Abstract Chinese migration has been driven by migration policies in Colombia contributing to factors such as the strengthening of diplomacy, economic opportunities, cultural exchange, etc. Due to the cross-border opening, Colombia has been able to attract a significant number of Chinese migrants generating a favorable environment for new opportunities and improving their living conditions. The objective of this research was to analyze the local perspectives of Chinese migration in Colombia and its impact on local development. A descriptive quantitative approach methodology was implemented through a deductive method to deepen the perceptions and impact in the national context. The instrument entitled “PMI Universidad ECCI” was designed and validated corresponding to its centuries: Perspectives of International Migration which inquired in 15 items of three perspectives: economic, social and cultural perspectives evaluated on a Likert scale A sample of 93 professional experts in international trade was used. The findings revealed that Chinese migration has generated a significant impulse in the development of the Colombian national territory, providing employment and cultural diversity, likewise, a permanent cooperation between north and south is suggested, promoting solid foreign and migration policies that promote inclusion. Finally, it is concluded that there are challenges and opportunities in terms of integration and equity in local conditions for the strengthening of international relations between both countries.

Resumen La migración china ha sido impulsada por políticas migratorias en Colombia contribuyendo a factores como el fortalecimiento de la diplomacia, oportunidades económicas, intercambio cultural, etc. Debido a la apertura transfronteriza, Colombia ha logrado atraer a un número significativo de migrantes chinos generando un ambiente propicio para nuevas oportunidades y mejorar sus condiciones de vida. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo el análisis de las perspectivas locales de la migración china en Colombia y su impacto en el desarrollo local. Se implementó una metodología de enfoque cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo por medio de un método deductivo para profundizar las percepciones e impacto en el contexto nacional. Se diseñó y validó el instrumento titulado “PMI Universidad ECCI” correspondientes a sus siglas: Perspectivas de la Migración Internacional el cual indagó en 15 ítems de tres perspectivas: económica, social y perspectivas culturales evaluadas en una escala Likert. Se utilizó una muestra de 93 profesionales expertos en comercio internacional. Los hallazgos revelaron que la migración china ha generado un impulso significativo en el desarrollo del territorio nacional colombiano, aportando empleo y diversidad cultural, asimismo, se sugiere una cooperación permanente dada entre norte-sur promoviendo políticas exteriores y de migración sólidas que fomenten la inclusión. Finalmente se concluye que existen desafíos y oportunidades en términos de integración y equidad en condiciones locales para el fortalecimiento de las relaciones internacionales entre ambos países.

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación es recopilar y analizar los textos de la revista Costa Rica de Ayer y Hoy, de 1949 a 1971, relacionados con las personas de ascendencia china. Esto para conocer el tipo de información que se publicaba acerca de esta comunidad, así como sus aportes percibidos, según las representaciones en los comunicados de prensa. Se selecciona esta revista por ser de origen puntarenense, de naturaleza cultural e histórica y sin injerencia política, como lo establece su editor y propietario. El trabajo utiliza métodos de investigación cualitativa de análisis de contenido y descriptivo para analizar las notas periodísticas obtenidas de las fuentes primarias, las cuales fueron las ediciones publicadas que se encuentran en el Sistema Nacional de Bibliotecas de Costa Rica. Los resultados muestran que la mayoría de las notas de prensa son de contenido comercial, pero también una parte importante de contenido histórico. En menos cantidad, se encuentran las de contenido educativo, deportivo, social, comunitario y literario. Se concluye del análisis que, de acuerdo con la revista, la comunidad china en Costa Rica ha contribuido con el desarrollo de las comunidades en donde se establecen.

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa é compilar e analisar os textos da revista Costa Rica de Ayer y Hoy, de 1949 a 1971, relacionados a pessoas de ascendência chinesa. Isso foi feito para descobrir o tipo de informação que foi publicada sobre essa comunidade, bem como suas contribuições percebidas, de acordo com as representações nos comunicados à imprensa. Essa revista foi selecionada por ser de origem de Puntarenas, de natureza cultural e histórica, e sem interferência política, conforme declarado por seu editor e proprietário. O trabalho utiliza métodos de pesquisa qualitativa de conteúdo e análise descritiva para analisar as notas jornalísticas obtidas das fontes primárias, que foram as edições publicadas encontradas no Sistema Nacional de Bibliotecas da Costa Rica. Os resultados mostram que a maioria dos comunicados de imprensa é de conteúdo comercial, mas também uma parte importante é de conteúdo histórico. Em menor quantidade, há conteúdo educacional, esportivo, social, comunitário e literário. Conclui-se da análise que, de acordo com a revista, a comunidade chinesa na Costa Rica tem contribuído para o desenvolvimento das comunidades onde está estabelecida.

Abstract The objective of this research is to compile and analyze the texts of the magazine Costa Rica de Ayer y Hoy, from 1949 to 1971, related to people of Chinese descent. This was done in order to learn the type of information that was published about this community, as well as their perceived contributions, according to the representations given by the press releases. This magazine was selected because it is of Puntarenas origin, of a cultural and historical nature, and without political interference, as established by its editor and owner. The work uses qualitative research methods of content and descriptive analysis to establish the journalistic notes obtained from the primary sources, which were the published editions found in the National Library System of Costa Rica. The results show that most of the press releases are of commercial content, but also an important part of historical content. In less quantity, there are those of educational, sports, social, community and literary content. The analysis concludes that, according to this magazine, the Costa Rican Chinese community has contributed to the development of the communities where they are established.

Abstract Counter-narcotics plans, the redefinition of threats to the U.S., and Chinese and Russian presence in Latin America and the Caribbean have reignited the debate on security assistance, which involves economic and military components. Several actors and the U.S. government allege ‘failed’ results regarding the drug war, and they recommend increasing the amount of such assistance. This article reviews the definition and how government, academia, and think tanks distinguish military from economic support. Official data from 2010-2022 show that 90% of foreign assistance correspond to economic assistance and 10 per cent to military assistance. To contrast this information, we propose the reclassification of the assistance items, through a critical analysis that yields different results where in the same period security assistance amounts to 35% of the total. This is an index of the systematic way, throughout different U.S. administrations, in which security goods and services tend to be placed in non-military security programs, as part of economic assistance, when by origin and objectives, they correspond with the military sphere.

Resumen Los planes antinarcóticos, la redefinición de las amenazas a EE. UU. y la presencia de China y Rusia en América Latina y el Caribe, han reanimado el debate sobre la asistencia en seguridad, que implica componentes tanto económicos como militares. Diversos actores y el Gobierno estadounidense alegan resultados “fallidos” de la guerra contra el narcotráfico y sugieren aumentar el rubro de dicha asistencia. Este artículo revisa la definición y el modo en que el Gobierno, la academia y laboratorios de pensamiento distinguen el apoyo militar del económico. Los datos oficiales de 2010-2022 arrojan que un 90 % de la asistencia exterior correspondería a la asistencia económica y solo un 10 % a la militar. Para contrastar esta información, se propone la reclasificación de los rubros de la asistencia mediante un análisis crítico que arroja resultados diferentes en el que en el mismo período la asistencia en seguridad asciende al 35 % del total. Esto es un indicio del modo sistemático, a lo largo de diferentes administraciones estadounidenses, en que los bienes y servicios de seguridad tienden a ser ubicados en programas de seguridad no militares, como parte de la asistencia económica, cuando por origen y objetivos, se corresponden con el ámbito militar.

RESUMEN Introducción: La pandemia del COVID-19 ha provocado cambios que afectan a los sistemas sanitarios y al enfoque de las enfermedades infecciosas en todo el mundo. La demanda de vacunas contra el COVID-19 se encuadra en un espectro que va desde el rechazo hasta la demanda, con una aceptación pasiva en el medio. Objetivo: Determinar la adherencia de los adultos a la vacunación contra la COVID-19. Chauria-Caballero, Paraguay 2022. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo. El muestreo fue no probabilístico por conveniencia. La muestra estuvo conformada por un total de 225 adultos; los datos fueron recabados por medio de una encuesta elaborada por la investigadora, los datos fueron procesados con el software EPI INFO. Resultados: La mayoría de los sujetos de estudio se vacunaron, y hubo adherencia de la población a la vacuna contra la COVID-19 en un 93 %; diversos factores influyeron en las decisiones de estos; el porcentaje de adultos no vacunados mencionan como motivos su desconfianza (69 %) y el miedo/temor a la vacunación (31 %). Discusión: El estudio encontró una alta adherencia en general, la gran mayoría de los participantes vacunados contra COVID-19, porcentajes significativos se reportaron en Chile, China y Catar, cifras muy altas con relación a la aceptación de la vacuna a nivel país, teniendo una cobertura con un porcentaje mayor a la mitad con al menos una dosis.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused changes that affect health systems and the approach to infectious diseases worldwide. The demand for COVID-19 vaccines falls on a spectrum from rejection to demand, with passive acceptance in between. Objective: To determine the adherence of adults to vaccination against COVID-19. Chauria-Caballero, Paraguay 2022. Methods: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study using a quantitative approach. For convenience, the sampling was non-probabilistic. The sample comprised of 225 adults. The data were collected through a survey elaborated by the researcher, and the data were processed using EPI INFO software. Results: The majority of the study subjects were vaccinated, and there was 93% adherence of the population to the COVID-19 vaccine. Various factors influenced their decisions; the percentage of unvaccinated adults mentioned their distrust (69%) and fear of vaccination (31%). Discussion: The study found high adherence in general, the vast majority of participants were vaccinated against COVID-19, with significant percentages reported in Chile, China, and Qatar, very high figures in relation to the acceptance of the vaccine at the country level, with coverage of more than half with at least one dose.

ABSTRACT The appropriate integration of information and communication technologies into the curriculum contributes to achieving high-quality education. Both the international community and the Chinese government have launched various policies and actions to promote the integration of information and communication technologies in education. This research was motivated by the improvement of the integration of information and communication technologies in the curriculum of Intensive Spanish at Linyi University, so its objective is to diagnose the current state of this integration process. Based on a Materialist Dialectical approach, this research used quantitative and qualitative research methods and techniques. A survey was applied to 107 students who had participated in the curriculum of Intensive Spanish and to 5 teachers who had taught this curriculum. The results show that the integration of information and communication technologies in the curriculum of Intensive Spanish at Linyi University still shows limitations in the creation of the computerized teaching-learning environment, the application of new ways of teaching-learning, and the transformation of the traditional teaching-learning structure of Spanish. Thus, the need and direction for improving the integration of information and communication technologies in the curriculum of Intensive Spanish at Linyi University was concluded in order to improve the quality of teaching and learning of Spanish.

RESUMEN La integración adecuada de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en las asignaturas contribuye a lograr una educación de alta calidad. Tanto la comunidad internacional como el gobierno chino lanzaron diversas políticas y acciones para promover la integración de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en la educación. Esta investigación estuvo motivada por el mejoramiento de la integración de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en la asignatura de Español Intensivo en la Universidad de Linyi, por lo que se plantea como objetivo, diagnosticar el estado actual de este proceso de integración. Basándose en un enfoque Dialéctico Materialista, esta investigación utilizó métodos y técnicas de investigación de naturaleza cuantitativa y cualitativa. Se aplicó una encuesta a 107 estudiantes que habían participado en la asignatura de Español Intensivo y a 5 docentes que les habían dado clases de esta asignatura. Los resultados demuestran que la integración de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en la asignatura de Español Intensivo en la Universidad de Linyi aún manifiesta limitaciones en la creación del entorno informatizado de enseñanza-aprendizaje, la aplicación de nuevas maneras de enseñanza-aprendizaje, y la transformación de la tradicional estructura de enseñanza-aprendizaje del español. Así se concluyó la necesidad y dirección del mejoramiento de la integración de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en la asignatura de Español Intensivo en la Universidad de Linyi a fin de mejorar la calidad de enseñanza y aprendizaje del español.

RESUMO A integração adequada das tecnologias de informação e comunicação nas disciplinas contribui para alcançar uma educação de alta qualidade. Tanto a comunidade internacional como o governo chinês lançaram diversas políticas e ações para promover a integração das tecnologias de informação e comunicação na educação. Esta pesquisa foi motivada pela melhoria da integração das tecnologias de informação e comunicação na disciplina de espanhol intensivo da Universidade de Linyi, portanto o objetivo é diagnosticar o estado atual deste processo de integração. Baseada numa abordagem Materialista Dialética, esta pesquisa utilizou métodos e técnicas de pesquisa de natureza quantitativa e qualitativa. Uma pesquisa foi aplicada a 107 alunos que participaram da disciplina Intensiva de Espanhol e a 5 professores que lhes ministraram esta disciplina. Os resultados mostram que a integração das tecnologias de informação e comunicação na disciplina de espanhol intensivo da Universidade de Linyi ainda manifesta limitações na criação do ambiente informatizado de ensino-aprendizagem, na aplicação de novas formas de ensino-aprendizagem e na transformação do ensino tradicional. -estrutura de aprendizagem do espanhol. Assim, concluiu-se a necessidade e o direcionamento de melhorar a integração das tecnologias de informação e comunicação na disciplina de Espanhol Intensivo da Universidade de Linyi, a fim de melhorar a qualidade do ensino e da aprendizagem do espanhol.

Education systems are shaped by various internal and external contextual forces (De Beer, 2017). External contextual trends typically include language, demography, geography, technology, politics, and financial and economic trends. Religion represents one of these external contextual trends that can affect an education system (see Van der Walt, Potgieter & Wolhuter, 2010; Wolhuter & Van der Walt, 2018). Making use of established metabletic-comparative methodology, this article seeks to highlight the impact of religion as a formative factor of education in the BRICS countries. Religion is treated significantly differently in the education systems of the BRICS member states. In schools in India and China, no religious activities are allowed in accordance with the respective constitutions, while any religious activities may take place in schools in Brazil, Russia and South Africa, provided that the activities comply with particular guidelines. Broadly considered, any religious activities are conducted in primary schools in Brazil, provided that attendance is voluntary. Religion in Brazilian schools is influenced by the strong position of the Roman Catholic faith in Brazilian society, which could potentially be detrimental to minority groups in Brazil (Senefonte, 2018:440). Learners in Russia, according to Russian law, are free to choose for themselves the religious module in which they wish to receive education. Schools in Russia do not, however, always implement this legislation correctly, since a school's resources actually determine which module the learners should take. The manner in which religion is being dealt with, causes unhappiness among learners and parents as they do not really have freedom of choice regarding the religious module in which they wish to receive instruction (Zöllner, 2016). The legislation in China clearly states that no religious activities may take place in public schools, yet the ruling party of China intends to enshrine tenets of atheism in learners in schools (Vickers, 2022; Wang & Froese, 2020). Compared to the other BRICS member states, China has the most officially, constitutionally recognised ethnic groups. In terms of legislation and policy formulations, the ethnic minority groups obtain various benefits in terms of education. The wide variety of ethnic groupings poses various challenges to the government of China as the views of all these groups in the education system have to be taken into account. Various documents, including the South African Schools Act 76 of 1996, and other education policies provide clear guidelines as to how religion ought to be dealt with in South African schools. In South Africa, learners are taught various major deities worldwide. All learners in South Africa are exposed to the concept of religion through the subject Life Orientation (Grades 7-12). Teachers in South Africaface the challenge of respecting all kinds of religions and not preaching their own views on a religion. This challenge of respecting all religions can result in conflict in schools, as learners may feel that they will be discriminated against if one type of religion is singled out, for example during assembly. This underscores the role and value of South African teachers in inculcating citizenship values (see Wolhuter, Janmaat, Van der Walt & Potgieter, 2020). The Government of India faces opposition from minority groups with regard to religion in schools as the socio-political hegemony religion is especially preferred in terms of the drafting of academic textbooks (Traub, 2018). This preferential treatment of a particular religion is contrary to the Indian constitution, as no single religion may be singled out, nor should any religion be discriminated against (Majumdar, 2018). The preference given to a particular religion in textbooks can result in a negative impact on the education system of India. The analysis and interpretation show that there is still a close relationship between religion and education in the BRICS countries. However, all five BRICS member states face different problems regarding religion and each of the five member states also deals with its problems differently. This conclusion is now unpacked in this summary, and in detail defended in the ensuing full text. In terms of dealing with religion, South Africa appears to be more tolerant than Brazil, Russia, India and China, although this tolerance still causes more problems for the South African government, in the sense of opposition from various adherents of a wide variety of faith groupings who would like schools to play a role in strengthening the religious beliefs of their children. Several court cases have been fought in South Africa as schools struggle to accommodate the wishes of all religious groups in South Africa (see Nthontho, 2020). In contrast to forces in all the BRICS countries trying to separate religion and (public) education, the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, the proto-charter of Human Rights Charters in the contemporary world, Article 26 states that everyone has the right to education, education should be oriented towards the total development of the child's personality, and that parents have a preferential right to decide on the type of education their children should receive. The BRICS member states can learn from each other how to deal with religion in schools, even though none have yet managed to deal satisfactorily with religion in education. The common factor among all five BRICS countries is that religion is used again and again (consciously or unconsciously) to reinforce political or ideological hegemony. It seems that the shortcoming in all these countries is pointing to a lack of recognition of the place and role of religion in the lives of their citizens and that secular-political objectives, notably the forcing of official ideological hegemony, as well as the achievement of national unity above the full recognition of religious freedom, are also stated in the education system and in citizens 'choice of the kind of religious education of their children. As a result, the role of religion in creating a strong moral fibre for a society therefore never seems to come into its own. Moreover, judging by the United Nations Charter's Human Rights provisions on education, educative education (incl. teaching and learning), in accordance with its full scope of semantic value, does not currently come into its own. The same seems to be the case as regards the human right to parental advocacy with respect to religious education. The experience of the BRICS countries in terms of religion-in-education shows that it is sensible and even necessary, for example, along the path of enlarged parental speech in education and school autonomy, to allow more room for religious freedom in education. The BRICS countries are currently being proposed as the leading grouping of the Global South in a new formative world order. Against this background, current trends regarding religion-in-education in these countries therefore probably represent a bold example. However, it should nonetheless be denounced by the academic community and better examples should subsequently be extracted and presented from other national education systems from future research.

'n Onderwysstelsel word deur verskeie samelewingskontekstuele kragte gevorm. Hierdie kontekstuele faktore sluit taal, demografie, geografie, tegnologie, politiek en finansiële en ekonomiese tendense in. Godsdiens is een van die laasgenoemde tendense wat 'n onderwys-stelsel kan beïnvloed. Die BRICS-organisasie bestaan uit Brasilië, Rusland, Indië, Sjina en Suid-Afrika en is 'n supra-nasionale blok wat baie aandag in die openbare sowel as akademiese diskoers oor internasionale politiek en maatskaplike kwessies trek (De Beer, 2017). Godsdiens word wyd geag as 'n omstrede en sensitiewe faktor in onderwysstelsels (sien Van der Walt, Potgieter & Wolhuter, 2010). In hierdie artikel word godsdiens as vormgewende faktor van die onderwysstelsels in die BRICS-lande ondersoek, om die waarde daarvan as 'n aanskouingsles vir Suid-Afrika en ander lande te bepaal. Die BRICS-lidlande is doelbewus vir hierdie navorsing gekies weens die besondere waarde van hierdie lande as vertoonvenster van onderwysstelsels se antwoord op samelewingstendense van die een-en-twintigste eeu. Dokumentontleding is uitgevoer ten opsigte van beleidsdokumente, wetgewing, artikels en staatspublikasies, ten einde inligting in te samel. In die verwerking en interpretasie van inligting is die metableties-vergelykende metode gebruik ten einde beste praktyke ten opsigte van die hantering van godsdiens in die onderwysstelsels vanuit die BRICS-lidlande te identifiseer. Die ondersoek het ernstige tekortkominge in al die BRICS-lande se hantering van godsdiens in onderwys aan die lig gebring. Nie een van die lande se beleid of praktyk slaag die toets, soos gemeet aan die Verenigde Nasies se Handves van Menseregte nie. Die noodsaak van voortgesette navorsing oor die plek van godsdiens in die onderwysstelsels van die wêreld word ten slotte verduidelik.

ABSTRACT Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is economically important in Xinjiang, China, for many years; Verticillium wilt, arid climate, and soil salinization reduce cotton production, which has inhibited development of the cotton economy. Thus, creating a microbial agent specifically for cotton to resisting environmental stress is crucial. In this study, water dispersible granules strains (Bacillus tequilensis C-9 and B. sphingosporium A1) were screened for antagonistic bacteria of Verticillium dahliae from the rhizosphere soil of Ferula sinkiangensis K.M. Shen, and screened for carrier and auxiliary that could enhance the survival of strains A1+C-9. To test the efficacy and practicality of the water dispersible granules, their growth-promoting effect was examined. Meanwhile, bursts of reactive oxygen species and changes in the physiological indicators related to cotton growth were detected after the application of these granules to cotton that had been subjected to biotic and abiotic stresses to study the ability of the water dispersible granules to induce immunity in cotton. It was found that the treated group could increase the above-ground and below-ground fresh weight of cotton by 20.06% and 22.71% relative to the control group, and the biocontrol effect on cotton was increased by 46.55%. In salt and drought stress, catalase activity could be increased by 14.61% and 15.52%, respectively, relative to the control group. Comprehensive analyses showed that the application of water dispersible granules that contained A1+C-9 helped the cotton to grow and develop, inhibited V. dahliae from infecting cotton plants, reduced the damage from drought and salt stress, and increased the resilience of cotton to stress.

Abstract Background: Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium-sized pleomorphic T-Cell lymphoproliferative disorder (PC-SMTLD) has been considered as a controversial dermatological disease that has been included in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma group, presenting most commonly as a solitary nodule and/or plaque with a specific and characteristic head and neck predilection. Due to the considerable overlap between PC-SMTLD and pseudolymphoma (PL), the differential diagnosis is often challenging. Methylation of DNA at position 5 of cytosine, and the subsequent reduction in intracellular 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) levels, is a key epigenetic event in several cancers, including systemic lymphomas. However, it has rarely been studied in cutaneous lymphomas. Objectives: The authors aimed to explore the role of differential 5-hmC immunostaining as a useful marker to distinguish PC-SMTLD from PL. Methods: Retrospective case series study with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analysis of 5-hmC was performed in PL and PC-SMTLD. Results: Significant decrease of 5-hmC nuclear staining was observed in PC-SMTLD when compared with PL (p<0.0001). By semi-quantitative grade integration, there were statistical differences in the final 5-hmC scores in the two study groups. The IF co-staining of 5-hmC with CD4 revealed a decrease of 5-hmC in CD4+ lymphocytes of PC-SMTLD. Study limitations: The small clinical sample size of the study. Conclusions: The immunorreactivity of 5-hmC in CD4+ lymphocytes was highly suggestive of a benign process as PL. Furthermore, the decrease of 5-hmC nuclear staining in PC-SMTLD indicated its lymphoproliferative status and helped to make the differential diagnosis with PL. © 2023 Sociedade Brasileira de Dermatologia. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

The lightly micro-polluted raw water of Yangtze River (YRW) in autumn was treated via enhanced coagulation by composite coagulants composed of polyaluminium chloride (PAC) and polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride (PDMDAAC), named PAC/PDMDAAC. Coagulation mechanism and removal efficiency were investigated by assessing the water quality parameters of the resulting supernatant, i.e. turbidity, COD Mn, and NH3-N, at the same dosage and supernatant turbidity (SDST) point as using PAC only, with controlled residual turbidity of 1.0-1.50 NTU to mimic drinking water production plant supernatant condition when using lightly micro-polluted water as raw water source . In addition, the zeta potential, floc morphology, and size analysis under the condition of SDST using PAC and composite coagulants PAC/PDMDAAC for getting insight about removal mechanism were done. The results showed that, firstly, most of the composite coagulants PAC/PDMDAAC with intrinsic viscosity [η] = 0.65, 1.60, and 2.6 dL/g; and mass ratio PAC:PDMDAAC of 5:1, 10:1, and 20:1 (mm)) could meet the requirements of controlled supernatant turbidity between 1.0 and 1.5 NTU to mimic drinking water production plant condition using YRW (Nanjing section) that comply with the new national drinking water standards. Secondly, the seven kinds of composite coagulants PAC/PDMDAAC can maintained the advantage of enhanced coagulation removal efficiency within the SDST point as using PAC only. The COD Mn and ammonia nitrogen removal rates using composite coagulants at SDST points were 0-6.19 %; 0-15.62%, respectively higher than using PAC only. Finally, this study deepened and expanded the existing research knowledge about composite coagulant PAC/PDMDAAC and offered the maximum limitations in removing the water quality parameters via enhanced coagulation treatment of lightly micro-polluted surface raw water in order to meet new national drinking water standards.

ABSTRACT A staple of the PT governments’ new economic policy in Brazil has been the pursue of the internationalization of a selected group of domestic firms. From 2003 to 2013, the Brazilian State has promoted the globalization of such firms through various public policies, with the main goal being to position the most of them in the upper echelon of their respective industry globally. At the same time, internationalization had been a primary “defensive” strategy adopted by leading Brazilian firms since the ‘90s, turned in a truly “global strategy” in the last 20 years to deal with deeply transformative trends at world level. Here we look specifically at the internationalization path followed by JBS, VALE and AB-INBEV, highlighting common patterns such as undertaking expansive trajectories characterized by distinctive and cumulative phases of consolidation; penetrating rapidly concentrating world industries; a common tendency to dispersion of shareholding control, foreign takeover and delocalization of central activities in major markets; growing financialization of business; emergency of China as main market of reference. We conclude that the internationalization trajectories of JBS, VALE and AB-INBEV show some shortcomings in the “National Champions” strategy. Nonetheless, we warn against the temptation of regarding the mixed results of this strategy as simply a “failure” of the new industrial policy as a whole.

RESUMO Um elemento básico da nova política econômica dos governos do PT no Brasil tem sido a busca pela internacionalização de um grupo seleto de empresas nacionais. De 2003 a 2013, o Estado brasileiro promoveu a globalização dessas empresas por meio de diversas políticas públicas, com o objetivo principal de posicionar a maior parte delas no escalão superior de seus respectivos setores globalmente. Ao mesmo tempo, a internacionalização foi uma das principais estratégias “defensivas” adotadas pelas principais empresas brasileiras desde os anos ‘90, tornando-se uma verdadeira “estratégia global” nos últimos 20 anos para lidar com tendências profundamente transformadoras em nível mundial. Aqui, olhamos especificamente para o caminho de internacionalização seguido pela JBS, VALE e AB-INBEV, destacando padrões comuns como a realização de trajetórias expansivas caracterizadas por fases distintas e cumulativas de consolidação; penetração de indústrias mundiais em rápida concentração; uma tendência comum à dispersão do controle acionário, aquisição estrangeira e deslocalização das atividades centrais nos principais mercados; crescente financeirização dos negócios; emergência da China como principal mercado de referência. Concluímos que as trajetórias de internacionalização da JBS, VALE e AB-INBEV apresentam algumas deficiências na estratégia dos “Campeões Nacionais”. No entanto, alertamos contra a tentação de considerar os resultados mistos dessa estratégia simplesmente como um “fracasso” da nova política industrial como um todo.

Abstract This paper presents five major theses for understanding the new world conjuncture in which capitalism and humanity entered in 2015-2020. This period is characterized by the crisis of the capitalist civilization and mode of production; the terminal crisis and dismantling of the United States’ hegemony; the geopolitical bifurcation of the world’s economy into an imperialist bloc led by the United States and an emerging bloc centered on China and Russia that has been expanding towards the Global South; the ideological crisis of global liberalism and the rise of fascism and socialism as alternatives; and the crisis of the neoliberal accumulation pattern and the end of Kondratieff’s expansion phase that started in 1994. We briefly indicate the effects of these trends on Latin America.

Resumo Apresentamos cinco grandes teses para entender a nova conjuntura mundial em que ingressam o capitalismo e a humanidade a partir de 2015-2020. Esse período se caracteriza pela crise do modo de produção e da civilização capitalista; pela crise terminal e desmonte da hegemonia dos Estados Unidos; pela bifurcação geopolítica da economia mundial em um bloco imperialista liderado pelos Estados Unidos e outro emergente centrado na China, na Rússia e sua ampliação para o Sul Global; pela crise ideológica do liberalismo global e a ascensão do fascismo e do socialismo como alternativas; pela crise do padrão de acumulação neoliberal e o esgotamento da fase expansiva do Kondratieff iniciada em 1994. Indicamos brevemente os efeitos dessas tendências sobre a América Latina.

Abstract Numerous indicators have demonstrated the robustness and resilience of the Chinese development process over the past decades. However, it is not uncommon to perceive, in current analyses, the Chinese process as just another case of successful catching-up, a latecomer of Asian matrix like Japan and South Korea. In fact, Chinese development is not trivial given its history and starting point: in 1949 China was the country with the lowest per capita income in the world and today it is competing with the United States for the technological frontier. In this article, we propose the categories "uneven development", "projectment", and "socialism" as fundamental supports in a background analysis of the real explanatory reasons for the Chinese success.

Resumo São inúmeros os indicadores demonstrando a robustez e a resiliência do processo de desenvolvimento chinês ao longo das últimas décadas. Porém, não é incomum perceber nas análises correntes o processo chinês somente como mais um caso de catching-up bem-sucedido; um latecomer de matriz asiática como o Japão e a Coreia do Sul. Na verdade, o desenvolvimento chinês não é nada trivial, tendo em vista sua história e seu ponto de partida: em 1949 a China era o país de menor renda per capita do mundo e hoje disputa a fronteira tecnológica com os Estados Unidos. Propomos, neste artigo, as categorias de “desenvolvimento desigual”, “projetamento” e “socialismo” como suportes fundamentais em uma análise de fundo sobre as reais razões explicativas do sucesso chinês.

Resumo As montanhas de Liupan são uma região importante na China no contexto de cobertura florestal e vegetação devido às enormes práticas de florestamento e plantação, que trouxeram mudanças nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, e estoques e estequiometrias do solo raramente são compreendidos. O estudo visa explorar a distribuição de nutrientes do solo a 1 m de profundidade do solo na região da floresta plantada. As amostras de solo em cinco incrementos de profundidade (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 e 80-100 cm) foram coletadas e analisadas para diferentes características físico-químicas do solo. Os resultados mostraram uma variação significativa nos valores de densidade do solo (BD), porosidade do solo, pH, capacidade de troca catiônica (CEC) e condutividade elétrica (CE). Mais DB do solo (1,41 g cm-3) e pH (6,97) do solo foram observados na camada profunda do solo (80-100 cm), enquanto os maiores valores de porosidade (60,6%), CE (0,09 mS cm-1) e CEC (32,9 c mol kg-1) foram refletidos na camada superior do solo (0-20 cm). Da mesma forma, os maiores teores de carbono orgânico do solo (SOC), fósforo total (TP), fósforo disponível (AP), nitrogênio total (TN) e potássio disponível (AK) foram calculados na camada superficial do solo (0-20 cm). Com o aumento do incremento da profundidade do solo, uma tendência decrescente no SOC e na concentração de outros nutrientes foi encontrada, enquanto o potássio total do solo (TK) produziu uma correlação negativa com a profundidade da camada do solo. Todos os resultados produziram a distribuição de SOCs e TNs (estoques) em várias profundidades de solo em padrões de floresta 0 → 20cm> 20 → 40cm> 40 → 60cm ≥ 60 → 80cm ≥ 80 → 100 cm. Além disso, as relações estequiométricas de C, N e P, as relações C / P e N / P, apresentaram valores máximos (66,49 e 5,46) em 0-20 cm, e valores mais baixos (23,78 e 1,91) em solo de 80-100 cm profundidade da camada. Embora a relação C / N fosse estatisticamente semelhante em todo o perfil do solo (0-100 cm). Esses resultados destacaram que os incrementos de profundidade do solo podem ser amplamente atribuídos a flutuações nas propriedades físico-químicas do solo, estoques e estequiometrias do solo. Mais estudos são necessários para tirar conclusões adicionais sobre a dinâmica dos nutrientes, estoques de solo e estequiometria do solo nessas florestas.

Abstract Liupan Mountains are an important region in China in the context of forest cover and vegetation due to huge afforestation and plantation practices, which brought changes in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries are rarely been understood. The study aims to explore the distribution of soil nutrients at 1-m soil depth in the plantation forest region. The soil samples at five depth increments (0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80, and 80-100 cm) were collected and analyzed for different soil physio-chemical characteristics. The results showed a significant variation in soil bulk density (BD), soil porosity, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and electric conductivity (EC) values. More soil BD (1.41 g cm-3) and pH (6.97) were noticed in the deep soil layer (80-100 cm), while the highest values of porosity (60.6%), EC (0.09 mS cm-1), and CEC (32.9 c mol kg-1) were reflected in the uppermost soil layer (0-20 cm). Similarly, the highest contents of soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), total nitrogen (TN), and available potassium (AK) were calculated in the surface soil layer (0-20 cm). With increasing soil depth increment a decreasing trend in the SOC and other nutrient concentration were found, whereas the soil total potassium (TK) produced a negative correlation with soil layer depth. The entire results produced the distribution of SOCs and TNs (stocks) at various soil depths in forestland patterns were 0→20cm > 20→40cm > 40→60cm ≥ 60→80cm ≥ 80→100 cm. Furthermore, the stoichiometric ratios of C, N, and P, the C/P, and N/P ratios showed maximum values (66.49 and 5.46) in 0-20 cm and lowest values (23.78 and 1.91) in 80-100 cm soil layer depth. Though the C/N ratio was statistically similar across the whole soil profile (0-100 cm). These results highlighted that the soil depth increments might largely be attributed to fluctuations in soil physio-chemical properties, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometries. Further study is needed to draw more conclusions on nutrient dynamics, soil stocks, and soil stoichiometry in these forests.

Resumo Os cupins são conhecidos como insetos sociais em todo o mundo. Atualmente na China foram relatadas 473 espécies, 44 gêneros e 4 famílias de cupins. Destas, 111 espécies de Reticulitermes estão amplamente distribuídas em diferentes zonas da China. A temporada de voo de dispersão dessas espécies chinesas de Reticulitermes geralmente começa de fevereiro a junho, mas em algumas regiões diferentes espécies são distribuídas, compartilhando seus limites e tendo temporadas de voo sobrepostas. Essas razões tornam-se importantes fontes de hibridização entre duas populações heteroespecíficas de cupins. Foi confirmado que os ovos fertilizados e não fertilizados de alguns cupins Reticulitermes possuem capacidade de clivagem. Já os ovos não fertilizados de R. aculabialis, R. chinensis e R. labralis clivaram normalmente, e os únicos ovos não fertilizados de R. aculabialis se desenvolvem em embriões. R. flaviceps e R. chinensis foram observados com desenvolvimento embrionário anormal, e não eclosão de ovos por partenogênese. Eles foram relatados como mais ameaçadores para os recursos chineses à medida que se propagam com partenogênese, hibridização e reprodução sexual. Casca de ovo e macrófilos de ovos desempenham papéis importantes na identificação e controle de espécies, embora sejam pragas graves e causem uma ampla gama de danos a estruturas e produtos de madeira em residências, edifícios, materiais de construção, árvores, plantações e florestas na China continental.

Abstract Termites are known as social insects worldwide. Presently in China 473 species, 44 genera and 4 families of termites have been reported. Of them, 111 Reticulitermes species are widely spread in different zones of China. The dispersion flight season of these Chinese Reticulitermes species are usually started from February to June, but in some regions different species are distributed, sharing their boundaries and having overlapping flight seasons. These reasons become important sources of hybridization between two different heterospecific populations of termites. It was confirmed that the fertilized eggs and unfertilized eggs of some Reticulitermes termites have the capacity of cleavage. While the unfertilized eggs of R. aculabialis, R. chinensis and R. labralis cleaved normally and the only R. aculabialis unfertilized eggs develop in embryos. While, the R. flaviceps and R. chinensis were observed with their abnormal embryonic development, and not hatching of eggs parthenogenetically. They were reported more threatening to Chinese resources as they propagate with parthenogenesis, hybridization and sexual reproduction. Eggshell and macrophiles of eggs play important roles in species identification and control. Although, they are severe pests and cause a wide range of damages to wooden structures and products in homes, buildings, building materials, trees, crops, and forests in China’s Mainland.

Resumo Nigella sativa é conhecida pelo perfil de segurança, contendo uma grande variedade de compostos antivirais úteis. A principal protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2) está sendo considerada como um dos alvos virais mais atraentes, processando as poliproteínas durante a patogênese e replicação viral. Na presente investigação analisamos a potência do componente ativo, timoquinona (TQ) de Nigella sativa contra SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. As estruturas de TQ e Mpro foram recuperadas de PubChem (CID10281) e Protein Data Bank (PDB ID 6MO3), respectivamente. O Mpro e o TQ foram acoplados e o complexo foi submetido a simulações de dinâmica molecular (MD) por um período de 50ns. O efeito de dobramento de proteínas foi analisado usando o raio de giração (Rg) enquanto a estabilidade e a flexibilidade foram medidas usando a raiz quadrada média dos desvios (RMSD) e a raiz média quadrada da flutuação (RMSF), respectivamente. Os resultados da simulação mostram que o TQ está exibindo boa atividade de ligação contra o SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, interagindo em muitos resíduos presentes no sítio ativo (His41, Cys145) e também o Glu166, facilitando o formato da bolsa. Além disso, são necessárias abordagens experimentais para validar o papel do TQ contra a infecção pelo vírus. O TQ está interferindo nos resíduos de manutenção do bolso, bem como no sítio ativo do vírus Mpro, que pode ser usado como um potencial inibidor contra o SARS-CoV-2 para um melhor gerenciamento da Covid-19.

Abstract Nigella sativa is known for the safety profile, containing a wealth of useful antiviral compounds. The main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is being considered as one of the most attractive viral target, processing the polyproteins during viral pathogenesis and replication. In the current investigation we analyzed the potency of active component, thymoquinone (TQ) of Nigella sativa against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. The structures of TQ and Mpro was retrieved from PubChem (CID10281) and Protein Data Bank (PDB ID 6MO3) respectively. The Mpro and TQ were docked and the complex was subjected to molecular dynamic (MD) simulations for a period 50ns. Protein folding effect was analyzed using radius of gyration (Rg) while stability and flexibility was measured, using root means square deviations (RMSD) and root means square fluctuation (RMSF) respectively. The simulation results shows that TQ is exhibiting good binding activity against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro, interacting many residues, present in the active site (His41, Cys145) and also the Glu166, facilitating the pocket shape. Further, experimental approaches are needed to validate the role of TQ against virus infection. The TQ is interfering with pocket maintaining residues as well as active site of virus Mpro which may be used as a potential inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2 for better management of COVID-19.