bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spin Hall effect of light based on a surface plasmonic platform
Authors: Yu Xiantong , Wang Xin , Li Zhao , Zhao Litao , Zhou Feifan , Qu Junle , Song Jun
Published: August 2021

In recent years, the spin Hall effect of light (SHE), also called the photonic spin Hall effect has received extensive research attention, and a series of interesting results have been achieved. This phenomenon has potential applications in nanooptics, quantum information, and optoelectronic devices. In contrast to the pure photon SHE, the photonic spin Hall effect in the surface plasmonic platform exhibits unique properties due to the surface plasmon resonance effect of noble metal material and establishes the connection between photons and electrons. Therefore, the SHE of light in a surface plasmonic platform is expected to be applied to integrated optical devices to create a novel means of developing communication devices. In this paper, we review the progress on the SHE of light based on the plasmonic platform in recent years, and we discuss the future directions of research and prospects for its applications.
Rod–sphere cluster irradiation with femtosecond laser pulses: cut and paste at the nanoscale
Authors: Díaz-Núñez Pablo , Thomä Sabrina L. J. , González-Rubio Guillermo , Borrell-Grueiro Olivia , Höller Roland P. M. , Chanana Munish , Garoz David , Bañares Luis , Junquera Elena , Guerrero-Martínez Andrés , Rivera Antonio , Peña-Rodríguez Ovidio
Published: August 2021

We report on the irradiation of gold rod–sphere assemblies with ultrashort laser pulses, producing structures that are very difficult to obtain by other methods. The optical response of these assemblies displays several peaks arising from the interaction of the plasmon modes of the individual particles, offering thus great flexibility to control the energy deposited on the individual particles. Judicious selection of the wavelength and fluence of the laser pulses allow fine control over the changes produced: the particles can be melted, welded and/or the organic links cleaved. In this way, it is possible to generate structures “à la carte” with a degree of control unmatched by other synthetic protocols. The method is exemplified with gold nanoparticles, but it can be easily implemented on particles composed of different metals, widening considerably the range of possibilities. The final structures are excellent candidates for surface-enhanced spectroscopies or plasmonic photothermal therapy as they have a very intense electric field located outside the structure, not in the gaps.
Palabras iniciales a la revista Interacción Sino-
Iberoamericana
Authors: Shicheng Xu
Published: August 2021

En este artículo se echa una mirada retrospectiva así como prospectiva sobre el desarrollo de las relaciones sino-iberoamericanas. Principalmente se hace un repaso cronolígico de las interacciones entre ambas partes, en el área econímica, diplomática y política, partiendo de la segunda década del siglo XVI para terminar al final de la segunda década del siglo XXI. Se trata de una trayectoria de exactamente 500 años, a lo largo de la cual los latinoamericanos, los españoles y los culíes chinos crearon la rica Ruta Marítima de la Seda que conecta China-América-Europa. Y, en la que durante la segunda mitad del siglo XX y hasta hoy día, gracias al establecimiento de relaciones diplomáticas entre la RPCh y la mayor parte de los países de ALC, se vienen registrando volúmenes sin precedentes de intercambios de diverso tipo. Esta destacada tendencia ha hecho que, a pesar de que en el año 2020 el COVID-19 sometiera a la humanidad a una crisis que obstaculizó las interacciones internacionales en muchos sentidos, el pueblo chino y las naciones de ALC continuaran fortaleciendo la cooperación y el diálogo en una conciencia y eficacia cada vez mayores, lo cual, sin duda augura las mejores perspectivas para las interacciones entre China y ALC.
Las oportunidades de América Latina en su relación con China en el siglo XXI
Authors: Villasenin Lucas
Published: August 2021

El siguiente artículo hace referencia a la relación de América Latina con China en lo que va del siglo XXI. Ambas economías multiplicaron sus intercambios comerciales y desde China se llevaron adelante sucesivas inversiones y préstamos. Esta relación fue construida en base a las características de las estructuras económicas preexistentes en América Latina y al crecimiento extraordinario de la economía China. Buscamos analizar los diálogos que se intentaron construir entre ambas partes desde el Foro China-CELAC y analizar las expectativas vigentes sobre esta relación. Es importante también contribuir a pensar cómo es posible mejorar esta relación para que aporte a cumplir los objetivos del desarrollo de América Latina y la aspiración china de construir una sociedad modestamente acomodada.
Chile y China: una mirada retrospectiva a 50 años de relaciones diplomáticas y de amistad
Authors: Ahumada Figueroa Mónica
Published: August 2021

Las relaciones diplomáticas entre Chile y China, han cumplido cinco décadas y estas se caracterizan por los fuertes lazos construidos en forma bilateral, como también con otros países de América Latina y el Caribe. El presente artículo busca indagar sobre esta trayectoria desde los contactos de los años 50 con José Venturelli, un pionero, junto a otros viajeros en el marco de una diplomacia cultural que facilitó la firma de relaciones diplomáticas en 1970. Sin embargo, la reunión APEC celebrada en Santiago de Chile en el 2004 fue el punto de inflexión con la visita del presidente Hu Jintao impulsándose una estrategia comercial. Así se pasó desde los vínculos políticos y culturales, a una relación marcada por acuerdos económicos y la firma de un Tratado de Libre Comercio. Este nuevo escenario facilitó un estilo de cooperación abierta hacia el ámbito tecnológico y científico, pero también hacia un fortalecimiento de los acuerdos ya firmados. Esto nos permite hacer hoy un análisis desde las variables políticas, económicas, culturales y científicas buscando responder a la pregunta sobre los aspectos que han sido beneficiosos como también los puntos más débiles al querer ambos estados proyectarse dentro del sistema internacional.
Governance vulnerabler strategischer Wertschöpfungsketten im Zeichen der Deglobalisierung
Authors: Blum Ulrich , Labucay Inéz
Published: August 2021

Kurzfassung

Fragmentierte Wertschöpfungsketten haben in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten die globale Wohlstandsverteilung bestimmt, zugleich aber Unternehmen und Volkswirtschaften aufgrund ihrer Vernetztheit gerade im Kern ihrer industriellen Basis einer hohen strategischen Vulnerabilität ausgesetzt. Ein Beispiel sind Seltene Erden, die für eine Vielzahl an Hightech- und Greentech-Produkten (Elektromobilität, Windräder), aber auch für traditionelle Industrien wie Automobil- und Elektroindustrie (Halbleiter) und für den Verteidigungssektor (Präzisionslenkwaffen) funktionskritisch sind. Vulnerabilität ist hier deshalb hoch, da kaum Substitutionsmöglichkeiten bestehen und Recycling noch am Anfang steht. Rohstoffe und Technologien sind somit ins Zentrum strategischer Industrie- und Handelspolitik gerückt und das Gestalten und nach Möglichkeit das Dominieren globaler Wertschöpfungsketten gewinnen an Bedeutung. Der Zugang zu Wertschöpfungsketten wird zum Kristallisationspunkt wirtschafts- und sicherheitspolitischer Strategien. Der Beitrag analysiert die strategische Vulnerabilität unterschiedlicher Markt-Wettbewerbskonstellationen und prüft Abwehr- und Gestaltungsmaßnahmen für eineGovernancevon Vulnerabilität. Anhand von Hochleistungsmagneten und dem zugrundeliegenden Materialstrom der Seltenen Erden werden konkrete Rohstoffstrategien exemplarisch aufgezeigt und die zunehmend geforderte Rohstoff- und Technologiesouveränität kritisch diskutiert, was angesichts der wirtschafts- und sicherheitspolitischen Dimension Seltener Erden und regulativem Druck zur Umsetzung von Lieferketten-Compliance und Circular Economy dringlich erscheint.
Associations of health-related quality of life with sociodemographic characteristics, health, pain, and lifestyle factors, and motivation for changing lifestyle in adults living with chronic pain: a cross-sectional exploratory study
Authors: Nielsen Svetlana Solgaard , Skou Søren T. , Larsen Anette Enemark , Søndergaard Jens , Christensen Jeanette Reffstrup
Published: August 2021

Objectives

We investigated the associations between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and health, pain and lifestyle factors, as well as motivation for lifestyle changes, in adults living with chronic pain referred to a Danish pain centre.

Methods

A total of 144 outpatients completed a questionnaire on HRQoL (EQ-5D-5L), health, pain, lifestyle factors (Body Mass Index [BMI], physical activity, smoking, alcohol, physical fitness, eating, sleep and stress) and motivation for lifestyle changes. We used multiple linear regression analyses to assess associations between HRQoL and the independent variables.

Results

The participants (age mean 50 years, 81% females) had ≥2 body pain sites (93%), BMI≥25 (64%), sedentary lifestyle (43%) and multiple (n≥2) elevated metabolic risk factors (58%). Most considered lifestyle important for HRQoL (72%) and expressed moderate to very high motivation for changing lifestyle (92%). Poorer HRQoL in the study population was significantly associated with higher pain intensity in the most painful body site (β=−0.316, p=0.001) and very poor sleep quality (β=−0.410, p=0.024). Serious-to-extreme problems in usual activities were associated with significantly poorer health (β=−0.328, p=0.030).

Conclusions

Adults living with chronic pain participating in this survey had significantly lower self-evaluated HRQoL than the general population. Lower HRQoL was significantly associated with greater pain intensity and poor sleep quality. Serious-to-extreme problems in usual activities, such as work, study, housework, family and leisure, were associated with poorer self-evaluated health. We observed high frequencies of overweight, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, pain in multiple body sites and multiple lifestyle-related risk factors in the study population. Most participants felt motivated for changing lifestyle. Further interventions addressing pain alleviation, sleep quality, prevention of problems in usual activities and promotion of healthy lifestyle, e.g. physical activity and healthy eating, are needed to estimate the effect of a lifestyle-oriented approach on health and quality of life in people living with chronic pain. The results of this study will inform the research project reg. SJ-703, the Danish the Research Ethics Committee for Region Zealand, Denmark.
The Phoenician diaspora in the westernmost Mediterranean: recent discoveries
Authors: Suárez-Padilla José , Jiménez-Jáimez Víctor , Caro José L.
Published: August 2021

Important discoveries over the past 15 years in the coastal area between Huelva and Málaga in Spain have illuminated the beginnings of the eighth-century BC Phoenician diaspora into the Western Mediterranean. Here, the authors combine Bayesian modelling of recently published radiocarbon dates with the latest archaeological data to investigate the Phoenician presence in southern Iberia. Their assessment of its significance for the Late Bronze and Early Iron Ages in the Western Mediterranean contributes not only to understanding the integration of the Phoenicians into local communities, but also to apprehending the mechanisms of colonisation and pre-colonial situations elsewhere in protohistoric Europe and other world contexts.
Early imperialism in the Andes: Wari colonisation of Nasca
Authors: Conlee Christina A. , Kellner Corina M. , Walker Chester P. , Noriega Aldo
Published: August 2021

The highland Wari (AD 600–1000) were an influential and expansive Andean civilisation, yet the nature and organisation of Wari power is debated. For example, it is suggested that coastal Nasca was governed by Wari, but doubts remain about its role in the region. Recent excavations at Huaca del Loro in Nasca have uncovered rectilinear compounds, a D-shaped temple, a large cemetery and a domestic area. The authors suggest that this evidence reflects Wari colonisation, undertaken during a period of primary expansion, on a site with long-established ties between Wari and Nasca. The use of multiple colonising strategies and local responses may reflect imperial situations in other world civilisations.
Hunter-fisher-gatherer pottery production and use at the Neolithic shell-midden of Riņņukalns, Latvia
Authors: Spataro Michela , Oras Ester , Lucquin Alexandre , Bērziņš Valdis
Published: August 2021

The shell-midden site of Riņņukalns in northern Latvia offers a rare opportunity to study long-term trends in ceramic production and function at a European hunter-fisher-gatherer site. Riņņukalns was occupied from the sixth millennium BC, with the midden developing from the later fourth millennium. Here, the authors discuss the chaîne opératoire and function of the Riņņukalns material, showing that pottery was used in both the pre-midden and midden phases primarily to cook aquatic and porcine resources. The technology used to produce these cooking vessels, however, changed over time, with new firing techniques associated with a shift to the use of shell temper. The results have implications for understanding prehistoric technology and subsistence in other parts of the world.
Percentage-Based Change of Direction Deficit: A New Approach to Standardize Time- and Velocity-Derived Calculations
Authors: Freitas Tomás T. , Pereira Lucas A. , Alcaraz Pedro E. , Azevedo Paulo H. S. M. , Bishop Chris , Loturco Irineu
Published: August 2021

Freitas, TT, Pereira, LA, Alcaraz, PE, Azevedo, PHSM, Bishop, C, and Loturco, I. Percentage-based change of direction deficit: a new approach to standardize time- and velocity-derived calculations. J Strength Cond Res 36(12): 3521–3526, 2022—Change of direction (COD) efforts are crucial in team sports, and an extensive body of research has been devoted to investigating this complex and multifaceted skill. Most studies have assessed players' ability to change direction by reporting completion time or average velocity in different COD tasks. However, it has been argued that these variables may not accurately portray an athlete's true capability to quickly change direction. In this context, new metrics such as the COD Deficit (CODD) have been proposed to provide complementary information on the efficiency to change direction. The current literature presents 2 different CODD computations: time-derived and velocity-derived calculations. Despite both being consistent and representing the same phenomenon, the decision of using one or the other may produce different outcomes, thus influencing coaches' decisions and training strategies. To overcome this issue, we propose a new approach to the computation of the CODD, based on the difference in percentage between linear sprint and COD abilities, in an attempt to standardize the estimation of this variable and simplify the evaluation of COD performance.
Molecular docking of cyanine and squarylium dyes with SARS‐CoV‐2 proteases NSP3, NSP5 and NSP12
Authors: Pronkin Pavel , Tatikolov Alexander
Published: August 2021

Background

The outbreak and continued spread of coronavirus infection (COVID‐19) sets the goal of finding new tools and methods to develop analytical procedures and tests to detect, study infection and prevent morbidity.

Methods

The noncovalent binding of cyanine and squarylium dyes of different classes (60 compounds in total) with the proteases NSP3, NSP5, and NSP12 of SARS‐CoV‐2 was studied by the method of molecular docking.

Results

The interaction energies and spatial configurations of dye molecules in complexes with NSP3, NSP5, and NSP12 have been determined.

Conclusion

A number of anionic dyes showing lower values of the total energy Etot could be recommended for practical research in the development of agents for the detection and inactivation of the coronavirus.
The Use of Extracorporeal Liver Support Systems In Acute Decompensated Liver Failure
Authors: Ibadov R. A. , Ismailov Ye. L. , Ibragimov S. Kh.
Published: August 2021

The aim of the study: to evaluate the eﬃcacy of extracorporeal liver support systems in patients with acute liver failure of various etiologies.

Material and methods. The study included 117 patients with acute liver failure of various etiologies. The main group consisted of 71 patients who received complex intensive therapy, including MARS-therapy and hemodiaﬁltration. The comparison group included 46 patients who received albumin dialysis (24 patients) and hemodiaﬁltration (22 patients) alone. The mean age of the patients was 34±5.6 years, the majority (56.4%) were men. Dynamic assessment of patients' severity was performed using Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scales.

Results. A more signiﬁcant reduction of SOFA and MELD scores was noted as early as by day 10 of intensive therapy in the main group with sequential use of extracorporeal liver detoxiﬁcation methods — to 2.7±0.2 vs. 8.3±0.5 points (P=0.021) on SOFA and to 16.7±0.4 vs. 23.4±1.4 points (P=0.023) MELD scales. The use of a comprehensive approach to extracorporeal detoxiﬁcation in acute decompensated liver failure increased the regression rate of multiple organ failure from 51.2 to 74.6% and reduced mortality from 47.8 to 25.4% (χ2=6.266; df=1; P=0.013). At the same time, the cumulative proportion of survivors depending on the type of complication within 30 days was 88.4% in the main group and 69.0% in the comparison group (χ2=4.164; df=1; P=0.042).

Conclusion. A comprehensive approach to extracorporeal detoxiﬁcation is highly eﬀective, providing a more signiﬁcant reduction of SOFA and MELD scores, increasing the proportion of regression of multiple organ dysfunction and reducing mortality.
Current Approaches to the Treatment of Traumatic Shock (Review)
Authors: Ostapchenko D. A. , Gutnikov A. I. , Davydova L. A.
Published: August 2021

The clinical manifestation of shock is characterized by systemic circulatory disturbances andblood ﬂow, hypoxic and metabolic disorders. The leading role in the pathogenesis of traumatic shock (the subtype of a hypovolemic shock), is assigned to the severity of the damaging eﬀect, the time interval suﬃcient for the development of a pathophysiological response, mismatch between body tissue perfusion and the metabolic requirements, and impaired aerobic oxidation in tissues. The use of a comprehensive multicomponent intensive care strategy matching the pathophysiological changes is a diﬃcult challenge for a critical care physician.

The aim of the reviewis to demonstrate the speciﬁc features and sequence of events occurring in the body during the development of traumatic shock, the pattern of manifestations of clinical signs, and potential use of intensive therapy methods tailored to the pathophysiological responses in traumatic shock.

Material. The information search was carried out in the PubMed and RSCI databases, among which 80 sources were ﬁnally selected, representing current therapeutic approaches, the results of scientiﬁc research and clinical guidelines related to the scope of this review.

Results. The main stages of traumatic shock pathogenesis were reviewed. The basic patterns of cardiovascular and respiratory failure development were analyzed, the criteria of their severity were evaluated, and the complexity of the selection of intensive therapy was shown.

Conclusion. Respiratory support, stabilization of cardiac and circulatory parameters and optimization of oxygen status are the most important components of treatment of patients with traumatic shock. Current methods of respiratory failure control allow to estimate promptly the severity of respiratory dysfunction, reveal the cause and correct existing disorders in an individualized way taking into account the better availability of mechanical ventilation. Replacement of circulating blood volume is aimed both at achieving hemodynamic eﬀect and restoring the concentration of sources of oxygen carriers and plasma pro- and anticoagulant factors. The earliest and most comprehensive intensive therapy can improve the prognosis and outcome in patients with traumatic shock.
Weathering characteristics of wood-plastic composites compatibilized with ethylene vinyl acetate
Authors: Hu Xiaohong , Li Dongfang , Luo Bin , Li Li
Published: August 2021

Poplar wood flour wood-plastic composites (WPCs) prepared with high-density polyethylene and modified with different amounts of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) were created. The influence of EVA content on the surface properties and weathering characteristics after ultraviolet (UV) treatment was investigated. The results showed that WPCs treated with EVA had improved thermal stability, and the surface polarity was reduced. The addition of EVA slowed the fading of the WPCs, and the color difference was the smallest when the EVA content was 5%. Both the bending strength and the modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the WPCs decreased after the UV treatment. However, when the EVA content was 5%, the bending strength retention ratio and MOE retention ratio were greatest. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the addition of EVA reduced the amount of pores and gaps on the fractured surfaces of the WPCs. The comprehensive performance of the WPC anti-weathering properties was greatest when the EVA level was 5%.
Riboflavin boosts fermentative valeric acid generation from waste activated sludge
Authors: Shi Binfang , Huang Jingang , Yin Zhenjiang , Han Wei , Qiu Shanshan , Tang Junhong , Hou Pingzhi
Published: August 2021

Fermentative valeric acid production is a promising way to recycle valuable resources from waste activated sludge (WAS). This study investigated the feasibility of using riboflavin (RF) to enhance volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production, especially valeric acid production from WAS coupled with solid reduction. The results indicated that RF (0.5 mM) promoted the VFAs production by up to 41.0%. Valeric acid accounted for the most abundance within the VFAs components. When RF dosages were 0.05 to 5.0 mM in the WAS fermentation systems, the chemical oxygen demand fractions of valeric acid to the total VFAs were 41.0% to 62.8%, which were much higher than those using other chemical supplements. Moreover, RF enhanced the reduction of mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS). When RF dosage was 0.2 mM, MLVSS reduction achieved a maximum at 47.4%, compared to that in the RF-free control (33.9% reduction). Riboflavin in this study was considered as a feasible chemical to enhance the fermentative valeric acid generation coupled to MLVSS reduction, realizing the reduction of solids and the reutilization of valuable resources from WAS.
Protective effects of five surfactants on cellulase in the saccharification of corn stover based on the impeded Michaelis-Menten model
Authors: Shi Wenjing , Zhang Zhicai , Shun Quanshan , Liu Xiaocui , Ding Chongyang , Zheng Huihua , Wang Feng
Published: August 2021

Protective effects of five surfactants were investigated relative to the saccharification of lignocellulose using the impeded Michaelis-Menten model (IMM). The yield of total reducing sugar (Ytrs) and cellulase activity were indexed as the effect of surfactant. The IMM was used to fit the correlation between Ytrs and reaction time to obtain the index (Kobs,0) reflecting the accessibility between cellulose and lignocellulose and the comprehensive index (Ki) reflecting cellulase inactivation and non-specific site adsorption. Results showed that the strongest protective effect was found from polyoxyethylene (80) sorbitan monooleate, followed by rhamnolipid. The surfactants protected cellulase from inactivation and nonspecific site adsorption of lignocellulose in the saccharification, leading to enhanced cellulase activity, especially with respect to carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) and filter paper enzyme (FPase) activities. The maximum Ytrs was obtained when the CMCase activity was 136.2 U/mL, while the FPase and β-glucosidase activities should be as high and low as possible, respectively, under the optimized condition. These findings lay the foundation for improving the saccharification efficiency of cellulase and reducing the cost of saccharification of biomass cellulose.
Properties of modified wood according to treatment technology and thermo-vacuum process for birch (Betula pendula Roth) veneers
Authors: Meija-Feldmane Anete , Cuccui Ignazia , Irbe Ilze , Morozovs Andris , Spulle Uldis
Published: August 2021

Thermally modified birch (Betula pendula Roth) veneers that had been subjected to wood treatment technology (WTT) or thermo vacuum (TV) processes were compared in this study. After modification of veneers in the range of temperatures from 160 °C to 218 °C and times from 0.5 h to 3 h, the color, mass loss, density, tensile strength, hygroscopicity, and decay resistance against brown rot fungus Coniophora puteana were determined. Treatment regimes with the greatest mass loss were at 217 °C for 3.0 h in TV (7.8%) and 160 °C for 0.8 h in the WTT (6.7%). As expected, wood mass loss correlated well with moisture exclusion efficiency (MEE) in all relative humidity (RH) environments (r = 0.95 to 0.99). Strength loss in the WTT was considerable compared to the TV process (57% and 40%, respectively). The resistance against brown rot fungus was moderate with a mass loss of 12% to 33%. Among the investigated samples, the regime 217/3.0/TV showed the best resistance against brown rot fungus and acceptable other properties.
Eco-friendly wood-biofungicidal and antibacterial activities of various Coccoloba uvifera L. leaf extracts: HPLC analysis of phenolic and flavonoid compounds
Authors: Ashmawy Nader A. , Salem Mohamed Z. M. , El Shanhorey Nader , Al-Huqail Asma A. , Ali Hayssam M. , Behiry Said I.
Published: August 2021

Aqueous, acetone, and ethanol extracts of Coccoloba uvifera L. (Polygonaceae) leaves were assessed for their antibacterial and antifungal activities. The fungal pathogens Fusarium culmorum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Botrytis cinerea were isolated from strawberry plants, and they were molecularly identified through internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequence analysis. Wood treated with ethanol extract at 3% showed the highest inhibition of R. solani, B. cinerea, and F. culmorum growth, with mycelial growth inhibited by 64.4%, 100%, and 38.5%, respectively. Moderate growth inhibition was found against the plant pathogenic bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, Erwinia amylovora, Ralstonia solanacearum, Pectobacterium atrosepticum, and Dickeya solani. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis identified the phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the extracts. Regarding phenolic acid compounds, benzoic, ellagic, gallic, and o-coumaric acids were found as the main compounds in ethanol, acetone, and aqueous extracts. Regarding flavonoids, rutin, myricetin, and quercetin were identified in aqueous, acetone, and ethanol extracts. The results suggesting that the extracts can be used as environmentally friendly bioagents.
Antagonistic potential of some bacterial strains against Xanthomonas campestris, the cause of bacterial blight in Hordeum vulgare
Authors: El-Wakil Deiaa A. , Essa Ashraf M. M.
Published: August 2021

Bacterial blight disease due to Xanthomonas campestris pv. translucens results in yield losses in barley, Hordeum vulgare L., especially in warm climates. Bio-based bactericides represent a safe alternative to harmful chemicals for controlling a wide range of phytopathogens. The bacterial strains (Brevibacterium linens, Bacillus subtilis, B. thuringiensis) were tested as antagonistic potential against X. campestris disease in barley seedlings. Antagonists were applied as seed biopriming and soil drench in X. campestris infested soil. Soil-drenching treatment was more efficient than the biopriming application. A significant increase in shoot length with a clear decrease in seed germination was recorded. Fresh and dry weights of shoot and root lengths of the treated plants were markedly improved. The remarkable antagonistic activity of B. linens, B. subtilis, and B. thuringiensis against X. campestris could be attributed to the capability to produce bioactive molecules that can trigger systemic resistance in the infected seedlings.
Biological and electrical resistance of acetylated flax fibre reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Bledzki Andrzej Korneliusz , Lucka Marta , Al Mamun Abdullah , Michalski Janusz
Published: August 2021

Flax fibre reinforced polypropylene composites were fabricated using a high speed mixer followed by injection moulding. Prior to composite production, the fibre was modified by acetylation in the presence of perchloric acid. The effect of acetylation of the fibre was assessed on the basis of moisture resistance and dielectric properties of the resulting composites. It was found that the moisture absorption and swelling properties of the composites were reduced respectively to 60% and 30% due to acetylation. Two different types of biocide were mixed with untreated flax fibre, and the samples were exposed to decay fungi for up to 3 months along with control polypropylene. The composites with acetylated fibres showed good protection against fungi, and biocide had less effect on biological resistance. The dielectric properties of the flax-polypropylene composites were also estimated as a function of aging period. The composites with modified fibre showed more improvement in dielectric properties compared to the composites with untreated fibres. The mechanical properties were investigated for those composites. Tensile and flexural strengths of composites were found to be increased following acetylation due to modification, and strength properties of both untreated and acetylated flax fibre reinforced polypropylene composites decreased with respect to aging period. The Charpy impact strengths of composites were found to increase with increasing aging periods.
Empiric Vancomycin Reduction in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Lanata Mariana M. , Diaz Alejandro , Hecht Shaina M. , Katragkou Aspasia , Gallup Nathaniel , Buckingham Don A. , Tansmore Jessica L. , Sargel Cheryl , Watson Joshua R. , Karsies Todd
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

At our institution, empirical vancomycin is overused in children with suspected bacterial community-acquired infections (CAIs) admitted to the PICU because of high community rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Our goal was to reduce unnecessary vancomycin use for CAIs in the PICU.

METHODS

Empirical PICU vancomycin indications for suspected CAIs were developed by using epidemiological risk factors for MRSA. We aimed to reduce empirical PICU vancomycin use in CAIs by 30%. After retrospectively testing, the indications were implemented and monthly PICU empirical vancomycin use during baseline (May 2017–April 2018) and postintervention (May 2018–July 2019) periods. Education was provided to PICU providers, vancomycin indications were posted, and the antibiotic order set was revised. Statistical process control methods tracked improvement over time. Proven S aureus infections for which vancomycin was not empirically prescribed and linezolid or clindamycin use were balancing measures.

RESULTS

We identified 1620 PICU patients with suspected bacterial CAIs. Empirical vancomycin decreased from a baseline of 73% to 45%, a 38% relative reduction. No patient not prescribed empirical vancomycin later required the addition of vancomycin or other MRSA-targeted antibiotics. There was no change in nephrotoxicity or in the balancing measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of clear and concise recommendations, combined with clinician education and decision support via an order set, was an effective and safe strategy to reduce PICU vancomycin use. Retrospective validation of the recommendations with local data were key to obtaining PICU clinician buy in.
Very Preterm Early Motor Repertoire and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 8 Years
Authors: Salavati Sahar , Bos Arend F. , Doyle Lex W. , Anderson Peter J. , Spittle Alicia J.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Children born very preterm (<32 weeks’ gestation) have more neurodevelopmental problems compared with term-born peers. Aberrant fidgety movements (FMs) are associated with adverse motor outcomes in children born very preterm. However, associations of aberrant FMs combined with additional movements and postures to give a motor optimality score-revised (MOS-R) with school-aged cognitive and motor outcomes are unclear. Our aim with this study was to determine those associations.

METHODS

Of 118 infants born <30 weeks’ gestation recruited into a randomized controlled trial of early intervention, 97 had a general movements assessment at 3 months’ corrected age and were eligible for this study. Early motor repertoire including FMs and MOS-R were scored from videos of infant’s spontaneous movement at 3 months’ corrected age. At 8 years’ corrected age, cognitive and motor performances were evaluated. Associations of early FMs and MOS-R with outcomes at 8 years were determined using linear regression.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight (80%) infants with early motor repertoire data had neurodevelopmental assessments at 8 years. A higher MOS-R, and favorable components of the individual subscales of the MOS-R, including the presence of normal FMs, were associated with better performance for general cognition, attention, working memory, executive function and motor function at 8 years; eg, presence of normal FMs was associated with a 21.6 points higher general conceptual ability score (95% confidence interval: 12.8–30.5; P < .001) compared with absent FMs.

CONCLUSIONS

Favorable early motor repertoire of infants born <30 weeks is strongly associated with improved cognitive and motor performance at 8 years.
O discurso sobre as "gangues latinas" na imprensa espanhola e seu impacto sobre a resposta político-criminal
Authors: Soriano Juan Pablo Gatica , Peres-Neto Luiz
Published: August 2021

O presente estudo procura por um lado, fazer uma sociologia dos discursos midiáticos presentes na esfera pública - sobre delinqüência juvenil e gangues -, buscando identificar os tópicos e arquétipos que contribuem para a associação da “estética latina”, imigrante, com a delinqüência juvenil e, de outro lado, analisaremos os possíveis impactos destes discursos no processo político de reforma penal da Lei Orgânica de Responsabilidade Penal do Menor, assim como seus conseqüentes desdobramentos entre associações de jovens como os Latin Kings, Ñetas, entre outros.
Think Different : Estilos de Vida Digitais e a Cibercultura como Expressão Cultural
Authors: Felinto Erick
Published: August 2021

O conceito de cibercultura conquistou inquestionável direito de cidadania no campo das ciências humanas, onde tem se constituído como horizonte de questões relevantes para disciplinas tão diferentes como a antropologia, a filosofia ou a teoria literária. Contudo, sua amplitude e indefinição crônicas a aproximam da Comunicação, como um saber nebuloso, transdisciplinar e em constante reavaliação de suas fronteiras. O objetivo deste trabalho é propor uma definição operatória da Cibercultura como formação discursiva ou cultural (Cf. Matrix, 2006; Foster, 2005), com estruturas epistemológicas coerentes e passível de abordagem a partir de uma perspectiva unificadora.
A ecologia pluralista das mídias locativas
Authors: Santaella Lucia
Published: August 2021

A partir do final dos anos 1980, o termo "hibridismo" tornou-se palavra-chave para caracterizar as sociedades contemporâneas, especialmente, as latino-americanas. Depois da explosão das redes planetárias de comunicação e da WWW (World Wide Web), o uso das palavras "hibridismo", "híbrido" e "hibridização" ou "hibridação" expandiu-se consideravelmente para se referir tanto à convergência das mídias no mundo digital quanto à mistura de linguagens na hipermídia, ou seja, a junção do hipertexto com a multimídia que define a linguagem que é própria das redes. Recentemente, o uso do vocábulo "hibridismo" expandiu-se ainda mais para se referir à interconexão dos espaços físicos de circulação com os espaços virtuais de informação a que os usuários de dispositivos móveis se conectam. Nestes espaços vêm se desenvolvendo práticas de mídias locativas. Este artigo objetiva evidenciar essas práticas como exemplares de uma ecologia pluralista da cultura característica do estado atual da cibermídia.
Tecnologias de comunicação, entretenimento e competências cognitivas na cibercultura
Authors: Régis Fátima
Published: August 2021

As mídias digitais têm revolucionado a indústria de entretenimento. O interesse nessas mudanças advém do fato de que os produtos de divertimento contemporâneos parecem demandar não apenas atividades mentais, mas a ação do corpo e das formas cognitivas que não podem ser reduzidas às habilidades conteudísticas pelas quais julgamos a cultura de massa tradicional. Por se tratar de habilidades que requerem capacitação em diversas áreas, decidimos denominá-las competências cognitivas. O objetivo do presente texto é investigar quais competências cognitivas estariam sendo requeridas e estimuladas nas práticas comunicativas do usuário dos produtos modernos de entretenimento. Uma investigação preliminar nos encoraja a encaminhar a hipótese de que tais competências seriam sensoriais, lógicas, criativas, sociais e cibertextuais.
Explorações sobre práticas metodológicas na pesquisa em comunicação
Authors: Bonin Jiani Adriana
Published: August 2021

A proposta deste artigo é refletir sobre a metodologia na pesquisa de comunicação, a partir do exame de práticas concretas que alicerçam o fazer investigativo. Para realizar este objetivo busco, inicialmente, delinear algumas perspectivas que orientam a reflexão relativa à metodologia como dimensão constitutiva do processo de construção da pesquisa para, em seguida, caracterizar e refletir sobre o sentido de certas práticas constitutivas da ação investigativa. Especificamente, são objeto de exame as práticas de pesquisa da pesquisa, teórica, metodológica, de contextualização e exploratória.
Meios em mistura
Authors: Gonçalves Márcio Souza
Published: August 2021

O artigo desenvolve uma discussão teórica sobre como articular meios de comunicação, subjetividades e culturas, discussão relevante para um momento em que o campo da teoria da comunicação deve lidar com o aparecimento de diversas novas mídias tributárias do digital. A partir da análise da leitura e da produção de sentido com textos, indica-se a importância da noção de mistura como conceito-chave para tal articulação. Sustenta-se que a noção de mistura permite que se apreenda de modo mais delicado e nuançado a relação entre meios, culturas e humanos do que as grandes caracterizações do tipo cultura oral, impressa ou digital, caracterizações francamente dependentes do determinismo tecnológico. Finalmente, desenvolve-se a proposta de que essa maior delicadeza teórica permite diferenciar contextos culturais que de outro modo seriam confundidos, como por exemplo o contexto europeu e o brasileiro.
O sentido da teoria na pesquisa em comunicação
Authors: Martino Luís Mauro Sá
Published: August 2021

Qual o sentido de “teoria” nos estudos de Comunicação? O que significa escrever um “capítulo teórico” ou “aplicar uma teoria” em uma pesquisa? Essas questões, nascidas das práticas de ensino e orientação, apontam para a existência de três problemas epistemológicos referentes à compreensão do que é “teoria” e sua ação na atividade de pesquisa. A partir de análise bibliográfica, situações de ensino e orientação e estudos empíricos anteriores, este artigo delineia essas três visões que entendem a teoria (1) em oposição à prática, (2) como conjunto de proposições relativas a questões contextuais mais amplas e (3) como o conhecimento prévio de um campo. Indica-se, em cada caso, perspectivas para aoperacionalização metodológica da teoria durante todo o processo de pesquisa.
Application of digital technology in enhancing tax revenue collection: the case of micro businesses in Tanzania
Authors:   The Open University of Tanzania, Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania, Oreku G. S.
Published: August 2021

In spite of the importance of Micro Businesses (MBs) in forming a wide tax base, there isn’t a clear practical approach to tax administration of MBs in many developing countries. Specifically, there is limited information on how digital technology can address tax administration challenges for MBs. This paper explores the potentials of digital technology to enhance tax revenue collection and its administration to Micro Businesses in the Tanzanian context. The data on tax administration, challenges impeding tax administration to MBs, and the potential of digital technology used in tax administration were collected by questionnaire and interview. Interviews were conducted with 24 informants from Tanzania Revenue Authority, and 137 Micro Business candidates from various business sectors were provided with a questionnaire in Dar es Salaam, which is the head office of tax administration and the economic hub of Tanzania. Thematic approach was used to analyse the qualitative data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data through SPPS. The findings revealed that the current tax practices to MBs do not comply with tax theories of low administration cost, wide tax base, and simple-to-administer tax procedure. The findings revealed that the challenges like lack of record keeping, lack of knowledge on tax payment procedures, unknown tax collection channels, and multiple taxes can be tackled by establishing strong relationship mechanisms between TRA and MBs and using digital technology solutions to tackle challenges. The study suggests some digital technology solutions to address the challenges. Leading to that practical aspect of tax administration that can guide policy makers and tax administrators was introduced.
Political tax cycles: Cyclicality of the tax burden in election periods
Authors:   Bank BelVEB OJSC, Minsk, Belarus, Rudy K. V. ,   Belarus State Economic University, Minsk, Belarus
Published: August 2021

The article discusses changes in the tax burden in election and post-election years in countries with different levels of economic and political development. The study uses the data on 121 countries for the period between 1991 and 2019 to test two hypotheses: 1) in election years, governments tend to boost spending while in post-election years government expenditures decline, which determines a similar dynamic of the tax burden; 2) in election years the tax burden decreases and in post-election years it either increases or decreases at a slower rate than in election periods. Methodologically, the study relies on multi-factor regression analysis of panel data. As a result, the first hypothesis is confirmed for high-income countries where the governments increase their spending to ensure the incumbent’s re-election and cut their expenditures after the election. In developed countries, in election years, the government’s spending was 0.4% higher than in other periods. In developed countries, governments were motivated to raise rather than reduce the tax burden in order to compensate for their increased expenditures. No common pattern of declining tax burden in election periods was detected for all observed countries, for groups of countries by income level (high-income, middle- or low-income) or for groups of countries by political regime type (democratic and non-democratic– hybrid or authoritarian). However, the analysis of the annual data on taxes has shown that the decline in the tax burden can occur in countries with developing economic and political systems as was the case with Armenia, Russia and Ukraine in 1992–2019. In general, the findings demonstrate that the governments are more prone to using monetary and fiscal rather than tax instruments in election periods.
Soil enzymatic activity under coffee cultivation with different water regimes associated to liming and intercropped brachiaria
Authors: Rodrigues Raquel Nogueira , Reis Junior Fábio Bueno dos , Lopes André Alves de Castro , Rocha Omar Cruz , Guerra Antônio Fernando , Veiga Adriano Delly , Mendes Ieda de Carvalho
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT: This research evaluated the effects of coffee cultivation with two different water regimes associated or not with liming and the presence/absence of brachiaria as intercrop on the activities of the soil enzymes β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase and acid phosphatase. The study was carried out at the experimental farm of Embrapa Cerrados, using the cultivar IAC 144 (Coffea arabica L.), under a clayey dystrophic Cerrado Oxisol. Two water regimes (WR) were considered, WR1 with irrigation shifts throughout the year and WR3 with controlled water stress, for about 70 days, in the dry season. In each water regime, effects of lime application (with/without) and the presence/absence of brachiaria cultivated between the lines of coffee plants were evaluated. The activities of the enzymes β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase and acid phosphatase were evaluated during the rainy and dry seasons. Liming and intercropped brachiaria positively affected the activities of the three enzymes assessed in this study at varying degrees, depending on season and/or the WR. Our findings evidenced that intercropped brachiaria in coffee rows was the factor that most positively impacted soil enzymes activities.
Toxicological effects of thimerosal on rat kidney: a histological and biochemical study
Authors: Ijaz M. U. , Majeed S. A. , Asharaf A. , Ali T. , Al-Ghanim K. A. , Asad F. , Zafar S. , Ismail M. , Samad A. , Ahmed Z. , Al-Misned F. , Riaz M. N. , Mahboob S.
Published: August 2021

Abstract Thimerosal is an organomercurial compound, which is used in the preparation of intramuscular immunoglobulin, antivenoms, tattoo inks, skin test antigens, nasal products, ophthalmic drops, and vaccines as a preservative. In most of animal species and humans, the kidney is one of the main sites for mercurial compounds deposition and target organs for toxicity. So, the current research was intended to assess the thimerosal induced nephrotoxicity in male rats. Twenty-four adult male albino rats were categorized into four groups. The first group was a control group. Rats of Group-II, Group-III, and Group-IV were administered with 0.5µg/kg, 10µg/kg, and 50µg/kg of thimerosal once a day, respectively. Thimerosal administration significantly decreased the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione (GSH), and protein content while increased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels dose-dependently. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, urobilinogen, urinary proteins, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels were substantially increased. In contrast, urinary albumin and creatinine clearance was reduced dose-dependently in thimerosal treated groups. The results demonstrated that thimerosal significantly increased the inflammation indicators including nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activities, DNA and histopathological damages dose-dependently. So, the present findings ascertained that thimerosal exerted nephrotoxicity in male albino rats.