bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Delignification of Plants Residue Substrate and Accelerated Fungal Consortium Growth-Saccharification: A Practical Approach
Authors: Syauqi Ahmad , Fatimah Siti , Choiroh Durrotul
Published: September 2021

The environments have created an abundance of residual plants from all life sectors, which is not optimal for bioethanol. Therefore, this research developed microbial technology that yielded sugar and fermentation testing. The research aimed to discover the delignification process and compare the consuming sugar by Saccharomyces cerevisiae between the chemical saccharification and accelerated bio-agent of fungal consortium in the engineered media. The innovation of the bioethanol process was conducted using raw materials from biomass. Based on this study, some preliminary hypotheses were made: (i) arranging fungal substrate which consists of residual sugar, molasses, and enriched residual papaya fruits could provide distinguishable growth of cell mass; (ii) the substrate concentration of 2.5% and 7.5% in the growth medium using enriched residual papaya fruits, respectively, as a medium, could be distinguished using delignification. A benchmark was used to compare the chemical and bio-agent saccharification. The consortium that grew and produced cell mass by times factor in molasses has fulfilled the element needed compared to the natural organic substances from the papaya fruit. The higher concentration of delignification material substrate yielded higher growth-saccharification and the average of 10.45 ± 0.21 % Brix was obtained by the fungal consortium in the broth medium, although the acceleration growth is insignificant. Nonetheless, Saccharomyces cerevisiae had successfully fermented saccharification yield sugar from the delignification of plants residual
Représentativité du programme participatif de surveillance des maladies ActionGrippe, 2015–2016 à 2018–2019 : comment les participants se comparent-ils à la population canadienne?
Authors: Desroches Mireille , Lee Liza , Mukhi Shamir , Bancej Christina
Published: September 2021

Contexte : Le programme ÉpiGrippe est le système de surveillance national du Canada chargé de suivre la propagation de la grippe. Son volet de surveillance syndromique surveille la propagation du syndrome d’allure grippale en temps quasi réel pour détecter les signaux d’une activité inhabituelle ou accrue. Les données de surveillance syndromique sont recueillies à partir de deux sources principales : le Programme de surveillance des praticiens sentinelles et le programme ActionGrippe. Nous avons évalué la représentativité de la population participante la plus récente afin de comprendre les variations du taux de représentation depuis 2015, de cerner les écarts démographiques et géographiques ainsi que les corrélats ou déterminants de la participation pour caractériser un participant type. Méthodes : Dans cette étude transversale en série, les caractéristiques des participants au cours de quatre saisons grippales consécutives (2015–2016, 2016–2017, 2017–2018 et 2018–2019) ont été comparées à celles du Recensement canadien de 2016 et des enquêtes nationales sur la couverture vaccinale contre la grippe saisonnière de 2015–2016, de 2016–2017, de 2017–2018 et de 2018–2019. Les associations entre les facteurs démographiques et le niveau de participation des utilisateurs ont également été analysées parmi la population participant au programme ActionGrippe en 2018–2019. Résultats : Les enfants en bas âge (0 à 4 ans) et les personnes âgées (65 ans et plus) étaient sous-représentés dans le programme ActionGrippe au cours des quatre saisons grippales. Les femmes et les participants urbains étaient largement surreprésentés. La couverture vaccinale est restée considérablement plus élevée parmi les populations participant au programme ActionGrippe au cours des quatre dernières saisons grippales dans tous les groupes d’âge. Le niveau de participation au programme ActionGrippe était associé à l’âge et au statut d’immunisation, mais pas au sexe ni à la géographie. Au cours des quatre années de mise en œuvre, la population participant au programme ActionGrippe est devenue plus représentative de la population canadienne en ce qui concerne l’âge et la géographie (urbaine/rurale et provinciale/territoriale). Conclusion : Les participants au programme ActionGrippe sous-représentent les enfants en bas âge et les personnes âgées du Canada et surreprésentent ceux et celles qui adoptent des comportements favorables à la santé, comme l’indique la couverture vaccinale élevée contre la grippe, ce qui correspond aux biais de réponse typiques des enquêtes volontaires. La représentativité serait probablement améliorée par un recrutement ciblé des groupes sous-représentés, tels que les hommes, les personnes âgées et les Canadiens vivant dans les régions rurales.
Alternatywy wobec jednowymiarowości. Fenomen polskiej kultury niezależnej w PRL
Authors: Dabert Dobrochna
Published: September 2021

In this article devoted to the independent culture in Polish People’s Republic, I put into dichotomic doubt the concept based on the clear division between the official and independent culture. The forms of creative activity that escaped the state censorship between 1976 and 1989 radically disrespected the directives of the state’s cultural policy, yet many years before the emergence of ‘the second circulation’, there were already numerous initiatives that sparked a rich spectrum of independent activity. The authors’ strategies to remain independent changed over time, to varying extent distanced the authors from the official artistic life and differed depending on the character of the authors’ intellectual activity. In the article, I attempt to prove the relatively weak influence of the ‘official dependent culture’ that fully respected the authorities’ instructions, and I propose a classification of creative strategies that also emerged in the official culture and allowed for a relatively free development of art and science. Using multiple examples from literature, cinema, visual arts, music and science, I discuss ‘controlled culture escaping the ideological instructions’, ‘official niche culture’, ‘culture confronting the limitations’, ‘licensed Catholic culture’, ‘second circulation culture’ and ‘third circulation culture.’ The practice of searching for a way out of the official one-dimensionality allowed Polish cultural identity to continue and save its most valuable intellectual and artistic values.
Polska literatura dziecięca w Chinach
Authors: Paterska-Kubacka Agnieszka
Published: September 2021

Polish literature has been present in China since 1906. The first Polish literary text translated into Chinese was Latarnik (The Lighthouse Keeper) by Henryk Sienkiewicz. Contemporary fans of Polish novella and novel were reading indirect translations since the Chinese novelists, who did not speak Polish, usually based their translations on the Japanese versions. In my years of contact with Chinese culture and literature, I have never come across any mention of translations of Polish or Eastern European children’s literature. Once I started my research into this subject, I quickly learned what caused the lack of information on it. It turned out that it was quite difficult to find any credible information on what has been translated, in what volume it was published and what the reactions of young readers were.As a result, this article is merely an introduction to the research on Polish children’s literature in People’s Republic of China and focuses almost exclusively on latest publications, i.e. released in the twenty-first century. To a significant extent, it is based on data collected from people actively participating in promoting Polish culture in China via email. I received a lot of valuable data from Wojciech Widłak – one of the authors whose children’s books were published in China. The article is practically a short catalogue of books published on the Chinese market, but it also presents the few reviews I have managed to find in Chinese sources. There is also a presentation of the translators and it is worth noting that Polish children’s literature has been taken care of by the best among those studying Polish literature in China. I hope that this article will be the first of many on the position, popularity and reception of Polish children’s literature in China.
Legal, Tax and Accounting Treatment of Cryptocurrencies in Mexico
Authors: Delva Benavides Juan Emmanuel , Torres Amaya Francisco Ernesto
Published: September 2021

This study analyzes the legal implications of the operations with cryptocurrencies in Mexico, which are offered by financial technology institutions. Even though there is a Fintech Law, the regulation is not clear, and laws are lacking. This scenario is a consequence of categorizing the cryptocurrencies as digital assets but omitting in other laws like the Tax, Civil or Commercial Code. The conclusion assembles the possibility of extending and providing greater certainty to cryptocurrencies within the Mexican legislation by harmonizing the laws.
Historic nucleic acids isolated by Friedrich Miescher contain RNA besides DNA
Authors: Thess Andreas , Hoerr Ingmar , Panah Benyamin Yazdan , Jung Günther , Dahm Ralf
Published: September 2021

One hundred fifty years ago, Friedrich Miescher discovered DNA when he isolated “Nuclein”—as he named it—from nuclei of human pus cells. Miescher recognized his isolate as a new type of molecule equal in importance to proteins. He realised that it is an acid of large molecular weight and high phosphorus content. Subsequently, he discovered Nuclein also in the nuclei of other cell types, realised that it chemically defines the nucleus, and speculated on its role in proliferation, heredity and fertilisation. While now universally recognised as the discoverer of DNA, whether Miescher also discovered RNA has not yet been addressed. To determine whether his isolation also yielded RNA, we first reproduced his historic protocols. Our resulting modern Nuclein contained a significant percentage of RNA. Encouraged by this result, we then analysed a sample of Nuclein isolated by Miescher from salmon sperm. Assuming that the RNA present in this sample had degraded to nucleobases, we tested for the presence of uracil in the historic Nuclein. Detection of significant levels of uracil by LC-UV-MS demonstrates that Miescher isolated both forms of nucleic acid—DNA and RNA—and underlines the fundamental nature of his discovery for the field of molecular genetics.
Disaffiliation amongst academically elite students in Singapore: the role of a non-standard variety of English
Authors: Lu Luke
Published: September 2021

This article seeks to examine whether and how a non-standard variety of English (i.e. Singlish) might contribute to (dis)affiliation amongst a multinational group of academically elite students in Singapore. Using interview data when informants expressed ideologies about Singlish and Standard English, I argue that informants tended to orient to two different social fields in interviews: a field of education where Standard English is consistently valued by them, and an informal field of socialisation where the value of Singlish is contested. Differences in valuation of Singlish suggest disaffiliation between two groups of academically elite students: (a) immigrants from China who arrived more recently and do not value Singlish; (b) localised peer groups (including immigrants and Singaporeans) who claim to value and practise Singlish in their informal interactions. There are implications for our understanding of the role of vernaculars in processes of transnational migration, and Singlish as a local marker of solidarity.
A Study on Thermal and Electrical Conductivities of Ethylene-Butene Copolymer Composites with Carbon Fibers
Authors: Hamid Y. , Svoboda P.
Published: September 2021

Ethylene-butene copolymer (EBC)/carbon-fiber (CF) composites can be utilized as an electromechanical material due to their ability to change electric resistance with mechanical strain. The electro-mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of ethylene butene copolymer (EBC) composites with carbon fibers were studied. Carbon fibers were introduced to EBC with various concentrations (5 to 25 wt%). The results showed that carbon fibers’ addition to EBC improves the electric conductivity up to 10 times. Increasing the load up to 2.9 MPa will raise the electric resistance change by 4 500% for a 25% fiber sample. It is also noted that the EBC/CF composites’ electric resistance underwent a dramatic increase in raising the strain. For example, the resistance change was around 13 times higher at 15% strain compared to 5% strain. The thermal conductivity tests showed that the addition of carbon fibers increases the thermal conductivity by 40%, from 0.19 to 0.27 Wm–1K–1.
Basic Study of Extensional Flow Mixing for the Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in Polypropylene by Using Capillary Extrusion
Authors: Matsumoto K. , Tanaka T.
Published: September 2021

This study evaluated the mixing effect of simple uniaxial extensional flow for the dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into polypropylene (PP) as a nonpolar matrix. An only converging flow allowed for a high strain rate and was suitable for the compounding process. The extensional flow was characterized from the entrance pressure drop (ΔP0) at the converging section. Thus, in this study, capillary extrusion was employed to generate uniaxial extensional flow. Based on the hypothesis that the dispersion of nanofillers depends on the magnitude of flow-induced stress, ΔP0, which related to extensional stress, was measured directly during capillary extrusion by using an orifice die. The influences of the mass flow rate and the hole diameter in the orifice die, which affected ΔP0, on the extrusion of PP nanocomposites with an MWCNT loading of 1.0 wt.% were studied. The extruded samples were collected, and the dispersion state was evaluated based on the melt viscoelastic properties, volume resistivity, and morphological observations by optical microscopy (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The agglomeration area of the MWCNTs decreased with higher ΔP0 (higher mass flow rate and smaller hole diameter), which increased the uniformity of the dispersion. Moreover, the influence of the length-to-diameter (L/D) ratio of the hole in the capillary die on the dispersion state of the MWCNTs was investigated. A higher L/D ratio of the capillary die did not improve the dispersion state, although shear and extensional stresses were provided.
The Effect of Nanosilicates on the Performance of Polyethylene Terephthalate Films Prepared by Twin-Screw Extrusion
Authors: Ghanbari A. , Heuzey M.-C. , Carreau P. J.
Published: September 2021

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films were prepared by cast extrusion using a twin-screw extruder with a severe screw profile. The effect of an organically modified montmorillonite on thermal, mechanical, optical, and barrier properties of the PET films were investigated. Morphological characterization of the nanocomposite films was performed by employing wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) followed by image analysis. The results unfold a mixed morphology for the nanocomposite films with more than 95% exfoliated and intercalated silicate layer structures, depending on the screw rotation speed. The remarkable dispersion of the organoclay particles at the nano-level is discussed in terms of solubility parameter and favorable interactions between PET macromolecules and organic modifier of the nanoclay. The crystal content of the nanocomposite films and their cold and hot crystallization temperatures confirmed the role of silicate nanolayers as a heterogeneous nucleating agent. While all nanocomposite films exhibit higher haze values in comparison to the neat PET samples, incorporation of 2 wt% nanoclay brought about 25% increase in tensile modulus and barrier properties. A range of screw rotation speeds with optimized properties in terms of haze, morphology, thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties is suggested.
Fetoscopic laser ablation therapy in monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome treated at a single centre over 10 years: a retrospective study
Authors: Fichera Anna , Azzaretto Vita Valentina , Fratelli Nicola , Mancino Sara , Marella Daria , Negri Beatrice , Valcamonico Adriana , Zanardini Cristina , Frusca Tiziana , Sartori Enrico , Prefumo Federico
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To review experience with fetoscopic laser ablation of placental anastomoses to treat monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in a single centre over a ten-year period.

Methods

A retrospective study on 142 MCDA twin pregnancies complicates by TTTS treated with equatorial laser ablation of placental anastomoses (2008–2018). Solomon technique was also applied after 2013. Survival rates, neonatal outcome, intraoperative and post-laser complications were recorded, and prognostic factors analysed.

Results

A total of 133 cases were included in the final analysis; 41 patients were at stage II (30.8%), 73 were at stage III (62.9%), while only 12 (9%) at stage I and two patients (1.7%) at stage IV. Solomon technique was applied in 39 cases (29.3%). Survival of both twins was 51.1% (68/133), of a single twin 20.3% (27/133), and of at least one 71.5% (95/133), with an overall survival of 61.3% (163/266). TAPS and recurrent TTTS occurred in 8 (6%) and 15 (11.3%) patients. Survival of both fetuses increased over time (44.6 vs. 57.3%). A posterior placenta (p<0.003) and the use of the Solomon technique (p<0.02) were more frequent in cases with survival of both fetuses, while TTTS recurrence was significantly associated to the loss of one or two fetuses (p<0.01). Such associations were confirmed at logistic regression analysis.

Conclusions

Survival of both twins can improve over time and seems to be favourably associated with a placenta in the posterior location and the use of the Solomon technique.
Nonlinear buckling behavior of hybrid composites with different notch types
Authors: Erdem Serkan , Gur Mustafa , Kaman Mete Onur
Published: September 2021

In this study, the effect of change of notch type on non-linear buckling behavior in composite plates was investigated experimentally and numerically. The composite plate is produced by applying the vacuum infusion method using carbon and aramid hybrid woven fabric and epoxy. Primarily, in the composite plates, a circular hole in the middle, a U single edge notch and semicircle double edge notches are formed. The specimens were subjected to buckling tests, being placed on their two edges, while the others were free. Afterwards, the load displacement graphs of the plates under pressure load were obtained experimentally for the behavior before and after buckling. In the numerical study, non-linear buckling analysis was performed using the finite element method. As a result, experimental and numerical buckling behaviors were obtained in accordance with each other. Since the net cross section bearing the pressure load is equal for all notch types, an effective difference between the maximum damage loads has not been achieved. So, the variation of notch type does not change the load displacement behavior characteristics of the plates after buckling. However, due to the unsymmetrical geometry in U notched plates, an uneven change in horizontal displacements along the width of the plate was achieved. The maximum stress concentration formed around the notch increased after buckling with the increase of displacement in vertical direction.
Effects of chromic acid anodizing on fatigue behavior of 7050 T7451 aluminum alloy
Authors: İlhan Çağrı , Gürbüz Rıza
Published: September 2021

The effect of chromic acid anodizing (CAA) surface treatment on 7050 T7451 aluminum alloy was presented in this study in terms of fatigue behavior. CAA is a treatment against corrosion by producing aluminum oxide layer (Al2O3) at the surface. However, fatigue performance of 7050 T7451 is affected by the coating. In this study, eight different CAA processes were examined with regard to etching stage of pre-treatments by using an alkaline etchant and/or acid etchants with various immersion times. Optical microscopic examinations were applied in order to determine pitting characteristics for the selection of CAA process parameters before fatigue tests. A CAA process was selected among eight processes in terms of pitting characteristics in order to apply fatigue specimens. Four fatigue test groups were determined to investigate bare condition of 7050 T7451 and sub-stages of the CAA particularly. Constant amplitude axial fatigue tests were conducted on specimens at 91 Hz at stress ratio (R) -1 until run-out criteria, which was 106 cycles. Fatigue life reduction was determined due to pretreatments of CAA. Fracture surfaces of the specimens were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to investigate morphology and crack initiation sites.
Effect of post-weld heat treatment on microstructure and corrosion properties of multi-layer super duplex stainless steel welds
Authors: Tian Lei , Gao Zhanqi , Han Yongdian
Published: September 2021

To investigate the influence of post-weld heat treatment on the microstructure and corrosion properties of super duplex stainless steel welded joints, multi-layer multi-pass welding of 2507 super duplex stainless steel by tungsten argon arc welding was performed using an ER2594 welding wire. The microstructures of the welded joints before and after post-weld heat treatment at 1150 °C, 1170 °C and 1190 °C were observed, and the mechanical and corrosion properties were tested. The post-weld heat treatment changed the austenite content and morphology of the welded joint and improved the corrosion resistance of different parts of the weld metal. The choice of various solution heat treatment temperatures affected the change in austenite content in the weld zone and the degree of diffusion and homogenization of the alloy elements. After post-weld heat treatment at 1170 °C, the two-phase ratios in each area of the weld were the most suitable and uniform, and the overall mechanical and corrosion properties of the joint were more uniform.
Loss of Christianson Syndrome Na+/H+Exchanger 6 (NHE6) Causes Abnormal Endosome Maturation and Trafficking Underlying Lysosome Dysfunction in Neurons
Authors: Pescosolido Matthew F. , Ouyang Qing , Liu Judy S. , Morrow Eric M.
Published: September 2021

Loss-of-function mutations in endosomal Na+/H+exchanger 6 (NHE6) cause the X-linked neurologic disorder Christianson syndrome. Patients exhibit symptoms associated with both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative abnormalities. While loss of NHE6 has been shown to overacidify the endosome lumen, and is associated with endolysosome neuropathology, NHE6-mediated mechanisms in endosome trafficking and lysosome function have been understudied. Here, we show that NHE6-null mouse neurons demonstrate worsening lysosome function with time in culture, likely as a result of defective endosome trafficking. NHE6-null neurons exhibit overall reduced lysosomal proteolysis despite overacidification of the endosome and lysosome lumen. Akin to Nhx1 mutants inSaccharomyces cerevisiae, we observe decreased endosome-lysosome fusion in NHE6-null neurons. Also, we find premature activation of pH-dependent cathepsin D (CatD) in endosomes. While active CatD is increased in endosomes, CatD activation and CatD protein levels are reduced in the lysosome. Protein levels of another mannose 6-phosphate receptor (M6PR)-dependent enzyme, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, were also decreased in lysosomes of NHE6-null neurons. M6PRs accumulate in late endosomes, suggesting defective M6PR recycling and retromer function in NHE6-null neurons. Finally, coincident with decreased endosome-lysosome fusion, using total internal reflection fluorescence, we also find a prominent increase in fusion between endosomal multivesicular bodies and the plasma membrane, indicating enhanced exosome secretion from NHE6-null neurons. In summary, in addition to overacidification of endosomes and lysosomes, loss of NHE6 leads to defects in endosome maturation and trafficking, including enhanced exosome release, contributing to lysosome deficiency and potentially leading to neurodegenerative disease.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTLoss-of-function mutations in the endosomal Na+/H+exchanger 6 (NHE6) cause Christianson syndrome, an X-linked neurologic disorder. Loss of NHE6 has been shown to overacidify endosomes; however, endosome trafficking mechanisms have been understudied, and the mechanisms leading to neurodegeneration are largely unknown. In NHE6-null mouse neuronsin vitro, we find worsening lysosome function with days in culture. Notably, pH-dependent lysosome enzymes, such as cathepsin D, have reduced activity in lysosomes yet increased, precocious activity in endosomes in NHE6-null neurons. Further, endosomes show reduced fusion to lysosomes, and increased fusion to the plasma membrane with increased exosome release. This study identifies new mechanisms involving defective endosome maturation and trafficking that impair lysosome function in Christianson syndrome, likely contributing to neurodegeneration.
IMPACT OF DIFFERENT LIFE-CYCLE SAVING STRATEGIES AND UNEMPLOYMENT ON INDIVIDUAL SAVINGS IN DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION SCHEME IN SLOVAKIA
Authors: Mešťan Michal , Králik Ivan , Šafár Leoš , Šebo Ján
Published: September 2021

Searching for the optimal saving strategy is often tied with the life-cycle strategies where only the age of a saver is considered for setting the allocation profile between equities and bonds. Our article contributes to the debate by looking at the performance and adequacy risks arising from applying age-based saving strategies for savers in funded pension schemes. As many studies have proven the shift of the risk onto savers in defined contribution pension schemes under various saving strategies, we contribute to the debate by providing simulations of expected accumulated savings via funded pension scheme under the various life-cycle income profiles and existence of unemployment risk. Using the resampling simulation technique, we compare the fixed and age-based strategies of three different agents with various life-cycle income paths and different unemployment risk. We compare the expected amount of savings and calculate relative indicators comparing the expected monthly benefits, income replacement rate. We look closely on the impact of unemployment on the value of savings and calculate the unemployment factor explaining the value of savings lost due to the periods of unemployment. By combining life-cycle income functions of individuals with different education level and unemployment risk, we show that decisions of implementing low risk saving strategies are suboptimal and lead to a substantial decrease in replacement ratios not only for higher income cohorts but especially for the lowest ones. At the same time, we prove that employing low risk saving strategy leads to the increase of adequacy risk especially driven by the unemployment risk that is higher for lower education individuals. We conclude that age-based life-cycle saving strategies, where the remaining saving horizon is the only factor defining the allocation profile is not the optimal saving strategy and other factors should be considered as well when searching for optimal saving strategy.
DETERMINANTS OF HOUSEHOLD FINANCIAL VULNERABILITY: EVIDENCE FROM SELECTED EU COUNTRIES
Authors: Šubová Nikola , Mura Ladislav , Buleca Ján
Published: September 2021

Household debt has been increasing in the last decades, and it poses a threat not only to the financial stability of households but is a precursor of the economic and financial crisis. A downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic is expected to deepening inequalities, mainly due to the inability of households to repay existing debts or finance basic living needs. Understanding the determinants of household indebtedness and financial vulnerability is crucial for policymakers who process measures to prevent increasing household indebtedness. This paper investigates the determinants of household financial vulnerability in euro area countries using the Household Finance and Consumption Survey micro-dataset collected by the European Central Bank. The quantitative approach was applied using ordinary least square and quantile estimation procedures. The difference between OLS and quantile estimations showed the appropriateness of using the quantile regression approach. Performance analysis proved that only the number of elderly and the value of wealth and existence of mortgage interest tax relief statistically significant affects the level of vulnerability in all three waves. While the increasing number of elderly and greater value of household wealth lowers the vulnerability, the effect of mortgage interest tax relief differs across individual waves. All other used factors are essential and statistically significant for the financial vulnerability of households as well, but the importance and significance could differ across the distribution and individual waves. The effect of financial assets, education, and employment were found to be negative in all observations of all waves. On the other hand, the number of children and the value of households’ real assets is associated with increased financial vulnerability indicators.
PERCEPTION OF BUSINESS ENTITIES TOWARDS DIGITIZATION OF TAX ADMINISTRATION IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC
Authors: Sobotovičová Šárka , Blechová Beata
Published: September 2021

The digital transformation of all areas of government is one of the European Union priorities. The motivation for our research was the fact that when it comes to the evaluation of Digital Public Services, the Czech Republic ranks below the EU countries average. This article discusses the development of electronic filings for the Financial Administration in the Czech Republic. It started with a critical literature review of relevant sources. Subsequently, a research was conducted with 644 respondents in the form of a questionnaire survey. Based on the primary research, opinions on the digitization of financial administration, including the benefits and disadvantages it brings to them, was verified with entrepreneurs. The survey data was evaluated using a non-parametric test in SPSS Statistics. Following an empirical survey, it was found that the majority of respondents perceive electronic filings in a positive way. The most common form of electronic filing is through data boxes, which have been in use in the Czech Republic since 2009. Less than half of the respondents had some problems related to the introduction of electronic filings. Some of the most common issues mentioned included the familiarization with the requirements associated with the electronic filings and learning to use the program in general. With the majority of respondents, accountants are responsible for interaction with the Financial Administration. Based on the respondents’ perception, the saving of time was identified as the most significant benefit, followed by the availability of information and error checks; saving of costs was the last. The respondents evaluate electronic communication as more flexible, practical and easier.
Association between serum uric acid and renal outcome in patients with biopsy-confirmed diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zou Yutong , Zhao Lijun , Zhang Junlin , Wang Yiting , Wu Yucheng , Ren Honghong , Wang Tingli , Zhang Rui , Wang Jiali , Zhao Yuancheng , Qin Chunmei , Xu Huan , Li Lin , Chai Zhonglin , Cooper Mark E , Tong Nanwei , Liu Fang
Published: September 2021

Objective

To investigate the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) level and renal outcome in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods

A total of 393 Chinese patients with T2DM and biopsy-proven DN and followed at least 1 year were enrolled in this study. Patients were stratified by the quartiles of baseline level of SUA: Q1 group: 286.02 ± 46.66 μmol/L (n = 98); Q2 group: 358.23 ± 14.03 μmol/L (n = 99); Q3 group: 405.50 ± 14.59 μmol/L (n = 98) and Q4 group: 499.14 ± 56.97μmol/L (n = 98). Renal outcome was defined by progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze the association between SUA quartiles and the renal outcomes.

Results

During the median 3-year follow-up period, there were 173 ESRD outcome events (44.02%). No significant difference between SUA level and the risk of progression of DN (P = 0.747) was shown in the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. In multivariable-adjusted model, hazard ratios for developing ESRD were 1.364 (0.621–2.992; P = 0.439), 1.518 (0.768–3.002; P = 0.230) and 1.411 (0.706–2.821; P = 0.330) for the Q2, Q3 and Q4, respectively, in comparison with the Q1 (P = 0.652).

Conclusions

No significant association between SUA level and renal outcome of ESRD in Chinese patients with T2DM and DN was found in our study. Besides, the role of uric acid-lowering therapy in delaying DN progression and improving ESRD outcome had not yet been proven. Further study was needed to clarify the renal benefit of the uric acid-lowering therapy in the treatment of DN.
The Comprehension and Implementation Help-Education Culture
Authors: Zhang Sunjun
Published: September 2021

Help-Education is more suitable for student life, which emphasizing education as a kind of assistance that is born with love and aims for development. The irreplaceable help-education that generate from the parents will affect the students throughout their entire life. As parents, it is significant to insist on learning and reflection to help children to arouse their inner motivation in learning. As schools, when continuing the help-education, the moral mutual help, help-education Class, systematism management, and campus activity are the important components. Students and teachers help and learn from each other so that students can find their own interests through a variety of activities, which can better open up their minds, do things creatively, stimulate their inherent potential, but also make students have more confidence in themselves. Being oneself, which means helping students become class masters and build a cozy room with the teachers. Also, let the students participate in improving the five aspects of life, including reading, flowering, travelling, exercising, and sleeping, so as to promote their all-round development, and then pass the transition from ego to superego.
Inclusión financiera en Perú y Latinoamérica en tiempos del COVID-19
Authors: Vargas García Allan Herminio
Published: September 2021

El presente estudio analiza las consecuencias del COVID-19 en el Perú y América Latina, en los aspectos de pobreza y desempleo, el impacto en los escenarios económicos-sociales y los indicadores de inclusión financiera existentes en tiempos de pandemia. El objetivo del artículo fue evidenciar la importancia de la inclusión financiera para mitigar los efectos de la crisis del COVID-19 insertando a la población ―tradicionalmente excluida― al sistema financiero formal. Como resultado de la investigación, se demuestra que los gobiernos han mitigado los efectos negativos de la pandemia con programas de subsidios y apoyo económico a la población vulnerable a través del sistema financiero; sin embargo, se requiere mejorar las políticas públicas para aprovechar la innovación digital en favor de la población y la necesidad de disminuir las barreras para facilitar la penetración de la inclusión financiera.
Lecciones aprendidas y futuras estrategias empresariales a un año de la pandemia
Authors: Araujo-Aguirre Will Erick
Published: September 2021

A un año de la declaratoria de la pandemia por el COVID-19, las empresas tuvieron que vivir un escenario de crisis y enfrentarlo a través de acciones estratégicas, dejando lecciones importantes para futuras crisis. Este trabajo tuvo por objetivo describir y responder dos interrogantes importantes referidas a las prácticas empresariales y lecciones durante la pandemia, y las políticas o estrategias futuras en el escenario pospandemia. El método utilizado fue una revisión sistemática de artículos científicos, siguiendo una estrategia de búsqueda bibliográfica en la base de datos de Scopus y utilizando algunos criterios como filtros para refinar la búsqueda. Los resultados mostraron dos temáticas recurrentes en el análisis; estas fueron la tecnología y la innovación, las cuales se encuentran en la gran parte de las estrategias y acciones implementadas por las empresas; así como muchas otras que se sugieren poner en práctica pospandemia, como políticas de financiamiento, abastecimiento, entre otras. Algunas limitaciones que se tuvieron fueron el uso de un solo tipo de fuente científica, pocas áreas temáticas y una base de datos reconocida para la búsqueda y análisis.
Diversificación de carteras de inversión con criptomonedas
Authors: Chambi Condori Pedro Pablo
Published: September 2021

Objetivo: Organizar en forma experimental carteras de inversión con los criptoactivos bajo la teoría moderna de estructuración de portafolios de inversión de Markowitz. Método: La investigación fue del tipo cuantitativa y experimental, abarcando el proceso de estructuración de portafolios de inversión con criptomonedas bajo la teoría de Markowitz, mediante el modelo de programación no lineal cuantitativa. Resultados: Se pudo observar que el periodo de cotización más pronunciado se presentó en el periodo comprendido entre 2017 a 2018. Una rentabilidad mayor le corresponde a Ethereum, seguido de Bitcoin y de Ripple; consecuentemente, Ethereum es el que tiene el mayor indicador de volatilidad. La opción de cartera eficiente se obtuvo cuando se invirtió el 70% en Bitcoin, 14% en Ethereum, 6% en Ripple y 10% en Thether y, como efecto de la diversificación de carteras de inversión, se verifica el comportamiento inverso de la volatilidad. Conclusiones: En el estudio en referencia, se demostró el efecto del número de activos en la conformación del portafolio de inversiones en la reducción de la volatilidad y las opciones que provee el mapa de la frontera eficiente para que los inversionistas opten por las opciones que calcen mejor con sus expectativas de riesgo y rentabilidad.
Discourse Markers of French: Multifaceted Look at a Controversial Category
Authors: Vladimirska Elena , Gridina Jelena , Turlā-Pastare Daina
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we discuss the question of discourse markers (DM) – a category conceived differently by theoretical and applied linguistic approaches. Unlike in applied approaches, in which DMs are considered desemantized/grammaticalized lexical units devoid of their own semantics and therefore of status in the language, we consider DMs to constitute a full-fledged category of language, having its own semantics and distribution, both of which play a crucial role in the construction of discourse (Paillard 2011, 2012; Franckel 2008, 2019). This hypothesis has been developed in theoretical linguistics and has seen little evidence from a perspective of the acquisition and didactics of foreign languages. Based on cross-analysis of linguistic theories (Benveniste 1974; Ducrot 1980; Hopper & Traugott 1993; Culioli 1990,1999; Franckel & Paillard 2008) and on distributional analysis of data of the spoken corpora, we show that the absence of specific linguistic status for DMs has repercussions at the didactic and acquisition levels: DMs are generally approached in an ad hoc manner, all functions combined, which leads on the one hand to gaps in the acquisition of French and, on the other hand, to the ambiguity of criteria for evaluation. Therefore, at the level of applied linguistics, we suggest the integration of DMs in the learning path as a full category, an integration that must be carried out on several axes – semantic, syntax and prosodic – and be based on an authentic oral corpora of the spoken language. At the theoretical level, we use transversal analysis in order to give yet another argument in favor of a semantical-enunciative approach to discursive markers.
The Campaign for Universal Free Lunch in New York City: Lessons Learned
Authors: Watts Abigail , Araiza Anna L. , Fernández Cristina R. , Rosenthal Leslie , Vargas-Rodriguez Ileana , Duroseau Nathalie , Accles Liz , Rieder Jessica
Published: September 2021

The New York City (NYC) Department of Education is the largest public school system in the United States, with an enrollment of >1.1 million students. Students who participate in school meal programs can have higher dietary quality than nonparticipating students. Historically, family income documentation qualifying students in the NYC Department of Education for free or reduced-price meals reimbursed by the National School Lunch Program perpetuated poverty stigma. Additionally, National School Lunch Program qualification paperwork was a deterrent to many vulnerable families to participate and impeded all eligible children’s access to nutritious meals, potentially magnifying food insecurity. The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 provided a viable option for schools to serve free meals to all students, regardless of income status, as a universal free lunch (UFL) through a Community Eligibility Provision if ≥40% of students already participated in another means-based program, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. In this case study, we describe the processes of (1) strategic coalition building of the Lunch 4 Learning campaign (a coalition of students, parents, school-based unions, teachers, pediatricians, community leaders, and children’s advocacy organizations) to bring UFL to all NYC public schools, (2) building political support, (3) developing a media strategy, and (4) using an evidence-based strategy to overcome political, administrative, and procedural challenges. The Lunch 4 Learning campaign successfully brought UFL to all NYC public schools in 2017. This case study informs further advocacy efforts to expand UFL in other school districts across the country and national UFL advocacy.
FEEDING HABITS OF Paralonchurus brasiliensis (PERCIFORMES: SCIAENIDAE) FROM SOUTH OF BRAZIL
Authors: Sedrez Mario Cesar , Barrilli Germano Henrique Costa , Moura Evelise Nunes Fragoso de , Barreiros João Pedro , Branco Joaquim Olinto , Verani José Roberto
Published: September 2021

Shrimp trawling directly impacts target species and non-target species, altering micro-habitats and marine trophic webs. Thus, the objective of the present research was to analyze the feeding habits of Paralonchurus brasiliensis as a tool to evaluate the impact of trawling on the food chains in marine environments, in the South Atlantic of Brazil. One thousand and nineteen stomachs of P. brasiliensis were dissected after being captured as bycatch of shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, in Penha, on the north central coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The number of stomachs was enough to describe the feeding habits of P. brasiliensis, characterizing it as a carnivorous species and predominantly invertivorous. They also revealed that this species has a diversified and constant diet, with greater consumption of polychaetes, crustaceans, and ofiuroides, among other components of the macrobentos, all closely related to the sediment. It was also found that the target species X. kroyeri is not an important prey in the diet of P. brasiliensis, despite occupying the same habitat. According to the present study, P. brasiliensis can be characterized as a demersal-benthic species, predator, opportunistic and broad trophic spectrum. This work contributes to the understanding of trophic chains of the coastal ecosystems, using the P. brasiliensis as a model.
INVASIONES BIOLÓGICAS EN AGROECOSISTEMAS DE ECUADOR CONTINENTAL: NICHO ECOLÓGICO DE ESPECIES EXÓTICAS Y CULTIVOS AGRÍCOLAS BAJO RIESGO
Authors: Ferrer Sanchez Yarelys , Jacho-Saa Wilmer Raúl , Urdánigo Zambrano Juan Pablo , Abasolo-Pacheco Fernando , Plasencia-Vázquez Alexis Herminio , Zambrano-Mero Génesis Jahaira , Castillo Macias Mayely Julissa , Muñoz Zambrano Karen Tatiana , Coveña-Rosado Alex Adrian , Estrella Bravo Gabriela Veronica
Published: September 2021

En Ecuador las especies exóticas invasoras (EEI) provocan consecuencias negativas en los aspectos ecológicos, económicos y de seguridad alimentaria. Los agroecosistemas hacen parte de los sectores productivos a nivel mundial, pero son vulnerables a sufrir invasiones biológicas por la constante actividad humana y por el traslado de vegetación, tierra y semillas, por lo que deben ser constantemente monitoreados, pues desempeñan un papel importante en la economía al ser fuente de empleo. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la influencia potencial de las EEI sobre los agroecosistemas de Ecuador continental a través del modelado del nicho ecológico. Se usó como método de modelación el algoritmo de máxima entropía y se emplearon los registros de presencia de seis especies de plantas y cuatro de insectos en sus regiones nativas y en zonas invadidas a nivel mundial. Los registros provienen de Global Biodiversity Information Facility y de Tropicos. Como variables explicativas se emplearon 19 variables bioclimáticas y seis variables de vegetación. Se obtuvieron los mapas de distribución geográfica potencial, las áreas de superposición de la distribución de las especies y la delimitación de las zonas de mayor riesgo. Se determinó que las condiciones ambientales de las regiones Sierra y Amazónica son idóneas para una posible invasión de seis y siete especies. Además, más del 50 % de la cobertura agropecuaria del país podría ser afectada por las especies Wasmannia rochai, Spondias purpurea L., Lissachatina fulica y Conium maculatum L., siendo los cultivos de ciclo corto los más vulnerables a la invasión por estas especies.
ARABIDOPSIS MUESTRA RESISTENCIA NO-HOSPEDERO CONSTITUTIVA CONTRA Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis
Authors: Hurtado Paola , Romero Danilo , López Carrascal Camilo Ernesto
Published: September 2021

La bacteriosis vascular de la yuca, causada por la bacteria gram negativa Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm), anteriormente conocida como Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis, es la principal enfermedad bacteriana que compromete su producción. Con la meta de generar una resistencia durable y de amplio espectro a la bacteriosis es posible explotar los mecanismos naturales presentes en plantas no-hospedero. Arabidopsis es una planta modelo extensamente estudiada, la cual es no-hospedero de Xpm. La meta de este estudio fue determinar si la resistencia no-hospedero de Arabidopsis es consecuencia de la presencia de barreras físicas o si esta depende de determinantes genéticos. En este trabajo se evaluó la capacidad de plantas de Arabidopsis de responder a la inoculación con Xpm. Ninguno de los ocho ecotipos de Arabidopsis evaluados mostraron una respuesta hipersensible a la inoculación con ocho diferentes cepas de Xpm. Aunque no se identificó la presencia de especies reactivas de oxígeno si se encontró un bloqueo en el crecimiento de Xpm en las plantas de Arabidopsis. En conjunto, los resultados aquí presentados sugieren que Arabidopsis no está activando una respuesta contra Xpm y que la resistencia observada puede ser consecuencia de las barreras físicas presentes en Arabidopsis que Xpm no es capaz de superar.