bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient subjective experience of treatment with long-acting injectable antipsychotics: a systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Fiore Gianluca , Bertani Davide Elia , Marchi Mattia , Cardoso Graça , Galeazzi Gian Maria
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT Objective: To gain a better understanding of how long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) therapy is perceived by patients. Methods: A search for qualitative studies has been carried out on PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO and PsycArticles, yielding 11 studies suitable for a review of qualitative studies. The reporting approach chosen was meta-ethnography, following the ENTREQ statement recommendations. Key concepts common to the different studies were extrapolated and then analysed in a systematic and comparative way. Results: Some recurrent issues were associated with LAIs, such as fear of coercion, fear of needles and lack of knowledge about depot therapy. These topics are linked to each other and the patients most concerned about the disadvantages of LAIs are those who are less informed about them, or who have experienced coercion and trauma during hospitalisation. On the other hand, patients who had already received LAIs, and those who had a good therapeutic relationship with their healthcare providers expressed satisfaction with this form of treatment and its continuation. Conclusion: Long-acting injectable antipsychotics are a tool in the management of mental disorders, and a viable alternative to oral medication. Patients show curiosity towards this method of administration, but lack of knowledge is a common finding. Shared decision making about the use of LAIs antipsychotics requires that patients receive accurate information and support for their decision regarding medication.
Federal spending on social policies and the social determinants of health: where are we going?
Authors: Vieira Fabiola Sulpino
Published: March 2021

RESUMO A garantia do mais alto nível possível de saúde à população depende de investimentos públicos em políticas sociais, uma vez que a saúde é determinada por fatores relacionados com as condições nas quais as pessoas vivem e trabalham, os chamados Determinantes Sociais da Saúde (DSS). O objetivo deste artigo foi quantificar o gasto federal do Brasil com políticas sociais setoriais de 2010 a 2019, a fim de analisar sua trajetória recente, em uma conjuntura de crise econômica e de austeridade fiscal, e de discutir o risco de piora da situação de saúde da população. Para tanto, foram utilizados dados de execução financeira do Poder Executivo federal obtidos do Siga Brasil. Os resultados mostram redução do gasto com sete das dez políticas analisadas entre 2013 e 2019. Houve aumento de gasto para as políticas vinculadas à seguridade social, as quais se relacionam com direitos constitucionalmente inscritos, com tradição de exigibilidade de seu cumprimento via sistema de Justiça. Esses achados revelam que, a despeito do aumento de despesa para essas políticas, outras políticas importantes, que atuam sobre DSS, foram desfinanciadas, dificultando a obtenção de progressos na situação de saúde da população, ao mesmo tempo que a coloca sob risco de retrocesso.
Tendências da mercantilização no SUS do estado de São Paulo: análise territorial dos gastos com convênios e contratos de gestão com Organizações Sociais
Authors: Duarte Ligia Schiavon , Leme Junior Jair de Abreu , Santos Julia Amorim , Felipe Luiz Victor , Mendes Áquilas Nogueira
Published: March 2021

RESUMO As literaturas nacional e internacional indicam o redimensionamento do setor privado dentro dos sistemas públicos de saúde, com sua ampliação e constituição de novos arranjos. O trabalho objetiva analisar a dinâmica territorial no processo de mercantilização explícita no território do estado de São Paulo, identificando a distribuição espacial de recursos para a gestão privada de instituições públicas e a contratação de instituições sem fins lucrativos para a oferta de serviços. Recorreu-se às informações orçamentárias da Secretaria de Estado da Saúde de São Paulo, no período de 2010 a 2017. A análise dos dados permitiu observar uma participação relevante de despesas com gestão privada de instituições públicas (25,8%) e com contratação de instituições sem fins lucrativos para oferta de serviços (12,0%) nos gastos em saúde do estado, e o aumento real dos gastos em ambas as despesas ao longo do período. A análise territorial demonstrou que a contratação de gestão privada é um fenômeno característico da principal metrópole paulista, enquanto nas demais regiões prevalecem as despesas com contratação de instituições sem fins lucrativos para a oferta de serviços. Observa-se, também, que o estado despende recursos financeiros principalmente para a contratação da gestão dos equipamentos hospitalares, seguido dos ambulatórios.
Comportamento reprodutivo em mulheres ribeirinhas: inquérito de saúde em uma comunidade isolada do Médio Solimões, Amazonas, Brasil
Authors: Cabral Ivone , Cella Wilsandrei , Freitas Silvia Regina
Published: March 2021

RESUMO Os inquéritos de saúde conduzidos em comunidades geograficamente isoladas auxiliam na caracterização do comportamento reprodutivo e seus condicionantes. O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer o perfil da saúde sexual, reprodutiva e aspectos socioculturais e econômicos de mulheres ribeirinhas do Médio Solimões, Amazonas, Brasil. Estudo retrospectivo e descritivo feito com mulheres da comunidade da Vila Sião, Alvarães (AM). No total, 28 mulheres, com idades entre 18 e 57 anos, foram individualmente entrevistadas, utilizando formulário para a obtenção de dados socioculturais, históricos de vida sexual e reprodutiva. Os resultados das análises descritivas indicaram que as entrevistadas eram mestiças, com ensino fundamental, casadas e atuavam na agricultura familiar. Em relação à história de vida sexual das entrevistadas, notou-se que os relacionamentos eram duradouros, com os mesmos parceiros, e as primeiras gestações ocorreram ainda na adolescência. Os indicadores gestacionais mostraram predomínio de parto domiciliar. Essas mulheres apresentaram elevado coeficiente de fecundidade. No entanto, os históricos de perdas gestacionais atribuídos à eclâmpsia, a acidentes domésticos e a doenças enfatizam a importância do acompanhamento pré-natal para a promoção da saúde da gestante e do bebê. A partir desses resultados, conclui-se que a interiorização dos serviços de saúde é essencial para que uma assistência médica especializada chegue até as comunidades ribeirinhas e isoladas do Amazonas, Brasil.
A atenção à saúde dos reclusos em Maputo: é viável avaliar?
Authors: Anli Cremilde , Cruz Marly Marques da , Oliveira Luisa Gonçalves Dutra de
Published: March 2021

RESUMO O objetivo foi realizar um estudo de avaliabilidade da atenção à saúde dos reclusos no Estabelecimento Penitenciário Provincial de Maputo (EPPM) – Moçambique com base na descrição da estrutura e dos processos de atenção à saúde no EPPM e na descrição dos contextos externos e organizacionais que interferem na atenção à saúde. Estudo de caso único com abordagem qualitativa usando as técnicas de análise documental, observação direta e questionário. Verificou-se que o EPPM possui estrutura precária, falta de insumos e profissionais em número insuficiente para a assistência à saúde. Reclusos formados como educadores de pares e ou como chefes de saúde dão apoio às atividades do posto médico, gerando seu empoderamento no Estabelecimento Penitenciário (EP). A atenção à saúde do recluso em Moçambique não é objeto de debate e não está incluída nas políticas do Serviço Nacional de Saúde, o que resulta em atenção inadequada e insuficiente. O estudo sugere a importância e viabilidade de futuras pesquisas de avaliação da atenção à saúde prisional em Moçambique para que a implantação das ações seja baseada em evidências.
Violência institucional e enfermidade mental: narrativas de egressos de um manicômio da Bahia
Authors: Cardoso Antonio José Costa , Silva Gabriela Andrade da , Antunes Renê Luís Moura , Santos Jaqueline Leu , Silva Daniela Viana da , Branco Samuel Martins de Jesus , Bessoni Enrique Araujo
Published: March 2021

RESUMO Sob a perspectiva da Reforma Psiquiátrica, a presente pesquisa objetivou apresentar relatos de violência institucional em internações de longa duração em um manicômio a partir de itinerários de vida de pessoas em processo de desinstitucionalização. Foi realizada observação participante de nove beneficiários do Programa De Volta para Casa desospitalizados há 13 anos em município de grande porte da Bahia. Os diários de campo, assim como transcrições de entrevistas semiestruturadas com três profissionais de saúde, foram transformados em nove narrativas, que, analisadas qualitativamente, permitiram identificar violências sofridas no período anterior à admissão no hospital e da internação. As razões de internação diferiram por gênero: homens foram internados por crimes contra a pessoa; mulheres, por ‘quebra de resguardo’, frustrações amorosas e violência física e sexual. Durante a internação, emergiram o cotidiano administrado e a exposição à violência institucional (ausência de atividades socioterapêuticas, medicação em doses punitivas com efeito sedativo, negligência à saúde física, agressão física, confinamento, ‘injeção’ e ‘choque elétrico’, preconceito, estigma), em que os sujeitos tiveram neutralizadas suas possibilidades de reação à dominação. Os resultados proporcionaram reflexão sobre a violência do Estado, crucial no atual contexto de desconstrução da Política Nacional de Saúde Mental.
As psicologias construídas no SUS: possibilidades e desafios profissionais no agreste pernambucano
Authors: Souza Vanessa Alves de , Mendonça Érika de Sousa
Published: March 2021

RESUMO O artigo aborda a atuação do psicólogo no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), sob a perspectiva de profissionais inseridos nos contextos da Atenção Primária à Saúde e da média complexidade. O objetivo foi investigar práticas psicológicas realizadas, discutindo possibilidades e desafios. A pesquisa utilizou-se do método qualitativo, buscando a construção de informações e reflexões a partir das narrativas de dez psicólogos atuantes em quatro municípios do agreste pernambucano. Após aprovação do projeto de investigação junto ao Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa, foram realizadas entrevistas individuais, semiestruturadas, que foram posteriormente transcritas e categorizados segundo as técnicas da Análise de Conteúdo. Constatou-se que a atuação do psicólogo no SUS tem sido refletida pelos profissionais, que apontam necessidade de revisão de propostas nos cursos universitários, uma vez que chegam despreparados para a atuação frente ao SUS. O resultado evidencia a ampliação de possibilidades de atuação, com experimentações e articulações multidisciplinares, ao mesmo tempo que se revela que esses psicólogos não dialogam entre si, numa construção coletiva de seus fazeres cotidianos. Por fim, defende-se que uma atuação profissional técnica, instrumentalizada e reconhecida é tão necessária quanto um fazer que se põe em abertura aos devires de um fazer da psicologia junto ao SUS.
O (des)engajamento social na modernidade líquida: sobre participação social em saúde
Authors: Miwa Marcela , Ventura Carla
Published: March 2021

RESUMO A modernidade líquida é caracterizada, sobretudo, pela fluidez e pelo derretimento das limitações da liberdade individual de escolher e agir, diluindo a importância de padrões, códigos, regras e referências sociais, estimulando o desejo, especialmente o desejo do consumo, impulsionado pelo predomínio da individualidade em detrimento de valores coletivos. É nesse cenário, caracterizado principalmente pela fluidez, crescente individualização e consequente desengajamento, que se precisa pensar a possibilidade e a efetividade da participação social nas questões de saúde. O presente ensaio pretende identificar possíveis formas de participação social em saúde em nível local, isto é, nas unidades de Atenção Primária à Saúde, e analisá-las sob a ótica da modernidade líquida, estudada por Zygmunt Bauman, no intuito de melhor compreender a dinâmica do (des)engajamento social. A leitura da realidade macrossocial, pela ótica da modernidade líquida, demonstrou-se recurso enriquecedor para a compreensão de como a fluidez nas interações, das sociedades consideradas pós-modernas, pode influenciar no envolvimento das pessoas na participação em saúde.
Evaluating supplier sustainability using fuzzy 2-tuple representation
Authors: Osiro Lauro , Costa Rodrigo Antônio de Morais Barros Vieira da , Lima Junior Francisco Rodrigues
Published: March 2021

abstract: In the last years, the participation of suppliers in the development, production, and distribution of products has increased. In this way, the sustainability of an organization depends more and more on these partners. The supplier sustainability assessment must be based on the economic, environmental and social tripod called the triple bottom line (TBL). Due to the recent adoption of qualitative metrics related to environmental and social issues in business management, models that deal with qualitative assessments based on experts’ judgments have been required. This paper proposes a supplier sustainability assessment model based on fuzzy 2-tuple linguistic representation using TBL criteria. A pilot application involving the evaluation of 11 suppliers using 13 criteria was carried out in a company that manufactures agricultural products. The application results indicate that supplier 8 presents the higher performance. The criteria evaluated as the most relevant are delivery schedule and product quality. Due to the use of fuzzy 2-tuple representation, the proposed model presents some advantages over the previous similar models, such as the ability to model quantitative and qualitative criteria as well as categorize the supplier's overall performance into groups defined by fuzzy linguistic terms.
Zinc and copper fractions in Oxisols of different textures fertilized with pig slurry
Authors: Magalhães Sulamirtes S. de A. , Weber Oscarlina L. dos S.
Published: March 2021

HIGHLIGHTS Higher concentrations of exchangeable Zn were found in areas with pig slurry application. No higher concentrations of Cu were found in the exchangeable fraction in areas using pig slurry. In all study areas, it was observed that more than 70% of Cu is in recalcitrant forms.
Sistema de crédito e crises em Marx: o ciclo industrial e as suas fases
Authors: Grazziotin Henrique de Abreu , Herrlein Jr. Ronaldo
Published: March 2021

Resumo O artigo apresenta a teoria dos ciclos industriais de Marx, efetuando uma síntese e uma sistematização de sua abordagem sobre este tema, que se encontra fragmentada ao longo de diversos trechos da Seção V do Livro III de O Capital. A teoria dos ciclos industriais de Marx explica por que e como o sistema de crédito periodicamente impulsiona a produção capitalista a crises endógenas de superprodução e pânico financeiro. O artigo apresenta os elementos teóricos básicos necessários para a compreensão do sistema de crédito na abordagem de Marx, para posteriormente sistematizar a sua teoria, caracterizando cada fase do ciclo e indicando as causas dos movimentos observados a partir da dinâmica do crédito, que afeta diretamente a reprodução capitalista.
Mudança estrutural e serviços intermediários: algumas evidências para o limiar do século XXI
Authors: Giovanini Adilson
Published: March 2021

Resumo Abordagens setoriais demonstram que as novas tecnologias de comunicação contribuem para a mudança no modo como as firmas organizam os seus processos produtivos, favorecendo a terceirização e o crescimento na participação de atividades de serviços intermediários. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o fenômeno da mudança estrutural, mediante o emprego da abordagem do subsistema (Momigliano; Siniscalco, 1982, 1986) para uma amostra composta por 43 países discriminada para o período 2000-2014. Essa abordagem integra verticalmente as atividades intermediárias que compõem cada subsistema, se mostra robusta à terceirização de atividades e possibilita a obtenção de indicadores de mudança estrutural mais confiáveis do que a abordagem setorial. Os resultados encontrados demonstram a ocorrência de um processo de reorganização produtivo caracterizado pela elevação na participação dos serviços intermediários. O estudo inova ao evidenciar a existência de tendência consistente de retração na participação dos subsistemas industriais no total de horas trabalhadas. Esse processo de desindustrialização não é explicado apenas pelo avanço do subsistema de serviços finais, mas principalmente pela crescente integração vertical observada para o subsistema de serviços intermediários. Esse subsistema registra retração na utilização de insumos oriundos dos subsistemas industriais, o que contraria alguns argumentos presentes na literatura de serviços intermediários.
Mensurar o trabalho não pago no Brasil: uma proposta metodológica
Authors: Melo Hildete Pereira de , Morandi Lucilene
Published: March 2021

Resumo As estatísticas mostram que, em todo o mundo, as mulheres são as maiores responsáveis pelo trabalho de reprodução da vida humana, que envolve as tarefas domésticas e de cuidados, definido como trabalho não pago. É preciso que se reconheça seu valor e importância para a sociedade. Uma forma de fazer isso é mostrar o volume de riqueza, na forma de bens e serviços, gerados por esse trabalho invisível, através de sua mensuração/valoração. Para isso, é necessária a criação de uma Conta Satélite do trabalho não-pago, cumprindo um dos objetivos propostos pela ONU na lista de Metas para o Milênio. Desta forma, este estudo propõe a discussão de um indicador social do trabalho não pago para o Brasil a ser incorporado às Contas Nacionais. Este trabalho discute o significado das Contas Satélites para as estatísticas de gênero, realçando a importância econômica dos afazeres domésticos e cuidados, não apenas para as famílias mas para a sociedade como um todo, destacando as dificuldades em conciliar trabalho e família para as pessoas responsáveis pelo trabalho não pago. Por fim, o texto desenvolve uma proposta metodológica para estimar o trabalho não-pago no Brasil compatível com a metodologia das contas nacionais.
Investigating MoP bearing wear behavior in a hip simulator with muscular properties
Authors: Bahçe Erkan , Karaman Derya
Published: March 2021

Metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) hip replacements with a CoCrMo alloy femoral head and an ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular cup are strongly preferred due to their high clinical success. Despite this success, the wear of the bearing surfaces that causes a reduction in the prosthetic use of joint prostheses is still a baffling problem that cannot be solved. Although much research has been done on the tribological behavior of UHMWPE, there are a limited number of studies on the UHMWPE wear mechanism of all components in a hip prosthesis. This study aimed to determine the effect of all components of a total hip prosthesis on the wear behavior of UHMWPE according to three different gait cycles. The wear tests performed at the hip simulator were performed with reference to the hip joint movements and a maximum of 3000 N loads specified in ISO 14242-1. In addition to the abrasive and fatigue wear types of UHMWPE undercoat cups. It was observed that the third-body wear type, which was buried on the surface of polyethylene bearing Ti6Al4V alloy, occurred after 5 million cycles. As a result, according to wear test based on friction elements, it was determined that all hip prosthetic components play an active role in polyethylene wear due to repetitive movement and loading. Moreover, it was concluded that the wear model presented by finite-element analysis can predict the formation of wear in hip prostheses in a reasonable manner.
Microplastics in soils: an environmental geotechnics perspective
Authors: O’Kelly Brendan C , El-Zein Abbas , Liu Xiaoli , Patel Anjan , Fei Xunchang , Sharma Susmita , Mohammad Arif , Goli Venkata Siva Naga Sai , Wang Jing Jing , Li Dunzhu , Shi Yunhong , Xiao Liwen , Kuntikana Ganaraj , Shashank Bettadapura Subramanyam , Sarris Theo S , Hanumantha Rao Bendadi , Mohamed Abdel Mohsen O , Paleologos Evan K , Nezhad Mohaddeseh Mousavi , Singh Devendra N
Published: March 2021

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging persistent contaminants in the terrestrial subsurface, and evidence has emerged for significant effects of MPs on the biological and ecosystem functions of soils. Main MP sources include land spreading of sewage sludge and biowaste composts, plastic mulching film used in horticultural fields, waste water irrigation and leachate from the landfills, among others. This updated state-of-the-art review paper describes recent experimental and numerical research and developments in understanding the accumulation and fate and effects of MPs in the soil environment (focusing on their storage, degradation, transportation, leaching to groundwater etc.), followed by mitigation and bioremediation measures, including MP-eating soil bacteria and fungi and the best management practices for reducing MP pollution of soil. Other areas covered are the combined effects of MPs and various other environmental contaminants (heavy metals, organic pollutants and antibiotics) in soil ecosystems and the standardisation of methods for detection, quantification and characterisation of MPs in soils, which is critical for MP research. The paper concludes by identifying knowledge gaps and presents recommendations on prioritised research needs.
The Rhesus Macaque Serves As a Model for Human Lateral Branch Nephrogenesis
Authors: Schuh Meredith P. , Alkhudairy Lyan , Potter Andrew , Potter S. Steven , Chetal Kashish , Thakkar Kairavee , Salomonis Nathan , Kopan Raphael
Published: March 2021

Significance Statement

Premature infants far fewer nephrons than newborns on average, and thus are at increased risk for CKD and ESKD in adulthood. Most nephrons are added during late gestation in a poorly understood process, lateral branch nephrogenesis. As direct study of human late gestation fetal kidney development is fraught with ethical and technical difficulties, the rhesus macaque was identified as a suitable model to bridge this knowledge gap. The rhesus kidney undergoes human-like lateral branch nephrogenesis. Initial molecular characterization, validated on human kidney archival samples, indicates the kidney progenitor cell transcriptome changes over time. A molecular study of lateral branch nephrogenesis could be leveraged to enhance nephrogenesis in preterm infants.

Background

Most nephrons are added in late gestation. Truncated extrauterine nephrogenesis in premature infants results in fewer nephrons and significantly increased risk for CKD in adulthood. To overcome the ethical and technical difficulties associated with studies of late-gestation human fetal kidney development, third-trimester rhesus macaques served as a model to understand lateral branch nephrogenesis (LBN) at the molecular level.

Methods

Immunostaining and 3D rendering assessed morphology. Single-cell (sc) and single-nucleus (sn) RNA-Seq were performed on four cortically enriched fetal rhesus kidneys of 129–131 days gestational age (GA). An integrative bioinformatics strategy was applied across single-cell modalities, species, and time. RNAScope validation studies were performed on human archival tissue.

Results

Third-trimester rhesus kidney undergoes human-like LBN. scRNA-Seq of 23,608 cells revealed 37 transcriptionally distinct cell populations, including naïve nephron progenitor cells (NPCs), with the prior noted marker genes CITED1, MEOX1, and EYA1 (c25). These same populations and markers were reflected in snRNA-Seq of 5972 nuclei. Late-gestation rhesus NPC markers resembled late-gestation murine NPC, whereas early second-trimester human NPC markers aligned to midgestation murine NPCs. New, age-specific rhesus NPCs (SHISA8) and ureteric buds (POU3F4 and TWIST) predicted markers were verified in late-gestation human archival samples.

Conclusions

Rhesus macaque is the first model of bona fide LBN, enabling molecular studies of late gestation, human-like nephrogenesis. These molecular findings support the hypothesis that aging nephron progenitors have a distinct molecular signature and align to their earlier human counterparts, with unique markers highlighting LBN-specific progenitor maturation.
Politicization of Sports Through Media: Syncretism of Social Institutions
Authors: Yefanov Aleksandr
Published: March 2021

Modern realities suggest a special syncretic process – the politicization of sports through the media. Despite the fact, that such determinants are dialectically characteristic of countries in conditions of international tension (including latent nature), as was the case in the 20th century during the many years of confrontation between USSR and USA, the events of 2018 forced to view this picture from the standpoint of publishing political conflict, in which there was a representation of sporting events. The Olympic (so-called «doping») scandal against the Russian National Team was actively covered by European and Western media, which operated not only with rhetoric of irony, but also with the rhetoric of imaginary justice. And the discovery in the blood of a curling expert A. Krushelnitsky, meldonium and, as a result, the deprivation of his bronze medals at the Olympics-2018 became for the Western media the main (and only) proof of dishonest behavior of the National Team. In turn, the representation of the conflict by the Russian media was a mirror reaction. The politicization of sports through media at the present stage continued in the spring and summer of 2018 during the preparation and holding of the World Cup in Russia. Despite the prevalence of negative messages in the media agenda of foreign publications on the eve of the Championship (operating with the rhetoric of unreasonableness), the representation of a sporting event by the Russian media, which worked on the principle of media solidarization (complementing the agendas of «traditional» media and «new media» — blogging, social media) in accordance with the laws of media logic, constructed the atmosphere of a universal sports festival, which manifested itself at the level of high organization of both football matches at all sports venues in the country, and out-of-stage performances (flash mobs, concerts, etc.), with an emphasis on tolerance, security, service compliance with international standards, forced a number of Western and European media controllers begin to adhere to the rhetoric of recognition.
New Media for Science: Key Features of Platforms with Open Peer Review
Authors: Gorbunova Angelina , Zassoursky Ivan , Trishchenko Nataliia
Published: March 2021

The article deals with open peer reviewing as a new way of verifying results of researches in the scientific sector of digital media. The technological modernization of scientific publishers provides for solving some of the problems of the traditional peer reviewing. This explains the topicality of the study. The authors analyzed ten platforms with open peer review that are based in Europe, the USA and Canada. According to the results, a formally similar open peer review process may vary depending on the scope of authority a scientific community has, reviewers’ identification, authors’ opportunities to propose an expert, the degree of review openness, posting the revised versions, and involvement of the editorial board if any. The tools that the platforms use to encourage the scientific community to participate in commenting and reviewing the publications also matter. One of the key advantages of open peer reviewing is reducing the time required for publishing an article, which is crucial for some scientific fields.
Media Image of Jordan in Runet Media: Specifics of Non Personification
Authors: Volkova Irina , Ashour Haya
Published: March 2021

The article is a response to the discussion between Russian media researchers concerning the notion and meaning of media image. It outlines the key directions in the studies of the image of a state as media product, which influences the public opinion, social values and assumptions about the politics, economy and culture. Acknowledging the interdependence of a media image on stereotypes and archetypes, the authors put forward and test a hypothesis of effectiveness of forming a media image in the context of weakening this interdependence. They study the possibilities of forming a media image («by the media — for the society») in a reverse way, when the binary opposition of stereotyping could be destroyed via personification, and a socio-image («by the society — for the media») could be formed. In respect of a particular country, this procedure helps to realize and estimate the opportunities and contradictions of the digital media environment which is formed individually («journalist as subject») and institutionally («journalist as agent»). The research involved studying the media image of Jordan in web-based media publications in The Kommersant, The RBK, and The Rossiiskaya Gazeta in 2019. The choice of the country is explained by the fact that the King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, by his actions on the world stage and life style, weakens the archetypal inertia in the perception of the Arab state, which is a potential for forming a socio-image. The results of the study show that this potential is not utilized. The media image of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Ru-Net is formed institutionally to the benefit of Russia and is related to some stereotypes of the Arabs, and therefore, may be characterized as non personification.
The Coronavirus Pandemic in the Conceptual Sphere of Media Discourse in Russia and China: a Survival Strategy
Authors: Erofeeva Irina , Tolstokulakova Yulia , Muravyov Alexey
Published: March 2021

The article presents the results of a research into the problem of implementing cognitive models in processing information on the new coronavirus pandemic by Russian and Chinese mass media. The study involved a linguo-cultural analysis, a content analysis and a discourse analysis of publications in the period of March–June, 2020. The study is aimed at identifying and characterizing the concepts and communication semiotic resources of the media discourse used to present this information. The authors analyze over 600 texts of various genres and formats in Russian and Chinese media. The interpretative method helps to see the link between a media text and its social context, as well as between the interpretation of a fact in media discourse and the author’s and reader’s world models. According to the results of the study, processing and spreading any information, namely — the infodemic, or misinforming the public about the virus, involves a deliberate use of immanent concepts typical of members of a particular culture. The prevalent information flows about COVID-19 cause fear and trigger the instinct of self-preservation. In this context, it is the archetypes of the culture that are becoming the key remedy providing for modelling a culture-marked image of the country in the media landscape. The frames «weak body» and «death», and the theme of humans' vulnerability to the new threat have made people think about the purpose and values of life. The basic cognitive models in processing the frightening information are the core Chinese and Russian culture concepts, namely, collectivism, family, and good. The awakened cognitive stereotypes are aimed at preserving the social immunity of the country. The results of the study can be useful for fundamental interdisciplinary researches into basic cultural realias objectified in the media and in the works of journalists and other authors.
Opportunities for Tax Culture Formation of Self-Employed
Authors: Kireenko Anna , Izmailova Mariya
Published: March 2021

Self-employment in Russia characterized by a high level of shadow employment. The special tax regime was designed to carry out this activity from shadow. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the taxpayers behavior and their tax culture. The purpose of the article is to study the tax culture, factors influencing its demonstration in the taxpayers behavior, as well as to identify the features of tax culture in the field of self-employment. The information base of the article composed documents regulating the activities of self-employed, statistical data on the quantity, structure and dynamics of self-employment in the Russia and other countries, sociological surveys of self-employed. The main difference in the interpretation of tax culture is associated with the definition of its subjects. Therefore, the role of subjective factors in the taxpayers behavior is often overestimated. It is concluded that it is necessary to consider the issue of the tax culture of the self-employed not only from the point of view of their mentality, but first of all from the point of view of the external conditions of their activity. Low and irregular incomes, lack of social guarantees and financial support lead to the formation of the self-employed tax culture in the conditions of «survival». In this regard, actions to improve the tax culture by influencing internal factors are ineffective.
Research of Indicators of the Internal and External Environment Influencing the Implementation of the Demand Management System (Demand Side Management) in the Russian Industry
Authors: Dzyuba Anatoly
Published: March 2021

The relevance of the presented research is determined by the need of the Russian economy for the implementation of advanced methods for improving energy efficiency, one of which is the demand management system for electricity and gas consumption. The objective of the article is to identify a set of macro environmental factors that have a limiting effect on the implementation of an integrated demand management system for the consumption of electricity and natural gas in the Russian economy. The research methods are methods of analysis, synthesis and analytical grouping. On the basis of the PESTEL-analysis, the author carried out a classification of the entire spectrum of factors into six categories: political, economic, socio-cultural, technological, environmental and legal. For each factor the degree of influence on the project of introducing a demand management system was determined on the basis of four signs of degree of importance. According to the influence matrix, all the factors were ranked by degree of influence and probability of occurrence and were prioritized as high, medium and low. For the factors of high and medium priority, a complex of preemptive actions was developed, including administrative control, regulatory and innovative measures. The identified factors, as well as their detailed analysis and classification, form the basis for the development of methodological support for an integrated demand management model for electricity and gas consumption in Russia.
New Trends in the Development of Criminal Law in Modern China: a Review of Changes in Chinese Criminal Legislation
Authors: Pan Dongmei
Published: March 2021

The article discusses the latest changes in the Criminal Code of the People’s Republic of China that were introduced at the end of 2020. The amendments were adopted after numerous revisions and discussions, and were officially published on December 26, 2020. As a result, fifteen new offences were added to the Criminal Code, and 47 articles were modified or amended. These amendments refer to financial security, intellectual property, security of public healthcare, production of food and medications, and the regulation of criminal liability for crimes connected with minors. Thus, they reflect the reaction of criminal legislation to public life through the criminalization and penalization of some publically dangerous actions. At the same time, they indicate the direction of Chinese criminal policy that combines «leniency» and «strictness». For example, most of the newly added offences are minor. On the whole, changes and amendments to the current Criminal Code of China are connected with different institutes of criminal law: reduction of the age of criminal liability for some offences; addition of new offences; introduction of changes and amendments to the dispositions and sanctions of some of the existing offences; provision of an opportunity to impose penalties that are under the lower limit determined by the corresponding Article of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of China if the property obtained in the crime is recovered, or the economic damage to the victim is compensated.
Non-Obvious Solutions to the Problems of Countering Crimes by Force
Authors: Milyukov Sergey , Nikulenko Andrey
Published: March 2021

Currently the problem of countering socially dangerous actions is viewed as a national project that declares the right of citizens to safe living conditions. A growing attention is paid to the possibilities that citizens and law enforcers have to lawfully counteract the criminal expansion, to protect themselves and other people through lawful use of force against persons committing dangerous infringements. Besides, the citizens themselves are willing to help law enforcement officers, and both of these groups need secure legislative instruments that authorize inflicting harm on the interests protected by criminal law without fearing legal responsibility. The existing state of legislation and its enforcement cannot satisfy the interests of either those people who show their civic initiative in counteracting the criminal expansion, or the representatives of law enforcement involved in operative measures aimed at indentifying and detecting illegal actions. We believe that the current norms of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, primarily the norms of Chapter 8, are obviously not sufficient. Besides, their legislative formulations are far from perfect and make it possible to transfer the guilt for inflicting harm onto persons who inflicted this harm in the conditions precluding the criminal character of their actions. The authors suggest changing the legal regulation of these circumstances in criminal legislation and, on this basis, considerably amending the contents of Chapter 8 with new circumstances with the goal of improving the effectiveness of its practical implementation.
Criminal-Law Counteraction to Acts of Terrorism: Main Trends in Russian Research Dissertations (2010-2020)
Authors: Kibalnik Alexei , Volosyuk Pavel , Ivanov Alexei
Published: March 2021

The threat of terrorism is and will, in the foreseeable future, remain highly urgent for all states and societies. In this connection, numerous problems (including criminal law ones) of counteracting terrorism attract close attention of both Russian and foreign researchers who work in various fields of knowledge.
Russian dissertation theses of the past decade are dominated by the idea that acts of terrorism are specific threats to security and present a general (total) danger. It is becoming more and more common within the Russian doctrine to present formalized definitions of terrorism (terrorist activities) in its criminal law sense. On the other hand, a relatively new trend is the research of terrorism (terrorist activities) and its potential consequences within the framework of contemporary global threats, specifically, the analysis of the problem of terrorist activities in connection with the activities of international terrorist organizations.
The authors stress that Russian researchers pay much attention to the emergence of potentially new terrorist threats (cyberterrorism, environmental terrorism) and develop counteraction measures. Research of specific manifestations of terrorism is focused on acts of terrorism, which are viewed as the «core» of all terrorist activities. On the other hand, legislative extension of the list of terrorist crimes became an object of close attention for Russian authors. A popular trend in criminal law research is analyzing assistance to terrorism, financing terrorism, public calls for performing acts of terrorism, public justification and propaganda of terrorism.
One of the most widely discussed problems is that of criminalizing organized forms of terrorist activities (creation of terrorist groups and organizations, and participation in their activities) and criminalizing the act of international terrorism. A large-scale discussion was connected with the introduction of a norm that established the criminal character of failing to report a terrorist crime.
The analysis of Russian dissertation theses devoted to various aspects of criminal law counteraction to terrorism (terrorist activities) of 2010–2020 shows that Russian and foreign research shares key trends. It is concluded that, in spite of some criticism of the corresponding clauses in criminal legislation, most Russian researchers support the hard-line approach to counteracting terrorism. This approach presupposes further strengthening of repressions for crimes of terrorism, reducing or eliminating the possibility of using incentive norms of criminal legislation towards persons who committed terrorist crimes.
On Criminal Procedure and Criminalistic Measures of Counteracting Crimes Against Legal Entities
Authors: Aivazova Olga , Vardanyan Galina , Smirnova Irina
Published: March 2021

The article discusses some aspects of proving in cases of crimes against legal entities. The criminalistic description of the victim represented by a legal entity determines specific details of applying criminalistic and criminal procedure measures aimed at the identification, investigation, detection and prevention of such crimes. Under the current Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation, one of the elements of ordering criminal proceedings is the protection of rights and legal interests of organizations that became victims of crimes. Part 1 of Art. 42 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation details this guideline for the first time by giving legal entities, viewed as independent subjects of criminal procedure legal relations, the right to be recognized as victims of criminal actions if the crime inflicted damage on their property or business reputation. Nevertheless, the imperfections in the regulation of legal entities’ participation in criminal proceeding, and the insufficient attention to the specifics of realizing their rights and legal interests in comparison with the physical persons of a similar procedural status give rise to numerous problems. The complex of such problems has a negative impact on the effectiveness of investigating this category of crimes and, as a consequence, on the ability of criminal proceedings to produce the intended result. The literal interpretation of Part 1, Art. 42 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Russian Federation points out that the consequences of such crimes must include the infliction of two types of damage simultaneously — «to property and to business reputation», which can hardly be considered a good de­finition from the standpoint of juridical technique. Quite naturally, the investigation and court practice shows that law enforcers, while collecting proof on the character and size of damage inflicted on legal entities as a result of a crime, usually limit themselves to proving material damage, and even this damage is not proven in full (the common omission being losses of expected income). As for the damage inflicted on business reputation of a legal entity, its establishment during criminal proceedings is still problematic and, in practice, there is usually a gap in proving it. The authors point out that incomplete character of evidentiary information regarding the infliction of damage on the business reputation of legal entities is inadmissible and present their recommendations for resolving this problem, including the use of specialist knowledge and the improvements in the tactics of specific investigatory actions aimed at obtaining criminalistically relevant information on the case.
Contractual Capacity and the Conflict of Laws in Common-Law Jurisdictions (Part 2): Australasia, North America, Asia and Africa
Authors: Eesa A Fredericks
Published: March 2021

This series of two articles provides a comparative overview of the position in common-law jurisdictions on the conflict of laws in respect of the contractual capacity of natural persons. The comparative study is undertaken in order to provide guidelines for the future development of South African private international law. Reference is primarily made to case law and the opinions of academic authors. The legal position in the law of the United Kingdom, as the mother jurisdiction in Europe, was investigated in part 1.1 Although Scotland is a mixed civil/common-law jurisdiction, the situation in that part of the United Kingdom was also discussed.Part 2 deals with the rules and principles of private international law in respect of contractual capacity in Australasia (Australia and New Zealand), North America (the common-law provinces of Canada and the United States of America), Asia (India, Malaysia and Singapore) and Africa (Ghana and Nigeria). This part also contains a comprehensive summary of the legal position in the common-law countries, followed by ideas for the reform of South African private international law in this regard.
Teaching Human Rights in Commonwealth University Law Schools: Approaches and Challenges, With Passing References to Some South African Experiences
Authors: John Cantius Mubangizi  , DJ McQuoid-Mason
Published: March 2021

There have been a number of international commitments by members of the United Nations, including Commonwealth countries, to include human-rights education in their formal and informal education programmes. In addition, the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (CLEA), under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat, has produced a Model Human Rights Curriculum for Commonwealth countries. Despite these initiatives, there appears to have been no systematic programme for introducing human-rights education at Commonwealth universities. An increasing number of Commonwealth law schools, however, have introduced human-rights law by integrating it into existing law courses as a “stand-alone” optional or core course, or as a combination of both. In addition, university-based centres for human rights have been established. The importance of the role that universities can play in advancing human rights in countries transitioning from autocracy to democracy is illustrated with passing references to the South African experience.