Comparative analysis of Dimensions and Scopus bibliographic data sources: an approach to university research productivity

<p>This paper shows a significant comparison of two primary bibliographic data sources at the document level of Scopus and Dimensions. The emphasis is on the differences in their document coverage by institution level of aggregation. The main objective is to assess whether Dimensions offers at the institutional level good new possibilities for bibliometric analysis as at the global level. The results of a comparative study of the citation count profiles of articles published by faculty members of Prince of Songkla University (PSU) in Dimensions and Scopus from the year the databases first included PSU-authored papers (1970 and 1978, respectively) through the end of June 2020. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis of 19,846 articles indexed in Dimensions and 13,577 indexed in Scopus. The main finding was that the number of citations received by Dimensions was highly correlated with citation counts in Scopus. Spearman’s correlation between citation counts in Dimensions and Scopus was a high and mighty relationship. The findings mainly affect Dimensions’ possibilities as instruments for carrying out bibliometric analysis of university members’ research productivity. University researchers can use Dimensions to retrieve information, and the design policies can be used to evaluate research using <br />scientific databases.</p>

The Safety of Dronabinol and Nabilone: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Dronabinol, a natural cannabinoid, and its semi-synthetic derivative, nabilone, are marketed as medicines in several countries. The aim of our work was to systematically evaluate the frequency of adverse events related to dronabinol or nabilone treatment compared to placebo. Scientific databases were searched for placebo-controlled clinical studies of patients receiving either dronabinol or nabilone therapy with placebo control groups. This meta-analysis was reported following the PRISMA guidelines using the PICO format, and it was registered with the PROSPERO register. There were 16 trials included in the meta-analysis. In the nabilone studies, drowsiness was more than 7 times as frequent in patients treated with nabilone than in the placebo group (OR: 7.25; 95% CI: 1.64–31.95), and the risk of dizziness (OR: 21.14; 95% CI: 2.92–152.75) and dry mouth was also higher (OR: 17.23; 95% CI: 4.33–68.55). The frequency of headache was not different in the two groups. In case of dronabinol, the frequency of dry mouth (OR: 5.58; 95% CI: 3.19–9.78), dizziness (OR: 4.60 95% CI: 2.39–8.83) and headache (OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.07–7.85) was significantly higher in the dronabinol groups, whereas in case of nausea, drowsiness and fatigue there was no difference. The severity of adverse events was typically mild-to-moderate and transient. In a risk-benefit assessment, these adverse effects are acceptable compared to the achievable benefit. However, considering the diversity of the adverse effects, more studies are needed to provide a more accurate assessment on the side effect profiles of these two compounds.

Artificial neural networks in cardiology: analysis of graphic data

Aim. To consider application of convolutional neural networks for processing medical images in various fields of cardiology and cardiac surgery using publications from 2016 to 2019 as an example.Materials and methods. In the study, we used the following scientific databases: PubMed Central, ArXiv, ResearchGate. The cited publications were grouped by the area of interest (heart, aorta, carotid arteries).Results. The general principle of work of the technology under consideration was described, the results were shown, and the main areas of application of this technology in the studies under consideration were described. For most of the studies, sample sizes were given. The author’s view on the development of convolutional neural networks in medicine was presented and some limiting factors for their distribution were listed.Conclusion. A brief overview shows possible areas of application of convolutional neural networks in the fields of cardiology and cardiac surgery. Without denying the existing problems, this type of artificial neural networks may help many doctors and researchers in the future.

STATUS DE CONHECIMENTO DO ACARI-ZEBRA Hypancistrus zebra Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1991 (SILURIFORMES, LORICARIIDAE)

The present work aimed to review the literature on studies carried out on the “acari-zebra” (Hypancistrus zebra Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1991). The data search was performed in four scientific databases (Capes journals, Google Scholar, Scielo, ScienceDirect and Web of Science Core Collection), using the scientific and common name of the species as keywords. Articles were selected when they had any of the keywords used in the title or abstract, excluding works from gray literature. After selecting the articles in the scientific databases, a careful reading was carried out in order to characterize the taxonomy, biology, ecology, fisheries and conservation status of H. zebra. The “acari-zebra” is an ornamental species endemic to the Xingu River basin, which has a high economic value internationally. It was recently added to the endangered species list due to overfishing of the species. Literature on H. zebra proved to be very scarce, with only basic information on taxonomy, fisheries, reproductive aspects and studies aimed at cultivation. Among the studies to be carried out, we highlight the characterization of growth and reproductive dynamics. These studies will enable a better understanding of the biology of the species and will contribute to a definition of the technological package of reproduction in captivity.

Dynamics of ideas about the concept of epileptic psychosis

Introduction: psychosis in epilepsy is more common than in the general population. The frequency of psychotic mental disorders varies from 0,5% to 10%. The article presents the dynamics of the development of the concept of epileptic psychosis, depending on the evolutionary approaches to the study of the problem of mental disorders in epilepsy. Materials and methods: the analysis of Russian—and English language articles in scientific databases on keywords from 1971 to 2011 was carried out. Results: the first systematic descriptions of mental disorders occurring in epilepsy date back to the 19th century. The contribution of foreign and domestic authors to the study of the problem is described. There are six main periods of the concept formation, including the definitions of the concept of epileptic psychosis, the dynamics of clinical manifestations, the role of the influence of biological, personal and social factors in the genesis and development of psychotic disorders in epilepsy. The following risk factors for the development of psychosis are considered: the form of epilepsy; age of onset of seizures, lateralization of the epileptic focus, gender, and drug therapy. Variants of classification approaches to the problem are presented. The article discusses the differences in the systematization of «endoform» syndromes, as well as the parallels between schizophrenia and psychoses in epilepsy. The dynamics of scientific views on the interest in the formation of epileptic psychoses in various parts of the brain: the temporal lobe (amygdala, hippocampus, paralimbic zones and parahippocampal bend), as well as GABA-ergic neurons of the upper tubercles of the quadriplegic, posterior hypothalamus and serotonergic neurons of the dorsal suture and noradrenergic neurons of the blue spot are reflected. The association of psychopathological manifestations with neurophysiological, biochemical, genetic and morphofunctional correlates is noted. The authors‘ interest in psychoses associated with the use of antiepileptic drugs is emphasized. Conclusion: despite all attempts to systematize these conditions, the factors that provoke the development of psychoses in patients with epilepsy, their structure and prognosis remain poorly predictable and require further in-depth study.

Psychological Assessment: a systematic review of the literature / Avaliação psicológica: uma revisão sistemática da literatura

Psychological assessment is a practical application of professional psychologists working in different areas of health, education, safety, traffic and so on. as well as it can be applied in different contexts and at different moments of human development. Given the above, this article aimed to conduct a literature review to understand the paths built by psychological assessment in their contexts, ramifications and future possibilities, through a search in sources such as books, articles published in journals indexed in the main scientific databases from Brazil and the world, in order to promote a compilation of the main findings of science on the subject, in the light of different views and areas of psychology, education science and human health in general. To this end, a literature review was carried out, from scientific sources such as books, articles, dissertations, theses and monographs, in specialized websites and in scientific databases such as Scielo, Scopus, Lilacs, among others. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used, filtering texts in Portuguese or English that were relevant to the theme. Theoretical data were analyzed and discussed between the authors and their views. Based on the research, it is possible to conclude that psychological assessment is a tool that directs the psychologist's therapeutics and praxis in educational, clinical, criminal contexts, among others. It is understood from the data in the literature that psychological assessment needs theoretical and practical knowledge, aligning and directing the procedure and guiding the correct diagnosis. Being the psychologist's responsibility, psychological assessment needs ethical procedures based on the professional psychologist's code of ethics, for collective and individual well-being in professional practice.

Photodynamic Therapy as A New Technology for Inactivation of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

Purpose: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) could be an emerging disease with a severe acute respiratory infection, and its epidemiology and unique medicinal properties are perpetually increasing. Regarding the lack of COVID-19 controls, this needs current technical events to worsen and treat. Antiviral Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) could also be effective in reducing and inhibiting the coronavirus. aPDT with various photosensitizers is a very favorable procedure to manage viral infections. Materials and Methods: A total of 37 articles related to the publication of this review manuscript were mentioned. Several scientific databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science (ISI), and Google Scholar have checked the key phrases of COVID-19, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), photodynamic therapy, and antiviral photodynamic therapy. All 50 main studies were found, and 37 related studies were deemed suitable for this study after review. Results: Studies have shown that aPDT with different photosensitizers can be used to treat viral lung complications caused by infectious pathogens such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), SARS-CoV-2, and influenza. Recent studies have shown that aPDT-mediated Methylene Blue (MB) can help control and eradicate coronavirus. In general, more research is needed to use antiviral photodynamic therapy to control COVID-19. Conclusion: Regarding the lack of treatment for COVID-19, MB-mediated aPDT can help reduce the impact of COVID-19. More evidence is needed to support aPDT as a treatment (SARS-CoV-2).

Commercialization Potential of Six Selected Medicinal Plants Commonly Used for Childhood Diseases in South Africa: A Review

Globally, the potential of medicinal plants is increasingly being recognized due to their relative availability, particularly in rural areas. This review explored the ethnobotanical and economic values of six selected medicinal plants widely used to treat and manage childhood diseases in South Africa. Acalypha glabrata, Aloe maculata, Datura stramonium, Gomphocarpus fruticosus, Rhoicissus tridentata and Vachellia karroo were selected based on their high relative frequency of citations for treating a wide range of diseases. Information was obtained from various scientific databases and ethnobotanical books. In addition to being popular for treating childhood diseases, the selected medicinal plants possess diverse applications in traditional medicine for other age groups, highlighting their general therapeutic values. This translates to extensive harvesting, trading and consumption of these plants in order to meet demands on local levels. Currently, empirical data on the economic value of the selected plants remain poorly reported. Even though South Africa has many laws to conserve and promote indigenous knowledge and medicinal plants, their commercialization remains low. Particularly the cultivation of the selected plants needs to be promoted under a participatory management action plan to stimulate the economy of the disadvantaged. A collaborative research framework for the inclusive transformation of indigenous medicinal plants is recommended to reveal their concealed beneficial properties.

Review of Tools for Semantics Extraction: Application in Tsunami Research Domain

Immense numbers of textual documents are available in a digital form. Research activities are focused on methods of how to speed up their processing to avoid information overloading or to provide formal structures for the problem solving or decision making of intelligent agents. Ontology learning is one of the directions which contributes to all of these activities. The main aim of the ontology learning is to semi-automatically, or fully automatically, extract ontologies—formal structures able to express information or knowledge. The primary motivation behind this paper is to facilitate the processing of a large collection of papers focused on disaster management, especially on tsunami research, using the ontology learning. Various tools of ontology learning are mentioned in the literature at present. The main aim of the paper is to uncover these tools, i.e., to find out which of these tools can be practically used for ontology learning in the tsunami application domain. Specific criteria are predefined for their evaluation, with respect to the “Ontology learning layer cake”, which introduces the fundamental phases of ontology learning. ScienceDirect and Web of Science scientific databases are explored, and various solutions for semantics extraction are manually “mined” from the journal articles. ProgrammableWeb site is used for exploration of the tools, frameworks, or APIs applied for the same purpose. Statistics answer the question of which tools are mostly mentioned in these journal articles and on the website. These tools are then investigated more thoroughly, and conclusions about their usage are made with respect to the tsunami domain, for which the tools are tested. Results are not satisfactory because only a limited number of tools can be practically used for ontology learning at present.

Marine-Derived Indole Alkaloids and Their Biological and Pharmacological Activities

Novel secondary metabolites from marine macroorganisms and marine-derived microorganisms have been intensively investigated in the last few decades. Several classes of compounds, especially indole alkaloids, have been a target for evaluating biological and pharmacological activities. As one of the most promising classes of compounds, indole alkaloids possess not only intriguing structural features but also a wide range of biological/pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antiparasitic activities. This review reports the indole alkaloids isolated during the period of 2016–2021 and their relevant biological/pharmacological activities. The marine-derived indole alkaloids reported from 2016 to 2021 were collected from various scientific databases. A total of 186 indole alkaloids from various marine organisms including fungi, bacteria, sponges, bryozoans, mangroves, and algae, are described. Despite the described bioactivities, further evaluation including their mechanisms of action and biological targets is needed to determine which of these indole alkaloids are worth studying to obtain lead compounds for the development of new drugs.