bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“A Style of Chinese Respect”: Lord Macartney’s Reply to the Imperial Edicts of Emperor Qianlong in 1793
Authors: Wong Lawrence Wang-chi
Published: August 2021

In 1793, King George III of Great Britain sent an official embassy led by Lord George Macartney to China in the hope of getting more favourable trading terms. However, all the requests made by Lord Macartney were rejected flatly in two imperial edicts issued by the Chinese Emperor Qianlong when the embassy was about to leave China. The present paper focuses on Lord Macartney’s response to the two imperial edicts, in particular the official reply Macartney made to the Qing court in the form of a “note” to Heshen before the embassy left China. In the note, Macartney touched upon several important issues, including the sensitive one about the relative status of the two countries. To Macartney, these issues were so crucial that he felt obliged to make a response promptly. The tactful way adopted by Macartney to handle them deserves our special attention.
Clinical, biochemical and genotypical characteristics in biotinidase deficiency
Authors: Akgun Abdurrahman , Sen Askin , Onal Hasan
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Hypotonia, lethargy, eczema, alopecia, conjunctivitis, ataxia, hearing loss, optic atrophy, cognitive retardation, and seizures can occur in patients with biotinidase deficiency, and it is inherited as autosomal recessive. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cases followed up with the diagnosis of biotinidase deficiency in our unit, in terms of clinical, biochemical and genetic analyses.

Methods

A total of 112 cases followed up in our centre with the diagnosis of biotinidase deficiency between August 2018–September 2020 were included in the study. Data were collected retrospectively.

Results

A total of 112 cases (55.4% male, mean age: 2.2 ± 2.8 years) diagnosed with biotinidase deficiency were evaluated. Diagnoses were made by newborn screening in 90.2% of the cases, by family screening in 4.5%, and by investigating symptoms in 5.4%. The most frequently (27.5%) detected mutations were c.1330G>C (p.D444H)/c.1330G>C (p.D444H) homozygous mutation, followed by (13.0%) c.1330G>C (p.D444H)/c.470G>A (p.R157H) compound heterozygous mutation, and (13.0%) c.470G>A (p.R157H)/c.470G>A (p.R157H) homozygous mutation. Biotinidase enzyme levels were found to be higher in patients with the p.D444H homozygous mutation than patients with other mutations. Biotin treatment was started in all patients with enzyme deficiency.

Conclusions

Since the treatment is inexpensive and easily available, it is vital to detect this disease before symptom onset, especially findings related to the central nervous system, hearing and vision loss. In patients diagnosed with enzyme deficiency, the diagnosis should be definitively confirmed by genetic analysis.
Predictive effect of DCE-MRI and DWI in brain metastases from NSCLC
Authors: Ye Chengyu , Lin Quanbing , Jin Zhang , Zheng Cuiping , Ma Shenglin
Published: August 2021

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a commonly diagnosed lung cancer, is characterized by a high incidence of metastatic spread to the brain, which adversely impacts prognosis. The present study aimed to assess the value of combined dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting the treatment outcomes of whole-brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and gefitinib in brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from the perspectives of response rate and short- and long-term efficacy. These results suggested that the indicators measured by DCE-MRI combined with DWI can be used as key imaging-derived markers that predicted the efficacy of WBRT combined with gefitinib in NSCLC patients with brain metastases. Specifically, patients with higher ΔADCmid and ΔADCpost values showed better treatment outcomes. ROC curve analysis indicated ADCpost, ΔADCpost, ΔADCpost (%), and tumor regression rate as the best predictors of efficacy of WBRT combined with gefitinib in these patients. The short-term and long-term effects noted were also significant. Taken together, the findings of this study reveal that tumor regression rate, ADCpost, ΔADCpost, and ΔADCpost (%) can be used as important imaging indicators that predict the therapeutic effect of WBRT combined with gefitinib in NSCLC patients with brain metastases.
Silencing CDK6-AS1 inhibits LPS-induced inflammatory damage in HK-2 cells
Authors: Wu Ling , Zhang Rui , Lin Sheng , Lin Min , Wang Jing
Published: August 2021

In this study, we aim to discover the importance of long non-coding RNA cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6)-AS1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced HK-2 cells. We treated the HK-2 cells with LPS and knocked down CDK6-AS1 in HK-2 cells and then analyzed the effects of CDK6-AS1 on the viability of cell, cell apoptosis, the expression of cytokines via MTT, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and qPCR. The results showed that silencing CDK6-AS1 alleviated LPS-induced inhibition of HK-2 cell proliferation, release of IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α, cell apoptosis, and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, decreasing the level of CDK6-AS1 inhibited the reduction of Bcl-2 levels, the expression of Bax, cleaved caspade-9, and cleaved caspase-3, induced by LPS. In conclusion, lowering CDK6-AS1 level alleviates LPS-induced inflammatory damage in HK-2 cells.
Balance and modulation of immunoediting for cancer treatment using synergistic nano-photo-immuno effects
Authors: Hoover Ashley R. , Liu Kaili , Chen Wei R.
Published: August 2021

Nanotechnology, photonics, and immunotherapy are far-reaching technologies with the potential to revolutionize the field of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. While each technology has limitations in cancer treatment, they can be synergized to exert profound impact on the balance and modulation of immunoediting in tumor microenvironment (TME) and in the entire host immune system. We provide our perspectives on how nano-photo-immuno interactions can be used as an effective therapy, particularly when combined with other treatment modalities, such as checkpoint immune therapy, chemotherapy, and TME modulation, to provide a long-term, tumor-specific immunity against tumor metastasis and tumor recurrence.
Rationalizing: Kant on Moral Self-Deception
Authors: Noller Jörg
Published: August 2021

Kant’s moral philosophy is challenged by the so-called “Socratic Paradox”: If free will and pure practical reason are to be identified, as Kant argues, then there seems to be no room for immoral actions that are to be imputed to our individual freedom. The paper argues that Kant’s conception of rationalizing (“Vernünfteln”) helps us to avoid the Socratic Paradox, and to understand how immoral actions can be imputed to our individual freedom and responsibility. In rationalizing, we misuse our capacity of reason in order to construct the illusion according to which we are not bound to the absolute demand of the moral law, but rather subject to exceptions and excuses. Finally, the paper interprets the three rules of “common sense” (sensus communis) in Kant’s Critique of the Power of Judgment in terms of an antidote to rationalizing.
Optimierung der Sensorpositionierung bei schwingungsbasierter Wälzlagerzustandsüberwachung unter Einbezug von Systemeigenmoden
Authors: Bauer Manuel , Wagner Fabian , Kley Markus
Published: August 2021

Bei der Schwingungsüberwachung von Wälzlagern ist die Wahl einer geeigneten Sensorposition essentiell. Häufig ist eine lagernahe Anbringung der Sensorik nicht möglich, weswegen eine geeignete Ersatzposition gefunden werden muss. In dieser Arbeit wird ein Ansatz zur Optimierung der Sensorposition vorgestellt, der die Eigenmoden des überwachten Systems mit einbezieht. Als Basis der Untersuchung werden in Trägerkonstruktionen integrierte Wälzlager betrachtet. Es wird aufgezeigt, dass durch die gezielte Positionierung der Sensorik in Bereichen mit hohen Eigenschwingungsamplituden die Signalqualität verbessert werden kann.
Youth Perceptions of Sport-Confidence
Authors: Zuk Emma F. , Maksymiw Kristen , Evanovich Justin M. , McGarry Jennifer E. , Root Hayley J. , DiStefano Lindsay J.
Published: August 2021

Zuk, EF, Maksymiw, K, Evanovich, J, McGarry, JE, Root, HJ, and Distefano, LJ. Youth perceptions in sport-confidence. J Strength Cond Res 35(11): 3232–3235, 2021—Sport-confidence is an important construct that is often missed during physical activity interventions in youth. Male and female children might display differences in sport-confidence that influences their activity levels. The purpose of this study is to assess any association between sport-confidence and gender in elementary school and middle-school children. All 286 children {(boys [ES: n = 71, age = 8±1 years; MS: n = 63, 11±1 years]; girls [ES: n = 67, 7±1 years; MS: n = 85, 11±1 years])} completed the Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth-Self Questionnaire. Separate chi-square tests of the association were used to evaluate the association between gender and sport-confidence among elementary (grades K-4) and middle-school (grades 5–8) children because of varying injury and participation rates for these groups, for each relevant question with a significance set at p ≤ 0.05. For elementary school children, there were no significant associations between genders and sport-confidence (p > 0.05). In middle-school children, there were significant associations detected for learning new skills (ϕ = 0.12; p = 0.031), perception of skill (ϕ = 0.12; p = 0.054), confidence in activity (ϕ = 0.17; p = 0.035), and being the best in the class (ϕ = 0.15; p = 0.048) between genders and sport-confidence. For all results, boys displayed more sport-confidence than girls. Education for key stakeholders about the importance of including sport-confidence in physical activity interventions is integral in promoting life-long activity, specifically in middle-school girls.
Roles of VE-Cadherin in Hypoxia Induced Injury of Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Barrier
Authors: Zhong Lizhe , Gao Xiurong , Chen Yongli , Yu Zhaoxiang , Jin Shuo , Zhu Chunlei
Published: August 2021

Background: Hypoxia induced injury of pulmonary microvascular endothelial barrier is closely related to the pathogenesis of acute lung injury after lung transplantation. VE-cadherin is an important structural molecule for pulmonary microvascular endothelial barrier. In this study, we aim to investigate the roles of VE-cadherin in hypoxia induced injury of pulmonary microvascular endothelial barrier.
Methods: Rat model of hypoxia and cultured pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) were utilized. Determination of PMVECs apoptosis, skeleton combination was conducted to verify the effects of hypoxia on injury of pulmonary microvascular endothelial barrier. In addition, VE-cadherin expression was modulated by administration of siRNA in order to investigate the roles of VE-cadherin in hypoxia induced PMVECs apoptosis and skeleton recombination.
Results: Our data indicated that expression of VE-cadherin was down-regulated in hypoxia-exposed PMVECs. Whereas, in the cells treated using siRNA, down-regulation of VE-cadherin did not trigger PMVECs apoptosis, but it increased the sensitivity of PMVECs to the hypoxia induced apoptosis. In cases of hypoxia, the expression of VE-cadherin was significantly down-regulated, together with endothelial skeleton recombination and increase of permeability, which then triggered endothelial barrier dysfunction.
Conclusions: These data verify that VE-cadherin expression played an important role in hypoxia induced PMVECs apoptosis and cellular skeletal recombination.
Steady state stability in electrical power systems considering operation limits in generators, transformers and transmission lines
Authors: Tamayo Guzmán Fredy Estuardo , Barrera-Singaña Carlos Andrés
Published: August 2021

Electrical power systems are exposed to several events that can cause unstable operation scenarios. This is due to improper operation of certain components. If an event occurs, the system must be designed to overcome that contingency, thus remaining in a permanent condition that must be evaluated in order to monitor and prevent a possible collapse of the system. An evaluation of steady state stability is proposed at this work based on the capacity curves of generators, transformers and transmission lines. These remarked curves provide information on the operation point of these elements, thus allowing the application of remedial actions. PowerFactory and Matlab are used to carry out the tool for monitoring the operation points after a contingency. The effectiveness of the developed tool is validated at the IEEE 39-bus power system model, where results shows that the functionalaty for different contingencies based on the operating conditions when the components of the power system are varied, cosnquently, the tool identifies cases that require actions at the operational level.
Activity of Negative Regulation of the PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2 T-Cell Response System in Patients with Pneumonia and Inﬂuenza A (H1N1)
Authors: Malyarchikov A. V. , Shаpovаlov K. G. , Lukyanov S. A. , Tereshkov P. P. , Kazantseva L. S.
Published: August 2021

Systemic inﬂammation is an integral pathophysiological component of many critical illnesses. The systemic inﬂammatory response is based on a cascade of interactions leading to hypercytokinemia and, as a consequence, multiple organ failure, which is one of the main causes of mortality in intensive care units.

Aim of the study. To evaluate the activity of the negative regulation system of T-cell response by determining the plasma levels of PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 molecules in pneumonia patients with inﬂuenza A (H1N1).

Materials and methods. 85 patients with pneumonia and underlying inﬂuenza A (H1N1) were examined. Among them there were 30 patients with severe pneumonia, and 55 patients with non-severe pneumonia. Plasma levels of PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2 molecules was determined by ﬂow cytoﬂuorometry method.

Results. In patients with severe pneumonia and underlying inﬂuenza A (H1N1), the plasma level of PD-1 receptor increased 4.6-fold, while the concentration of its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 increased 10.6 and 2.2-fold, respectively.

Conclusion. Signiﬁcant increase in levels of PD-1 and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 in patients with pneumonia and underlying inﬂuenza A (H1N1) indicates the involvement of negative regulation system of T-cell response in the cascade of immunological reactions and is associated with the severe disease. Possible correction of immune reactions realized through PD-1/PD-L1/PD-L2 complex in critically ill patients is a promising research avenue.
Starch/banana pseudostem biocomposite films for potential food packaging applications
Authors: Othman Siti Hajar , Tarmiti Nurul Atiqah Najhah , Shapi'i Ruzanna Ahmad , Mohd Zahiruddin Siti Marian , Tawakkal Intan Syafinaz Mohammed Amin , Basha Roseliza Kadir
Published: August 2021

Banana pseudostems (BP) are a promising cellulose source that remains underutilized despite its potential to be formed as biodegradable food packaging material. This work was directed towards utilizing BP waste in a powder form to produce potential food packaging material that is environmentally friendly. A solvent casting method was used to produce starch/BP films at different BP percentage compositions (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt% on the dry basis of starch). The effects of different percentage compositions of BP in starch on the morphology, optical, mechanical, and barrier properties of the films were investigated. The optical and mechanical properties of the starch films decreased with the addition of BP. However, the mechanical and barrier properties of the films improved with the increase in BP composition. An optimum percentage composition of 40 wt% BP powder can be utilized to produce starch/BP films for potential food packaging application.
Anti-wood-fungal performance of methanol extracts of Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata barks
Authors: Binti Salim Nur Syuhadah , Jusoh Ismail B. , Assim Zaini B.
Published: August 2021

Various plant parts of Rhizophora species have been used in the treatment of a variety of diseases and illnesses. However, they have not been tested for antifungal properties related to wood decay fungi, especially the bark extractives. This study examined the methanol (MeOH) crude extracts of R. apiculata and R. mucronata barks in terms of the amount of extracts obtained and their antifungal properties. The antifungal activities of the crude MeOH extracts of both species were determined using the agar dilution method. Methanol crude extract from R. apiculata and R. mucronata were 10.8% and 15.7%, respectively and were toxic to Chaetomium globosum and Gloeophyllum trabeum at the concentration of 50 mg/mL.
Effects of layer number and finger direction on bending behavior of glulam beams
Authors: Karagöz İşleyen Ümmü , Peker İrfan
Published: August 2021

Effects of the number of layers and the number and typology of finger joints were studied relative to the bending behavior of glulam beam made of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) laminates. The investigated parameters of glulam beams with constant overall dimensions (width × depth × length) of 90 mm × 90 mm × 1710 mm were lamination thickness (18 mm or 30 mm), the distance of the finger joints (200, 400, and 600 mm), and finger direction (horizontal and vertical). A total of 14 experimental samples were produced (12 different finger joint beams and two reference beams without finger joints) and tested under four-point bending tests. Taguchi orthogonal experimental design was used to evaluate and optimize test results using the S/N ratio. The effects of main and interactions between producing parameters on strength of glulam beam were determined by variance analysis. According to the results of the analysis, it was determined that the number of layers and the direction of the finger had a significant effect on the flexural strength of the beams, but the finger distance was not significant. Moreover, the highest strength values were obtained in 5-layer finger-jointed beams with vertical finger direction.
Tormenta tiroidea y terapia de intercambio plasmático. Reporte de caso
Authors: Sánchez-Pardo Santiago , Bolívar-Mejía Adrián , Qasem-Gómez Oriana , García-Habeych José , Echavarria-García Susana
Published: August 2021

Introducción. La tormenta tiroidea es una afectación orgánica severa que se produce por la liberación de triyodotironina (T3) y tiroxina (T4). Su incidencia es de 0.20 casos por cada 100 000 habitantes y puede conllevar a una mortalidad de hasta el 30%. Esta es una entidad refractaria para la cual existen pocas opciones terapéuticas, siendo la terapia de intercambio plasmático una estrategia potencialmente útil para su manejo.
Presentación del caso. Paciente femenina de 17 años quien ingresó al servicio de urgencias de una institución de tercer nivel de atención por un cuadro clínico de aproximadamente 25 días de evolución consistente en palpitaciones, disnea en reposo, ortopnea, dolor torácico y abdominal, astenia, adinamia, mareo, cefalea y deposiciones líquidas; como antecedentes presentaba hipertiroidismo en manejo ambulatorio. Dada la sintomatología y gracias a que se obtuvo un puntaje de 65 en la escala de Burch-Wartofsky, se diagnosticó tormenta tiroidea, se dio orden de hospitalización y se inició manejo farmacológico, con el cual no se logró una mejoría. Al tercer día de hospitalización la joven presentó deterioro clínico continuo y un episodio convulsivo, por lo que se consideró tormenta tiroidea refractaria que fue tratada satisfactoriamente con terapia de intercambio plasmático como terapia puente previo a tiroidectomía total de urgencia.
Conclusión. La terapia de intercambio plasmático permite una rápida remoción de las hormonas tiroideas y, aunque su implementación no es ampliamente difundida por las guías de práctica clínica, existe evidencia que demuestra una disminución en el riesgo de complicaciones perioperatorias y una evolución exitosa tras su uso como terapia puente previo a tiroidectomía en pacientes con tormenta tiroidea refractaria.
Ciberespaço: conceito à procura de um nome
Authors: Ferrara Lucrécia D'Alessio
Published: August 2021

Este ensaio estuda as características teóricas, pragmáticas e cognitivas do ciberespaço, relacionando-as com aquelas que constituem os paradigmas de análise e interpretação empregados no território científico da comunicação. Essas questões são recursivas em textos de vários autores que se ocupam do ciberespaço, mas em todos, observa-se que aquelas definições surgem como obstáculos que se manifestam nos eufemismos dos nomes atribuídos ao ciberespaço. Entende-se, por hipótese, que a utilização daquele recurso está diretamente relacionada à necessidade de produzir/descobrir novos paradigmas para nomear e definir as características cognitivas produzidas e/ou estimuladas pelo cotidiano presidido por um ciberespaço.
Inteligência Coletiva: comunicação, capitalismo cognitivo e micropolítica
Authors: Da Costa Rogério
Published: August 2021

Os processos de colaboração estão presentes por toda a parte em nossa sociedade. Na esfera da comunicação as redes digitais popularizaram as ações colaborativas, sendo o fenômeno das comunidades virtuais seu fato mais marcante. Já no âmbito do trabalho imaterial, vamos encontrar um forte apelo às redes de colaboração, que tornou-se um refrão ecoando por todo o mundo organizacional. Há mais de uma década o conceito de inteligência coletiva passou a ser sinônimo dessa noção de colaboração, tanto na comunicação quanto no campo do trabalho. Mas será que o conceito se esgota aí? O presente artigo resulta de uma reflexão sobre essas dimensões do conceito de inteligência coletiva e da abertura a uma nova dimensão, a micropolítica, onde ele passa a ser entendido como resistência aos processos de alienação do capitalismo cognitivo.
A memória como critério de aferição de qualidade no ciberjornalismo: alguns apontamentos
Authors: Palacios Marcos
Published: August 2021

A consolidação da Internet como suporte para a atividade jornalística, em anos recentes, trouxe consigo a necessidade de avaliação de Qualidade dos produtos disponibilizados na Web.Transpor para a Internet critérios de avaliação, metodologias e ferramentas utilizadas na análise de Qualidade de produtos impressos deixa de fora especificidades importantes dos veículos produzidos online. Por outro lado, as ferramentas já existentes para a avaliação de Websites são de caráter genérico, produzindo resultados aos quais escapam características que são próprias do fazer jornalístico. Este artigo explora algumas dessas dificuldades e utiliza o exemplo da Memória estendida para indicar alguns dos desafios colocados para os analistas de produtos jornalísticos produzidos para redes telemáticas de alta velocidade.
A "geração podcasting" e os novos usos do rádio na sociedade do espetáculo e do entretenimento
Authors: Herschmann Micael , Kischinhevsky Marcelo
Published: August 2021

Buscou-se repensar a importância da espetacularização e da alta visibilidade como fatores que permitiriam aos atores sociais “negociar” sentidos e significados na sociedade contemporânea. Considera-se as apropriações das novas tecnologias um estudo de caso que permite avaliar as possibilidades de construção de linhas de fuga na sociedade atual, marcada por uma forte presença dos media e do entretenimento. Analisou-se o novo nicho de produção e consumo midiático viabilizado pela convergência tecnológica – especificamente o podcasting, modalidade de rádio sob demanda –, repensando a atuação dos usuários no estabelecimento de formas inovadoras de sociabilidade e mediação socioculturais.
Wpływ techniki pisania na zapamiętywanie informacji
Authors: Sanigórska Aleksandra , Kaźmierska Monika
Published: August 2021

Cel badania. Przedstawione badanie miało na celu sprawdzenie jakości zapamiętywania w zależności od zastosowanych technik pisania. Przewidywano przewagę ręcznej techniki pisania nad komputerową.
Metody badań. Przeprowadzona została analiza porównawcza grup piszących ze słuchu ręcznie oraz na klawiaturze komputera. W badaniu wzięło udział 68 osób w wieku 20–46 lat, byli to głównie pracownicy banku uczestniczący w szkoleniach firmowych. Grupy były równoliczne, a przydział do danej grupy był przypadkowy. Testowano pamięć semantyczną badanych za pomocą nagranego tekstu, który został odtworzony w ujednolicony sposób. Uwzględniono czas potrzebny na zakodowanie informacji, prosząc badanych o rozwiązanie anagramów niezwiązanych z zadaniem głównym. Poziom zapamiętanych informacji był sprawdzany za pomocą testu wiedzy, który zawierał pytania z możliwością jednokrotnego wyboru.
Wyniki badań. Analiza wykazała różnicę między grupami ze względu na ilość odpamiętanych informacji na granicy istotności statystycznej. Grupa pisząca ręcznie uzyskała wyniki wyższe niż grupa pisząca na komputerze. Nieoczekiwanie, statystyki wykazały średnio niższy wynik osób deklarujących znajomość i korzystanie z mnemotechnik, niż osób, które tego nie deklarowały.
Wnioski. Pismo ręczne angażuje pamięć wzrokowo-motoryczną. Oprócz tego ze względu na dłuższy czas potrzebny do zapisania danej frazy przetwarzanie informacji trwa dłużej i angażuje dodatkowe procesy motoryczne. Wszystko to składa się na lepsze zapamiętywanie. Zastosowanie testu swobodnego przypominania, jak miało to miejsce w niektórych przytoczonych badaniach, mogłoby uwidocznić wykazaną różnicę.
Symbolika w filmie Nosferatu wampir Wernera Herzoga
Authors: Braszka Justyna
Published: August 2021

Cel. Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie symboliki ukrytej w filmie Nosferatu wampir w reżyserii Wernera Herzoga, zaprezentowanej na tle filmowego wampiryzmu i twórczości reżysera. Artykuł przedstawia zarys i genezę kina wampirycznego, spuściznę ekspresjonistycznej kinematografii niemieckiej i ponowne podejście Herzoga do wznowienia myśli neoromantycznej. W artykule zaprezentowano także wpływ folkloru i motyw potęgi natury, który miał wpływ na reżyserię Wernera Herzoga. Wymienione wyżej tematy przeplatają się z celem głównym artykułu, czyli interpretacją filmu Nosferatu wampir.
Omówienie koncepcji. Artykuł oparty jest na teoretycznej wiedzy z zakresu kultury, zwłaszcza ze sztuki filmowej. Przyjęta koncepcja łączy w sobie opis nierozerwalnej zależności między reżyserią a wybraną przez twórcę inspiracją, którą należy z kolei interpretować jako część właściwych składowych. W przypadku filmu Nosferatu wampir trzeba sięgnąć do motywów pojawiających się w gatunku filmowym jaki jest horror, a przede wszystkim w nurcie tzw. kina wampirycznego. Aspekty filmowe poszerzone o wizję Wernera Herzoga zostały uzupełnione o pozostałe motywy, m. in.: folklor.
Wnioski. Artykuł przedstawia gamę informacji na temat symboliki wykorzystywanej przez Wernera Herzoga. Omówienie Nosferatu wampir to przy tym kwestia ujęcia koncepcji metafizycznych, folklorystycznych i społecznych.
Wartość poznawcza. W artykule zaprezentowano kompleksową analizę filmu Nosferatu wampir uzupełnioną o wiedzę z zakresu sztuki filmowej, głównie kinematografii niemieckiej od okresu nurtu ekspresjonistycznego po zmiany w kinie niemieckim doby Herzoga.
WPŁYW INFORMACJI O PLANOWANEJ FORMIE EDUKACJI NA POZIOM STRESU I EMOCJI WŚRÓD STUDENTÓW
Authors: Serwan Natalia , Gdowska Martyna , Matusiak Magdalena , Raywer Julia , Wojtkowska Anna
Published: August 2021

Cel badań.  Głównym celem badania było określenie zmian w subiektywnej ocenie wybranych stanów afektywnych wśród studentów, na skutek przekazania im dwóch różnych informacji o terminie zakończenia nauki zdalnej i powrotu do stacjonarnego trybu studiów.
Metodyka. Na podstawie wypełnianych przez studentów ankiet, dokonano pomiaru nasilenia deklarowanych negatywnych afektów i stresu. Zawarto w nich również sfałszowane oświadczenie Ministra Nauki i Szkolnictwa Wyższego, dotyczące rzekomego powrotu na uczelnię lub jego braku. Badanie przeprowadzono w modelu eksperymentalnym.
Wyniki. Po pierwszym semestrze zdalnego nauczania ani jego kontynuacja, ani powrót do nauki stacjonarnej nie generowały jasnej odpowiedzi emocjonalnej studentów, która świadczyłaby o obiektywnej słuszności któregoś z możliwych wyborów, jednak wyniki wskazują, że w związku z podaniem informacji o powrocie do stacjonarnego trybu nauczania, u studentów zmalała bezradność, a wzrósł niepokój.
Informacje dodatkowe. Wyniki zachęcają do kontynuacji badań nad postrzeganiem zdalnego nauczania jako efektywnej formy ochrony studentów przed negatywnymi skutkami COVID-19.
Development of the tax administration in Russia: Results and prospects
Authors:   Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, Moscow, Russian Federation, Borshchevski G. A. , Mossaki N. Z. ,   Federal Tax Service of Russia, Moscow, Russian Federation,   Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: August 2021

The study aims to identify the milestone events in the development of the tax administration in post-Soviet Russia and to offer recommendations for its further improvement. We tested the hypothesis about the relationship between the development of the tax system and tax administration, which, once established, can play a role in the improvement of the tax administration’s efficiency. The study relies on quantitative (regression and correlation analysis, factor analysis, principal component analysis) and qualitative methods (classification, thesaurus analysis, SWOT-analysis, critical points method). We also analyzed the legal acts describing the goals (target indicators) for the development of the tax system and tax administration and propose a set of integral indices characterizing these processes. The key events (factors) for the period starting from the 1990s to the present were identified and ranked in order of importance. Their impact was investigated with the help of SWOT-analysis and factor analysis methods. We found that in the given period, there was an increase in the correspondence between the goals of the tax administration and the goals of the tax system. This means that the tax administration’s management and staff have become more motivated to upscale their priorities and to orient their activities towards public good. The analysis of indices for the given periods has shown improved performance of the tax system and tax administration. The index of tax administration development is based on four indicators. Between the 1990s and 2010s, the index grew by 13% mainly because of the expanded scope of functions of the tax administration, staff downsizing and optimization of the remuneration system. We found that there is a significant statistical relationship between the indices of development of the tax system and tax administration.
Association of hydrogen peroxide with commercial fungicide formulations in the control of Asian soybean rust
Authors: Souza Paulo Henrique Nascimento de , Bacchi Lilian Maria Arruda , Gavassoni Walber Luiz , Andrade Wagner da Paz
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT: In recent years, there have been reductions in the efficacy of the fungicidal control of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, thereby hindering the management of soybean rust and compromising crop yield. This study evaluated the effects of incorporating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in commercial fungicide formulations on the control of soybean rust. We conducted two experiments, one of which was performed in a greenhouse environment and the other under field conditions. In both environments, we examined the following four control programs using commercial fungicide formulations: (I) azoxystrobin + cyproconazole (quinone outside inhibitor [QoI] + demethylation inhibitor [DMI]); (II) picoxystrobin + cyproconazole (QoI + DMI); (III) pyraclostrobin + epoxiconazole + fluxapyroxad (QoI + DMI + succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor); and (IV) water (H2O) (program without fungicide application), combined with the incorporation of (i) H2O2; (ii) mancozeb (positive control I); (iii) chlorothalonil (positive control II); or (iv) water (H2O) alone. Analyses of infected leaf area and grain yield revealed that the addition of H2O2 to the formulations of DMI and QoI fungicides led to a reduction in disease severity of between 33% and 44% relative to the effects of these products used alone, as well as an increase in yield and SPAD values. The use of H2O2 and multi-site fungicides alone failed to provide effective control of soybean rust. In addition to enhancing the efficacy of disease control, the use of H2O2 associated with commercial fungicide mixtures was shown to be a potential tool for the management of fungicide resistance and reduction in losses from Asian soybean rust.
Growth, leaf gas exchange and mycorrhizal colonization of three medicinal species submitted to different irradiance levels
Authors: Barazetti Viviane Maria , Gross Eduardo , Sodré George Andrade , Dalmolin Ândrea Carla , Costa Larissa Corrêa do Bomfim , Ribeiro Miguel Antônio Quinteiro
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT: This study o evaluated growth, leaf gas exchange and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root colonization in three medicinal plant species under different irradiance intensities. Fridericia chica (Bonpl.) L.G.Lohmann, Mikania laevigata Sch.Bip. ex Baker and Varronia curassavica Jacq. were propagated by cutting and cultivated for 120 days in artificially shaded environments using black shade-type screens, obtaining four irradiance levels: 100%, 70%, 50% and 30%. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme (three plant species and four irradiation levels) with seven replicates. The three medicinal species showed higher liquid assimilation, mass growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi root colonization rates when exposed to environments with 70% light availability. In relation to physiological responses, V. curassavica presented higher photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration when submitted to 70% irradiance, being able to be cultivated in more open environments with higher irradiation levels. Conversely F. chica and M. laevigata presented shade tolerance characteristics. At the initial growth phase, the results obtained can be used as indicators to recommend the ideal cultivation environment for these species in agroforestry systems.
The Siberian pine growth dynamics in Altai Mountains, China
Authors: Shah S. , Yu J. , Liu Q. , Zhou G. , Yan G. , Zhou H. , Hussain M. , Hussain A. , Habiba U. , Khalid F. , Ullah S. , Rahim F. , Adil M. , Zeb U. , Ambrin
Published: August 2021

Abstract Climatic factors play an essential role in the growth of tree ring width. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between climatic variables and tree-ring growth characteristics of Pinus sibirica in Altai mountains, northwestern China. This study being is first of its kind on climate growth analysis of Pinus sibirica in northwestern China. The study showed great potential to understand the species growing under the specific climatic conditions. Total of 70 tree cores collected from three sites in the sampling area, out of which 63 tree cores considered for this study. The effect of climatic variables which was studied include precipitation, temperature and PDSI. Our results showed that Tree Ring Width chronology has a significantly positive correlation with the late winter (March) temperature and significant negative correlation with the July temperatures. A significant correlation was observed with the late summer precipitation whereas no significant relation found with the Palmer Drought Severity Index. These significant correlations with temperature and precipitation suggested that this tree species had the potential for the reconstruction of the past climate in the area.
Thermo-resistant enzyme-producing microorganisms isolated from composting
Authors: Cotta S. P. M. , Marins M. S. , Marriel I.E. , Lana U.G.P , Gomes E.A. , Figueiredo J.E.F. , Oliveira-Paiva C.A.
Published: August 2021

Abstract Organo-mineral fertilizers supplemented with biological additives are an alternative to chemical fertilizers. In this study, thermoresistant microorganisms from composting mass were isolated by two-step procedures. First, samples taken at different time points and temperatures (33 days at 52 ºC, 60 days at 63 ºC, and over 365 days at 26 ºC) were pre-incubated at 80 oC for 30 minutes. Second, the microbial selection by in vitro culture-based methods and heat shock at 60 oC and 100 oC for 2h and 4h. Forty-one isolates were able to grow at 60 °C for 4h; twenty-seven at 100 °C for 2h, and two at 100 °C for 4h. The molecular identification by partial sequencing of the 16S ribosomal gene using universal primers revealed that thirty-five isolates were from eight Bacillus species, one Brevibacillus borstelensis, three Streptomyces thermogriseus, and two fungi (Thermomyces lanuginosus and T. dupontii). Data from amylase, phytase, and cellulase activity assays and the enzymatic index (EI) showed that 38 of 41 thermo-resistant isolates produce at least one enzyme. For amylase activity, the highest EI value was observed in Bacillus licheniformis (isolate 21C2, EI= 4.11), followed by Brevibacillus borstelensis (isolate 6C2, EI= 3.66), Bacillus cereus (isolate 18C2, EI= 3.52), and Bacillus paralicheniformis (isolate 20C2, EI= 3.34). For phytase, the highest EI values were observed for Bacillus cereus (isolate 18C2, EI= 2.30) and Bacillus licheniformis (isolate 3C1, EI= 2.15). Concerning cellulose production, B. altitudinis (isolate 6C1) was the most efficient (EI= 6.40), followed by three Bacillus subtilis (isolates 9C1, 16C2, and 19C2) with EI values of 5.66, 5.84, and 5.88, respectively, and one B. pumilus (isolate 27C2, EI= 5.78). The selected microorganisms are potentially useful as a biological additive in organo-mineral fertilizers and other biotechnological processes.
Studies on parasitic prevalence in pet birds from Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Sadaf T. , Javid A. , Hussain A. , Bukhari S. M. , Hussain S. M. , Ain Q. , Ashraf S. , Suleman S. , Saleem M. , Azam S. M. , Ahmad U. , Ali W.
Published: August 2021

Abstract During this one year study, blood and fecal samples of doves (Zenaida asiatica), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), pigeons (Columba livia), partridges (Alectoris chukar), turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) and goose (Chen caerulescens) were collected to assess the parasitic prevalence in these birds. The birds were kept at Avian Conservation and Research Center, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. All these avian species were kept in separate cages and their entire body was inspected on regularly basis to record external parasites. For internal parasites, 100 blood and 100 fecal samples for each species were analyzed. During present study, two species of ectoparasites i.e. fowl ticks (Args persicus) and mite (Dermanyssus gallinae) while 17 species of endoparasites; three from blood and 14 from fecal samples were identified. Prevalence of blood parasites was Plasmodium juxtanucleare 29.3%, Aegyptinella pullorum 15% and Leucoctoyzoon simond 13%. Parasitic species recorded from fecal samples included 6 species of nematodes viz. Syngamus trachea with parasitic prevalence of 50%, Capillaria anatis 40%, Capillaria annulata 37.5%, Heterakis gallinarum 28.3%, Ascardia galli 24% and Allodpa suctoria 2%. Similarly, two species of trematodes viz. Prosthogonimus ovatus having parasitic prevalence of 12.1% and Prosthogonimus macrorchis 9.1% were also recorded from fecal samples of the birds. Single cestode species Raillietina echinobothrida having parasitic prevalence of 27% and 3 protozoan species i.e. Eimeria maxima having prevalence 20.1%, Histomonas meleagridis 8% and Giardia lamblia 5.3% were recorded. In our recommendation, proper medication and sanitation of the bird’s houses and cages is recommended to avoid parasites.
Treatment with insecticide and fungicide on the physiological quality of lentil seeds
Authors: Rubert J. , Dornelles S. H. B. , Nunes U. R. , Pedrollo N. T. , Peripolli M. , Cassol J. C.
Published: August 2021

Abstract The low Brazilian productive index and the high demand have aroused interest in the cultivation of lentils, however the legume is little known and needs further studies. The objective of this study was to analyze and identify the effects of treatments with insecticides and fungicides on the physiological quality of lentil seeds, CA-1512 strain. The experiments were conducted in the seed laboratory in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and four replicates. Seed treatment with Thiophanate-methyl; Fluazinam® (180 ml) + Pyraclostrobin; Thiophanate-methyl; Fipronil® (150 ml) promoted higher levels of germination under accelerated aging, lower number of abnormal seedlings and longer lengths of shoot and radicle for the emergence in paper. Treatment with Carboxin; Thiram® (250 ml) + Imidacloprid® (150 ml) allowed a higher value in the first count of germination in sand, lower number of dead seeds under accelerated aging and longer root length, in the emergence in sand. Shoot length in the emergence in sand increased after seed treatment with Metalaxyl-M; Fludioxonil® (75 ml) + Pyraclostrobin; Thiophanate-methyl; Fipronil® (150 ml). Treatments with fungicides and insecticides considerably improved the physiological properties of the seeds, thus being able to guarantee greater phytosanitary qualities in the field, generating healthier seedlings and with protection against possible pests and diseases, and consequently guaranteeing greater productivity.
Use of multi-strain probiotics in linseed meal based diet for Labeo rohita fingerlings
Authors: Shahzad M. M. , Butt W. , Hussain Z. , Rehman R. A. , Khan M. K. A. , Hussain M. , Noureen A. , Bashir S. , Tariq M. , Rafique M. T. , Khalid F. , Rashid H. , Akhtar K. , Tahir L.
Published: August 2021

Abstract Unavailability of probiotics in fish digestive system fingerlings is unable to digest and absorb their food properly. The current research was conducted to investigate the influence of probiotics added Linseed meal based (LMB) diet on hematology and carcass composition of Labeo rohita juveniles. Hematological parameters are essential diagnostics used to estimate the health status of fish. The usage of probiotics for fish health improvement is becoming common due to the higher demand for environment-friendly culture system in water. Linseed meal was used as a test ingredient to prepare six experimental test diets by adding probiotics (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 g/kg) and 1% indigestible chromic oxide for seventy days. According to their live wet weight, five percent feed was given to fingerlings twice a day. Fish blood and carcass samples (Whole body) were taken for hematological and carcass analysis at the end of the experiment. The highest carcass composition (crude protein; 18.72%, crude fat; 8.80% and gross energy; 2.31 kcal/g) was observed in fish fed with test diet II supplemented with probiotics (2 g/kg). Moreover, maximum RBCs number (2.62× 106mm-3), WBCs (7.84×103mm-3), PCV (24.61), platelets (63.85) and hemoglobin (7.87) had also been reported in the fish fingerlings fed on 2 g/kg of probiotics supplemented diet. Results indicated that probiotics supplementation has a critical role in improvement of fingerlings’ body composition and hematological indices. Present findings showed that probiotics supplementation at 2 g/kg level in linseed by-product-based diet was very useful for enhancing the overall performance of L. rohita fingerlings.
Impactos da mecanização na produtividade agrícola agregada da cana-de-açúcar no estado de São Paulo de 2007 a 2013
Authors: Castro Nicole Rennó , Gilio Leandro , Machado Gabriel Costeira
Published: August 2021

Resumo A produtividade da cana-de-açúcar em São Paulo reduziu cerca de 5% entre 2007 e 2013, contrastando com o desempenho de outras culturas no estado. No mesmo período, o percentual de área com colheita mecanizada no estado aumentou de 46,6% para 83,7%. Há alguma discussão entre especialistas sobre a possibilidade de que a mecanização teria impactado negativamente a produtividade da cultura, mas não há na literatura um estudo que tenha mensurado quantitativamente esse efeito agregado. Esta pesquisa buscou contribuir para preencher essa lacuna, mensurando o efeito da mecanização sobre a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar no estado de São Paulo no período de 2007 a 2013. Para isso, foi estimada uma função de produção com controle climático, utilizando um modelo de efeitos fixos aplicado a uma base de dados em painel por microrregiões. Os resultados do estudo apontaram para a existência de um impacto negativo do avanço da mecanização para quatro mesorregiões do estado: 6,6% em Ribeirão Preto, 9,7% em Araraquara, 6,2% em Piracicaba e 3,4% em Assis. No entanto, não houve um impacto agregado significativo do avanço da mecanização no estado como um todo. As regiões para as quais foram estimados impactos negativos significativos têm parte relevante da área canavieira localizada em áreas declivosas.
Uma proposição metodológica para a precificação de seguro de receita agrícola no Brasil
Authors: Brisolara Cláudio Silveira , Ozaki Vitor Augusto
Published: August 2021

Resumo: Este estudo apresenta formas alternativas de se calcular a taxa de prêmio do seguro de receita, tomando como exemplo o caso da soja em Campo Mourão e Toledo. O seguro de receita garante proteção contra os riscos de preço e produtividade. A taxa é um dos elementos centrais no desenvolvimento de produtos de seguro, razão pela qual o estudo debruçou-se. Duas abordagens foram apresentadas: a univariada e a bivariada. Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas quando se comparam as metodologias. O seguro de receita situou-se em patamar mais elevado quando comparado ao seguro de produtividade, possivelmente inflacionada pelo efeito do risco de preço.
Nexus: Agricultura Familiar, Energias Renováveis e Construção de Mercados nos Territórios Rurais do Rio Grande do Norte
Authors: Feitosa Elis Regina Monte , Nunes Emanoel Márcio , Andrade Humberto Dionísio de , Schneider Sergio , Rocha Alexsandra Bezerra da
Published: August 2021

Resumo: Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o Nexus agricultura familiar, energias renováveis e construção de mercados no contexto da dinâmica territorial do RN, particularmente nos territórios Açu-Mossoró, Mato Grande e Sertão Central Cabugi e Litoral Norte. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva, com uma abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. Foram utilizados dados quantizados da produção de energia renovável, dados econômicos e de mercado para cada território. Utilizaram-se como técnicas de coleta de dados a pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e a pesquisa de campo, através da realização de entrevistas com os gestores das cooperativas de agricultores familiares, contendo pelo menos um representante de cada território avaliado. Como resultados, verificou-se que as contribuições das energias renováveis provenientes de fonte eólica instaladas nessas regiões ainda são incipientes na perspectiva dos gestores das cooperativas, apesar de acreditarem que a apropriação dessa tecnologia pela agricultura familiar poderia contribuir de maneira significativa para a ampliação da produção de alimentos e a construção de mercados.