bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhetorical argumentation in popular science discourse: Features and prospects
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy and Law of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Volf Marina N.
Published: December 2020

The nature of popular science discourse in recent decades has acquired a convincing function, while it is addressed to an audience that is not always loyal to science. There are new requirements for writing argumentative popular science texts and they must contain arguments that depend on the target audience. The need for a broad mastery of the skill of writing well-reasoned popular science texts is associated with the issues of understanding how successfully their function has been implemented to convince the audience and thе explication of technologies that help make these texts convincing, including the creation of a database of typical basic arguments. It is believed that the methods of computer analysis used in computational rhetoric can be used to study the argumentative specifics of popular science literature, and rhetorical argumentation should be the most productive approach to argumentation in a popular science text because only it provides ways of interacting with the audience. However, there are constraints for the development of this direction that make it difficult to find and annotate arguments in a popular science text, namely: an ambiguity in understanding the argument and argumentation, modeling various arguments depending on the understanding of their structure and function, and finally, the target audience modeling. Explication of arguments in the text is possible through linguistic markers, but there is a problem of establishing the boundaries of the argument. Identifying the internal structure of text segment relationships solves this problem, however, annotating the text is sensitive to certain methods of modeling argumentation. Based on the basic model of Toulmin’s argument, the special aspects of modeling rhetorical argumentation and its dependence on the target audience are illustrated. It is proposed that the concept of a universal audience can hardly be adapted to practical tasks, and criteria that are consistent with the format of truths and the format of audience values, the implementation of which could bring the target audience closer to an universal one. The author demonstrates the features in the pragma-dialectical approach, which, despite its popularity in computational rhetoric, do not allow it to be fully adapted to popular science discourse.
Social and cultural factors of intergroup tension diminution
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Artemov Georgii P. , Pinkevich Anna G. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: December 2020

The article presents data on the status of dependent and value orientations of people on their attitude towards social groups that differ from the majority of the population. Based on the analysis of the data of the 6th wave (2010–2014) of the World Values Survey, which shows that social levels occupying intermediate positions in the system of social statuses and value orientations are more tolerant than the layers occupying the extreme positions as representatives of social minorities. Intergroup relations are influenced by many factors, and intergroup relations themselves are often controversial. Therefore, in one situation, they can smooth out the prejudices that exist between groups, and in others, on the contrary — incite. The article focuses on identifying groups that have a high degree of tolerance. The study uses various indicators of intergroup tension. The results of a comparative cross-country analysis of an integrated database (1981–2014) of the World Values Survey are presented. It was found that an increase in the proportion of the lower middle class and people with a mixed post-materialistic orientation in the course of secondary modernization helps ensure a low incidence of negative intergroup attitudes. When interpreting the obtained results, the article uses the theory and method of measuring values developed by Ronald Inglehart, as well as the typology of countries proposed by Nikolai Lapin. All calculations were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0, Statistica 6.0, and statistical analysis methods, for example cluster analysis.
IS RUSSIA AN EMPIRE OR A NATION-STATE? Book Review: Achkasov V. A. Russian Dilemma: Empire or Nation State: Monograph. Moscow, Yurayt Publishing House, 2019, 373 p.
Authors:   North-Western Institute of Management of the Russian presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Baranov Nikolai ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: December 2020

In the review of the book by Valery Achkasov, devoted to the study of ethno-political processes in Russia from the moment of its transformation into an empire to the present day, an attempt is made to comprehend the views of both the author and other scholars on significant ethno-political problems in regard to the correlation of an empire and a nation state, the formation of the Russian nation and Russian imperial nationalism, the influence of the Russian revolution on national politics, as well as on the Soviet experience of nation building. According to the reviewer, the author convincingly revealed the causes of the crisis of national identity in modern Russia and the peculiarities of regional identities, due to the characteristics of the status of the region as an integral part of the nation state. The author’s position, which casts doubt on the orientation of the Russian post-communist state towards the production of democratic and civic identities is of scientific interest as well as arguing for the promotion and actualization of identities, both ethnic and those oriented on the principle of loyalty to the state. Valery Achkasov’s conclusions are significant concerning the need to replace the model of interethnic interaction with the civil-political model of national integration and that Russia is in the process of forming a nation-state, which acts as the final result of the development of social integration.
Exemptions from punishment in China and Thailand from the perspective of the theory of Leon Petrazycky
Authors:   Chiang Mai University, Chitov Alexandre
Published: December 2020

This paper compares legislative provisions of Chinese and Thai laws pertaining to exemptions from punishment. These exemptions must be distinguished from the exemptions from criminal liability. In the latter case, Chinese and Thai courts cannot inflict punishment on a person who is justified or excused in committing an act otherwise defined as a crime. In contrast, an exemption from punishment is granted by courts as an exercise of discretionary powers. Chinese and Thai laws bear similar characteristics in defining the exemptions from criminal liability, but differ significantly in the scope of discretionary powers of courts to exempt from punishments. Chinese law allows judges to have more discretion in not imposing penalties on an offender than Thai law does. The reason for the difference lies in a greater openness of Chinese law to moral considerations to be played in sentencing practices. Thai law is much more influenced by the philosophy of legal positivism. These similarities and differences are discussed in the light of the theory of Leon Petrazycki. It is argued that Petyrazycki’s concept of intuitive law as attributive imperatives is important in explaining and justifying the powers of the court not to inflict punishment if it meets the goals of criminal justice. From the viewpoint of the theory of Petrazycki, Chinese law can accommodate better the intuitive law of the public to the exigencies of various social situations. However, Petrazycki’s theory alone cannot override many reasons against giving judges extensive powers to apply their intuitive laws to exempt offenders from punishment. There is a plurality of psychological imperatives which may conflict with each other. To resolve those conflicts, it is necessary to draw on the idea of natural law. Even though Petrazycki did not explicitly argue for the existence of the natural law, its existence can be drawn from common psychological imperatives as well as from a striking similarity between various systems of criminal law in such diverse countries as China and Thailand. Many of the legal provisions of their laws display certain common legal paradigms that cannot be only accounted for by the adoption of the Western legal concepts.
Intensification of the relationship between the Russian Orthodox and Anglican Church in the second half of the 1890s
Authors:   Ss. Cyril and Methodius Theological Institute of Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies, Ochkanov Hierodeacon Yaroslav
Published: December 2020

The article analyzes the relationship between the Anglican and Russian Orthodox churches at the very end of the 19th century. The reasons why the Anglican — Orthodox dialogue received intensive development and significant theological content during this period are considered. Significant attention is paid to the mutual visits of the hierarchs of the two Churches, during which they discussed and agreed on numerous issues related to the rapprochement of the Anglican and Russian Orthodox Churches in connection with the prospect of planned interfaith unity. Emphasis is placed on the problem of recognizing the legitimacy of Anglican ordinations, which arose both due to the historical formation of Anglicanism and in connection with the peculiarities of the Anglican doctrine of the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of the priesthood. The author investigates the reasons why Russian theologians, who have carefully studied the historical, canonical and dogmatic sides of the issue, were forced at this stage to deny the Anglicans the recognition of the legality of their ordinations. In connection with this decision, the prospect of inter-church unity was postponed indefinitely so that Anglican theological thought could finally be defined in the sacramentology of the Anglican creed. At the same time, the dialogue between the two churches was not interrupted, but rather continued fruitfully in the 20th century.
Theological question in a philosophical perspective: Nikolai Berdyaev’s theory of a lie
Authors:   Don State Technical University, Nesmeyanov Evgenii E.
Published: December 2020

The article considers the conception of a lie established in the work of Nikolai Berdyaev during the first half of the 20th century. The socially organized lie was at the center Berdyaev’s attention. In the middle of the 20th century, new theoretical perceptions of necessity, legality and even value of a lie emerge. A lie is declared to be a norm of European culture, an inevitable component of economic, political and scientific practice, an essential component of people’s ordinary and family life. Criticizing these ideas, Berdyaev puts forward a number of counterarguments relevant both during his time and at the beginning of the 21st century, which makes this article significant. The fundamental originality of the study of a lie by the Russian philosopher consists in changing the main cause of the phenomenon, from the personal moral and psychological characteristics of a person to the ontological cause. Berdyaev creates a philosophical-religious theory of “Tragic theodicy”, where he links the origin of the free will of a person (including the freedom to lie) with the peculiarities of the origin of Space from two sources. These sources are the will of God and from voluntary consent to become the existence of some primordium — “Meon (abyss)”, “Abyss”, “Baselessness”: human free will is not a gift from God. A person’s freedom to act comes before the act itself, its roots are in Meon. For this reason, it is impossible to make God responsible for cosmic disasters and for the irrational destructive behavior of man. God is all-merciful, but not almighty, and He cannot prevent the negative consequences of a person’s free will. A lie on a worldwide scale is “a lie of the world”, which produces horrendous consequences and creates “a false existence”, it is related to Meon and it is produced by people. The article is intended to attract the attention of the scientific community to the creative heritage of Nikolai Berdyaev.
Biblical studies as a modern humanitarian discipline and its connection with theology
Authors:   National Research University Higher School of Economics, Seleznev Mikhail G. , Kyrlezhev Alexander I. ,   Ss. Cyril and Methodius Theological Institute of Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies
Published: December 2020

A conversation with the famous Russian biblical scholar Mikhail Seleznev is devoted to the modern humanitarian discipline of biblical studies. The conversation examines the origins of this scientific discipline, its formation and development, internal structure, its connection with other humanitarian disciplines, as well as with theology understood as a reflection of believers on the foundations of their faith. Examples of the achievements in biblical studies in the 19th and 20th centuries are provided, which as a result have changed our understanding of the origin of biblical texts and the context in which they were created. The article analyzes the attitude towards scientific study of the Bible in various Christian confessions, in particular, the perception of biblical studies in the Orthodox community and the related problems of modern church consciousness. The current state and the prospects of development of biblical studies in Russia are reported on in the article. The issue of the so-called “intertestamental studies” and its significance for comprehending early Christianity is discussed, as well as that of biblical exegesis from the point of view of its understanding in modern science and church tradition. Bibliographic recommendations are provided for those who wish to begin a more detailed acquaintance with modern biblical studies.
Hope Beyond Disappointment: A Reparative Reading of Charlson Ong’s Of That Other Country We Now Speak
Authors:   University of Macau, Chi Miao
Published: December 2020

The practice of depicting ancestral homeland as a mythical and ideal place where the diasporic subjects will eventually return has been problematized and contested in diasporic studies. Seemingly pioneering, such an approach perpetuates a paranoid reading of homecoming and return as an experience of disappointment, confusion, and conflict, which in turn bolsters the sense of alienation of diasporic subjects. Despite the contentions, the idea of home still has its hold on diasporic subjects. Considering the complexity and significance of the notion of home in diasporic studies, I argue that the homecoming journey could also create positive impacts on healing the wound inflicted by diasporic experience. Employing Eve Sedgwick’s theory of reparative reading, which empowers generative mode of analysis that explores alternatives through textual critique, I offer a reparative reading of the title story in Of that Other Country We Now Speak and Other Stories, a recent collection of short stories by the award-winning Chinese Filipino writer Charlson Ong. I focus especially on the experience of the protagonist Jeffrey and examine how his adversity is complicated by the diasporic experience, the symbolic meaning of his homecoming trip as well as how his narration of a mythological story parallels with and symbolizes his endeavors to heal the misfortune. In doing so, this essay hopes to provide an alternative perspective on the often negatively-perceived homecoming experience.
Translating Traces with Innovative Thinking and giving an ‘After-Life’ to the Source Text
Authors:   Independent Research Scholar., Chatterjee Abhinaba
Published: December 2020

In this paper, I attempt to show that deconstruction and its practices should not be read as intimations towards plurality or relativism in translation, but should rather be utilised as a powerful analytical tool, a way of reading and writing with heightened awareness. In order to arrive at this conclusion, I discuss différance and the play of the trace in the context of the cont(r)act between two texts that are in a relationship of translation. I further argue that plurality as contained in Derrida’s différance is not a directive, but that the translator has to be aware of the existence of plurality and to take into account that the reader also participates in and contributes to this plurality.This has caused the binary oppositions such as original/translation, literal/free, alienating/naturalizing, etc., to lose ground and give way to new conceptualizations. The cultural turn in translation studies in the first half of the 1990s is an outcome of this paradigm shift. Moreover, the relations between translation and ideology, power, and identities have begun to hold a significant place in translation theory. I argue that all literature is subject to ‘afterlife,’ a continual process of translation. From this starting point, I seek to answer two questions. Firstly, how texts demonstrate this continual translation; secondly, how texts should be read if they are understood as constantly within translation. To answer these questions, I will develop a model of textuality that holds afterlife as central, and a model of reading based on this concept of textuality.
Resonance of Existentialism on Pandemic literature: An Introspection of Pandemic Literature of the Past
Authors:   Department of English, UILAH,Chandigarh University, Punjab, Kaur Nencepreet
Published: December 2020

Literature has always been impacted by the abject state of thought of humans existing in a particular time and era. A sense of meaning, or forging an explanation evinced within literature during the cataclysmic contemporary crisis of the pandemic, definitely resonates within the existentialistic paradigms. Not addressing the effects this humanitarian crisis has had on humans in literature is akin to being in a bubble of time and being immune to the devastation all around. The pandemic which is arguably one of the most horrific disasters of modern times has nearly irreversibly affected the outlook, imagination and thinking of humans. It will definitely have an irrefutable impact on the literary discourse of modern times. The interactions during a crisis of such proportions, the various texts, practices, the socio-economic and political repercussions have an indelible impact on the way the literature of that time is doled out as literature effectively represents the society and its sentiments in general. The essence of the present times is survival, with death gaping at all within close quarters and this is the root of an existential way of living which reflects in literature as well. This can be ascertained by introspecting pandemic literature of the past and the purpose of this paper is to analyze the resonance of existentialism in pandemic literature.
Death in the Line of Duty: Caregivers in the Plague narratives
Authors:   BITS Pilani, Rajasthan, Sinha Seema
Published: December 2020

The dystopian tropes in the plague narratives shift our gaze from the presence of professional ethics to the Gothic horror that unfolds subsequently. Yet whether it is the Great Plague of London in the year 1665, or the Novel Coronavirus in Mumbai in the year 2020, the rampant spread of the contagion and the associated dread bring into focus the selflessness of the caregivers, namely, the medical and the para-medic staff. Comparing the occurrences, one historical, the other still unfolding, this study examines the eery similarities that delineate contagion as metaphor, and the role of doctors in the pandemics. The aim is to find out what happens when the doctors stumble – to succumb to fear, to fall prey to diseases that flesh is subject to, or to violate the oath of Hippocrates. We intend to scrutinize if like soldiers on the battle-front, these frontline warriors also keep their tryst with death in the line of duty, or does History record otherwise. Whether the pestilence be classical or modern, the response of the caregivers is the cornerstone on which any society is grounded. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if courage in the face of disaster is still relevant in this age of anxiety, or does self-preservation win against ethics and morality. A close reading of Daniel Defoe’s A Journal of the Plague Year gives us an insight into the timelessness of such issues, especially in a world that is plagued with maladies of its own making.
Contagion and Human Behavior: Examining “12 Monkeys and Contagion through the Pandemic”
Authors:   Utkal University, Behera Manoj Kumar
Published: December 2020

A pandemic always teaches the value of life on earth. It also brings the real or primordial nature of humanity to the forefront. In this paper, I will examine the attitude of humans towards the virus, infected humans, and towards other humans in general. While examining these attitudes of humans I will move from specific to general. In order to support my ideas, I will discuss two films i.e. 12 Monkeys and Contagion in particular. Disability studies will be used as a theory to support my arguments. Everyone in this world has experienced disability directly or indirectly. At present, the ongoing Corona virus pandemic has changed our perception regarding the meaning of our life. We are all vulnerable in this world and we can become the reason for making somebody vulnerable. The problem is that to whom we consider disable. Is it based on appearance or moral outlook? How shall we respond or how shall we deal with such a situation? Humanities closely observe world affairs. It predicts futuristic scenarios based on facts. It raises essential questions for the sake of humanity. Now an infected person is considered untouchable. It’s extremely sad to experience such an awful feeling. But in our society untouchability based on caste and disease is a common thing. A virus helps everyone to experience what Dalit humans had once experienced. Now strangers and our relatives are equally suspicious. Separation and inclusion both are associated with the infection. Social hierarchy has changed. Everyone is now untouchable.
Research Approaches «Memory Studies» In the Study of Reverse Socio-Cultural Processes in Modern Russian Society
Authors:   Department of Visual communication Synergy University, Moscow, Russia, Pushkareva Tatiana V. , Agaltsova Darya V. ,   English Language Training and Professional Communication Department, Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2020

Reverse processes in the public socio-cultural life of modern Russia are associated with the revival of a number of contradictory past values: the Soviet society ideals (the social experiment of building socialism ended twenty years ago, and before that it lasted more than 70 years); religious Orthodox revival (focused on the values of pre-revolutionary Russia before 1917); the development of traditional folk culture (transferring the value horizon into pre-Christian Slavic culture). The purpose of the article is to show how historical memory “lives” in the collective consciousness of modern Russians, how the archaization processes of historical memory and memorial practices are implemented at various social levels – from individual families (family memory), lower social cells (the level of municipalities, local clubs, schools), to federal school textbooks and national holidays. And turning to the analysis of Russian reality through the approaches of “memory studies” can have serious heuristic potential.
Centering Bhasha (Indigenous Languages): An Ecolinguistics Perspective
Authors:   Department of English, Bhagat Phool Singh Mahila Vishwavidyalaya, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat, Haryana, India, Bhushan Ravi
Published: December 2020

The 21st February is celebrated as the International Mother Language Day to commemorate the sacrifice of Bangladeshis who struggled to keep their mother tongue (Bangla) alive. The day is also celebrated to mark respect for world’s indigenous languages (Bhasha), which are on the verge of decline and demise. Notwithstanding the fact that, increasingly, English has gained most of the linguistic ground world over, the tacit and now most vocal resistance to ‘English imperialism’ is witnessed in at least the third world countries like India and its neighbors. In fact, because of extraordinary intervention of ICT and virtual world promoters like social media, the question of English has come to be the Shakespearian question in Hamlet; “to be or not to be”. The moot point is, should we resign and accept English as fait accompali or to think of alternative ways to turn ‘English advantage’ to our side without denying the fact that indigenous languages are disappearing at an alarming rate. As far as English in multilingual, multicultural and multireligious context like that of India is concerned, one must remember that language is a cultural product and also the potent vehicle to transit culture. Language is not only the medium but also the creator of thoughts and truth. These functions of language are necessarily associated with one’s mother tongue as these are the markers of one’s identity. Indian philosopher of language Bharthari (570 AD) said that language constructs our world; jagat sarvein sabdein bhashatei (we take cognizance of the world through language). Therefore construction of meaning is at the centre of language use, which is manifested through literature resulting in gyan (knowledge) and anand (bliss), the twin objectives of literature obtainable through indigenous literature created in mother tongues. The dwindling ecological diversity and declining linguistic diversity are the two greatest challenges before the world in modern times. The following research article discusses why we should care for promoting linguistic diversity (Bhasha) and solutions thereof.
Adsorption characteristics of ammonium onto biochar from an aqueous solution
Authors: Begum Shamim A. , Golam Hyder A. H. M. , Hicklen Qwanikwia , Crocker Taylor , Oni Ben
Published: December 2020

Ammonium contamination in water is a major concern worldwide. This study focuses on the removal of ammonium from aqueous solution by batch adsorption experiments using biochar derived from a combination of various wood chips (spruce, pine, and fir). Adsorption characteristics of ammonium onto biochar were evaluated as a function of biochar dosages, initial concentrations of ammonium, contact time and pH. Results demonstrated that ammonium removal increased with the increase of biochar dosage. The percentage of ammonium removal reached a value of 80% at a biochar dosage of 100 g/L. Ammonium removal decreased by 15% with the increase of initial ammonium concentration by 50 mg/L. The optimum pH for ammonium removal was considered in the range from 6 to 8. Ammonium removal reached its stable value within 3 days. The maximum adsorption capacity of ammonium was 0.96 mg/g for 80 mg/L of initial ammonium concentration. The adsorption isotherm followed both the Langmuir and Freundich models for ammonium adsorption onto biochar. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results indicated the presence of amine, amide and nitrile functional groups on the surface of biochar which could contribute to the adsorption of ammonium onto biochar. Thus, biochar derived from various wood chips showed the potential to remove ammonium from aqueous solution.
Status of springs in mountain watershed of western Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Sanot , Gurung Anup , Chauhan Raju , Rijal Deepak , Dongol Bhawani S. , Aryal Dibit , Talchabhadel Rocky
Published: December 2020

The study, conducted in western hilly areas of Nepal, inventoried and mapped over 4,222 springs from five different watersheds. The study showed that more than 50% of the spring sources were found under natural conditions, i.e., open spring whereas 15% of them were of pond type. Similarly, the other 15% spring was recorded as a concrete structure or tank while 1% was determined to be a well. Attempts were made to identify if a change in water discharge from springs relates to rainfall patterns. The inter-annual variability analysis shows a significant fluctuation suggesting variation in water discharge across spring sources. The lowest amount of yearly rainfall received in the river basin is governed by decreasing water flow from the springs in the upper and mid-hills of Nepal. Besides, the intra-annual variation (i.e., seasonal and concentrative nature of rainfall only during monsoon) leads to shortage of drinking water and other domestic purposes (e.g., cooking, cleaning) during the dry months of the year. This study, based on the estimation of discharge flow in these springs, revealed that about 70% were decreasing and, in particular, the flow over the recent ten years decreased significantly.
The performance of chlorobenzene degradation in groundwater: comparison of hydrogen peroxide, nanoscale calcium peroxide and sodium percarbonate activated with ferrous iron
Authors: Sun Xuecheng , Gu Xiaogang , Lyu Shuguang
Published: December 2020

The chlorobenzene (CB) degradation performances by various oxidants, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nanoscale calcium peroxide (nCaO2) and sodium percarbonate (SPC), activated with ferrous iron (Fe(II)) were investigated and thoroughly compared. The results showed that all tested systems had strong abilities to degrade CB. The CB removal rate increased with increasing dosages of oxidants or Fe(II) because the generation of reactive oxygen species could be promoted with the chemical dosages' increase. Response surface and contour plots showed that CB could achieve a better removal performance at the same H2O2 and Fe(II) molar content, but the Fe(II) dosage was higher than that of oxidants in the nCaO2 and SPC systems. The optimal molar ratios of H2O2/Fe(II)/CB, nCaO2/Fe(II)/CB and SPC /Fe(II)/CB were 5.2/7.6/1, 8/8/1, and 4.5/8/1, respectively, in which 98.1%, 98%, and 96.4% CB removals could be obtained in 30 min reaction. The optimal pH condition was around 3, while CB removal rates were less than 20% in all three systems when the initial pH was adjusted to 9. The oxidative hydroxyl radicals (HO•) and singlet oxygen (1O2) had been detected by the electron paramagnetic resonance test. Based upon the results of liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer analysis, the pathways of CB degradation were proposed, in which 1O2 roles were elaborated innovatively in the CB degradation mechanism. The CB degradation performance was significantly affected in actual groundwater, while increasing the molar ratio of oxidant/Fe(II)/CB was an effective way to overcome the adverse effects caused by the complex of actual groundwater matrix.
Ecophilosophy and the natural environment
Authors: Hull Zbigniew
Published: December 2020

The article contains a semantic analysis of the terms of ecophilosophy and discusses the theme widely as well as closely presenting the relationship between a human being and the natural environment.
On the Ecology of Faith
Authors: Sztumski Wiesław
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, we observe a progressive depreciation of faith together will the degradation of the social environment. It concerns faith in a broad sense here, not only religious but also faith in ideals, in ourselves, and the confidence to other people and to different social institutions. We should not permit the further deflation of faith regarding the role which it plays in the life of people, their thinking, and doing, in integrating them in a world community as a result of globalization. On the contrary, it is necessary to strengthen our faith to care for it. Therefore, it is necessary to create an ecology of faith and to develop large, deep, and many-sided study in this domain, because faith is a means for survival in the present endangered life environment.
Environmental economics – a modern science with traditions
Authors: Korporowicz Violetta
Published: December 2020

The fact that problems of environmental degradation and its protection are gaining importance is caused, among others, by limitations in management efficiency. It forces us to look at economic processes with consideration of output of such disciplines that indicate how one should manage in a situation of reduced availability of natural resources. Such discipline, without any doubts, is environmental protection. This science indicates methods and economic instruments that can be applied in economic practice necessary for environmental protection. It deals also with problems related to economic studies of implications of environmental policies. At the same environmental economics that results from neoclassical trend of economics looking at the market as unfailing mechanism of economic regulation proves that invisible hand of market fails in case of environmental protection. That is why we should apply different types of instruments especially these related to indirect regulation (including such economic instruments as taxes) that support actions related to limitation of environmental degradation. It is worth also to add that recognition of methodological premises of this science supports not only development of this discipline but first of all it shows that it is applicable. The principles developed by environmental economics should be applied in practice by all participants of economic life from consumers and to producers and governments in order to keep not only current natural resources but most importantly ensure the development opportunities for next generations.
Legal and economic dilemmas of sustainable development in times of global crisis
Authors: Rudnicki Maciej
Published: December 2020

The starting point for the reflections were a range of issues bordering philosophy, morality, economy and law, regarding the rational management of natural resources and protection of the natural environment, as well as the regulation and forming of peoples’ attitudes and behaviours in relation to the natural environment, and the setting of legal boundaries for those behaviours and sanctions for crossing them. The state of the natural environment has a very strong influence on the fulfilment of existential human needs. Humans strive for satisfactory life of appropriate quality, and often have to make choices between various goods. Unfortunately, ecological properties are very often treated last of all in the decision-making hierarchy, and are usually considered inferior to, for example, material prosperity or social comfort. Treating the ecological properties as such, often results in them going unnoticed overall, and very soon leads to permanent and negative changes that directly affect human life and the environment, as well as having a negative effect on health. Therefore, such extraordinarily essential conditions for choosing and fulfilling ecological needs as regards first-class existential needs that have a vital influence on the quality of life and ecological awareness, are based chiefly on understanding the rules of sustainable development. Should the development of civilisation be ruled by economy, or should the basis of that development be protection and maintenance of natural environmental resources? Or maybe the most sensible option is to balance economic, social and ecological aims? The problem pinpointed in this way highlights the importance in life of global community, and may for years induce consideration and reflection.
Ecology through the eyes of a non-ecologist
Authors: Uchmański Janusz
Published: December 2020

Ecology is a branch of biology that deals with the life of plants and animals in their environment. Nature protection are practical actions where ecology is applied. Ecology is the most biological branch of biology because it deals with individuals in their living environment, and individuals "exist" only in biology. The most important issue being considered in ecology is biodiversity: its changes and its persistence. In their research, ecologists focus on the functioning of ecological systems. In classical terms, they assume that the most important mechanism is density dependence. Mathematical models traditionally applied in ecology include ordinary difference and differential equations, which fits well with the assumption of density dependence, but this results in ecology being dominated by considerations of the stability of ecological systems. Evolutionary biology and ecology have separate areas of interest. Evolutionary biology explains the formation of optimal characteristics of individuals. Ecology also takes into account those individuals who have lost in the process of natural selection. The mathematical methods used in classical ecology were developed for the use of physics. The question arises whether they give a precise picture of the dynamics of ecological systems. Recently, a view has emerged stating that in order to see the importance of full-scale biodiversity, we should refer to individuals (rather than population density) as basic "atoms" that make up ecological systems. In ecology, we call this an individual-based approach. However, it gives a very complex picture of how ecological systems work. In ecology, however, there is an alternative way to describe the dynamics of ecological systems, i.e. through the circulation of matter in them and the flow of energy through them. It allows the use of traditional difference and differential equations in the formulation of mathematical models, which has proven itself in practical applications many times.
Small mammals of the suburban areas of Warsaw in the diet of the tawny owl Strix aluco
Authors: Romanowski Jerzy , Lesiński Grzegorz , Bardzińska Marta
Published: December 2020

We investigated the composition of small mammals at nine locations in the southwestern suburban zone of Warsaw (central Poland) through the analysis of the pellets of the Tawny owl Strix aluco. In total, we recorded 611 individuals of 15 species of small mammal communities in the diet. Rodents constituted the most numerous mammalian order. Among the most abundant prey we recorded were Myodes glareolus (63 individuals = 10.3% of all mammals), Apodemus agrarius (56 individuals = 9.2%) (173), Apodemus flavicollis (54 individuals = 8.8%), Mus musculus (48 individuals = 7.9%) and Microtus arvalis (44 individuals = 7.2%). We recorded also some species rarely captured by the tawny owl: Nyctalus noctula and Mustela nivalis. Species composition of small mammals of the study area resembled city parks, with several species typical for anthropogenic landscape.
The occurrence of muskrat Ondatra zibethicus in central and eastern Poland in the period 1996–2007
Authors: Romanowski Jerzy , Karpowicz Karolina
Published: December 2020

Muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus (L. 1766), is an introduced species to European fauna. It is widespread in Poland, however, signs of its decline were observed in the last decades. While most of the information on muskrat is based on questionnaires and bag record, in this paper results of field census for muskrat signs (tracks and faeces) at a total of 1554 sites are presented. Signs of muskrats were present at 19.5% of 1111 sites surveyed from 1996-1998, and at 5.3% of 413 sites surveyed in 2007. Muskrats inhabited mostly small and medium rivers in the western part of the study area. The decrease in the occurrence of the species over a study period is the best document by a significant reduction in the frequency of muskrat records at the 249 sites surveyed in 1996-1998 (present at 44% sites) and 2007 (7%). The decline of the muskrat population is most probably the effect of increasing predation by American mink Neovison vison.
The Role of Interleukin-6 in the Pathogenesis, Prognosis and Treatment of Severe COVID-19
Authors: Giannakodimos Ilias , Gkountana Georgia-Vasiliki , Lykouras Dimosthenis , Karkoulias Kiriakos , Tsakas Sotiris
Published: December 2020

A newly identified virus appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, was
named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and caused the
coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 presents similarities with two previous
coronavirus pandemics, MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARSCoV,
concerning phylogenetic origin, structural composition, and clinical symptoms,
thus, leading to common pathogenic mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to declare
the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the pathogenesis, prognosis, and treatment of
COVID-19 by comparing its effect on SARS-CoV and MERS cases. Increased levels of
IL-6 comprise the key for the stimulation of cytokine storm and the progression of
SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 cases. Especially, in COVID-19 patients, the overactivation
of NF-kΒ, which is caused by the binding of coronavirus spike protein S to alveolar
epithelial cells, up-regulates IL-6 and promotes its systematic circulation, causing alveolar
damage and extrapulmonary injury. Additionally, IL-6 can be used to evaluate respiratory
failure and identify asymptomatic patients. Tocilizumab (TCZ), a monoclonal antibody
which blocks IL-6 signaling, comprises a remedial option against COVID-19. TCZ
improves oxygenation, reduces fever, and decreases levels of IL-6. IL-6 plays a major
role in the pathogenesis of cytokine storm and the progression of COVID-19 and may be
used as a therapeutic target against COVID-19. However, further research is needed concerning
the relation of IL-6 in COVID-19 cases, and more clinical trials are required to
declare TCZ as a treatment option.
Strain-induced Reactivity Effects in the Reaction of 2,5-Dihydroxy-[1,4]- benzoquinone with Diamines
Authors: Hettegger Hubert , Hofinger Andreas , Rosenau Thomas
Published: December 2020

The regioselectivity of the reaction of 2,5-dihydroxy-[1,4]-benzoquinone (DHBQ)
with diamines could not be explained satisfactorily so far. In general, the reaction products
can be derived from the tautomeric ortho-quinoid structure of a hypothetical 4,5-dihydroxy-
[1,2]-benzoquinone. However, both aromatic and aliphatic 1,2-diamines form phenazines, in
some cases, formally by diimine formation on the quinoid carbonyl groups, and in other
cases, the corresponding 1,2-diamino-[1,2]-benzoquinones by nucleophilic substitution of the
OH groups; the regioselectivity apparently does not follow any discernible pattern. The reactivity
was now explained by an adapted theory of strain-induced bond localization (SIBL).
Here, the preservation of the "natural" geometry of the two quinoid C–C double bonds
(C3=C4 and C5=C6) as well as the N–N distance of the co-reacting diamine are crucial. A
decrease of the annulation angle sum (N–C4–C5 + C4–C5–N) is tolerated well and the 4,5-diamino-ortho-quinones,
having relatively short N–N spacings, are formed. An increase in the angular sum is energetically unfavorable, so that
diamines with a larger N–N distance afford the corresponding ortho-quinone imines. Thus, for the reaction of DHBQ
with diamines, exact predictions of the regioselectivity and the resulting product structure can be made on the basis of
simple computations of bond spacings and product geometries.
Scutellaria barbata Flavonoids Improve the Composited Aβ-induced Abnormal Changes in Glial Cells of the Brains of Rats
Authors: Cheng Jian-Jun , Guo Qing , Wu Xiao-Guang , MA Shuai , Gao Yang , Ya-Zhen Shang
Published: December 2020

Aim:

It has been reported that glial cells are involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). According to our previous
research, Scutellaria barbata flavonoids (SBFs) can protect the neuronal disorder and memory impairment for AD-like rats,
while the effect of SBFs on the glial cells disorder in AD-like rats has been less well studied. The effects of SBFs on
astrocytes(ASs), microglial cells (MGs) and oligodendrocytes (Ols), as well as heat shock proteins 70 (Hsp70) and
apolipoprotein E (ApoE) were investigated in the present study.

Methods:

The successful model rats, screened by Morris water maze, were daily orally administrated with 35, 70 and 140
mg/kg SBFs for 36 d. The numbers of brain’s astrocytes (ASs), microglial cells (MGs) and oligodendrocytes (Ols) were
examined by immunohistochemistry. The cortical glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), leukocyte common antigen (LCA)
(CD45), Claudin 11 and heat shock proteins 70 (Hsp70) protein expression were assayed by Western blotting, and
apolipoprotein E (ApoE) mRNA expression was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results:

Compared with the sham-operated group, the number of ASs and MGs in the brain was
significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), accompanied by an increase in the
expressions of GFAP, CD45, Hsp70 protein, and ApoE mRNA (P<0.05, P<0.01). Both Ols
number and the expression of Claudin 11 protein decreased in the brain in the model group
(P<0.05, P<0.01). However, the above-mentioned abnormal changes induced by composited Aβ
were differently reversed by the treatment of SBFs at three doses of 35, 70, and 140 mg/kg
(P<0.05, P<0.01).

Conclusions:

SBFs can dramatically improve the abnormal changes in glial cells of the brains of
rats, induced by composited Aβ, which may be utilized as a helpful treatment for
neurodegenerative diseases.
A Review of DNA and Histone Methylation Alterations in the New Era of Diagnosis and Treatment of Retinal Diseases
Authors: Rasoulinejad Seyed Ahmad , Maroufi Faezeh
Published: December 2020

Epigenetics has an important role in gene regulation and other cellular
processes. DNA methylation, as one of the main mechanisms of epigenetics, is a type of
post-replication modifications. Aberrant DNA methylation can alter gene expression
patterns; so, it plays a considerable role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. DNA
methylated alterations in the promoter of specific genes can be used for the diagnosis
and proprietary targets acting as a “biomarker”. Early diagnosis and prevention may be
possible due to these biomarkers. According to recent studies, DNA methylation
abnormalities have an important role in the retinogenesis and pathogenesis of retinal
diseases. Retinal diseases are the main cause of blindness and severe vision loss in the
world, which will continue to increase. Also, they inflict an enormous burden on society
and health care systems. Therefore, it is important to focus on the better recognition and
prevention of retinal diseases and finding new targets for the treatment. DNA
methylation is lionized as attractive therapeutic targets due to its reversibility. Epigenetic
therapy has a high potency in the treatment of retinal diseases. Here, we reviewed the
DNA and histone methylation alterations in common retinal diseases, focusing on agerelated
macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment (RD),
retinitis pigmentosa, retinal aging, and retinoblastoma. Then we surveyed some new
approaches to epigenetic therapy in retinal disorders.
Metallic Nanopopcorns: A New Multimodal Approach for Theranostics
Authors: Shende Pravin , Deshpande Gauraja
Published: December 2020

Background:

Nanopopcorns are a novel class of metallic nanoparticles that demonstrate
structural similarity to the grains of popcorns with theranostic activities for diseases like cancer and
bacterial infection using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy-based detection.

Objective:

The objective of the present article is to highlight the importance of popcorn-shaped nanoparticles
for the treatment of various disease conditions like cancer, diabetes, ulcerative colitis,
rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

Methods:

Nanopopcorns enter the target cells via conjugation with various proteins, aptamers, etc. to
kill the diseased cell. Moreover, external magnetic radiations are provided to heat these metallic nanopopcorns
for creating hotspots. All such activities can be tracked via SERS mechanism.

Results:

Nanopopcorns create alternative and minimally-invasive treatment strategies for inflammatory
conditions and life-threatening diseases.

Conclusion:

In the near future, nanopopcorn-based drug delivery system can be an interesting field
for research in medicinal nanotechnology.