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This research determines the prevalence of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) and its impact on labor productivity in the financial sector of two Latin American countries. Nine financial institutions participated in this study with surveys of 892 female employees in Bolivia and 393 in Paraguay. The results revealed that 40.1% in Bolivia and 18.7% in Paraguay experienced IPVAW. In Bolivia, this resulted in 6.686 lost workdays per year due to absenteeism and 7.640 workdays per year due to presenteeism (present but distracted). In Paraguay, 12.035 days were lost to absenteeism and 12.037 to presenteeism. This pioneering research highlights the significant influence of IPVAW on financial sector productivity and its broader economic implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although a significant number of cases of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) are managed at non-referral community hospitals, the impact of a bundle-of-care intervention in this setting has not yet been explored. Methods We performed a quasi-experimental before–after study with the implementation of a bundle of care for the management of SAB at five non-referral community hospitals and a tertiary care university hospital. Structured recommendations for the five indicators selected to assess quality of care were provided to investigators before the implementation of the bundle and monthly thereafter. Primary endpoints were adherence to the bundle intervention and treatment failure, defined as death or relapse at 90 days of follow-up. Results One hundred and seventy patients were included in the pre-intervention period and 103 in the intervention period. Patient characteristics were similar in both periods. Multivariate analysis controlling for potential confounders showed that performance of echocardiography was the only factor associated with improved adherence to the bundle in the intervention period (adjusted OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.13–4.02). Adherence to the bundle, performance of follow-up blood cultures, and adequate duration of antibiotic therapy for complicated SAB presented non-significant improvements. The intervention was not associated with a lower rate of 90 day treatment failure (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0.70–1.77). Conclusions A bundle-of-care intervention for the management of SAB at non-referral community hospitals increased adherence to quality indicators, but did not significantly reduce rates of 90 day mortality or relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune therapy for cancer patients is a new and promising area that in the future may complement traditional chemotherapy. The cell expansion phase is a critical part of the process chain to produce a large number of high-quality, genetically modified immune cells from an initial sample from the patient. Smart sensors augment the ability of the control and monitoring system of the process to react in real-time to key control parameter variations, adapt to different patient profiles, and optimize the process. The aim of the current work is to develop and calibrate smart sensors for their deployment in a real bioreactor platform, with adaptive control and monitoring for diverse patient/donor cell profiles. A set of contrasting smart sensors has been implemented and tested on automated cell expansion batch runs, which incorporate advanced data-driven machine learning and statistical techniques to detect variations and disturbances of the key system features. Furthermore, a ‘consensus’ approach is applied to the six smart sensor alerts as a confidence factor which helps the human operator identify significant events that require attention. Initial results show that the smart sensors can effectively model and track the data generated by the Aglaris FACER bioreactor, anticipate events within a 30 min time window, and mitigate perturbations in order to optimize the key performance indicators of cell quantity and quality. In quantitative terms for event detection, the consensus for sensors across batch runs demonstrated good stability: the AI-based smart sensors (Fuzzy and Weighted Aggregation) gave 88% and 86% consensus, respectively, whereas the statistically based (Stability Detector and Bollinger) gave 25% and 42% consensus, respectively, the average consensus for all six being 65%. The different results reflect the different theoretical approaches. Finally, the consensus of batch runs across sensors gave even higher stability, ranging from 57% to 98% with an average consensus of 80%.

Methods of statistical analysis, in particular sample surveys to monitor implementation of the New Ukrainian School, are analyzed in the article. The topical issues that need to be addressed in evaluating secondary education reforms are outlined: the attitude of teachers belonging to all age categories to the reform of the New Ukrainian School, the accessibility and effectiveness of professional development courses, the readiness to develop new educational programs, and the material equipment of classrooms depending on the type of area (urban or rural). The aim of the article is to obtain relevant statistical data on education and sup up the experience of monitoring studies in education using a combination of statistical methods. The article is based on general scientific methods: analysis and synthesis, comparisons, analysis of contingency tables, graphical method, etc. The correlation between the teacher’s age and his/her attitude to reform, the teacher’s training and retraining and his/her ability and desire to master new teaching methods, material support of the educational process and the type of area was analyzed. The hypotheses about the correlation of variables and the agreement of the respondents’ opinions were tested. The practice of implementing monitoring studies to meet the demands of administrations in analytical information on education is discussed. It is emphasized that more effective statistical and information technologies, forms and methods of statistical observations, including special and sample surveys, need to be used in statistical studies as an alternative to the traditional reporting. The need for elaborating methodological and organizational issues in plans of particular surveys with consideration to information support and advanced Internet, information & communication and digital technologies is highlighted. The end result of the study is to obtain statistically reliable data for analysis which results will enable to formulate conclusions and recommendations for actors of the educational process. The produced information can be useful for education authorities as the basis for taking administrative decisions.

Introduction: Thermodiluction is a widely used method for measuring vascular access flow (QA). Among the possibilities of TD, the reverse method (MI) can be beneficial in the execution time, without impact on the dialysis efficacy (Kt). However, it is not a sufficiently studied technique. Method: Transversal study of 117 arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). Two QA measurements were taken with the method described by the manufacturer (MR) and another with MI. MI is bases in the obtention of an inverted recirculation registry at the beginning of the session and a single subsequent recirculation measurement with the lines in normal position. In the concordance analysis, the Bland-Altman method and Cohen’s Kappa index were used. Results: Very good concordance between MR and MI was evidenced for QA below 700 ml/min, but it worsens as flow increases. The median variability between the MR measurements (intra-method variability) was 3.4% (−17.13). This value did not differ from the median variability generated between MR and MI (inter-method variability), which was 2% (−14, 12) (P = 0.287). The degree of agreement between the two to identify AVFs susceptible to intervention was very good (K = 0.834). The time spent using the MI was significantly shorter (P = 0.000) without evidence of variations in the Kt of the measurement sessions (P = 0.201). Conclusions: The thermodiluction MI is valid to determine the flow of the vascular access, especially in Qa lower than 700 ml/min, with great time savings, simplification of the procedure and without modifying the dialysis efficiency. The variability between the measurement by MR and MI is similar to that of MR. The concordance between methods in identifying potentially pathological AVFs is very good. Resumen: Introducción: La termodilución es un método ampliamente usado para la medición del flujo de acceso vascular (QA). Entre las posibilidades de la TD, el método inverso (MI) puede ser beneficioso en el tiempo de ejecución, sin repercusión en la eficacia dialítica (Kt). Sin embargo, no es una técnica suficientemente estudiada. Método: Estudio trasversal sobre 117 fístulas arteriovenosas (FAV). Se realizaron 2 mediciones de QA con el método descrito por el fabricante (MR) y otra con MI. El MI se basa en la obtención del registro de recirculación invertida al iniciar la sesión y una única medición posterior de recirculación con las líneas en posición normal. En el análisis de concordancia se utilizó el método Bland-Altman y el índice de Kappa de Cohen. Resultados: Se evidenció muy buena concordancia entre MR y MI para QA inferiores a 700 ml/min, pero empeora a medida que aumenta el flujo. La variabilidad mediana entre las mediciones con MR (variabilidad intramétodo) fue 3,4% (−17,13). Este valor no difirió de la variabilidad mediana generada entre MR y MI (variabilidad intermétodo) que fue 2% (−14, 12) (p = 0,287). El grado de acuerdo entre ambos para identificar FAV susceptibles de intervención fue muy bueno (K = 0,834). El tiempo empleado utilizando el MI fue significativamente menor (p = 0,000) sin evidenciarse variaciones en el Kt de las sesiones de medida (p = 0,201). Conclusiones: El MI de termodilucción es válido para determinar el flujo del acceso vascular, especialmente en QA inferiores a 700 ml/min, con gran ahorro de tiempo, simplificación del procedimiento y sin modificar la eficacia de diálisis. La variabilidad entre la medición por MR y MI es similar a la propia del MR. La concordancia entre métodos a la hora de identificar FAV potencialmente patológicas es muy buena.

Introduction: Renal dysfunction and heart failure (HF) are closely intermingled, even though their pathophysiology is not fully understood. Recently, abdominal congestion, through an increase of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), has been proposed as a novel and important factor in cardiorenal interactions. In this study, we postulated that IAP is linked to renal function and diuretic response in acute heart failure (AHF) patients. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to analyze whether IAP variations in AHF patients are associated with changes in renal function and diuretic response during the first 72 h of admission. Methods: The prospective, observational, and single-center cohort study in AHF patients admitted at the Internal Medicine department. Multiparametric congestion assessment, including X-rays, point of care ultrasoung, serum biomarkers and IAP, will be performed during the first 72 h. Conclusions: We aim to broaden the knowledge about IAP changes and its correlation with renal function and diuretic response in patients admitted with AHF.

Background: The aim was to evaluate the antifungal activity of propolis extract against Candida albicans (or C. albicans) in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Methods: The research presents a quantitative approach with an experimental design, with a population of C. albicans strains isolated from patients diagnosed with vulvovaginal candidiasis who were admitted to the Gynecology Service of the Maria del Socorro Clinic, district of Ate, Lima; a sample of 34 strains was chosen in total, considering three repetitions per strain, obtaining 102 experimental units. The antifungal susceptibility test was carried out by the disc diffusion plate method using a single concentration of propolis extract, with fluconazole as a positive control. Results: Propolis extract was shown to inhibit all strains of C. albicans, as was fluconazole, with the effect of the latter being significantly greater than that of the product under investigation. Conclusions: The conclusion is that propolis extract does show antifungal activity against C. albicans in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Objetivos. Durante la infección aguda por el virus SARS-CoV-2 se ha demostrado una afectación miocárdica, se desconoce si existen secuelas cardiovasculares en pacientes recuperados de esta infección y si estas se asocian a un incremento en la morbilidad y mortalidad global. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la deformación miocárdica en pacientes recuperados de infección leve por SARS-CoV-2 con controles sanos. Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional transversal que incluyó 33 sujetos recuperados de infección leve por SARS-CoV-2, quienes fueron diagnosticados en los tres a seis meses previos, y 31 voluntarios sanos, ambos grupos libres de factores de riesgo cardiovascular. El estudio de deformación miocárdica se realizó mediante ecocardiografía con modalidad speckle tracking. Se compararon variables clínicas y antropométricas. Resultados. El strain longitudinal global 2D del ventrículo izquierdo fue menor en los sujetos recuperados de infección leve de SARS-CoV-2 que los controles (-20,2%±2,6 vs. -21,6%±2,4; p=0,036). Ambos grupos presentaron diferencias en los tres niveles ventriculares, siendo significativa a nivel apical (-21,2±4,0 vs. -23,4%±4,2; p=0,044). La afectación por niveles evidencia un patrón Takotsubo reverso. La fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo se encontró preservada en ambos grupos (p=0,153). Conclusiones. La deformación miocárdica del ventrículo izquierdo está afectada en sujetos recuperados de infección leve de SARS-CoV-2, mientras que la fracción de eyección se encontró en rangos de normalidad. Nuestro estudio muestra un potencial rol del strain longitudinal global en la detección de alteraciones miocárdicas subclínicas en pacientes que tuvieron infección por SARS-CoV-2.

A new species of Epidendrum L. from northern Peru is described, illustrated, and compared with related species. This new species belongs to the Laxicaule Group and shares morphological characteristics with Epidendrum laxicaule D.E. Benn & Christenson but differs in the shape and length of the dorsal sepal; the shape of the petals and the lip, ribs position of the lip, shape of the vesicle formed between the ovary and the column as well as the section of the stem.

Abstract Background In horses, the autoimmune disease vitiligo is characterized by the loss of melanocytes and results in patchy depigmentation of the skin around the eyes, muzzle and the perianal region. Vitiligo-like depigmentation occurs predominantly in horses displaying the grey coat colour and is observed at a prevalence level of 26.0–67.0% in grey horses compared with only 0.8–3.5% in non-grey horses. While the polygenetic background of this complex disease is well documented in humans, the underlying candidate genes for this skin disorder in horses remain unknown. In this study we aim to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for identifying putative candidate loci for vitiligo-like depigmentation in horses. Methods In the current study, we performed a GWAS analysis using high-density 670 k single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from 152 Lipizzan and 104 Noriker horses, which were phenotyped for vitiligo-like depigmentation by visual inspection. After quality control 376,219 SNPs remained for analyses, the genome-wide Bonferroni corrected significance level was p

Uma vez que stakeholders de projetos afetam seus resultados, o gerenciamento desses atores deve ser considerado uma atividade relevante no gerenciamento de projetos. Somado a essa evidência, este estudo reconhece que os resultados de projetos podem ser incrementados quando há o apoio de um Escritório de Gerenciamento de Projetos (EGP). Assim, busca-se analisar a influência positiva do gerenciamento de stakeholders nos resultados dos projetos, especificamente na probabilidade de sua conclusão dentro de prazos e custos previstos, considerando o efeito moderador do apoio de EGPs. Para isso, o estudo apresenta um modelo conceitual validado por regressão logarítmica, usando dados coletados em pesquisa do tipo survey respondida por 216 professionais experientes da área de gerenciamento de projetos e que estudam o tema em cursos de pós-graduação. Os resultados indicam que o gerenciamento de stakeholders melhora os resultados de projetos e confirmam que o EGP aprimora a influência desse tipo de gerenciamento nos resultados. Como contribuição, a pesquisa reforça o gerenciamento de stakeholders e o apoio de EGPs como elementos-chave para o sucesso no gerenciamento de projetos. A amostragem foi suficiente para a replicabilidade da pesquisa, contudo restringiu-se a profissionais que vivem no Peru. Portanto, estudos futuros podem buscar alcançar uma população mais ampla.

As Peru is subject to large seismic movements owing to its geographic condition, determining seismic risk levels is a priority task for designing appropriate management plans. These actions become especially relevant when analyzing Pisco, a Peruvian city which has been heavily affected by various seismic events through the years. Hence, this project aims at estimating the associated seismic risk level and its previous requirements, such as hazard and vulnerability. To this end, a hybrid approach of machine learning (i.e., Random Forest) and hierarchical analysis (i.e., the Saaty matrix) was used. Risk levels were calculated through a double-entry table that establishes the relation between hazard and vulnerability levels. Results suggest that the city of Pisco exhibits both medium (lower city areas) and high (higher city areas) hazard levels in similar proportion. In addition, the coast area is considered a very-high hazard zone. Regarding vulnerability, the central area of the city exhibits a medium vulnerability level, whereas the periphery denotes high and very-high vulnerability levels. The interrelation of these components results in overall high-risk levels, with very-high levels in some central areas of the city. Finally, the results from this research study are expected to be useful for the authorities in charge of fostering specific activities in each sector and, simultaneously, as a motivator for future studies within this field.

While previous studies have explored multiple constraints affecting women exporters, the effects of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) are still unexplored in the literature. Thus, this study aims to probe first whether women owners of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in export markets experience IPVAW. Secondly, it aims to explore the effect of IPVAW on their relationship quality with business partners, mediated by the performance of export capabilities. Using a structured questionnaire applied through personal interviews, we surveyed 57 female owners of exporting MSEs in Peru. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data and test the model. The preliminary findings indicate that women exporters who experience IPVAW are more likely to face problems performing export capabilities. In turn, these performance problems seem to affect the quality of their relationships with importers and suppliers. Moreover, there is a direct relationship between IPVAW and problems in performing export capabilities and between issues performing capabilities and the relationship quality. Our theoretical contribution is a conceptual model that proposes the variable “Problems Performing Capabilities” as a mediator to measure the effects of IPVAW on exporting MSEs owned by women. Our findings urge policymakers and trade organizations boosting women-owned export enterprises to include initiatives that address and prevent IPVAW in their export promotion programs.

Alonso Soto,1,2 Dante M Quiñones-Laveriano,1 Faviola Valdivia,3 Eduardo Juscamayta-López,3 Johan Azañero-Haro,2 Liliana Chambi,2 Helen Horna,3 Gladys Patiño,4 Elizabet Guzman,4 Jhony A De la Cruz-Vargas1 1Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Lima, Perú; 2Department of Medicine, Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue, Lima, Peru; 3Department of Public Health, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Lima, Peru; 4Department of Clinical Pathology, Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue, Lima, PeruCorrespondence: Alonso SotoInstituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Ricardo Palma, Av. Alfredo Benavides 5440, Santiago de Surco, Lima, 15039, Per&#x00FATel +051 996128953Email alonso.soto@urp.edu.pePurpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the frequency of viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens detected by molecular methods in sputum samples of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and to evaluate its impact on mortality and unfavorable outcomes (in-hospital death or mechanical ventilation).Patients and Methods: The prospective cohort included patients with diagnosis of COVID-19 hospitalized at Hospital Nacional Hipólito Unanue. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from clinical records. Sputum samples were analyzed with the Biofire Filmarray Pneumonia plus® respiratory panel. Crude and adjusted associations with unfavorable outcomes were evaluated using logistic regression models.Results: Ninety-three patients who were able to collect sputum samples were recruited between September 8 and December 28, 2020. The median age was 61.7 years (IQR 52.3– 69-8) and 66 (71%) were male. The most frequent symptoms were dyspnea, cough, fever, and general malaise found in 80 (86%), 76 (82%), 45 (48%), and 34 (37%) patients, respectively. Fifty-three percent of patients had comorbidities. Seventy-six (82%) patients received antibiotics prior to admission and 29 (31%) developed unfavorable outcome. Coinfection was evidenced in 38 (40.86%) cases. The most frequently found bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Haemophilus influenzae and Klebsiella pneumoniae in 11 (11.83%), 10 (10.75%), 10 (10.75%), and 8 (8.6%) cases, respectively. Streptococcus pneumoniae was found in one case (1.08%). We neither identify atypical bacteria nor influenza virus. No association was found between the presence of viral or bacterial microorganisms and development of unfavorable outcomes (OR 1.63; 95% CI 0.45– 5.82).Conclusion: A high frequency of respiratory pathogens was detected by molecular methods in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia but were not associated with unfavorable outcomes. No atypical agents or influenza virus were found. The high use antibiotics before admission is a concern. Our data suggest that the use of drug therapy against atypical bacteria and viruses would not be justified in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, coinfection, molecular biology, mortality, COVID-19