as the Republic of Buryatia, Republic of Tuva, Irkutsk and Trans-Baikal regions is being implemented in several directions. The first one is daily trade and economic contacts between Russian and Mongolian citizens. The second direction is represented by ethno-cultural holidays and festivals, within the framework of which the Mongolian language and traditions are promoted. The existing demand for the preservation and development of national cultures and languages of the indigenous peoples of Russia creates conditions for stimulating interest in all Mongolian language, literature, clothing, cuisine, cultural and sports events. Finally, Mongolia's success in fighting the pandemic during 2020 and its humanitarian assistance to the Russian regions affected by Coronavirus are also tools of ‘soft power’. The result of this policy is the spread of Mongolian influence in the border regions of the Russian Federation. In this regard, Moscow should also pay certain attention to these processes when building a strategy of bilateral relations at state level.
Modernidad, mujeres y agua: Cambios de paradigma en el último siglo del Chile colonial
Authors: Stipo Camila
Published: December 2021

Este artículo muestra que centrar el análisis en las dinámicas de uso, posesión y propiedad de recursos naturales tales como el agua, permite cuestionar conceptualizaciones historiográficas tales como el proceso de independencia, cuando estas refieren a la historia de grupos subordinados tales como las mujeres. La investigación se enfoca en una serie de demandas por derechos de aguas en el último siglo de la Colonia española en Chile, que involucrarán a una o más mujeres. Estas disputas serán vistas como los primeros indicios de la implementación de la modernidad capitalista en el territorio, la cual resultará en una serie de modificaciones en las concepciones respecto a lo que implican la sociedad y la naturaleza, exacerbando, al mismo tiempo, la situación de dependencia de las mujeres chilenas a mediano y largo plazo.
Party Systems, Political Competition, and Inequality in Subnational Brazil
Authors: Mauro Vincent
Published: December 2021

Many have attributed the recent unprecedented wave of redistribution in Brazil to national economic and political factors such as the commodities boom, changes in minimum wages or premiums to skilled labor, the rise of the Partido dos Trabalhadores and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and a commodities-driven economic boom. Yet much less attention has been devoted to the study of inequality at the subnational level, where trajectories of inequality across states remain incredibly varied. This article argues that Brazil’s most recent democratic transition enhanced political competition in many Brazilian states, which in turn has contributed to the amelioration of inequality. Using an original time-series cross-sectional dataset covering the highly redistributive period of 1998–2015, this article finds that Brazilian states with higher political and party competition have lower levels of inequality than those with less competitive party systems.
Race, Racism, and Affirmative Action in Brazil and the United
States
Authors: French Jan Hoffman
Published: December 2021

This essay reviews the following works:
Efficacy of bioflavonoids of FLAVOBA against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 in vitro
Authors:   Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1G6, Barbour Abdelahhad , Darlington Lynda Gail ,   Department of Internal Medicine, Ashtead Hospital, Ashtead, UK, Mendenhall Michelle ,   Institute for Antiviral Research, Utah State University Logan, UT, USA, Lerner Henriette ,   Goethe University, Frankfurt, GER, Glogauer Michael ,   Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 1G6,   Department of Dental Oncology, Maxillofacial and Ocular Prosthetics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5G 2M9,   Oral Science International Montreal, Canada
Published: December 2021

Introduction The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the global pandemic of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Human-to-human transmission occurs mainly through the aerosolization of respiratory droplets. Improved antisepsis of human and non-human surfaces has been identified as a key feature of transmission reduction. Flavobac, a complex of soluble bioflavonoids and hydroxylated phenolic structures used in oral care products, has demonstrated efficacy to act against microorganisms. This study evaluated nasal and oral antiseptic formulations of FLAVOBAC for the virucidal activity against SARS-CoV-2. Methodology FLAVOBAC nasal antiseptic formulations and FLAVOBAC oral rinse antiseptic formulations from 1-10% concentrations were assayed for virucidal efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 was exposed directly to the test compound for 60 seconds or 5 minutes. Compounds were then neutralized, and the surviving virus was quantified. Results All concentrations of nasal antiseptics and oral rinse antiseptics evaluated completely inactivated the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Conclusion Nasal and oral FLAVOBAC solutions are effective at inactivating the SARS-CoV-2 virus at a variety of concentrations after 60-second or 5-minute exposure times. The formulations tested have the potential to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 if used for nasal/oral decontamination, or surface decontamination in known or suspected cases of COVID-19.
The use of Er:YAG Laser for dental caries removal
Authors:   School of Dentistry, Faculdade Morgana Potrich (FAMP), Mineiros, Goias, Brazil, Marcelino Geise dos Santos , Lopes Jose Humberto Ribeiro ,   School of Dentistry, Faculdade Morgana Potrich (FAMP), Mineiros, Goias, Brazil, Faraoni Juliana Jendiroba ,   Restorative Dentistry Department, School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil, Dias Pamella Coelho ,   Restorative Dentistry Department, School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Published: December 2021

Background Carious tissue removal in enamel and dentin requires the use of sharp and resistant instruments. New tools have appeared to optimize/facilitate dental treatment, among them the laser. Regarding laser application for dental caries removal, the use of erbium laser doped with yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) stands out. The Er:YAG laser is excellent for hard tissues ablation since its wavelength of 2.940nm is highly absorbed by water and hydroxyapatite. Objective To review the application of the Er:YAG laser in dental caries removal, to present its advantages and limitations in clinical practice, as well as to describe its action mechanism, and to compare its effectiveness with different methods used to remove caries. Data sources The search for articles to compose this literature review was carried out in the PubMed and Embase databases. Study selection Articles in English published between 2006 and 2021. The manual search included additional articles and books; a total of 39 references were selected. Data extraction Information from studies that evaluated the use of the Er:YAG laser to remove caries or related this type of laser to other methods. Articles that evaluated characteristics of the dental structure, or the influence of restorative materials after caries removal with the Er:YAG laser, were also considered. Study selection Based on studies results, the Er:YAG laser presents itself as an alternative for caries removal since it can remove demineralized tissue (selective ablation) without causing damage to the dental element.
Mechanisms linking oral health and frailty in older adults: a narrative review
Authors:   Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece, Konstantopoulou Kalliopi , Kossioni Anastassia E ,   Department of Prosthodontics, Dental School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Published: December 2021

Background Frailty is a geriatric syndrome in which multiple systems lose their physiological reserves resulting in increased vulnerability to stressors and risk of adverse health-related outcomes. There is an increasing number of studies discussing the association of oral health with frailty through several pathways. Objective The aim of this review was to describe the possible mechanisms linking oral health and frailty. Data Sources A narrative review was performed with literature search in PubMed, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect electronic databases. Reference lists from relevant studies and cited papers were also investigated. Study Selection The review included full papers of any study design, published in peer-reviewed journals in English until July 2021. Data Extraction Current literature indicates four possible mechanisms linking oral health and frailty. Data Synthesis The first mechanism refers to the nutritional pathway. It is reported that poor oral health negatively affects protein and vitamins intake. Malnutrition and decreased energy intake have a dominant role in frailty onset. Inflammation is another mechanism. Periodontal disease causes a systemic increase of pro-inflammatory biomarkers which in turn may lead to muscle strength deterioration. Furthermore, oral health can be related to frailty through neural mechanisms. Specifically, occlusion and proprioception from the periodontal ligament contribute to the control of body balance. Finally, the mechanisms include the psychological pathway, since poor oral health may lead to social isolation and depression which increase the risk of negative general health outcomes. More studies are necessary to clarify the previous associations and reveal any causative effects.
TOURISM SAFETY DURING THE PANDEMIC: STATISTICS AND ANALYTICS
Authors:   Uman National University of Horticulture, Kozhukhіvska Raisa , Sakovska Оlena ,   Uman National University of Horticulture
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes statistical indicators of tourism development and investigates safety issues in tourism. The negative consequences in tourism that occurred as a result of the spread of the disease caused by coronavirus infection has been analyzed. It is marked, that as a result of distribution of pandemic there was a fall of the world economy, volumes of trade and prices of the goods and services, capital outflow from new market economies. It is established that the tourism industry is one of the most important indicators of socio-economic development of both some regions and the country as a whole. But due to the restrictions caused by the spread of the pandemic, the tourism industry is facing a crisis that may be the worst in the history of the world economy. It is noted that if precautionary measures are not taken soon, the tourism industry will face an economic crisis from which it will be difficult to recover and millions of people working in the tourism industry will be out of work. Therefore, there is a need to develop ways to overcome the crisis caused by the spread of an infectious disease caused by coronavirus. It is pointed out that during the pandemic caused by COVID-19, it was tourism that suffered the most, in particular because of the restrictive measures imposed by States on the movement of citizens, quarantine, prohibition of air travelling, etc. A detailed analysis of analytical and statistical indicators of tourist travel in the world and Ukraine has been conducted. It is noted that due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19, the global tourism sector in 2022 may miss a third of revenues planned for this period. The measures to mitigate the impact of the crisis in Ukraine, which are proposed by experts of the tourism industry has been considered. Proposals on ways out of the crisis situation for the Ukrainian sphere of tourism, the implementation of which will reduce the negative effects associated with pendemia, have been developed. It is noted that the main activities should be the state support for entrepreneurs that are doing business in tourism, the expansion of Internet services and improving of its services, particularly in the field of booking and reservation of tourist services.
STATISTICAL OVERVIEW OF CAPITAL INVESTMENTS TRENDS OF STATE STIVIDOR COMPANIES OF UKRAINE
Authors:   Odessa National Maritime University, Chyzh Liudmyla , Oneshko Svitlana ,   Odessa National Maritime University, Moroz Ihor ,   Odessa National Maritime University
Published: December 2021

The research analyzes capital investments of state-owned stevedoring companies using statistical methods of relative and average values and indices. It has been established that the current trends in the port industry of Ukraine indicate insufficient capital investments, inconsistency of actual indicators with planned ones, and the lack of external financing. Against the general tendency of profitability deterioration of state-owned stevedoring companies and the decrease of their marketshare of port services vs the increase of privately-owned stevedoring companies, the importance of competitiveness strengthening is increasing namely through the availability of sufficient fixed assets in the form of portal cranes and a port fleet. The tendencies of the indicator "capital investments" for the state stevedoring companies of Ukraine has been determined. The analysis has demonstrated the existence of a stable trend of a capital investments decrease of almost all companies, which is very typical for most of the analyzed companies and is associated with the lack of: investment activity, executing capital investments and expanding production capacities. In addition to the above, all capital investments are financed with own assets, without using alternative methods of financing, such as funds from the state and local budgets, national and foreign bank loans. The most actively implemented type of the capital investments is modernization, modification (restructuring, additional equipment, reconstruction) of existing fixed assets. The least popular types are capital construction and major repairs. It is proposed to determine the relationship between the tendencies of capital investments in fixed assets and the increase in investment activity by the application of the ratio of the average annual growth rates of capital investments in fixed assets divided by the indicator of their efficiency (profitability of fixed assets), calculated as the ratio of net profit to the average annual cost of fixed assets. It is recommended to use factor analysis using classical methods of deterministic analysis, as well as simulation modelling, for more detailed analysis of capital investments in fixed assets.
BASIC IMPERATIVES OF MODERN APPROACHES TO PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
Authors:   Zaporizhia National University, Dashko Iryna
Published: December 2021

Theoretical questions concerning the basic, modern approaches on the basis of digital economy, practice of application of IT - technologies are investigated. The enterprise is studied as a complex system object. The application of the principles and methods of systems approach and systems analysis allows to study economic information in various aspects. It is noted that an essential component of ensuring effective management of the enterprise as a whole is effective personnel management. The use of the basic provisions of the digital economy allows the introduction of information and analytical monitoring of the processes taking place in the enterprise. There is a close connection with the general approach to the organization of analytical work at the enterprise, technical support, qualification of employees. The ultimate goal of improving personnel management structures is to increase the efficiency of management as a whole. An essential component of ensuring effective personnel management is the availability of information tracking of the processes taking place in the enterprise. The directions of development and expansion of possibilities of digital economy in the personnel management system are allocated. One of the important tasks of improving effective personnel management is the search for effective methods of evaluating existing personnel management structures. Thanks to the application of digital economy on the basis of the current information-analytical system of enterprise activity – economic activity of the enterprise, to compare them with macroeconomic indicators on branch and national economy. Differences between enterprises in the economic state and the structure of personnel management determine the need to process methodological materials, on the basis of the digital economy, in order to more fully identify the specific features of economic processes.
STRATEGIC PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT OF PROFIT ENTERPRISES IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
Authors:   Dnipro University of Technology, Bukreieva Daria , Tupitsyna Karina ,   Dnipro University of Technology, Bolsha Anna ,   Dnipro University of Technology
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the topical issue of the strategic development of the enterprise in the digital economy. The advantages of enterprises that use the results of the digital economy in their activities have been established. The main characteristics of the digital economy are determined, approaches to the definition of terms are investigated. The state of profitability of Ukrainian enterprises by industry is analyzed on the basis of statistical data. Based on the results of the analysis of statistical data, it was determined that in the conditions of the pandemic and quarantine of the last two years, most sectors of the economy suffered losses. Only those industries that were vital and those that use modern information and digital technologies had a positive financial result of their activities. These calculations showed that it is fundamentally important to introduce digital technologies at enterprises in various sectors of the economy. The article lists the main seven stages of introducing digital technologies into the management activities of enterprises. The above stages of introducing digital technologies into the activities of enterprises are used both for general strategic transformations at enterprises, and for individual management functions. It also reflects the main benefits of introducing digital technologies into strategic planning and profit management in enterprises. The main obstacles that may arise during the implementation of digital technologies are highlighted, among which the main one is associated with the human factor. It is also indicated in the article that almost all enterprises in their activities can start with the introduction of technologies for working with big data, which allow to efficiently process large volumes of information, analyze it and make management decisions based on the results. An analysis of modern research in the field of digital technologies implementation showed that digital technologies are necessary not only in the current activities of an enterprise, but also in strategic and management functions, especially in planning and managing the company's profit.
KEY ASPECTS OF DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL COMPETENCIES OF THE POPULATION
Authors:   Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Oleshko Anna , Rovniahin Oleksandr ,   Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Pryma Vladyslav ,   Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design
Published: December 2021

The article analyzes the main factors influencing the digital competence formation of the Ukrainian population, which involves the acquisition of knowledge, abilities, character, and behavior that are compulsory for a person in order to use information and communication and digital technologies to achieve goals whether in personal or professional life. In the environment of forced isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the principle of continuing education ("lifelong learning") receives new characteristics in the light of new realities, in which access to information, continuous learning and revising of knowledge become driving force in the formation of a new model of education. The article summarizes the experience of European countries in implementing the basic principles of digital literacy and providing citizens with opportunities to master the skills of working with information and communication technologies, communication and cooperation in the digital space, digital content, digital security and more. Based on the analysis of the urbanization impact on the access of the population to high-quality Internet, it was found that the urban population has a higher level of digital knowledge and skills compared to the population living in rural areas. A system of digital competencies for citizens "DigComp 2.1" is proposed to be integrated and used in Ukraine as a tool for the implementation of strategic priorities for the formation of digital literacy of the population, which is already implemented in the European Union. Overall, the acquisition and development of digital competencies in the XXI century is mandatory in all spheres of the national economy and in everyday life of the population. In this context, it is necessary to create infrastructure and institutions that will deal with the implementation of innovative solutions and digital literacy training of all segments of the population throughout life.
FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF ECONOMIC SECURITY OF THE ENTERPRISE
Authors:   Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Hanenko Volodymyr , Batrak Olha ,   Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design
Published: December 2021

The article investigates the theoretical and methodological aspects of economic security of the enterprise, in particular: the concept of economic security is clarified; the main purpose of economic security of the enterprise, which is to guarantee its stable operation now and the high potential of its development in the future; the main tasks of economic security of the enterprise which proceed from the purpose of economic security of the enterprise are characterized; the basic principles of economic security of the enterprise are investigated; indicators for assessing the level of economic security of the enterprise, in particular, sixteen relative indicators that characterize the various financial aspects of the industrial enterprise; on the basis of it the structural - logical scheme of procedure of the analysis of economic safety of the enterprise is formed and reflected. During the study, indicators for assessing the level of economic security of the enterprise were determined, in particular, an analysis of the economic security of the agro-industrial sector - PJSC "Dobrobut", which is engaged in growing cereals (except rice), legumes and oilseeds; pig breeding; providing services in crop production. In the course of the research the characteristic of the main indicators of economic security of the enterprise is carried out and their analysis is carried out, in particular indicators of profitability of the enterprise, indicators of liquidity (solvency) of the enterprise, indicators of financial stability of the enterprise. During the analysis of indicators of economic security of the enterprise problematic aspects of its financial and economic development were defined. Based on the analysis of economic security of PJSC "Dobrobut" the main directions of improving the economic security of the studied enterprise were proposed, which will be able to overcome the existing problems at the enterprise and will contribute to improving economic security at the enterprise in the future.
Nondysraphic Intradural Spinal Lipoma: A Rare Case in a Child
Authors:   Radiology Unit, Hospital Antonio Prudente, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, GL Jr Antonio , NMP Abreu ,   Radiology Unit, Hospital Antonio Prudente, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, MVB Leal ,   Radiology Unit, Hospital Antonio Prudente, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, JPC Rodrigues ,   Radiology Unit, Hospital Antonio Prudente, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, C Malveira ,   Radiology Unit, Hospital Antonio Prudente, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil, LVM Gomes ,   UniRV, Goianésia, GO, Brazil, PPA Coimbra ,   Radiology Unit, Hospital Antonio Prudente, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
Published: December 2021

Lipoma is a rare and benign tumor, with lesions associated with spinal dysraphisms. The reported case is about an 8-month-old child who arrived at the hospital with developmental delay, excessive crying, undergoing MRI and reported spinal cord lipoma. Intradural lipomas without association with dysraphism are difficult to diagnose, being the most accurate form of MRI.
UV-Spectroscopic Detection of (Pyro-)Phosphate with the PUB module
Authors: Eilert Lea , Schallmey Anett , Kaspar Felix
Published: December 2021

Despite the prevalence of ortho- and pyrophosphate in biochemistry, operationally simple and versatile high-throughput methodologies for their quantification are lacking. We herein introduce PUB, a module for phosphate detection by continuous UV-spectroscopic monitoring of 5-bromouridine phosphorolysis. The PUB module employs cheaply available, bench-stable reagents and can be employed for continuous and discontinuous reaction monitoring in biochemical assays to detect (pyro-)phosphate concentrations spanning almost four orders of magnitude, as demonstrated with representative use-cases.
Modulating the influenza A virus – target membrane fusion interface with synthetic DNA-lipid receptors
Authors: Webster Elizabeth , Liu Katherine , Rawle Robert , Boxer Steven
Published: December 2021

Influenza A virus (IAV) binds to sialylated glycans on the cell membrane before endocytosis and fusion. Cell surface glycans are highly heterogenous in length and glycosylation density, which leads to variation in the distance and rigidity with which IAV is held away from the cell membrane. To gain mechanistic insight into how receptor length and rigidity impact the mechanism of IAV entry, we employed synthetic DNA-lipids as highly tunable surrogate receptors. We tethered IAV to target membranes with a panel of DNA-lipids to investigate the effects of the distance and tether flexibility between virions and target membranes on the kinetics of IAV binding and fusion. Tether length and the presence of a flexible linker led to higher rates of IAV binding, while the efficiencies of lipid and content mixing were typically lower for longer and more rigid DNA tethers. For all DNA tether modifications, we found that the rates of IAV lipid and content mixing were unchanged. These results suggest that variations in the interface between IAV and a target membrane do not significantly impact the rate-limiting step of fusion, or the low-pH triggered engagement of viral fusion peptides with the target membrane. However, our results imply that the flexibility of the viral receptor is important for ensuring that hemifusion events are able to successfully proceed to pore formation.
The effect of the multiple mutations in Omicron RBD on its binding to human ACE2 receptor and immune evasion: an investigation of molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Wu Leyun , Zhou Liping , Mo Mengxia , Li Yishui , Han Jiaxin , Li Jintian , Yang Yanqing , Zhang Xinben , Gong Chunye , Lu Kai , Gong Likun , Wu Chengkun , Zhu Weiliang , Xu Zhijian
Published: December 2021

SARS-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV2) Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) is of great concern to the world due to multiple mutations that may have an impact on transmissibility and immune evasion. Compared to the wild type (WT), there are 15 mutations in the Omicron receptor-binding domain (RBD), 10 of which are in the receptor-binding motif (RBM), where the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) interacts directly with. As a comparison, the currently dominant variant Delta (B.1.617.2) only has 2 mutations (L452R and T478K) or an additional E484K mutation in the RBM. As many as 15 mutations in Omicron RBD make it very hard to predict whether the mutations would increase the binding affinity to ACE2, particularly considering that 10 mutations crowded in the RBM. To understand the combinatorial mutation effect on Omicron RBD binding to ACE2 and potential immune evasion, we calculated the binding affinities of the WT/Delta/Omicron RBDs to ACE2 and antibodies with 600 ns molecular dynamics simulations for each system. We found that Omicron RBD has slightly weaker ACE2 affinities than WT RBD (-29.39 ± 2.96 Kcal/mol vs. -33.13 ± 3.26 Kcal/mol), and much lower affinities than Delta RBD (-42.76 ± 2.38 Kcal/mol). Further analysis revealed that Omicron N501Y increase ACE2 binding but Q493K and Q498R decrease ACE2 binding. In addition, Omicron RBD might escape the launched monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) Etesevimab and clinical BD-368-2 but may still sensitive to the launched mAbs Bebtelovimab.
TEM study of boron phosphide: Discovery of rhombohedral BP
Authors: Kulnitskiy Boris , Blank Vladimir , Gordeeva Tatyana , Mukhanov Vladimir , Solozhenko Vladimir
Published: December 2021

Microstructure of sphalerite (3C) boron phosphide, BP, produced by self-propagated high-temperature synthesis has been studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Along with numerous twins on the {111}3C plane, layers of wurtzite (2H) polymorphic modification and previously unknown for BP rhombohedral (3R) structure were found which indicates trimorphism of BP.
Systemic Evolutionary Chemical Space Exploration For Drug Discovery
Authors: Lu Chong , Liu Shien , Shi Weihua , Yu Jun , Zhou Zhou , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Lu Xiaoli , Cai Faji , Xia Ning , Wang Yikai
Published: December 2021

Chemical space exploration is a major task of the hit-finding process during the pursuit of novel chemical entities. Compared with other screening technologies, computational de novo design has become a popular approach to overcome the limitation of current chemical libraries. Here, we reported a de novo design platform named systemic evolutionary chemical space explorer (SECSE). The platform was conceptually inspired by fragment-based drug design, that miniaturized a “lego-building” process within the pocket of a certain target. The key of virtual hits generation was then turned into a computational search problem. To enhance search and optimization, human intelligence and deep learning were integrated. Application of SECSE against PHGDH, proved its potential in finding novel and diverse small molecules that are attractive starting points for further validation. This platform is open-sourced and the code is available at http://github.com/KeenThera/SECSE.
Risk and protective factors for mental health and wellbeing in childhood and adolescence
Authors:   ESRI, Nolan Anne , Smyth Emer ,   ESRI
Published: December 2021

New ESRI research, based on Growing Up in Ireland, shows that strong relationships with parents, peers and teachers enhance child and adolescent wellbeing New ESRI research funded by HSE Health and Wellbeing, examines the risk and protective factors for mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Using data from the Growing Up in Ireland ’08 Cohort at 9 years of age and the ’98 Cohort at 17 years of age, the research examined both positive (life satisfaction) and negative (socio-emotional difficulties) aspects of mental health and wellbeing. Socio-emotional difficulties refer to difficulties of an emotional nature (e.g., feeling unhappy, downhearted or tearful) or with peers (e.g., picked on or bullied).
Psychosocial Aspect in the Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccines (Systematic Review)
Authors: Rachmawati Sutrani , Erwandi Dadan
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 vaccine can protect the public and suppress COVID-19 cases. But there are still many people who refuse to be vaccinated. The study aims to analyze the psychosocial aspects in the Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccines. This study is a systematic review with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses). The database used to search data and information is PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). The keywords used during the search process are "Determinants" OR "Accepting" AND "Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination". The most psychosocial aspects related to COVID-19 vaccine acceptance include education level, income level, race, type of work, trust in the existence of COVID-19, trust in COVID-19 information resources, trust in medical and health workers, and having family members or friends who are infected with COVID-19. Education level, income level, and race influence the most in accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine program should consider and overcome the challenges of receiving and rejecting vaccines from the public by looking at these aspects.
Who Have a Higher Risk of Falling Into Catastrophic Health Expenditures?
Authors: Noviani Amalia
Published: December 2021

Catastrophic health expenditure is one of the challenges Indonesia faces in achieving Universal Health Coverage. Aside from being a financial disaster, the incident caused by out-of-pocket health expenditure exceeding a fixed limit can drive people into poverty. Unfortunately, the availability of the data causes the limitation of the study in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the association between catastrophic health expenditure and several social-economic factors by using the latest data of out-of-pocket expenditure collected at the individual level from the 2019 Susenas Module of Health and Housing. Using the Chi-square test, this study confirms a significant association between catastrophic health expenditures and the following social-economic factors: outpatient and inpatient service use, health insurance ownership, age, sex, marital status, educational level, work status, welfare status, type of area, and geographic location. From the logistic regression, the probability of the population to experience catastrophic health expenditure is higher for people in the following categories: use inpatient or outpatient services, do not have health insurance, are elderly, ever-married, not working, not poor, and live in the rural areas or Java island. Disaggregation by outpatient and inpatient service use shows the large gap in the probability of falling into catastrophic health expenditures. The probability for people who used inpatient service is more than four times people who never used the service. Meanwhile, for outpatient service, the probability is almost three times. Therefore, people can strengthen preventive care, especially those with low or no cost, to avoid falling into catastrophic health expenditure.
Wellington Pacific Bible College 2006–2016 Teachings, Trials and Talanoa
Authors:   , Ioane Roach Eseta
Published: December 2021

This is the first academic study of the Wellington Pacific Bible College (WPBC), a distinctive adult educational institution in New Zealand, focussed on teaching the Bible in the languages of the Pacific. The thesis comprises: (1) a narrative history of WPBC based on primary sources and interviews; and, (2) a study of the College and its teachings by means of a questionnaire and follow up interviews of past and present students, staff and the Board. The thesis addresses the question of the contextualised meaning and significance of WPBC to its principal stakeholders and the major factors that have shaped its curriculum, ethos, and mission in its first decade.
Examining the Enviroschools programme within the greater Wellington region: A mixed methods approach
Authors:   , Goble Ria
Published: December 2021

This study focused on the Enviroschools organisation, a provider of education for sustainability in Aotearoa New Zealand. This research used a mixed-methods approach, involving seven schools in the Wellington region. Study one incorporated qualitative methods and gained insight into how the Enviroschools programme works in schools through interviewing teachers. Specifically, this study examined: 1) How the Enviroschools programme is implemented in different schools, 2) How action competence (a key component of the Enviroschools programme) is encouraged in students, and 3) Identified the challenges and benefits that teachers faced when implementing the programme.  The second study used a quantitative approach and aimed to identify if variables from the Theory of Planned Behaviour could predict children’s behaviour intentions. Study two: 1) Explored whether the Theory of Planned Behaviour could predict children’s gardening and waste behaviour intentions, 2) Investigated whether environmental concern could explain behaviour intentions, and 3) Explored whether socio-demographic variables helped explain behaviour intentions.   The results of study one highlighted the different ways in which teachers implemented the Enviroschools programme; this varied from being fully integrated throughout their teaching to offering extra-curricular environmental activities. The challenges and benefits included a lack of support, positive impacts on the community, and the influence of school culture.   The quantitative survey (n=155) found that the Theory of Planned Behaviour variables could predict both Living Landscapes and Zero Waste behaviour intentions. However, environmental concern or socio-demographics did not add to explaining behaviour intentions.   These study findings may benefit the Enviroschools organisation and policy makers who want to improve education for sustainability in New Zealand and know which variables to target to increase children’s engagement in waste and gardening behaviours.
Regional order in the South Pacific and Fiji’s challenge to it
Authors:   , Gradwell John
Published: December 2021

Drawing from a body of leading literature on international and regional order, this thesis applies these concepts to the context of the South Pacific. Examining recent developments in the region through a framework of international order, and paying specific consideration to the regional operation of legitimacy, institutions and power dynamics, it seeks to shed light on the forces underpinning Fiji’s pursuit of regionalism through alternative institutional frameworks. In this, it concludes that Suva’s actions over the past decades constitute a challenge to the prevailing, Australian-New Zealand led regional order in the South Pacific, one that has occurred largely from a failure of Wellington and Canberra’s policymakers to appreciate first, changing power dynamics brought about by the entry of the “new players” into the region and second, divergent views throughout the region on what constitutes legitimate state conduct. Drawing these conclusions into the broader context of global international order, this thesis unpacks the distinct meanings and motivations underpinning these developments, and in doing so explores how regional developments have mirrored global trends in the American led liberal order, offering lessons for policymakers both within the region and beyond.
The Dominion State at War
Authors:   , Egarr Tristan Cordelia
Published: December 2021

This thesis examines the New Zealand state during the First World War. It seeks to ask, firstly, to what extent did the economic size and legal reach of this state expand during, and because of, the war; secondly, how did was this growth affected by, and how did it impact upon, New Zealand’s relationship with Great Britain? My hypothesis is that, as the wartime New Zealand state expanded in size and power, its relationship with Britain grew tighter and stronger.  Following an introduction, in which I take issue with the use of the term “nation” to describe New Zealand in the early twentieth century, the thesis is divided into four chapters. In the first, I look at the men who led the New Zealand Government during the war, in particular the Prime Minister, William Ferguson Massey, and the Cabinet Ministers James Allen, Alexander Herdman, and Joseph Ward; I also respond to the recent historical reassessments of Massey and his government. In the second chapter, I look at education policy during the war, asking how the war influenced administrator’s attempts to centralise control over schools.  In the third chapter, I trace the growth of the wartime economy, and the even more substantial growth of the state’s role in the economy, paying particular attention to how trade with Britain grew, and impacted upon other economic policies, suggesting that export of pastoral produce to Britain drove both New Zealand’s economy, and much of the Dominion Government’s policies. In the fourth and final chapter, I look at law and order policies during the war, paying particular attention to the erosion of evidence law in war regulations, and the conscription of men to fight overseas. I will ultimately argue that the growth of, and tighter control over, the pastoral export trade to Britain, and the increasing legal powers of the state within New Zealand, together constituted an expansion of the Dominion government directed at pursuing the needs of the Empire, over and above the needs of New Zealanders.
The Impact Of Private Securities Lawsuits On Accounting Conservatism And The Moderating Influence Of Corporate Governance
Authors:   , Kerr Ryan
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the impact of conduct which goes on to give rise to a securities lawsuit, and the filing of a securities lawsuit, on the level of accounting conservatism in financial reporting. This study also investigates the moderating influence of corporate governance on the level of accounting conservatism following conduct which goes on to give rise to a securities lawsuit, and the filing of a securities lawsuit. The study uses a sample of 617 privately enforced disclosure-related securities lawsuits against listed US firms, taken under SEC rule 10b-5 of the 1934 Securities Exchange Act, over the period 2002 to 2010. The results of the study indicate that following both the conduct that gives rise to a securities lawsuit, and the filing of a securities lawsuit, firms adopt higher levels of accounting conservatism. However, the study finds no evidence that corporate governance moderates the impact of securities lawsuits on the level of accounting conservatism.