Search

The articles discusses the importance of strategic management in improving the economics efficiency of an enterprise . Strategic management combinations both business and economics aspects with the goal of maximizing a company's efficiency and profitability . Although there is no clear definition , various approaches to strategic management include the process of analyzing the company's environment, formulation strategy , implementation strategy , and monitoring and evaluating results . Additionally , etc indicates that strategic management is necessary for adapting to the changing environment, optimizing the use of resources and achieving the organization's goals . The presented information also indicates that strategic management has three main levels incl the organization's structure : corporate , strategic business units (SJG) and functional . Each of these levels plays a specific role within the company's strategy . Ultimately , the articles emphasizes that strategic management is an integral element of the success of every company and is the foundation of its economics efficiency . A good business strategy allows a company to use resources effectively , adapt to a changing environment and achieve long-term goals .

Application of beneficial microorganisms as probiotics targets a broad range of intended uses, from maintaining health and supporting normal bodily functions to curing and preventing diseases. Currently, three main regulatory fields of probiotic products can be defined depending on their intended use: the more similar probiotic foods and probiotic dietary supplements, and live biotherapeutic products. However, it is not always straightforward to classify a probiotic product into one of these categories. The regulatory nuances of developing, manufacturing, investigating and applying each category of probiotic products are not universal, and not always apparent to those unfamiliar with the various global probiotic regulatory guidelines. Various global markets can be significantly different regarding legislation, possible claims, market value and quality requirements for the development and commercialization of probiotic products. Furthermore, different probiotic product categories are also linked with variable costs at different stages of product development. This review outlines the current landscape comparing probiotic foods, probiotic dietary supplements, and live biotherapeutics as probiotic products from a regulatory lens, focusing on product development, manufacturing and production, and clinical research agenda. The aim is to inform and promote a better understanding among stakeholders by outlining the expectations and performance for each probiotic product category, depending on their intended use and targeted geographical region.

We describe the development of quinolylnitrones (QNs) as multifunctional ligands inhibiting cholinesterases (ChEs: acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase–hBChE) and monoamine oxidases (hMAO-A/B) for the therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. We identified QN 19, a simple, low molecular weight nitrone, that is readily synthesized from commercially available 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carbaldehyde. Quinolylnitrone 19 has no typical pharmacophoric element to suggest ChE or MAO inhibition, yet unexpectedly showed potent inhibition of hBChE (IC50 = 1.06 ± 0.31 nmol/L) and hMAO-B (IC50 = 4.46 ± 0.18 μmol/L). The crystal structures of 19 with hBChE and hMAO-B provided the structural basis for potent binding, which was further studied by enzyme kinetics. Compound 19 acted as a free radical scavenger and biometal chelator, crossed the blood–brain barrier, was not cytotoxic, and showed neuroprotective properties in a 6-hydroxydopamine cell model of Parkinson's disease. In addition, in vivo studies showed the anti-amnesic effect of 19 in the scopolamine-induced mouse model of AD without adverse effects on motoric function and coordination. Importantly, chronic treatment of double transgenic APPswe-PS1δE9 mice with 19 reduced amyloid plaque load in the hippocampus and cortex of female mice, underscoring the disease-modifying effect of QN 19.

Low Temperature Economizer (LTE) is a support system for boilers with a capacity of 1000 MW at unit 1 PLTU in Serang which serves to increase the temperature of the feed water by utilizing the heat from the exhaust gases. In 2021, LTE in boiler unit 1 experienced a disruption so that LTE had to stop operating. This has an impact on boiler efficiency and production costs at unit 1 PLTU in Serang, especially on fuel costs. This research was carried out by collecting data on DCS and collecting data in the field, then data processing was carried out. The efficiency calculation method used is direct efficiency calculation, with boiler data retrieval when LTE leaks occur so that LTE stops operating compared to boiler operating conditions with LTE after repair. The coal used is lignite type coal which has a calorific value below 4500 kCal. Boiler efficiency when LTE stops is only 76.04%. This value is smaller than when the boiler operates with LTE which reaches 85.12%. The repair of LTE pipeline leaks can save coal usage by more than 4 tons per hour. Production costs on the use of coal can be reduced to more than Rp. 80,000,000 per day. Keywords: Low Temperature Economizer, Boiler Efficiency, Production Cost

Clinical trials of the effects of physical activity have reported improvements in symptoms and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Additionally, morphological brain changes after exercising were reported in PD animal models. However, these lifestyle-related changes were not evaluated in postmortem brain tissue.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate, by immunohistochemistry, astrocytes, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and structural proteins expression (neurofilaments and microtubules - MAP2) changes in postmortem brain samples of individuals with Lewy body pathology.MethodsBraak PD stage≥III samples, classified by neuropathology analysis, from The Biobank for Aging Studies were classified into active (n=12) and non-active (n=12) groups, according to physical activity lifestyle, and paired by age, sex and Braak staging. Substantia nigra and basal ganglia were evaluated.ResultsGroups were not different in terms of age or gender and had similar PD neuropathological burden (p=1.00). We observed higher TH expression in the active group in the substantia nigra and the basal ganglia (p=0.04). Astrocytes was greater in the non-active subjects in the midbrain (p=0.03) and basal ganglia (p=0.0004). MAP2 levels were higher for non-active participants in the basal ganglia (p=0.003) and similar between groups in the substantia nigra (p=0.46). Neurofilament levels for non-active participants were higher in the substantia nigra (p=0.006) but not in the basal ganglia (p=0.24).ConclusionActive lifestyle seems to promote positive effects on brain by maintaining dopamine synthesis and structural protein expression in the nigrostriatal system and decrease astrogliosis in subjects with the same PD neuropathology burden.

This study situates transnégritude within discussions that consider the ways in which young people in Senegal, with a shared transcolonial narrative, bound through an 'imagined community,' negotiate their space, their identities, and their ways of knowing through a Hip-Hop pedagogy. Our analysis is informed by Mignolo's epistemic disobedience and the geo- and body-politics that challenge neo-colonial epistemologies. The global scope of Hip-Hop culture and its manifestations in West Africa nuances the ways in which young people view education and its impact on their social identity. A transnégritude perspective aptly 'straddles' black identity, agency, and deconstructionism and allows for a fluid navigation of Hip-Hop pedagogy. Through a Hip-Hop pedagogy, young people in Senegal work towards social transformation vis-a-vis informal education as a response to imperialism. In so doing, this study intends to contribute to qualitative inquiries on the connections between Hip-Hop, identity formation, and the 'fluidity and location of engagement' in Hip-Hop culture. The goal is to challenge the formal schooling context and interrogate youth identity and engagement vis-a-vis social transformation.

The bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiota and the nervous system is known as the microbiota–gut–brain axis (MGBA). The MGBA controls the complex interactions between the brain, the enteric nervous system, the gut-associated immune system, and the enteric neuroendocrine systems, regulating key physiological functions such as the immune response, sleep, emotions and mood, food intake, and intestinal functions. Psychobiotics are considered tools with the potential to modulate the MGBA through preventive, adjunctive, or curative approaches, but their specific mechanisms of action on many aspects of health are yet to be characterized. This narrative review and perspectives article highlights the key paradigms needing attention as the scope of potential probiotics applications in human health increases, with a growing body of evidence supporting their systemic beneficial effects. However, there are many limitations to overcome before establishing the extent to which we can incorporate probiotics in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders. Although this article uses the term probiotics in a general manner, it remains important to study probiotics at the strain level in most cases.

Background and Objectives: Biliary drainage (BD) in patients with surgically altered anatomy (SAA) could be obtained endoscopically with different techniques or with a percutaneous approach. Every endoscopic technique could be challenging and not clearly superior over another. The aim of this survey is to explore which is the standard BD approach in patients with SAA. Materials and Methods: A 34-question online survey was sent to different Italian tertiary and non-tertiary endoscopic centers performing interventional biliopancreatic endoscopy. The core of the survey was focused on the first-line and alternative BD approaches to SAA patients with benign or malignant obstruction. Results: Out of 70 centers, 39 answered the survey (response rate: 56%). Only 48.7% of them declared themselves to be reference centers for endoscopic BD in SAA. The total number of procedures performed per year is usually low, especially in non-tertiary centers; however, they have a low tendency to refer to more experienced centers. In the case of Billroth-II reconstruction, the majority of centers declared that they use a duodenoscope or forward-viewing scope in both benign and malignant diseases as a first approach. However, in the case of failure, the BD approach becomes extremely heterogeneous among centers without any technique prevailing over the others. Interestingly, in the case of Roux-en-Y, a significant proportion of centers declared that they choose the percutaneous approach in both benign (35.1%) and malignant obstruction (32.4%) as a first option. In the case of a previous failed attempt at BD in Roux-en-Y, the subsequent most used approach is the EUS-guided intervention in both benign and malignant indications. Conclusions: This survey shows that the endoscopic BD approach is extremely heterogeneous, especially in patients with Roux-en-Y reconstruction or after ERCP failure in Billroth-II reconstruction. Percutaneous BD is still taken into account by a significant proportion of centers in the case of Roux-en-Y anatomy. The total number of endoscopic BD procedures performed in non-tertiary centers is usually low, but this result does not correspond to an adequate rate of referral to more experienced centers.

ImportancePopulation studies have recorded an increased, unexplained risk of post-acute cardiovascular and thrombotic events, up to 1 year after acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.ObjectivesTo search for clinical variables and biomarkers associated with late post-acute thrombotic and cardiovascular events after SARS-CoV-2 infection.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingThird-level referral hospital in Bergamo (Italy).ParticipantsAnalysis of an existing database of adult patients, who received care for SARS-CoV-2 infection at our institution between 20 February and 30 September 2020, followed up on a single date (“entry date”) at 3–6 months.ExposureInitial infection by SARS-CoV-2.Main outcomes and measuresPrimary outcome: occurrence, in the 18 months after entry date, of a composite endpoint, defined by the International Classification of Diseases—9th edition (ICD-9) codes for at least one of: cerebral/cardiac ischemia, venous/arterial thrombosis (any site), pulmonary embolism, cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure. Measures (as recorded on entry date): history of initial infection, symptoms, current medications, pulmonary function test, blood tests results, and semi-quantitative radiographic lung damage (BRIXIA score). Individual clinical data were matched to hospitalizations, voluntary vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 (according to regulations and product availability), and documented reinfections in the following 18 months, as recorded in the provincial Health Authority database. A multivariable Cox proportional hazard model (including vaccine doses as a time-dependent variable) was fitted, adjusting for potential confounders. We report associations as hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsAmong 1,515 patients (948 men, 62.6%, median age 59; interquartile range: 50–69), we identified 84 endpoint events, occurring to 75 patients (5%): 30 arterial thromboses, 11 venous thromboses, 28 arrhythmic and 24 heart failure events. From a multivariable Cox model, we found the following significant associations with the outcome: previous occurrence of any outcome event, in the 18 months before infection (HR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.23–4.62); BRIXIA score ≥ 3 (HR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.30–4.55); neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio ≥ 3.3 (HR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.43–4.72), and estimated glomerular filtration rate

BackgroundThe rapid global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was met with the rollout of vaccination campaigns at mass vaccination centers. The Palazzo delle Scintille, Milan, was designated by the Lombardy regional administration as a vaccination site with the target of processing about 9,000 users daily.MethodsFor this observational study, we compared data on vaccinations delivered at the Palazzo delle Scintille with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related regional data.ResultsBetween 25 April 2021 and 28 February 2023, a total of 1,885,822 COVID-19 doses were administered; the mean hourly rate was 289 (247.2), the mean daily rate was 3185.5 (3104.5), the mean user age was 49.5 years (10.7). The Comirnaty vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) was most often given (1,072,030/1,885,822; 56.8%). Between 4 December 2021 and 15 January 2022, the daily dose rate was above the maximum daily capacity set by the regional administration.ConclusionThe trend for daily dose rates administered at the Palazzo delle Scintille center was in line with COVID-19-related regional data. The center played a major role in the regional mass vaccination campaign.

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are long F-actin-positive plasma membrane bridges connecting distant cells, allowing the intercellular transfer of cellular cargoes, and are found to be involved in glioblastoma (GBM) intercellular crosstalk. Glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) is a key intermediate filament protein of glial cells involved in cytoskeleton remodeling and linked to GBM progression. Whether GFAP plays a role in TNT structure and function in GBM is unknown. Here, analyzing F-actin and GFAP localization by laser-scan confocal microscopy followed by 3D reconstruction (3D-LSCM) and mitochondria dynamic by live-cell time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, we show the presence of GFAP in TNTs containing functional mitochondria connecting distant human GBM cells. Taking advantage of super-resolution 3D-LSCM, we show the presence of GFAP-positive TNT-like structures in resected human GBM as well. Using H2O2 or the pro-apoptotic toxin staurosporine (STS), we show that GFAP-positive TNTs strongly increase during oxidative stress and apoptosis in the GBM cell line. Culturing GBM cells with STS-treated GBM cells, we show that STS triggers the formation of GFAP-positive TNTs between them. Finally, we provide evidence that mitochondria co-localize with GFAP at the tip of close-ended GFAP-positive TNTs and inside receiving STS-GBM cells. Summarizing, here we found that GFAP is a structural component of TNTs generated by GBM cells, that GFAP-positive TNTs are upregulated in response to oxidative stress and pro-apoptotic stress, and that GFAP interacts with mitochondria during the intercellular transfer. These findings contribute to elucidate the molecular structure of TNTs generated by GBM cells, highlighting the structural role of GFAP in TNTs and suggesting a functional role of this intermediate filament component in the intercellular mitochondria transfer between GBM cells in response to pro-apoptotic stimuli.

This article presents new perspective on Smart Citys. Technology becomes increasingly integrated into urban environments, the article explores the multifaceted challenges that smart cities encounter in their quest for sustainability. The discourse navigates through defining smart cities, integrating sustainable development principles and addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Key themes include the importance of social equity, economic ramifications, technological infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The article envisions a future where smart cities prioritize inclusivity, nature-inspired design, climate resilience, and citizen-centric technologies. It advocates for a global collaboration to share knowledge and best practices, emphasizing the ethical use of artificial intelligence, continuous learning, and empowering local communities. The conclusion highlights the transformative potential of sustainable smart cities, urging collective responsibility and ethical leadership to shape urban landscapes that are not only intelligent but also resilient, inclusive, and environmentally conscious. The vision presented underscores the need for ongoing adaptation, placing ethical considerations at the forefront of urban development in the pursuit of a sustainable and intelligent future.

A telemedicina, permitida em caráter emergencial durante a covid-19, foi autorizada e regulamentada pela Lei nº 14.510/2022. Reconhecida como serviço imprescindível para a garantia da equidade em saúde, na telemedicina veiculam-se dados considerados sensíveis pela Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados. Este ensaio apresenta uma discussão a respeito de tais dados, os quais detêm relação intrínseca com direitos da personalidade e que devem ser reconhecidos como sigilosos, a fim de garantir o direito à privacidade dos titulares, bem como o respeito ao sigilo médico. Conclui-se que eventual violação dos dados sensíveis pode ensejar sanções administrativas aos agentes de tratamento, mas há divergência doutrinária a respeito do regime de responsabilidade adotado pela Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados, com três possíveis interpretações: responsabilidade objetiva, responsabilidade subjetiva e responsabilidade ativa.

BackgroundBreast cancer (BC) is the second-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week home-based lifestyle intervention (based on nutrition and exercise) on gut microbial composition in twenty BC survivors of the MoviS clinical trial (protocol: NCT 04818359).MethodsGut microbiota analysis through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, anthropometrics, Mediterranean Diet (MD) adherence, and cardiometabolic parameters were evaluated before (Pre) and after (Post) the lifestyle intervention (LI).ResultsBeneficial effects of the LI were observed on MD adherence, and cardiometabolic parameters (pre vs post). A robust reduction of Proteobacteria was observed after LI, which is able to reshape the gut microbiota by modulating microorganisms capable of decreasing inflammation and others involved in improving the lipid and glycemic assets of the host. A significant negative correlation between fasting glucose and Clostridia_vadinBB60 (r = -0.62), insulin and homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index and Butyricicoccus genera (r = -0.72 and -0.66, respectively), and HDL cholesterol and Escherichia/Shigella (r = -0.59) have been reported. Moreover, positive correlations were found between MD adherence and Lachnospiraceae_ND3007 (r = 0.50), Faecalibacterium (r = 0.38) and Butyricimonas (r = 0.39).ConclusionThese data suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle, may contribute to ameliorate several biological parameters that could be involved in the prevention of cancer relapses through the modulation of gut microbiota.

O artigo apresenta uma pesquisa com os bebês, realizada em um CMEI (Centro Municipal de Educação Infantil) do município de Vitória/ES e tem por objetivo verdejar os espaçostempos de seus quintais em ações que integrem a natureza em seus cotidianos, fazendo brotar alegrias no corpo. Utiliza a cartografia como metodologia para acompanhar os processos que se efetuam junto aos bebês em aprendizagens inventivas. Argumenta que o quintal, como prática do encontro, possibilita um plano imanente em que os agenciamentos dos/com os corpos dos bebês se intensifiquem por meio das experimentações inventivas abertas às infindáveis possibilidades e devires. Aposta na força do encontro coletivo junto aos quintais, fazendo expandir movimentos em que a vida pulsa de modo efusivo na potência dos saberes que surgem nesses ajuntamentos, como possibilidades propagadas por contágio a ampliar vivências que transbordam o concreto que os permeia. Conclui afirmando a vida junto às experiências no CMEI por meio de ações que fazem explodir multiplicidades junto à natureza para escapar e resistir aos endurecimentos cotidianos, movimentando invenções curriculares.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health threat, killing approximately 1.5 million people each year. The eradication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the main causative agent of TB, is increasingly challenging due to the emergence of extensive drug-resistant strains. Vaccination is considered an effective way to protect the host from pathogens, but the only clinically approved TB vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), has limited protection in adults. Multi-epitope vaccines have been found to enhance immunity to diseases by selectively combining epitopes from several candidate proteins. This study aimed to design a multi-epitope vaccine against TB using an immuno-informatics approach. Through functional enrichment, we identified eight proteins secreted by M. tuberculosis that are either required for pathogenesis, secreted into extracellular space, or both. We then analyzed the epitopes of these proteins and selected 16 helper T lymphocyte epitopes with interferon-γ inducing activity, 15 cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes, and 10 linear B-cell epitopes, and conjugated them with adjuvant and Pan HLA DR-binding epitope (PADRE) using appropriate linkers. Moreover, we predicted the tertiary structure of this vaccine, its potential interaction with Toll-Like Receptor-4 (TLR4), and the immune response it might elicit. The results showed that this vaccine had a strong affinity for TLR4, which could significantly stimulate CD4+ and CD8+ cells to secrete immune factors and B lymphocytes to secrete immunoglobulins, so as to obtain good humoral and cellular immunity. Overall, this multi-epitope protein was predicted to be stable, safe, highly antigenic, and highly immunogenic, which has the potential to serve as a global vaccine against TB.

Nos últimos anos as pessoas têm despertado para a necessidade de uma vida com mais qualidade, que é frequentemente buscada através de alimentação equilibrada aliada a exercícios físicos. Este aspecto vem crescendo tanto entre aqueles que antes só se preocupavam com a estética, quanto nos grupos que teve maior preocupação em relação à saúde. Diante disso, o presente estudo teve como objetivo promover uma avaliação sobre o uso de suplementos alimentares por praticantes de artes marciais. Para tanto, realizou-se um estudo de natureza descritiva e quantitativa com abordagem exploratória. Tendo sido utilizado como ferramenta de coleta de dados um questionário com perguntas objetivas contendo identificação, arte marcial e uso de suplementação. O público-alvo são alunos praticantes de Jiu Jiutsu e Muay Thai em uma academia localizada em Fortaleza-CE. Constatou-se, por meio deste estudo, que menos da metade dos participantes da pesquisa recorrem a profissionais qualificados para receberem a indicação do uso de suplementos alimentares. E que por esta razão podem acabar seguindo uma recomendação errada, tendo em vista que cada organismo é diferente, bem como os treinos e as dietas. Portanto, é ressaltado que somente um profissional qualificado, por meio de avaliação e exames, pode indicar o melhor suplemento e suas quantidades, bem como advertir o usuário sobre os possíveis riscos, preparando-o para um uso consciente do produto.

RESUMO A diabetes mellitus (DM) causa diversas limitações funcionais, que podem impactar negativamente na vida pessoal e profissional do indivíduo, acarretando mais complicações e incapacidades. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar em quais domínios do World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule versão 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) os indivíduos com DM apresentam as maiores incapacidades. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo transversal com 111 pessoas com diagnóstico da doença, independentemente do tipo. Foram aplicados um questionário sociodemográfico e o WHODAS 2.0 com 36 questões, para avaliar as dificuldades apresentadas nos últimos 30 dias. A amostra foi composta predominantemente pelo sexo feminino (60,3%) e classificada como independente na comunidade (90,1%). A maior prevalência foi de indivíduos aposentados (35,1%). O domínio mobilidade apresentou o maior comprometimento (48±23), enquanto o domínio atividades de vida apresentou o menor comprometimento (28±13). Porém, para todos os domínios, o comprometimento ficou abaixo de 50, em uma escala que varia de 0 a 100. Todos os indivíduos com DM apresentaram alguma deficiência, havendo maior comprometimento do domínio relacionado à mobilidade.