Exploratory Nature Research Articles

The modus operandi of the corporate psychopath: Analysis of the literature review

The scarcity of research on corporate psychopaths in Brazil aroused the interest of the present study. The main objective was to analyze and explain the modus operandi adopted by psychopaths in companies, based on the specialized literature. For this, the research, of an exploratory nature, used the bibliographic review as a methodology, consulting books, scientific articles and websites. The results revealed that most authors agree on the characteristics of the corporate psychopath, such as the search for power and control, the manipulation of colleagues, and the exploitation of dysfunctional organizational cultures. However, there are disagreements about the definition, nomenclature, origin and classification of psychopathy. The study concludes that corporate psychopathy is a real problem and that more research is needed to understand and combat it. Identifying and addressing this profile is crucial to protect victims and organizations from the negative impacts of corporate psychopathy.

Initial Perspectives From Rural-Residing Adults on a Digital Cognitive Health Coaching Intervention: Exploratory Qualitative Analysis.

A growing body of research has examined lifestyle-based interventions for dementia prevention. Specifically, health coaching interventions have been linked to decreased risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) comorbidities, such as diabetes. Despite the association, there is a lack of research examining the efficacy and perception of digital health coaching on reducing AD risk. Understanding the perceived benefits of participating in a digital health coach program is critical to ensure long-term use, including participant adherence and engagement. The purpose of this study is to examine the initial attitudes toward a digital health coaching intervention aimed at preventing cognitive decline among at-risk, rural participants. This exploratory qualitative study is part of the ongoing Digital Cognitive Multidomain Alzheimer Risk Velocity Study (DC-MARVel; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04559789), a 2-year randomized control trial examining the effects of a digital health coaching intervention on dementia risk, cognitive decline, and general health outcomes. Participants were recruited from the northwest region of Arkansas via word of mouth, email, local radio, and social media. At the time of the analysis, 103 participants randomly assigned to the health coaching group completed an average of 4 coaching sessions over a 4-month period. The intervention included asynchronous messages 1-2 times per week from their health coach that contained health education articles based on the participant's goals (eg, increase physical activity), unlimited access to their coach for questions and recommendations, and monthly meetings with their coach via videoconference or phone to discuss their goals. Participants were asked 2 open-ended questions, "What were your top 1 or 2 takeaways from your recent Health Coaching session?" and "Is there anything you would change about our Health Coaching sessions?" A thematic analysis was conducted using feedback responses from 80 participants (mean age, SD 7.6 years). The following four themes emerged from participants' feedback: (1) healthy lifestyle and behavioral changes, (2) a sense of self-awareness through introspection, (3) value in coach support, and (4) a desire for a change in program format (eg, frequency). In total, 93% (n=74) of participants expressed that the intervention needed no changes. Initial participation in the digital cognitive health coaching intervention was well received, as evidenced by participants reporting value in goal setting and strategies for healthy lifestyle and behavioral changes as well as self-reflection on their personal lifestyle choices. Feedback about their assigned coach also offers insight into the importance of the coach-participant relationship and may serve as a significant factor in overall participant success. Given the exploratory nature of this study, more robust research is needed to elicit more information from participants about their experiences to fully understand the acceptability of the digital health coaching intervention. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04559789; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04559789. RR2-10.2196/31841.

A Comparative Analysis of English Language Student and Teacher Training in Inclusive Education and Specific Learning Difficulties in Canton Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of topics on inclusive education and Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs) provided in initial and continuing training opportunities for English language students and teachers in Canton Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study follows a convergent mixed methods design with an explanatory nature. A questionnaire was used to gather both quantitative and qualitative data on student and teacher views about training in inclusive education and SpLDs at the English Department of the University of Sarajevo and the formal English language teacher professional development programs in Canton Sarajevo. The results suggest that teachers are exposed to more topics on inclusion and SpLDs in their professional training compared to students and potential future English language teachers in their initial training, with a focus on strategies of reflective practice to inclusive language teaching and language learning processes of students with SpLDs.

Is internationalization abroad a prerequisite for university students' intercultural competence development?

PurposeThis study aims to examine how intercultural competence (IC) among university students can be enhanced through two streams of higher education internationalization: internationalization abroad and internationalization at home (IaH). By doing so, it aims to improve university students' IC through identifying which factors are more effective in fostering IC.Design/methodology/approachThe study is not solely a literature review, but rather a conceptual exploration based on a selective review of the literature. Due to the exploratory nature of this study, we employed a thematic analysis approach to reviewing English language literature while incorporating relevant Chinese literature to ensure a more balanced representation.FindingsWe found that international students’ IC is influenced by their overseas learning experiences, which are closely related to the duration of stay, language proficiency, intercultural contact, university management and teachers and administrative support. On the other hand, domestic students’ IC has been influenced by various IaH experiences primarily within their home university campus, such as foreign language learning, international curriculum, extracurricular activities, communication between domestic and international students, integrated management of international students, the use of Internet and communication technology and so forth. Although a direct and definitive comparison is lacking, some comparative analyses suggest that IaH experiences may yield better results in enhancing the IC of domestic students.Originality/valueThis article advances the understanding of IC development. We call for further research that values the importance of IaH in the increasingly uncertain globalization and delves into comparative analysis of the effects of two streams of higher education internationalization.

The Contribution of Risk Management to Strategic Directions in Companies in Santa Cruz do Sul-RS: A Multiple Case Study

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate how the risk management process contributes to strategic directions in companies in Santa Cruz do Sul? With the aim of relating risk and strategy and proposing an association model for the applicability of knowledge. Theoretical Framework: The study was theoretically based on topics such as types of risks, ISO 9001, 31000, 31010 regulations, concepts prescribed by COSO, PMBOK and the three lines of defense. Method: The methodology was characterized by a qualitative study of an exploratory and descriptive nature through a study of multiple cases composed of five companies. The data derived from the analysis of the content of interviews and documents, identifying common tools and methodologies, as well as examples of models already being validated among companies that consider risk in strategic planning. Results and Discussion: The results demonstrate that companies use strategic planning tools, however, understanding risk management is not treated as a priority, with the predominant budget for decision making. Based on this observation, a Strategy and Risk Association model was created, which in addition to synthesizing the main knowledge, serves as a guide for managerial application and for the academic dissemination of the topic. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of Strategic Administration and Risk Management. These implications can cover strategic sectors of organizations, audits and consultancies. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the importance of treating risk management within strategic planning, proposing a model for associating strategy and risk that can be replicated in companies. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the responses obtained by managers who cite the important tools of strategic planning and the treatment of risk in their organizations.

Educational Strategy of The Primary Prevention of Domestic Violence: Contributions of Curricular Practices to the Strengthening of Citizenship

At a global level, quality education is fundamental to achieve social and gender justice, stability, and sustainable development worldwide. Therefore, the current school is faced with the need to find answers to these challenges, which can manifest themselves in multiple social violences. The investment in Portugal in an education for citizenship is based on the implementation of an educational policy that introduces, in an intentional and strategical manner, into the curriculum, fracturing themes in societies with the aim of its transformation. In this regard, the construction of the curriculum, as proposed by the Critical Theory, as a social practice, can constitute an educational strategy for the study and action on the problematic issue of primary prevention of domestic violence. The aim of this research is to understand to what extent the inclusion of the issue of domestic violence in curricular practices, in the context of citizenship education, contributes to the primary prevention of this social scourge. The methodological course of the research is based on a qualitative approach of exploratory nature, using a questionnaire with four open-ended questions. The study took place in two public schools, Primary and Secondary: one in the Oporto area and the other in the Lisbon area. The former has a Prevention Project against Domestic Violence in place; the second has no similar project. The data was obtained through the Google Forms tool. Eight participants were selected, four from each school, all teachers at the end of a schooling cycle, specifically: 4th year, 6th year, 9th year and 12th year. The study revealed that, in the school in the Oporto area, because it had a Violence Prevention Plan, there were curricular practices focused on this issue. The school in the Lisbon area, on the other hand, that does not have a Plan for the Prevention of Violence, has an absence of this issue in curricular practices, there being only awareness-raising on the subject.

Assessing the Subjective Happiness of Parents of Children With Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities Receiving Home Care.

Home care for children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID) is challenging for parents because it is highly intensive and long-lasting. The pursuit of happiness is an essential goal for everyone. However, only a few studies have focused on the happiness of families with such children. The study aimed to examine the subjective happiness of parents of children with SMID receiving home care and identify the factors associated with their happiness. We conducted a cross-sectional online questionnaire-based survey of 23 parents of children with SMID and nurses with children without disabilities as controls at Tottori University Hospital,Yonago, Japan from July 1 to August 31, 2023. We set the subjective happiness scale (SHS) scores as the outcomes. We used the Mann-Whitney U test to compare the SHS scores between the two groups. Moreover, we extracted the clinical and demographic factors affecting the SHS scores of parents of children with SMID using univariate linear regression analysis. We obtained responses from 12 parents with SMID and 105 controls. The average SHS scores of parents with SMID and controls were 4.8 and 4.7, respectively, and both groups did not differ significantly. Univariate analysis showed that parental male sex and the presence of a tracheostomy were negatively associated with the SHS scores of parents. The SHS scores did not differ significantly between parents with SMID and controls. However, more attention seemed necessary for fathers and parents of children who have undergone tracheostomies. Given the exploratory nature of this study and its small sample size, larger-scale investigations are warranted. Additionally, qualitative research conducted after establishing trustful relationships could provide further insights.

Matching inventory and demand in a Fast Moving Consumer Goods company: A Decision Support System

Demand fulfilment and its core, order promising, is a key business function that directly impacts the company’s ability to generate revenue through sales. For companies operating under a Make-To-Stock (MTS) production strategy, it is tantamount to matching both on-hand and projected stock to customer demand. The prevalent manner to carry out this task is to use either First-Come-First-Served policies, or simple allocation rules embedded in commercially available software. However, order promising is, in general, quite complex due to uncertainties both in demand and supply, and it can become extremely challenging when demand exceeds the stock. Therefore, several contributions have established the advantages of order promising using optimisation models and/or sophisticated algorithms. However, these works assume that customers can be clustered according to their profitability/importance and it remains open to test whether this also holds for homogeneous customers. Furthermore, due to the exploratory nature of most studies, they assume rather stylised scenarios (such as e.g. single product-orders, partial shipments) that do not clarify how model-based order promising would perform in a realistic setting.In this paper we present a decision framework for order promising in a Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company in the brewery sector where customers cannot be clustered and that incorporates many realistic features (such as e.g. multi-product orders, on-full delivery, or perishability constraints). The decision framework relies on several iterations of a MILP model that allocates the stock to customer and reserves some portion of the stock for orders arriving later on. These functionalities are embedded in a Decision Support System (DSS) that also helps with the renegotiation of the orders that cannot be served. Results reported from the usage of the DSS show its ability to obtain high service levels and to favourably compare to other order promising policies. Furthermore, in order to analyse the instance sizes that can be solved in reasonable time, and the parameters that influence the performance and results of the MILP model, an extensive computational experience has been carried out using a testbed that covers a wide range of business scenarios.

Production factors, regional economic development and agriculture in brazil: A spatial econometrics approach

Agriculture has a great effect on the development process of a region and production land, labor, and technology are determinant factors in its dynamism. This work carries out a spatial analysis for each production factor of Brazilian municipalities in 2006 and 2017 and intends to verify if there are patterns of association and agglomerations. This work is applied research of quantitative and exploratory nature. The Exploratory Analysis of Spatial Data (ESDA) was used to perform spatial analysis for each production factor in Brazilian municipalities in 2006 and 2017 and to check the patterns of association and agglomerations. The main agricultural activities and practice are related to exports as proposed by North. The formation of clusters verified both in the use of the factors of land, labor and technology, and in the value of agricultural production has a polarized role in the Brazilian space, as described by Perroux. This polarization and the formation of clusters expanded at certain points over time, indicating the formation of new links with neighboring municipalities (a la Hirschman). The spatial association pattern was significant in all analyzed variables, with emphasis on the non-physical technology factor, presenting the highest spatial autocorrelation coefficient in both periods analyzed.

P-602 Comparative analysis of recombinant human FSH and a biosimilar FSH preparation in controlled ovarian stimulation: a retrospective study of 12,952 oocyte donation and autologous cycles

Abstract Study question Does the type of FSH preparation used for ovarian stimulation, recombinant human FSH (r-hFSH) or biosimilar, influence reproductive success in oocyte donation and autologous cycles? Summary answer Ovarian response and reproductive outcomes, including live birth rates, are comparable in oocyte donation and autologous cycle, irrespective of the type of r-hFSH preparation used. What is known already Exogenous gonadotrophins, particularly FSH, have long been used in assisted reproduction, evolving from urinary to recombinant forms. The first generation of r-hFSH, including Puregon® and Gonal-f®, became available in the 1990s. However, interest in biosimilar FSH products has grown globally following the expiry of original patents. Approved by the European Medicines Agency, two r-hFSH biosimilars, Ovaleap® and Bemfola®, offer cost-effective alternatives for infertility treatments. Regulatory guidelines emphasize non-inferiority to the originator product, with clinical trials showing comparable outcomes between biosimilar and reference FSH preparations. However, debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of r-hFSH biosimilars, particularly in achieving live births. Study design, size, duration In this retrospective cohort study, we compared reproductive outcomes following 8,429 controlled ovarian stimulations (COS) using r-hFSH Gonal-f® (n = 5,059) or the biosimilar FSH Bemfola® (n = 3,370), performed between January 2015 and December 2022 at a single fertility center. Overall, 242,978 mature (MII) oocytes were retrieved, utilized in 12,952 ICSI cycles (n = 11,421 heterologous and n = 1,531 autologous). We primarily evaluated ovarian response, measured by oocyte retrieval and maturation rates. Secondary outcomes included ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates. Participants/materials, setting, methods Participants included both oocyte donors (6,895 COS, 18-35 years) and patients using autologous oocytes (1,534 COS, 20-46 years). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed separately across oocyte donor and patient groups. Outcomes in autologous cycles were further stratified by age. Regressions were adjusted for r-hFSH dose, antral follicle count (AFC), days of stimulation, age, BMI, use of menotropins, fertilization rates and number of embryos transferred, as appropriate. All p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Main results and the role of chance Oocyte donors exhibited similar demographics (age, BMI, days of stimulation), however AFC was significantly higher in the biosimilar group compared to donors stimulated with Gonal-f® (11.31 ± 9.72 vs 7.63 ± 7.5). In patients, we observed no difference in demographic variables between study groups. A mean of 20.5 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) and 15.7 MII oocytes were obtained across all COS. In oocyte donation cycles, the number of COCs retrieved was comparable between groups (22.6, Gonal-f®, 22.3, Bemfola®), however stimulation with Gonal-f® led to a slightly higher number of MII oocytes (17.6 vs 16.9, t-test p < 0.0001). Nevertheless, adjusted analyses revealed improved oocyte retrieval rates with Bemfola® (coeff 0.12, 95% CI: (0.05-0.18), p = 0.0006), while oocyte maturity rates were equivalent amongst the two groups (80% Gonal-f®, 77%, Bemfola®). Comparable results were observed in autologous cycles in terms of COCs (13.7, Gonal-f®, 12.7, Bemfola®) and number of MII oocytes (9.6, Gonal-f®, 9.0, Bemfola®). In autologous cycles, r-hFSH choice did not affect oocyte retrieval rates (coeff -3.3x10-04, 95% CI (-0,09-0,09), p > 0.05) nor oocyte maturation rates (coeff -2.7x10-04, 95% CI (-0,02-0,02), p > 0.05). Our adjusted analysis revealed comparable ongoing pregnancy and live birth rates between the study groups across all 12,952 ICSI cycles (p > 0.05 in all cases). Limitations, reasons for caution The main limitation of this study is its non-interventional retrospective cohort design, impacting generalizability to broader populations and diverse clinical settings. Despite its exploratory nature, the study’s scale, encompassing over 8,000 COS and close to 13,000 ICSI cycles, offers valuable insights into routine clinical care. Wider implications of the findings Comparable ovarian response, pregnancy and live birth rates following COS with Gonal-f® and Bemfola®, in both heterologous and autologous cycles, underscore the utility of biosimilars in ART. Our findings support the broader implications of EU’s policy on biosimilar interchangeability, ultimately enhancing patient access to a wider range of treatment options. Trial registration number not applicable

Spanish media coverage of journalistic artificial intelligence: relevance, topics and framing

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a much-discussed topic due to its implementation in many areas, including journalism. This article examines the coverage of journalistic AI in Spanish written media, in particular the relevance allocated to it, the topics that are addressed, and the framing from which it is approached. Quantitative content analysis and statistical analysis were used. Although journalistic AI only appears as the main topic in a third of cases, it is increasingly present, it is distributed across more sections, and it mostly appears in self-written articles. Despite informative texts prevailing, journalists author the majority of interpretative and practically all opinion pieces, thus increasing knowledge and promoting public debate. They deal largely with the most widespread application of AI, which is news automation, ranking well above the issues of job loss and ethics. Although journalistic AI is generally framed from a perspective of its benefits rather than from its risks, some recent changes are observed: growing concern about its dangers and its ethical implications; the detection of numerous pieces with a Personal Frame, where journalists reflect on their profession and the use of ChatGPT; and the growing relevance of the Episodic Frame as specific AI products develop. This study could have examined all types of media, although that approach would have gone beyond the exploratory nature of this pioneering research. With this work we extend scientific production on journalistic AI in Spain, where this perspective has not been analysed.

Defining Quality in Higher Education and Identifying Opportunities for Improvement

The purpose of this paper is to provide information that can benefit Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), which operate in a highly competitive environment. Understanding students’ perspectives regarding quality in higher education and areas of dissatisfaction can redirect an HEI’s strategy to address these concerns. The present study seeks to clarify how students define quality. A business student survey was conducted to understand students’ expectations, satisfaction, and dissatisfaction with their current educational environment. The analysis systematically explores students’ dissatisfaction by categorizing qualitative data using a modified version of the seven dimensions of service quality introduced by Evans and Lindsay.The level of detail provided in this report will assist in developing effective processes to improve student satisfaction at the university. The results conclude that improvements in completeness of the educational experience, both classroom and administrative services along with improvements in accessibility and convenience for academics and services will have the most impact on student satisfaction. Completeness addresses the quality of learning materials and services and accessibility and convenience address the ease of access to these learning materials and services. This paper expands upon the definition of quality in higher education, focusing on student dissatisfaction. The classification of student feedback provides a unique perspective. The limitations of the study include the response rate, area of study, geographic area, and learning modality. Tests of validity were not applied to the seven dimensions of service quality due to the exploratory nature of this study.

The efficacy of online physical activity interventions with added mobile elements within adults aged 50 years and over: Randomized controlled trial.

Electronic health (eHealth) and mobile health (mHealth) could stimulate physical activity (PA) in a time-efficient and cost-effective way. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate effects on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) of different combined computer- and mobile-based PA interventions targeted at adults aged 50 years and over. Participants (N = 954) were randomly allocated to a basic existing computer-based intervention (Active Plus [AP] or I Move [IM]) supplemented with one of three mobile elements being (1) activity tracker (AT), (2) ecological momentary intervention (EMI), or (3) chatbot (CB) or a control group (CG). MVPA was assessed via the SQUASH at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2) and via accelerometers at T0 and T2. No intervention effects were found on objective (p = .502) and subjective (p = .368) MVPA for main research groups (AP/IM + AT, AP/IM + EMI, AP/IM + CB). Preliminary MVPA findings for subgroups (AP + AT, AP + EMI, AP + CB, IM + AT, IM + EMI, IM + CB) combined with drop-out data showed potential for the computer-based intervention AP with an integrated AT. Based on these preliminary findings, eHealth developers can be recommended to integrate ATs with existing computer-based PA interventions. However, further research is recommended to confirm the findings as a result of the exploratory nature of the subgroup analyses.

Artificial Intelligence and Writing Assisted by Algorithms: What Do Scientific Associations and Their Journals Signal?

The use of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the writing of scientific texts, has been much problematized. This article analyzes, in research of an exploratory and documentary nature (Lüdke; André, 1988), whether there are positions taken by Brazilian scientific associations and their respective journals on the production of scientific communications mediated by the use of artificial Intelligence (AI), such as ChatGPT and like, unveiling the emerging themes associated with the practices of appropriation of this technology in textual production. The research was carried out between May and June 2023, on the websites of 33 Brazilian scientific associations from different areas of knowledge, and 50 journals. No expressly contrary positions were found in relation to the uses of generative AI for textual production, by the 33 (thirty-three) associations researched. Only 3 (three) of the 50 (fifty) journals, until June 2023, had explicit policies or guidelines for authors on the use of artificial intelligence in the writing of scientific communication. From the analytical induction, when exploring the collected data, we conclude that: a) topics such as authorship, plagiarism and ethics are the most correlated with the appropriation of AI for scientific communication; b) the absence of positions from a significant number of journals, on the use of generative AI in the textual production of scientific communication is still safeguarded by the principles of authorship and ethics, with no general mention of the technologies that generate writing; c) concerns about the use of AI in scientific communication tend to spread, since its effects are not restricted to a specific type of knowledge. It is necessary for scientific associations and journals to explain their positions on the use, or not, of AI in scientific communication.

Impact of a bundle of care (intravenous iron, erythropoietin and transfusion metabolic adjustment) on post-operative transfusion incidence in cardiac surgery: a single-centre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group controlled pilot trial

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are frequent in patients after cardiac surgery. This study assessed whether a bundle of care including pre-operative and post-operative administration of erythropoietin (EPO) with intravenous iron supplementation, and restrictive transfusion adjusted for ScvO2 could result in reduced postoperative transfusions. In this single-centre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group controlled pilot study, patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with high risk of transfusion in a University Hospital were enrolled by the investigator and the randomisation procedure using a central internet-based system was made by the clinical research assistant. Since the trial was open-label, no masking was used. Patients were assigned (1:1) to either the STOP group (40,000 IU subcutaneous EPO combined with 20mg/kg intravenous ferric carboxymaltose if Hb<13g/dL the day before surgery or at ICU admission, and RBC transfusion if Hb≤8g/dL and ScvO2≤65%, or additional EPO dose if 8<Hb<13g/dL) or to the control group (RBC transfusion if Hb≤8g/dL, or, if 8<Hb<13g/dL, intravenous iron sucrose 200mg or 300mg according to weight). Primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative RBC transfusion up to hospital discharge or postoperative day 28. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04141631. Between Jan 20, 2020, and Sept 6, 2022, among 128 patients enrolled, 123 (male, 54.4%, 67/123) were included in the full analysis set: 62 in the STOP group and 61 in the control group. Nine patients (14.5%, 9/62) in the STOP group required RBC transfusion vs 19 (31.2%, 19/61) in the control group (odds ratio 0.37 [95% CI: 0.15-0.91], p=0.03). The median length of follow up to transfusion was 2.6 days (1.5; 4.6) and 3.3 (1.6; 4.2) in control and STOP groups respectively (p=0.61). The bundle of care may reduce postoperative RBC transfusion. The findings should be taken with caution due to the unblinded and exploratory nature of the study. University of Montpellier Hospital and Vifor Pharma.

Ultrastructural Characterization of PBMCs and Extracellular Vesicles in Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study.

Growing evidence identifies extracellular vesicles (EVs) as important cell-to-cell signal transducers in autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS). If the etiology of MS still remains unknown, its molecular physiology has been well studied, indicating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as the main pathologically relevant contributors to the disease and to neuroinflammation. Recently, several studies have suggested the involvement of EVs as key mediators of neuroimmune crosstalk in central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity. To assess the role of EVs in MS, we applied electron microscopy (EM) techniques and Western blot analysis to study the morphology and content of plasma-derived EVs as well as the ultrastructure of PBMCs, considering four MS patients and four healthy controls. Through its exploratory nature, our study was able to detect significant differences between groups. Pseudopods and large vesicles were more numerous at the plasmalemma interface of cases, as were endoplasmic vesicles, resulting in an activated aspect of the PBMCs. Moreover, PBMCs from MS patients also showed an increased number of multivesicular bodies within the cytoplasm and amorphous material around the vesicles. In addition, we observed a high number of plasma-membrane-covered extensions, with multiple associated large vesicles and numerous autophagosomal vacuoles containing undigested cytoplasmic material. Finally, the study of EV cargo evidenced a number of dysregulated molecules in MS patients, including GANAB, IFI35, Cortactin, Septin 2, Cofilin 1, and ARHGDIA, that serve as inflammatory signals in a context of altered vesicular dynamics. We concluded that EM coupled with Western blot analysis applied to PBMCs and vesiculation can enhance our knowledge in the physiopathology of MS.

Validation of a questionnaire for the perception of physical education professionals in remote activities

Just few months after the first cases of the disease caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) in China, the WHO officially declared the world to be in a pandemic. Considering it was a new situation, the orientation of physical exercise through digital resources, brings with it particularities that were unknown until then. To validate a questionnaire for the perception of physical education professionals in remote activities and to analyze sports programs in remote activities during the pandemic and social distancing by physical education professionals. Descriptive research that is related by interview technique, and correlational of an exploratory nature, using the Delphi method. Nineteen specialists participated in the evaluation of the questionnaire, reaching 4 rounds to obtain 100% agreement. The questionnaire to be applied will provide relevant information about the profile of the physical education professional, who has been using remote activities as part of their work activities.

A further involuntary contribution to naturalising nationalism

AbstractRobert Schertzer and Eric Taylor Woods' book analyses tweets posted by Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen and Brexit supporters in 2017 from a historical perspective in order to reveal the deep roots of white ethnic nationalism. This commentary questions the explanatory nature of the analysis, and highlights how the book inadvertently contributes to the ongoing naturalisation of nationalism, particularly in Western countries.

The TEOGIC study project: a comprehensive characterization of early onset gastrointestinal cancer in the Northern area of Spain

BackgroundGastrointestinal cancers represent one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Strikingly, the incidence of Early Onset Gastrointestinal Cancer (EOGIC) has been rising during the last decades and changes in lifestyle and environmental exposure seem to play a role. EOGIC has been defined as a different entity compared to on-average gastrointestinal cancer, with distinct clinical and molecular characteristics. Inherent to the particularities of younger age, there is an unmet need for a tailored approach for the management of these patients. The TEOGIC proposes a comprehensive study to characterize EOGIC patients in the northern of Spain.MethodsPatients with histologically confirmed new diagnosis of colorectal, gastroesophageal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma will be considered for two cohorts: EOGIC (≤ 50 years old) and non-EOGIC (60–75 years old), with a ratio of 1:2. Two hundred and forty patients will be recruited in 4 Public Hospitals from northern Spain. After receiving unified informed consent, demographic and clinical data of the patients will be collected in a REDCap database. Lifestyle related data will be obtained in questionnaires assessing diet, physical activity and the general quality of life of the patients before diagnosis. Biological samples prior to any onco-specific treatment will be obtained for the analyses of circulating inflammatory proteins, gut microbiota, and the proteome of the tumor microenvironment. Histologic characteristics and routine biomarkers will be also collected. Thereafter, data will be integrated and analyzed to assess tumor specific, pan-tumor and sex-associated differential characteristics of EOGIC.DiscussionThe underlying risk factors and differential characteristics of EOGIC remain poorly studied, particularly in our geographical area. Although limited by the exploratory nature and the small sample size estimated to be recruited, TEOGIC represents the first attempt to comprehensively characterize these young patients, and thus attend to their special needs. Findings derived from this study could contribute to raise awareness and preventive behaviors in the population. In parallel, molecular studies could lead to the identification of potential novel non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets that would help in the development of the tailored clinical management of these patients, focusing on screening programs for early diagnosis and precision medicine.

Inteligência artificial, vieses algorítmicos e racismo: o lado obscuro da justiça algorítmica

This article aims to identify some negative externalities arising from non-observance of certain ethical standards in AI models. The study aims to clarify the importance of paying close attention to the database that are used in the construction of AI models, as well as listing possible solutions to reduce the incidence of biased algorithms and mitigate their harmful consequences. The justification for the scope of the work lies in the need to know the perverse effects that biased algorithms can produce in the justice system and in society in general, violating fundamental rights and catalyzing prejudices and segregations inherent to the society on which they are based. The inductive method is employed in the research phase and production of the research report; in the processing of the data, the Cartesian method is used; for verification of the results, it uses the inductive logic. As for the methodology, the exploratory and descriptive nature is used.