Main Descriptor Research Articles

Carbon-Binder-Domain porosity extraction through lithium-ion battery electrode impedance data

In the field of 3-D resolved computational modelling of Lithium-ion battery electrodes, the arrangement and properties of the Carbon-Binder-Domain (CBD) play a critical role in the ion and electron transport properties through their impact on the electrode tortuosity factor. However, until now, the CBD porosity value -its main descriptor in terms of transport properties and occupied volume- has been determined through educated guesses due to the lack of an experimental approach. Here, a novel methodology is reported for the determination of the CBD internal porosity through the combination of computational modelling and experimental electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The methodology is based on the creation of a calibration curve that relates tortuosity factor with CBD porosity through digital stochastic generation of electrode microstructures and diffusivity characterization. The curve is then compared to the EIS experimental results and analyzed through a transmission line model, yielding a good estimation of the parameters. In this work, the usefulness and the identified limitation of this approach are demonstrated using three different formulations of LiNi0.3Mn0.3Co0.3O2 (NMC 111) cathodes. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported method for estimating CBD porosity.

Projected habitat preferences of commercial fish under different scenarios of climate change

The challenges of commercial species with the threats of climate change make it necessary to predict the changes in the distributional shifts and habitat preferences of the species under possible future scenarios. We aim to demonstrate how future climatic changes will affect the habitat suitability of three species of commercial fish using the predictive technique MaxEnt. The dataset used to extract geographical records included OBIS (54%), GBIF (1%), and literature (45%). The output of the model indicated accurate projections of MaxEnt (AUC above 0.9). Temperature was the main descriptor responsible for the main effects on the distribution of commercial fish. With increasing RCP from 2.5 to 8.5, the species would prefer saltier, higher temperatures and deeper waters in the future. We observed different percentages of suitable habitats between species during RCPs showing distinct sensitivity of each fish in facing climate changes. Negative effects from climate change on the distribution patterns of commercial fish were predicted to lead to varying degrees of reduction and changes of suitable habitats and movement of species towards higher latitudes. The finding emphasizes to implement adaptive management measures to preserve the stocks of these commercial fish considering that the intensification of the effects of climate change on subtropical areas and overexploited species is predicted.

Origin of the Activity Trend in the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethanol over VOx/CeO2**

AbstractSupported vanadia (VOx) is a versatile catalyst for various redox processes where ceria‐supported VOx have shown to be particularly active in the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alcohols. In this work, we clarify the origin of the volcano‐shaped ethanol ODH activity trend for VOx/CeOx catalysts using operando quick V K‐ and Ce L3‐ edge XAS experiments performed under transient conditions. We quantitatively demonstrate that both vanadium and cerium are synergistically involved in alcohol ODH. The concentration of reversible Ce4+/Ce3+ species was identified as the main descriptor of the alcohol ODH activity. The activity drop in the volcano plot, observed at above ca. 3 V nm−2 surface loading (ca. 30 % of VOx monolayer coverage), is related to the formation of spectator V4+ and Ce3+ species, which were identified here for the first time. These results might prove to be helpful for the rational optimization of VOx/CeO2 catalysts and the refinement of the theoretical models.

Origin of the Activity Trend in the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Ethanol over VOx /CeO2.

Supported vanadia (VOx ) is a versatile catalyst for various redox processes where ceria-supported VOx have shown to be particularly active in the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alcohols. In this work, we clarify the origin of the volcano-shaped ethanol ODH activity trend for VOx /CeOx catalysts using operando quick V K- and Ce L3 - edge XAS experiments performed under transient conditions. We quantitatively demonstrate that both vanadium and cerium are synergistically involved in alcohol ODH. The concentration of reversible Ce4+ /Ce3+ species was identified as the main descriptor of the alcohol ODH activity. The activity drop in the volcano plot, observed at above ca. 3 V nm-2 surface loading (ca. 30 % of VOx monolayer coverage), is related to the formation of spectator V4+ and Ce3+ species, which were identified here for the first time. These results might prove to be helpful for the rational optimization of VOx /CeO2 catalysts and the refinement of the theoretical models.

First ideas for a revision of ISO 9614

ISO 9614 describes the determination of sound power levels by the two microphone intensity technique. Despite some physical advantages the method is relatively seldom used. To improve this situation, theoretical and experimental investigations were performed, which focused mainly on the adequacy of the currently standardized indicators and criteria. This paper summarizes these results and develops first ideas for a revision of ISO 9614. One main proposal is to perform measurements generally in the one-third octave bands between 50 Hz and 10 kHz with a 12 mm spacer and to apply appropriate corrections in the highest three one-third octave bands. Furthermore, it is proposed to require additional measurements with a larger spacer at lower frequencies, if the dynamic capability of the instrument is insufficient. The A-weighted sound power level is calculated from the one-third octave band levels, which may have different grades of accuracy. Calculating different A-weighted sound power levels from different sets of frequency bands fulfilling criteria for different grades of accuracy then allows for designating a grade of accuracy to the A-weighted sound power level. This is considered to be a major improvement since the A-weighted sound power level is the main descriptor for the sound emission of sources.

Bibliometric study of refractive surgery and dry eye scientific literature.

Currently, refractive surgery is a safe and effective procedure, and considered as a risk for development of dry eye. The aim of study is to analyze the scientific publications in the field of ocular dryness secondary to refractive surgery through a bibliometric approach. The temporal period goes since 2001-2019, years in which first references appeared and search limited selection is done, respectively. The set of publications ranges from the first publication appeared in 2001, to the last one selected in 2019. A search of references was made through Scopus, using "refractive surgery" as main descriptor, and «dry eye» as secondary one; both descriptors were limited to those available in the chosen field for the title, abstract, and keywords. The most common indicators and bibliometric maps were applied for to the selected publications. A total of 78 original articles were collected from the timeframe 2001-2019. According to the Price's law, the growth of literature production was linear turned out in a linear growth of literature production. The annual growth rate was 8.6% with a literature doubling time of 8.4 years. The Bradford core, preferred journals chosen by authors were 4 with offered four preferred journals by the authors, all of them with an impact factor >2. These were Ophthalmology, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Journal of Glaucoma and British Journal of Ophthalmology. Regarding geographical distribution, the United States had the highest production. The scientific production of dry eye after refractive surgery follows a linear growth. In this instance, postulates of the Price's growth law of science are not fulfilled. In addition, there is a high rate of transience. That may indicate low productivity or presence of researchers from other related subjects disciplines, who have published occasionally in this topic.

Solifugae (Arachnida): Indigenous Southern African names and their meanings

The order Solifugae (Arachnida) often has the word ‘spider’ (e.g. sunspider, camelspider) or ‘scorpion’ (e.g. windscorpion) as the main descriptor in its common names. Being neither a spider nor a scorpion, we suggest ‘solifuge’, derived from the scientific name of the order, as the most neutral English vernacular name for these arachnids. Southern Africa is rich in solifuge diversity, which is also reflected in the rich and imaginative local vernacular names of this group. These names allude to myths associated with solifuges, to their characteristic behaviours, or to their unique and striking morphology. Here we briefly translate and discuss 40 vernacular terms used for solifuges in 25 languages and dialects in southern Africa (Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe), plus seven names in five languages in East Africa. Recognising solifuges as a distinct group, referred to by its own set of vernacular names, seem to be more common in rural, compared to urban areas. The conservation of indigenous names of animals might be inextricably linked to the conservation of these animals.

Estudio bibliométrico de cirugía refractiva y ojo seco en la literatura científica

ObjectiveCurrently, refractive surgery is a safe and effective procedure, and considered as a risk for development of dry eye. The aim of study is to analyze the scientific publications in the field of ocular dryness secondary to refractive surgery through a bibliometric approach. The temporal period goes since 2001 to 2019, years in which first references appeared and search limited selection is done, respectively. The set of publications ranges from the first publication appeared in 2001, to the last one selected in 2019. MethodsA search of references was made through Scopus, using «refractive surgery» as main descriptor, and «dry eye» as secondary one; both descriptors were limited to those available in the chosen field for the title, abstract, and keywords. The most common indicators and bibliometric maps were applied for to the selected publications. ResultsA total of 78 original articles were collected from the timeframe 2001-2019. According to the Price's law, the growth of literature production was linear turned out in a linear growth of literature production. The annual growth rate was 8.6% with a literature doubling time of 8.4 years. The Bradford core, preferred journals chosen by authors were 4 with offered four preferred journals by the authors, all of them with an impact factor >2. These were Ophthalmology, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, Journal of Glaucoma and British Journal of Ophthalmology. Regarding geographical distribution, the United States had the highest production. ConclusionsThe scientific production of dry eye after refractive surgery follows a linear growth. In this instance, postulates of the Price's growth law of science are not fulfilled. In addition, there is a high rate of transience. That may indicate low productivity or presence of researchers from other related subjects disciplines, who have published occasionally in this topic.

Antivirals virtual screening to SARS-CoV-2 non-structural proteins

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a pandemic. Since then, the search for a vaccine or drug for COVID-19 treatment has started worldwide. In this regard, a fast approach is the repurposing of drugs, primarily antiviral drugs. Herein, we performed a virtual screening using 22 antiviral drugs retrieved from the DrugBank repository, azithromycin (antibiotic), ivermectin (antinematode), and seven non-structural proteins (Nsps) of SARS-CoV-2, which are considered important targets for drugs, via molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Drug–receptor binding energy was employed as the main descriptor. Based on the results, paritaprevir was predicted as a promising multi-target drug that favorably bound to all tested Nsps, mainly adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) (-36.2 kcal mol−1) and coronavirus main proteinase (Mpro) (-32.2 kcal mol−1). Moreover, the results suggest that simeprevir is a strong inhibitor of Mpro (-37.2 kcal mol−1), which is an interesting finding because Mpro plays an important role in viral replication. In addition to drug–receptor affinity, hot spot residues were characterized to facilitate the design of new drug derivatives with improved biological responses.

Exploring the historical distribution of Dracaena cinnabari using ethnobotanical knowledge on Socotra Island, Yemen

BackgroundIn this study, we present and analyze toponyms referring to Socotra Island’s endemic dragon’s blood tree (Dracaena cinnabari) in four areas on the Socotra Archipelago UNESCO World Heritage site (Republic of Yemen). The motivation is the understanding of the past distribution of D. cinnabari trees which is an important part of conservation efforts by using ethnobotanical data. We assumed that dragon’s blood trees had a wider distribution on Socotra Island in the past.MethodsThis research was based on field surveys and interviews with the indigenous people. The place names (toponyms) were recorded in both Arabic and the indigenous Socotri language. We grouped all toponyms into five different categories according to the main descriptor: terrain, human, plant, water, and NA (unknown). Also, this study identified current and historical Arabic names of dragon’s blood trees of the genus Dracaena through literature review.ResultsA total of 301 toponyms were recorded from the four study areas in Socotra Island. Among names related to plants, we could attribute toponyms to nine different plants species, of which six toponyms referred to the D. cinnabari tree, representing 14.63% of the total phytotoponyms in the category. Three historical naming periods prior to 2000 could be identified. The most commonly used name for dragon’s blood trees (D. cinnabari, D. serrulata, D. ombet) appears to be “ahrieb” “إعريهب” and its resin “dum al-akhawin” “دم الأخوين,” while derived (mixed-cooked) products are called “eda’a” “إيدع,” while regionally different names can be found.ConclusionThe place names that refer to D. cinnabari are herein suggested to represent remnant areas of once large populations. Therefore, the toponyms may support known hypotheses based on climate models that D. cinnabari had a wider distribution on Socotra Island in the past. This study also confirmed the historical importance of dragon’s blood.

A Non-Negligible Interface Effect for Alkaline Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction

In alkaline medium, the slow kinetics of the anodic hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) hinders the development of alkaline membrane fuel cells (AMFCs). Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the mechanism of HOR from establishing the "structure-activity relationship" and researching the main factor influencing the activity of the catalyst. Generally accepted viewpoint is the hydrogen binding energy (HBE) theory, a main descriptor of the catalytic activity, and regulation of the binding energy usually could be achieved by controlling the lattice strain. In our research, by taking advantage of the difference in the atomic radius of the 3d transition metals, a trimetal model (Pd3M@Pt (M=Fe, Co, Cu) core-shell structure) is constructed to study the HOR through the tuning of stress shrink degrees. By step-by-step electrochemical monitoring method and surface-controlled technology, the phase changes in the cycle were regulated and analyzed. Interestingly, it shows that the low-valence M(OH)x species formed in the electrochemical cycle obviously influenced the HOR activity rather than the HBE change caused by lattice shrink, mainly ascribed to strengthen the adsorption of OHad species and accelerate the Volmer step (Had+OH-→H2O+e-+*, rate-determined step, RDS). Meanwhile, It's worth noting the mass activity (MA) and specific activity (SA) of Pd3Co@Pt are significantly improved compared with Pt/C, close to 4 and 2 times. This Pd3M@Pt core-shell structure also improves the utilization of Pt and facilitates the design of efficient HOR catalyst. Figure 1. a) Schematic diagram of the mechanism exploration for HOR with the model of Pd3M@Pt (M=Fe, Co, Cu); b) CV curves of four core-shell structure catalysts Keywords: Hydrogen Oxidation Reaction, Pd3M@Pt core-shell structure, low-valence M(OH)x species, interface effect

THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF ENGLISH AND PORTUGUESE LITERATURES

The best interests of the child (BIC) should be of primary consideration in any situation involving children. Thus, BIC is commonly adopted as a principle, doctrine or test to weight decision-making regarding children. This study consists of an integrative literature review of English and Portuguese publications aimed at investigating how various studies address BIC definitions, characteristics and applications. The inclusion criteria were: 1) articles published between 2012 and 2017, and 2) those clearly addressing a BIC definition, characteristic and/or application. The chosen English databases were ASSIA, PsychARTICLES, PsychInfo, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar; the Portuguese databases were: LILACS, PePsic, Redalyc, Periódicos CAPES and Google Scholar. The main descriptor used was ‘best interests of the child’ which led to 1488 articles being found, and 14 selected. Brazilian articles have focused on the need to protect the child’s physical and psycho-socioemotional well-being, highlighting the child as a subject of rights, and maintaining child’s familial bonds. English articles have broadened the BIC perspective, highlighting the child’s idiosyncrasies, the role of the parent’s interests, and BIC as non-individualistic, flexible and complex. Other results show that BIC is largely related to the child’s development, which is divided into ‘material-physiological’ (basic needs and surviving) and ‘contextual’ (non-material and psychosocial and emotional needs) domains. Overall, BIC is a pluralistic, complex and multi-dimensional construct that depends on the child’s relational contexts.

Estimating Antiwear Properties of Ionic Liquids as Lubricant Additives Using a QSTR Model

The antiwear properties of ionic liquids (ILs) as lubricant additives were studied with polyethylene glycol (PEG) used as the lubricant base oil. The quantum parameters of the ILs were calculated using a Hartree–Fock ab initio method. Correlation between the scale of the wear scar diameter and quantum parameters of the ILs was studied by multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis. A quantitative structure tribo-ability relationship (QSTR) model was built with a good fitting effect and predictive ability. The results show that the entropy of the ILs is the main descriptor affecting the antiwear performance of the lubricant system. To improve the antiwear performance of the lubricants, the entropy of the system should be decreased, reducing the system randomness and increasing the system regularity. A major influencing factor on the entropy of a system is the intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds present. Therefore, enhanced antiwear properties of lubricants could be achieved with a three-dimensional netlike structure of lubricant formed by hydrogen bonding.

Native-speakerism and professional teacher identity in L2 pronunciation learning

Many studies in different contexts have examined both English as a second language (ESL) and English as a foreign language (EFL) students’ convictions about the connection between nativeness in English and professional teacher identity; however, very few studies solely focused on that connection in second language (L2) pronunciation teaching. This paper explores EFL university students’ experiences in learning English pronunciation from ‘native’- and ‘nonnative’- English-speaking teachers (NESTs and NNESTs). Based on an empirical study of undergraduates-prospective English language teachers-at the University of Jordan, the paper finds that most students still view ‘nativeness’ as the main descriptor of effective teaching, strongly believing NESTs to be the ‘authority’ and source of ‘correctness,’ both of which convictions are emblematic of native-speakerism, which in turns leads to both cultural panic and voicelessness on the part of NNESTs and learners. The study concludes with calling for the need to raise awareness among EFL students of the various manifestations of English as a global language-particularly the irrelevance of nativeness to effective teaching-and incorporating NNESTs into teaching L2 pronunciation and rejecting their marginalisation in teaching pronunciation in EFL contexts.

Legacy and Emerging Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Terrestrial Compartments in the High Arctic: Sorption and Secondary Sources.

Legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and emerging perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in vegetation and soil samples collected at remote lakes in the Canadian High Arctic. Field studies were carried out in 2015 and 2016 to assess concentrations of POPs, study the relevant sorbing phases, and determine whether Arctic soils were sinks or sources of legacy POPs to the atmosphere and to neighboring lakes. The patterns of legacy POPs in vegetation and soils were dominated by low molecular weight PCB congeners along with OCPs, confirming the importance of long-range atmospheric transport. Lipid and non-lipid organic matter was a key determinant of legacy POPs in Arctic vegetation. Soil organic matter was the main descriptor of hydrophobic PCBs and OCPs in soils, while soil inorganic carbon content, was an important driver of the sorption of PFASs in soils. While contaminant concentrations were low in soil and vegetation, higher PCBs and PFOS organic and inorganic carbon-normalized concentrations were found at Resolute Lake indicating the presence of local sources of contamination. Comparison of fugacities of PCBs in soil and air from Resolute Lake indicated soils as net sources of PCBs to the atmosphere.

The Global Signature of Ocean Wave Spectra

AbstractA global atlas of ocean wave spectra is developed and presented. The development is based on a new technique for deriving wave spectral statistics, which is applied to the extensive ERA‐Interim database from European Centre of Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts. Spectral statistics is based on the idea of long‐term wave systems, which are unique and distinct at every geographical point. The identification of those wave systems allows their separation from the overall spectrum using the partition technique. Their further characterization is made using standard integrated parameters, which turn out much more meaningful when applied to the individual components than to the total spectrum. The parameters developed include the density distribution of spectral partitions, which is the main descriptor; the identified wave systems; the individual distribution of the characteristic frequencies, directions, wave height, wave age, seasonal variability of wind and waves; return periods derived from extreme value analysis; and crossing‐sea probabilities. This information is made available in web format for public use at http://www.modemat.epn.edu.ec/#/nereo. It is found that wave spectral statistics offers the possibility to synthesize data while providing a direct and comprehensive view of the local and regional wave conditions.

Supported Vanadium Oxide Clusters in Partial Oxidation Processes: Catalytic Consequences of Size and Electronic Structure

AbstractThe catalytic activity for ethanol partial oxidation of vanadium oxide (VOx) anchored on titanium oxide was correlated to their electronic structure. In situ Raman spectroscopy and temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD) experiments indicate that the presence of catalytically active VOx moieties is very sensitive to vanadia loading: highly dispersed VOx predominantly exists at low VOx contents whereas larger vanadia clusters coexist at higher VOx loadings. In situ UV/Vis spectroscopy revealed that a significant fraction of these larger clusters remain reduced during catalysis, and thus do not fully participate in catalytic turnovers. The electronic structures of model VOx nanoclusters of different sizes (monomer, dimer, trimer, and one‐dimensional polymers) were investigated by using periodic density functional theoretical calculations. Results indicate that their electronic structures are significantly affected by their size. Our analysis also revealed that the formation of reduced VOx species (V4+) during catalysis is concomitant to the reduction of adjacent Ti cations (Ti3+). Theoretically calculated optical absorption spectra matched the experimental spectroscopic results obtained under in situ reaction conditions. Furthermore, the determination of defect formation enthalpies reported previously as the main descriptor for catalytic activity of vanadia nanoclusters, predicted that isolated monomeric VOx clusters predominantly take part in catalytic turnovers.

Indización y uso de los Descriptores MeSH en Hospitalización a Domicilio

Objetivo: Analizar la utilización de los Descriptores, como Major Topic, en la indización de los artículos sobre Hospitalización Domiciliaria en la base de datos MEDLINE.Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal de los registros de indización recogidos en la base de datos MEDLINE (vía PubMed) hasta 2016. El término utilizado, como descriptor principal para la búsqueda fue «Home Care Services, Hospital-Based».El método de muestreo fue la aleatorización simple sin reemplazo, tomando como base el número total de referencias obtenidas (tamaño muestral 386).Resultados: Se observaron diferencias significativas en la utilización de los Descriptores asociados a hospitalización a domicilio. La comparativa entre descriptores dio una p<0,004 y una razón de verosimilitudes de 727,52 con 460 grados de libertad.Conclusiones: Los descriptores utilizados son adecuados a la temática estudiada, Hospital a Domicilio. Lógicamente, «Home Care Services, Hospital-Based» es el Descriptor con mayor frecuencia de uso, ya que es el utilizado para realizar la búsqueda. El aumento en el diagnóstico de las neoplasias genera la aparición de «Neoplasms» como el segundo descriptor más usado y el auge de la informática y la tecnología hace que «Telemedicine» aparezca como tercer descriptor.

Effect of Acid Washing on the Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity of Pt-Cu Aerogel Catalysts

Developing highly active and durable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts is crucial to reduce the cost of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). To meet those requirements, unsupported Pt-Cu alloy nanochains (aerogels) were synthesized by a simple co-reduction route in aqueous solution and their structure was characterized by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. These catalysts exceeded the ORR activity of commercial Pt/C catalysts by more than 100% in rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments and met the corresponding US DOE target for automotive PEFC implementation, thereby qualifying as very promising materials. The behavior of Pt-Cu aerogels under PEFC operation conditions was mimicked by acid washing experiments which showed that the Cu content in the alloy phase and ORR activity decrease through this step. Comparing composition, structure and ORR activity for various specimens, the Cu content in the alloy phase was identified as the main descriptor of ORR activity. An almost linear correlation was found between those two parameters and complemented by supporting data from the literature.

Pain and quality of life in breast cancer patients

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the influence of pain on quality of life in breast cancer patients.METHODS:A cross-sectional study of 400 patients, including 118 without metastasis, 160 with loco-regional metastasis and 122 with distant metastasis. The instruments used were the European Organization for Research and Treatment for Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 and the Breast Cancer-specific 23 and short McGill Pain Questionnaire.RESULTS:In total, 71.7% of patients reported pain. The most frequent sensory descriptor used by patients was ‘jumping.’ In the evaluative dimension, the main descriptor chosen was troublesome. The Global Health self-assessment showed pain to be inversely correlated with quality of life: the group without metastasis had a mean score of 55.3 (SD=24.8) for those in pain, which rose to 69.7 (SD=19.2) for those without pain (p=0.001). Subjects with loco-regional metastasis had score of 59.1 (SD=21.3) when in pain, and those without pain had a significantly higher score of 72.4 (SD=18.6) (p<0.001). Patients from the distant metastasis group showed similar results with a mean score of 48.6 (SD=23.1) for those in pain and 67.6 (SD=20.4) for those without pain (p=0.002). Regarding the association of pain intensity and quality of life, patients with distant metastasis and intense pain had the worst scores for quality of life with a functional scale mean of 49.9 (SD=17.3) (p<0.009), a Symptom Scale score of 50.0 (SD=20.1) (p<0.001) and a Global Health Scale score of 39.7 (SD=24.7) (p<0.006).CONCLUSIONS:Pain compromises the quality of life of patients with breast cancer, particularly those with advanced stages of the disease.