Tarjetas de crédito y su relación con las consultas a las centrales de riesgo en instituciones financieras, Marcona - 2021

El presente trabajo de investigación titulado: “Tarjetas de crédito y su relación con las Consultas a las Centrales de Riesgo en Instituciones Financieras, Marcona – 2021”, tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación de las tarjetas de crédito con las consultas a las centrales de riesgo en instituciones financieras, Marcona – 2021. El estudio tuvo un enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo aplicado, diseño no experimental, transversal, correlacional; tuvo como población a 22 personas, funcionarios de entidades financieras, la técnica empleada fue la encuesta con el instrumento cuestionario. Para la obtención de resultados se realizó un análisis descriptivo mediante el software SPSS V.25, que permitió determinar el Rho de Spearman de 0,795 y una significancia de 0,000 entre las variables Tarjetas de crédito y Centrales de riesgo. Se concluyó que las Tarjetas de crédito y las Centrales de riesgo tienen una relación positiva alta y estadísticamente significativa, esto debido a que los funcionarios realizan las consultas a las centrales de riesgo, al momento de colocar a los usuarios, las Tarjetas de crédito clásica, oro y platino y revolving, ya que estos productos se les asigna una línea de crédito según la calificación del cliente en las Centrales de riesgo

Self-Aligned Carbon Nanotube Yarns for Multifunctional Optoelectronic Applications

In this work, the morphology and electrocatalytic features of carbon nanotube yarns at the structural level allow for enhanced photoconversion efficiency. The energy conversion of electronhole pairs within the carbon nanotube yarn (CNY) due to the functionalization with nanostructured photoactive TiO₂ phases is remarkable. A well oriented anatase TiO₂ thin layer (approximately 100 nm) forms at the interfaces of CNY and TiO₂ mesoporous film when the sample is precoated and annealed at 350ºC. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) images show the integrity and homogeneity of the TiO₂ surface, which is indicative of the overall durability of the CNY-based dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC); Coating TiO₂ on self-aligned carbon nanotube yarns provides several benefits from their high chemical stability, excellent functionality, nontoxicity and relatively low cost. The maximum photon to current conversion efficiency (ηAM1.5) achieved with prolonged-time stability was 3.1%

Correlates to the variable effects of cannabis in young adults: a preliminary study

Background: Cannabis use can frequently have adverse affects in those that use it and these can be amplified by various characteristics of an individual, from demographic and environmental variations to familial predisposition for mental illnesses. Methods: The current study of 100 individuals, who were cannabis users during their adolescence and may still be users, was a survey of the self perceived effects of cannabis and their correlates. A reliable family member was also interviewed for determination of family history of various major mental illnesses and substance use. Results: As many as 40% of cannabis users had paranoid feelings (suspiciousness) when using cannabis, although the most frequent effect was feeling relaxed (46%). Having a familial background for mental illnesses such as depression or schizophrenia did not determine the effects of cannabis nor its pattern of use, although the number of subjects with such a history was small. An age at which an individual began using cannabis did have an effect on how heavily it was used and the heavier the cannabis use, the more likely the individual was also to have had psychotic symptoms after use. There were no sex differences in effects of cannabis. These results are tempered by the reliance on self-report for many of the variables ascertained. Conclusion: Cannabis can frequently have negative effects in its users, which can be amplified by certain demographic and/or psychosocial factors. Thus, users with a specific profile may be at a higher risk of unpleasant effects from cannabis use and caution should be noted when cannabis is administered to young people for medicinal purposes

Colchicine added to standard therapy further reduces fibrosis in pigs with myocardial infarction

Background: The anti-inflammatory drug colchicine improves the outcome of patients with myocardial infarction (MI). As an intense inflammatory and fibrotic response after MI may lead to scar expansion and left ventricular (LV) remodeling, the clinical benefit of colchicine could be related to a positive effect on the infarct scar and LV remodeling. Methods: Pigs underwent left anterior descending artery occlusion through an angioplasty balloon for 90 min and were then randomized into two groups: standard therapy [ACE inhibitor, beta blocker, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA), aspirin] plus colchicine (n = 14) or standard therapy alone (n = 13). The pigs were treated for 30 days and underwent two cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) scans at 72 h and 30 days. The pigs were then sacrificed the day after the second CMR. The primary efficacy end point was the extent of fibrosis in the infarct zone (calculated on eight samples from this zone and averaged). Results: In the hearts explanted after 31 days, pigs in the colchicine group had less fibrosis in the infarct zone than the other animals [41.6% (20.4-51.0) vs. 57.4% (42.9-66.5); P = 0.022]. There was a trend toward a higher myocardial salvage index (MSI; an index of the efficacy of revascularization) in pigs on colchicine (P = 0.054). Conversely, changes in LV volumes, ejection fraction and mass did not differ between groups. Conclusion: Colchicine therapy for 1 month after reperfused MI further reduces myocardial fibrosis when added to standard therapy, while it does not have additional effects on LV remodeling

Advanced cotton fibers exhibit efficient photocatalytic self-cleaning and antimicrobial activity

Functional cotton fibers have a wide range of applications in domestic, commercial, and military settings, and so enhancing the properties of these materials can yield substantial benefits. Herein, we report the creation of functional fibers that are self-cleaning, anti-microbial, and protective against UV radiation. A uniform, and high surface area films of TiO2 were deposited on cotton fibers and gold/silver nanoparticles were directly incorporated on the nanostructured TiO2 surface. The synthetic method is simple and the produced TiO2 film is homogenous and the nanoparticles were shown to be effectively distributed on the surface using a simple photocatalytic reduction method. The Ag/Au-TiO2 coated fibers was morphologically characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and the self-cleaning properties of noble metal nanoparticle/TiO2 coated fibers were demonstrated by repeated staining followed by exposure to simulated solar light. The 1 mM Ag-TiO2 coated fabric was observed to have the largest improvement in rate of stain extinction compared to the untreated fibers with a methylene blue stain, and the 1 mM Au-TiO2 coated fibers were observed to have the largest improvement versus untreated fibers when stained with Congo red. The fibers maintained consistent photocatalytic activity over multiple cycles, and the resistance of the Ag/Au-TiO2 coated cotton to degradation was verified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). An efficient anti-microbial activity of the fibers was confirmed by exposure of the fibers to bacterial culture (Escherichia Coli) and direct observation of antimicrobial activity

Mental Health among Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: A Cross-Sectional Multi-Country Comparison

Despite the global impact of COVID-19, studies comparing the effects of COVID-19 on population mental health across countries are sparse. This study aimed to compare anxiety and depression symptoms during the COVID-19 lockdown among adults from 11 countries and to examine their associations with country-level COVID-19 factors and personal COVID-19 exposure. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults (≥18 years) in 11 countries (Brazil, Bulgaria, China, India, Ireland, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, United States). Mental health (anxiety, depression, resilient coping, hope) and other study data were collected between June-August 2020. Of the 13,263 participants, 62.8% were female and 51.7% were 18-34 years old. Participants living in Brazil had the highest anxiety and depression symptoms while participants living in Singapore had the lowest. Greater personal COVID-19 exposure was associated with increased anxiety and depression symptoms, but country-level COVID-19 factors were not. Higher levels of hope were associated with reduced anxiety and depression; higher levels of resilient coping were associated with reduced anxiety but not depression. Substantial variations exist in anxiety and depression symptoms across countries during the COVID-19 lockdown, with personal COVID-19 exposure being a significant risk factor. Strategies that mitigate COVID-19 exposure and enhance hope and resilience may reduce anxiety and depression during global emergencies

Development of the Ketamine Side Effect Tool (KSET)

Background: Currently, no specific, systematic assessment tool for the monitoring and reporting of ketamine-related side effects exists. Our aim was to develop a comprehensive Ketamine Side Effect Tool (KSET) to capture acute and longer-term side effects associated with repeated ketamine treatments. Methods: Informed by systematic review data and clinical research, we drafted a list of the most commonly reported side effects. Face and content validation were obtained via feedback from collaborators with expertise in psychiatry and anaesthetics, clinical trial piloting and a modified Delphi Technique involving ten international experts. Results: The final version consisted of four forms that collect information at time points: screening, baseline, immediately after a single treatment, and longer-term follow-up. Instructions were developed to guide users and promote consistent utilisation. Limitations: Further evaluation of feasibility, construct validity and reliability is required, and is planned across multiple international sites. Conclusions: The structured Ketamine Side Effect Tool (KSET) was developed, with confirmation of content and face validity via a Delphi consensus process. This tool is timely, given the paucity of data regarding ketamine's safety, tolerability and abuse potential over the longer term, and its recent adoption internationally as a clinical treatment for depression. Although based on data from depression studies, the KSET has potential applicability for ketamine (or derivatives) used in other medical disorders, including chronic pain. We recommend its utilisation for both research and clinical scenarios, including data registries

The Clinical Alliance and Research in Electroconvulsive Therapy Network: An Australian Initiative for Improving Service Delivery of Electroconvulsive Therapy

Objective There is currently substantial heterogeneity in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment methods between clinical settings. Understanding how this variation in clinical practice is related to treatment outcomes is essential for optimizing service delivery. The Clinical Alliance and Research in ECT Network is a clinical and research framework with the aims of improving clinical practice, enabling auditing and benchmarking, and facilitating the collection of naturalistic clinical data. Methods The network framework and clinical and treatment variables collected and rationale for the use of particular outcome measures are described. Survey results detailing the use of ECT across initial participating clinical centers were examined. Results The data are reported from 18 of 22 participating centers, the majority based in Australia. Melancholic unipolar depression was the most common clinical indication (78%). Right unilateral (44%) and bifrontal (39%) were the most commonly used electrode placements. Eighty one percent of the centers used individual seizure titration for initial dosing. Conclusions There was substantial heterogeneity in the use of ECT between participating centers, indicating that the Network is representative of modern ECT practice. The Clinical Alliance and Research in ECT Network may therefore offer the opportunity to improve service delivery and facilitate the investigation of unresolved research questions pertaining to modern ECT practice

The Ketamine Side Effect Tool (KSET):A comprehensive measurement-based safety tool for ketamine treatment in psychiatry

Objectives: On a background of the rapidly expanding clinical use of ketamine and esketamine for treatment of depression and other conditions, we examined safety monitoring, seeking to identify knowledge gaps relevant to clinical practice. Methods: An international group of psychiatrists discussed the issue of safety of ketamine and esketamine and came to a consensus on key safety gaps. Results: There is no standard safety monitoring for off-label generic ketamine. For intranasal esketamine, each jurisdiction providing regulatory approval may specify monitoring. Treatment is often provided beyond the period for which safety has been demonstrated, with no agreed framework for monitoring of longer term side effects for either generic ketamine or intranasal esketamine. Limitations: The KSET has established face and content validity, however it has not been validated against other measures of safety. Conclusions: We recommend the Ketamine Side Effect Tool (KSET) as a comprehensive safety monitoring tool for acute and longer term side effects