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This article presents and analyzes general and specific data from a survey carried out in four news media on the subject of human rights (HD). The investigation was guided by qualitative principles and content analysis in the documents found in the journalistic platforms: Brasil de Fato, O Dia, Folha de S. Paulo and Veja. In total, 112 news items were tabulated over seven weeks and organized into 12 topics and grouped into two axes: equality and difference. As a result, the study showed that the human rights agenda is not explicitly addressed on news platforms; the Brasil de Fato platform was the only one with a specific tab for the theme; there is a need to understand media education as one of the fundamental "arms" of human rights education.

This study aims to give an understanding about what are the main reasons that are taken in consideration by foreign students in their decision to stay or leave the country where they have completed their studies. Based on literature review a survey was built and sent to students of different nationalities, which focused on the main dimensions valued by an individual when choosing a place to live. The results showed that the variables 'perception (education)', 'environment', 'health and well-being', 'social influence', 'intention to live abroad', 'social influence' and 'intent to live abroad' where the ones with greater impact in the decision of a foreign student to stay or leave the country.

Social impact assessment and benefits management is commonly measured in social communities' intervention plans. Although, its combined use lacks from a methodology or framework, which can assist in measuring those benefits and impacts. To achieve this, a business case tool has been applied in order to measure the benefits and Social Toolkit has been developed to assist the social impact. The results of these measures provided a substantial increment in terms of benefits measurements and social impact assessment in the social impact assessment of the 'community intervention of proximity' initiative, which aims to support families affected by poverty and/or victims of social exclusion. The results have shown that there has been a decrease in social exclusion and a reduction in poverty for needy families.

Working memory training (WMT) for children has received great attention in recent scientific investigations. However, evidence on program efficacy is still sparse. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a WMT software program ("Programa de Ativação da Memória de Trabalho" [PRAMEMT]) in promoting gains on cognitive and school related abilities. To investigate its effect, 78 school children attending 1st to 5th grades (52.6% girls; mean age = 7.87 years; SD = 1.44) were randomly allocated to a control (n = 37) or an experimental (n = 41) group. The children participated in five intervention sessions. The control group answered questions related to the same animals and themes featured in the PRAMEMT, but unrelated to working memory. The results suggested that there were gains in the performance intelligence quotient (p < 0.05; d = -0.54) and phonological awareness (p < 0.05; d = -0.52) in the experimental group; however, there was no change in overall cognitive performance. Possible mechanisms for these findings are discussed.

Although dengue is a disease that affects more than 100 countries and puts almost 400 million lives at risk each year, there is no approved antiviral in the treatment of this pathology. In this context, proteases are potential biological targets since they are essential in the replication process of this virus. In this study, a library of more than 3,000 structures was used to explore the allosteric inhibition of the NS2B/NS3 protease complex using consensual docking techniques. The results show four best ranked structures that were selected for molecular dynamics and free energy simulations. The present analysis corroborates with other studies (experimental and theoretical) presented in the literature. Thus, the computational approach used here proved to be useful for planning new inhibitors in the combat against Dengue disease.

The oil of Carapa guianensis showed leishmanicidal activity, with its activity being related to limonoids, but fatty acids are the major constituents of this oil. The present study evaluated the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity profiles of limonoids and fatty acids already identified in the species. Based on these results, 2 limonoids (methyl angosinlate, 6-OH-methyl angosinlate) and 2 fatty acids (arachidic acid; myristic acid) were selected for the prediction of possible targets and molecular docking. Included in this study were: Gedunin, 6a-acetoxygedunin, Methyl angosenlato, 7-deacetoxy-7-oxogedunin, Andirobin, 6-hydroxy-angolensate methyl, 17ß-hydroxyazadiradione, 1,2-dihydro-3ß-hydroxy-7-deacetoxy-7oxogedunin, xyllocensin k, 11beta-Hydroxygedunin, 6a,11-11ß-diacetoxygedunin, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Myristic Acid, Palmitoleic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, and Beenic Acid. Regarding physicochemical aspects, fatty acids violated LogP, and only limonoid 11 violated Lipinski's rule. A common pharmacokinetic aspect was that all molecules were well absorbed in the intestine and inhibited CYP. All compounds showed toxicity in some model, with fatty acids being mutagenic and carcinogenic, and limonoids not being mutagenic and carcinogenic at least for rats. In in vivo models, fatty acids were less toxic. Molecular dockings were performed on COX-2 steroids (15 and 16) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha for limonoids (3,6), with this target being essential for the intracellular development of leishmania. Limonoids 3 and 6 appear to be promising as leishmanicidal agents, and fatty acids are promising as wound healers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Rhinella corresponds to a group of anurans characterized by numerous taxonomic and systemic challenges, leading to their organization into species complexes. Cytogenetic data for this genus thus far are limited to the diploid number and chromosome morphology, which remain highly conserved among the species. In this study, we analyse the karyotypes of three species of the genus Rhinella (Rhinella granulosa, Rhinella margaritifera, and Rhinella marina) using both classical (conventional staining and C-banding) and molecular (FISH-fluorescence in situ hybridization with 18S rDNA, telomeric sequences, and microsatellite probes) cytogenetic approaches. The aim of this study is to provide data that can reveal variations in the distribution of repetitive sequences that can contribute to understanding karyotypic diversification in these species. The results revealed a conserved karyotype across the species, with 2n = 22 and FN = 44, with metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. C-banding revealed heterochromatic blocks in the pericentromeric region for all species, with a proximal block on the long arms of pairs 3 and 6 in R. marina and on the short arms of pairs 4 and 6 in R. margaritifera. Additionally, 18S rDNA probes hybridized to pair 5 in R. granulosa, to pair 7 in R. marina, and to pair 10 in R. margaritifera. Telomeric sequence probes displayed signals exclusively in the distal region of the chromosomes, while microsatellite DNA probes showed species-specific patterns. These findings indicate that despite a conserved karyotypical macrostructure, chromosomal differences exist among the species due to the accumulation of repetitive sequences. This variation may be attributed to chromosome rearrangements or differential accumulation of these sequences, highlighting the dynamic role of repetitive sequences in the chromosomal evolution of Rhinella species. Ultimately, this study emphasizes the importance of the role of repetitive DNAs in chromosomal rearrangements to elucidate the evolutionary mechanisms leading to independent diversification in the distinct phylogenetic groups of Rhinella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for bioactive compounds in natural products holds promise for discovering new pharmacologically active molecules. This study explores the anti-inflammatory potential of açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) constituents against the NLRP3 inflammasome using high-throughput molecular modeling techniques. Utilizing methods such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, binding free energy calculations (MM/GBSA), and in silico toxicology, we compared açaí compounds with known NLRP3 inhibitors, MCC950 and NP3-146 (RM5). The docking studies revealed significant interactions between açaí constituents and the NLRP3 protein, while molecular dynamics simulations indicated structural stabilization. MM/GBSA calculations demonstrated favorable binding energies for catechin, apigenin, and epicatechin, although slightly lower than those of MCC950 and RM5. Importantly, in silico toxicology predicted lower toxicity for açaí compounds compared to synthetic inhibitors. These findings suggest that açaí-derived compounds are promising candidates for developing new anti-inflammatory therapies targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome, combining efficacy with a superior safety profile. Future research should include in vitro and in vivo validation to confirm the therapeutic potential and safety of these natural products. This study underscores the value of computational approaches in accelerating natural product-based drug discovery and highlights the pharmacological promise of Amazonian biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large multinational IT companies are always trying to produce competitive innovation at a faster pace. Even giant IT corporations, however, are unable to produce sustainable technological innovation alone. Literature offers many alternatives to obtain external technologies, but there are few studies about acquisition strategy to obtain technology innovation. A case study was carried out in a multinational IT company, EMC, which has applied mainly the acquisition strategy to develop innovations and increase its competitive position. The company has acquired many technology-based IT companies in the U.S. and abroad, and this strategy showed effectiveness in value creation, leading them to increase their income, value and market capitalisation during this period. An important finding here is that, by combining acquisitions with increasing investments in R&D, EMC was able to leverage innovations and strengthen its competitiveness and global market presence. The EMC experience has also allowed proposing a graphical tool, showing which are the key management processes that might be considered to get successful in using the acquisition strategy to create values for the business through innovation. Associated with this tool, this study also presents a step-by-step procedure to guide practitioners on how to manage the strategy of acquisition to access innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Purpose: This work is focused on the variables that influence the outcomes of mergers and acquisitions, by learning from past mistakes, adopt better strategies and make wiser decisions to enhance the outcomes of their mergers and acquisitions. Using a qualitative approach, this research contributes to existing knowledge on mergers and acquisitions performance by exploring the cultural, managerial and organizational factors dimensions through an integrative approach using multiple perspectives.

SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is the etiological agent responsible for the global outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019). The main protease of SARS-CoV-2, Mpro, is a key enzyme that plays a vital role in mediating viral replication and transcription. In this study, a comprehensive computational approach was employed to investigate the binding affinity, selectivity, and stability of natural product candidates as potential new antivirals acting on the viral polyprotein processing mediated by SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. A library of 288 flavonoids extracted from Brazilian biodiversity was screened to select potential Mpro inhibitors. An initial filter based on Lipinski's rule of five was applied, and 204 compounds that did not violate any of the Lipinski rules were selected. The compounds were then docked into the active site of Mpro using the GOLD program, and the poses were subsequently re-scored using MM-GBSA (Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area) binding free energy calculations performed by AmberTools23. The top five flavonoids with the best MM-GBSA binding free energy values were selected for analysis of their interactions with the active site residues of the protein. Next, we conducted a toxicity and drug-likeness analysis, and non-toxic compounds were subjected to molecular dynamics simulation and free energy calculation using the MM-PBSA (Molecular Mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann Surface Area) method. It was observed that the five selected flavonoids had lower MM-GBSA binding free energy with Mpro than the co-crystal ligand. Furthermore, these compounds also formed hydrogen bonds with two important residues, Cys145 and Glu166, in the active site of Mpro. Two compounds that passed the drug-likeness filter showed stable conformations during the molecular dynamics simulations. Among these, NuBBE_867 exhibited the best MM-PBSA binding free energy value compared to the crystallographic inhibitor. Therefore, this study suggests that NuBBE_867 could be a potential inhibitor against the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 and may be further examined to confirm our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The DFT method has become a promising alternative in the support of traditional NMR experimental techniques, comparing experimental data with theoretical data, thereby achieving accurate and satisfactory results. In the present study, the experimental data of two diterpenes were compared to the theoretical data obtained by the GIAO method, applying DFT at the B3LYP/cc-pVDZ and B3PW91/DGDZVP levels to verify the degree of correlation, significance and predictability of the models obtained with the purpose of proving which of the computational methods is the most efficient for this class of substances. The theoretical NMR values obtained at B3LYP/cc-pVDZ were the more satisfactory, showing better linear correlations, presenting greater degrees of adjustments, significance and predictability compared to the B3PW91/DGDZVP method. Thus, these values were used to define Hα and Hβ 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 for diterpene 1 and 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7 for diterpene 2, which was not possible using experimental data. This showed that the quantum method used could help in the structural elucidation of natural products.

Historically, a policy of enforcement in internationalisation processes is still seen by many as an approach to solve certain economic crises. However, Portugal's solution for this problem is part of a greater problem, namely trying to solve a European problem that has recently worsened and is largely uncontrolled. This paper aims to contribute, firstly by mentioning the Portuguese economic context and also possible ways of internationalisation and, secondly, by measuring a set of variables/factors that should support the development of the Portuguese economy. The results of the interviews which supported this study's methodological basis show that the Portuguese economy's poor dynamism and low demand by alternate markets are the two critical variables for the country's weak competitiveness. The suggestions of those surveyed propose that the Portuguese economy's dynamics should be characterised by a hybrid model, joining factors connected to the Nordic school's behavioural model, Dunning's eclectic paradigm (1997), and Buckley and Casson's model of internationalisation theory (1976).

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Políticas Públicas is the property of Revista Brasileira de Politicas Publicas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study explores the potential inhibitory activity of alkaloids, a class of natural compounds isolated from Brazilian biodiversity, against the mJHBP enzyme of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This mosquito is a significant vector of diseases such as dengue, zika, and chikungunya. The interactions between the ligands and the enzyme at the molecular level were evaluated using computational techniques such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD), and molecular mechanics with generalized Born surface area (MMGBSA) free energy calculation. The findings suggest that these compounds exhibit a high binding affinity with the enzyme, as confirmed by the binding free energies obtained in the simulation. Furthermore, the specific enzyme residues that contribute the most to the stability of the complex with the compounds were identified: specifically, Tyr33, Trp53, Tyr64, and Tyr129. Notably, Tyr129 residues were previously identified as crucial in the enzyme inhibition process. This observation underscores the significance of the research findings and the potential of the evaluated compounds as natural insecticides against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These results could stimulate the development of new vector control agents that are more efficient and environmentally friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of employee satisfaction with the performance of tasks assigned by the employer in remote form, to explore the discrepancy between employee expectations and the experience of remote working and to identify the characteristics shaping employee preferences, together with an attempt to identify and classify the requirements of IT staff carrying out their professional duties remotely. Employee job satisfaction is a source of benefits both for the employees themselves and for companies operating in a dynamically changing environment. The issue of remote working is the subject of public debate and is a particularly current and important research topic. Satisfaction with remote working is a multidimensional phenomenon encompassing different aspects of the work experience, as well as a subjective experience that varies from person to person, considered in relation to a variety of factors. The paper is theoretical and methodological in nature, using a variety of research methods and techniques, such as a survey questionnaire, the Kano model and the Servqual approach. These methods were supported by a classical literature review, which served as a supporting tool and starting point for further analysis and critique of the literature, as well as structural and causal analysis. The primary data collected through the survey questionnaire were analysed and inferred, and the results showed that IT employees' expectations of remote working are not fully met, especially in the areas of career development and adaptation. Significant differences relate to bonuses, recognition and job stability. The largest unfulfilled expectations are related to job stability, bonuses, allowances to cover the costs of remote working and workplace flexibility. Remote working has positive aspects such as less environmental stress, higher productivity, reduced costs and commuting-related stress. Most of the identified features of remote working (20 out of 24) directly influence job satisfaction. Access to global projects attracts potential employees the most. Three features - subsidised equipment, coverage of remote working costs, and the environmental impact of remote working - are irrelevant to employee satisfaction. This study addresses a topical and relevant contemporary issue in the field of remote working and job satisfaction. It is a pioneering study focusing on the links between remote working and IT employee satisfaction. To date, research has considered the issue from the perspective of remote working, the IT sector or job satisfaction in relation to various factors. However, there is a lack of research combining these three issues. Furthermore, analysis based on the Servqual method and the Kano model has so far been used to measure service quality in various industries and to analyse and categorise customer needs in relation to satisfaction. The application of this tool to the study of employee satisfaction with remote working in the IT industry is a new and unique approach. The findings may be relevant to employers, IT employees, HR professionals and regulators alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fighting poverty and social inequality are baseline principles of social credit. This type of microcredit has thus increasingly attracted academics and practitioners' attention, particularly after Muhammad Yunus was awarded the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize. Researchers acknowledge that social credit is extremely important and that it should be taken seriously. However, studies examining the dynamics of its determinants are still extremely rare. This gap needs to be filled because the objectives of social credit are quite different from those of other types of credit, going beyond profit and embracing social concerns. Adopting a constructivist, process‐oriented stance that combined fuzzy cognitive mapping and the system dynamics (SD) approach, the present research sought to develop and analyze a cognitive structure that elucidates the dynamics of social credit determinants over time. Face‐to‐face group work sessions were held with a panel of professional credit analysts, and the results reveal that the combined use of fuzzy cognitive mapping and SD provides a clearer understanding of the dynamics of these determinants over time. The advantages, limitations, and implications of the proposed methodology are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nuclear medicine has acquired a crucial role in the management of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) by improving the accuracy of diagnosis and staging as well as their risk stratification and personalized therapies, including radioligand therapies (RLT). Artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomics can enable physicians to further improve the overall efficiency and accuracy of the use of these tools in both diagnostic and therapeutic settings by improving the prediction of the tumor grade, differential diagnosis from other malignancies, assessment of tumor behavior and aggressiveness, and prediction of treatment response. This systematic review aims to describe the state-of-the-art AI and radiomics applications in the molecular imaging of NENs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide of systemic action that inhibits the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase, thus compromising amino acid production and consequently the growth and development of susceptible plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hormetic effect of glyphosate on the morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of coffee plants. Coffee seedlings (Coffea arabica cv Catuaí Vermelho IAC-144) were transplanted into pots filled with a mixture of soil and substrate and subjected to ten doses of glyphosate: 0, 11.25, 22.5, 45, 90, 180, 360, 720, 1440, and 2880 g acid equivalent (ae) ha−1. Evaluations were performed using the morphological, physiological, and biochemical variables. Data analysis for the confirmation of hormesis occurred with the application of mathematical models. The hormetic effect of glyphosate on coffee plant morphology was determined by the variables plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, and leaf, stem, and total dry mass. Doses from 14.5 to 30 g ae ha−1 caused the highest stimulation. In the physiological analyses, the highest stimulation was observed upon CO2 assimilation, transpiration, stomatal conductance, carboxylation efficiency, intrinsic water use efficiency, electron transport rate, and photochemical efficiency of photosystem II at doses ranging from 4.4 to 55 g ae ha−1. The biochemical analyses revealed significant increases in the concentrations of quinic acid, salicylic acid, caffeic acid, and coumaric acid, with maximum stimulation at doses between 3 and 140 g ae ha−1. Thus, the application of low doses of glyphosate has positive effects on the morphology, physiology, and biochemistry of coffee plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world economy, and the restrictions have shaken business models. E-commerce has skyrocketed as the only way to purchase products and AI has received closer consideration as social distancing has become imperative. This research aims to find whether the COVID-19 has translated into an opportunity for the use of AI by companies. A survey incorporating consumers and companies was conducted to analyse the positioning of consumers regarding the use of AI, as well as the perception of companies regarding their possible use of AI. It was concluded that due to COVID-19 there was an increase in the relevance that companies give to AI, the main drivers being the companies' views on AI and the benefits from its use. Regarding consumer behaviour, consumers are more receptive to AI use, favouring a fully automated experience, with half of the sample preferring to buy online. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]