bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the effects of population ageing on long-term growth and pension system sustainability in Bulgaria through an overlapping generations model
Authors:   BNB, Karagyozova-Markova Christina
Published: June 2023

The article provides an overview of the simulations with a general equilibrium overlapping generations model, which is based on the theoretical setups, developed by Gertler and Grafenhofer et al. The model (BG-OLG) is calibrated for Bulgaria and evaluates the long-term effects of ageing on economic growth and public finance sustainability under different scenarios for the retirement age. On the basis of the model-based simulations, policy recommendations aimed at minimizing the macro-fiscal costs of population ageing are drawn.
Tourism satellite account – basic innovation
Authors:   Economic Research Institute аt BAS, Kraycheva Nadezhda
Published: June 2023

The paper presents review and systematisation of specificities of use of the Tourism Satellite Account, developed by the international tourism organizations as a statistical tool for tourism sector analysis and for determining the influence of tourism upon economies of separate countries and the world economy as a whole. Analytical review of the concept and summary of the suggestions of the Tourism Satellite Account: Recommended Methodological Framework – 2008 for concordance of data on demand and supply in tourism are made. Problems related to the implementation of the National Satellite Accounts in Europe are analysed. Tendencies in the development of the tourism sector in Bulgaria in the period 2008-2013 are analysed and assessed upon data of the National Statistical Institute and the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Foundations of Contemporary Economics: Alexander Gerschenkron
Authors:   Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Germany, Egbert Henrik , Sedlarski Teodor ,   Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski
Published: June 2023

Alexander Gerschenkron was among the most influential twentieth-century scholars of economic history and economic development. His collection of essays, Economic Underdevelopment in Historical Perspective, occupies a key place in the global literature on economic history. Two of Gerschenkron's major ideas that influenced the evolution of development theory beyond its original European context are systematized here. First, the calculation of the growth rates of the Soviet Union, which posed a challenge to economists at the time. The miscalculations discovered about the Soviet economy are known today as the Gerschenkron effect. Second, some aspects of his central theory of economic underdevelopment are pointed out in relation to industrialization and catch-up processes.
THE IMPACT OF EMIGRATION ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF BULGARIA
Authors:   Economic Research Institute аt BAS, Beleva Iskra
Published: June 2023

In the economic literature the effects of emigration are associated mainly with its impact on the labour market, money transfers, family environment and child care. This article examines these effects in Bulgaria during the last twenty-five years. On the basis of statistical data and sociological findings the author outlines both the positive and the negative effects of the Bulgarian emigration on the labour market, economic development and the family environment. He also studies some main trends of development of Bulgaria's migration policy, contributing to its activation.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF THE MARCH 2011 EARTHQUAKE, TSUNAMI AND NUCLEAR ACCIDENT ON AGRI-FOOD CHAINS IN JAPAN
Authors:   Institute of Agrarian Economics, Bashev Hrabrin , Ito Fusao ,   Institute of Agrarian Economics
Published: June 2023

Impacts of the March 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan on country’s agriculture (farms and agrarian resources) and food sector are assessed. The extent of radioactive contamination of agri-food products is presented. Effects on markets, consumers and international trade are evaluated. Responses of different agents are summed up, progress and challenges in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction assessed, and lessons from the Japanese experiences withdrawn.
Disclosers in the financial statements – empirical study
Authors:   Higher School of Insurance and Finance, Wessel Ali
Published: June 2023

The article examines the disclosures in the financial statements of Bulgarian enterprises that implement the National Financial Reporting Standards for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The nature of the component of the financial statements, which includes the disclosures – the notes and its contents are discussed. Problems in the presentation of the notes have been detected by representative sample of 200 entities. Their financial statements are analyzed for the presence of selected disclosures that allow to make conclusions of compliances with applicable standards. In systematic form the most common violations of the norms are pointed out. Based on the results of the study guidelines for improving the financial reporting in Bulgaria are determined.
Characteristic features in setting up the marketing mix, position and segments of the banking sector
Authors:   Economic Research Institute аt BAS, Nedyalkova-Shtereva Tsvetelina
Published: June 2023

This is a study of the TV advertising budgets of the banks in Bulgaria, highlighting the specific features of the promotional policy, the set up of the marketing mix, the position and the segments of the banking sector in Bulgaria. The results in groups of products - consumer credits, mortgage loans, deposits, cards and loans for small and medium enterprises are discussed here. The period between 2009 to 2012 is covered. The thesis is proven that in case of good planning management of TRP points the same result can be achieved with a smaller advertising budget.
EVALUATION OF DISTRIBUTION AND CUSTOMER SERVICE IN THE LOGISTICS SYSTEMS OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN BULGARIA
Authors:   University of National and World Economy, Rakovska Miroslava
Published: June 2023

The article reveals the characteristics and problems of distribution and customer service in manufacturing companies in Bulgaria and outlines the prospects for their improvement. An analysis is carried out of different dimensions of these areas using indicators calculated on the basis of empirical data. The impact of company size on distribution and customer service is examined and those practices that are positively related to competitiveness are brought out. The study finds out that manufacturing companies in Bulgaria generally apply the world practices in distribution and customer service but there is some lag in definite areas. It is necessary for small and medium companies to make improvements directed towards the development of a logistics strategy consistent with products and markets, the formulation and implementation of a distribution policy offering differentiated service for different groups of customers with the aim to optimize costs.
CONSUMER TAX SYSTEM OF BULGARIA IN TERMS OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CRISIS
Authors:   South-West University ", Tanchev Stoyan ,   Neofit Rilski"
Published: June 2023

The tax revenue of the Republic of Bulgaria has been analyzed in terms of consumer tax system. Two sub-periods have been covered - at economic growth and at crisis. The results show that in the first case, the revenues from indirect and direct taxes form the necessary budget funds, as in the second case - they are insufficient. There are prerequisites for increasing the national debt as a result of lower tax revenues in terms of crisis.
Dynamic disequilibrium and investment - saving imbalance
Authors:   UMG “St. Ivan Rilski”, Radev Yuli
Published: June 2023

The financial crises of 2007-2011 put the new neoclassical synthesis to a serious test and became the occasion for harsh criticism from both the neoclassical school and New Keynesianism. The idea of dynamic disequilibrium is once again in the spotlight, and the investment-savings imbalance turns out to be the most logical explanation for the pathological deviations from normal economic development. In this connection, the investment-savings imbalance and the possibilities of quantifying this problem within the framework of dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models are discussed. The analysis is presented through the prism of the non-equilibrium, which inherits the main features of the neo-equilibrium (see Radev, 2011).
Unorganized agromarkets in Bulgaria
Authors:   ", Lyubenov Lubomir ,   St. Cyril and St. Methodius",   University of Veliko Tarnovo
Published: June 2023

The paper analyses the situation, the mechanism of action and the actors of the unorganised wholesale agri-markets in Bulgaria. The impact of the state (legislation, regulations, infrastructure, control, etc.) on some traditional and well-developed sub-sectors of Bulgarian agriculture is examined. The conclusion is that unorganised agri-markets can be used successfully by farmers when there is a sufficient number of buyers at a cost-recovering price, farmers have storage facilities and are able to wait for higher prices. Simultaneous fulfilment of these conditions has been found to be difficult because they are very rare.
THE POLITICAL PROCESS - SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH POWER, DECISIONS AND BEHAVIOR
Authors:   The D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Kamenov Kamen
Published: June 2023

The article examines issues related to the sustainability of the political process. Specific features of its implementation are highlighted in connection with power-exercising, decision-making and behaviour of the governors. In particular, an unusual characteristics of power is made, in connection with its determinants. Furthermore, issues associated with political power and the connections and dependencies in policy-making are analyzed. Issues of control and self-control over political power are discussed and the role of the crowd as a corrective or source of management policy is considered. The specifics of political decisions and the options of manifestation during the implementation of the political process are considered. Political behaviour is presented as a function of political power and political decisions. Emphasis is placed on the forms and motives for manifestation of various types of political behaviour.
Sustainable supply chain management
Authors:   University of National and World Economy, Mollov Dobroslav
Published: June 2023

The article presents the essential elements and characteristics of sustainable supply chain management. The paper argues that the adoption and implementation of sustainable practices in supply chain management enables companies to achieve significant success and increase their competitiveness.
Budget for protection of the population in case of disasters
Authors:   M.A.„ G. S. Rakovski, Beleva Daniela
Published: June 2023

Due to the more frequent occurrence of disasters in the last few decades and the increasing severity of their consequences, more financial and material resources should be provided to help victims and to restore damaged facilities. In this regard specific measures were discussed about preparing a budget for disaster protection in the private and public sectors, as well as activities in this field in various countries.
Creativity through personal and team conduct
Authors:   The D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Petrova Yoana
Published: June 2023

There are two sets of factors for creativity - basic and extra. The specifics of creativity is explained, formulating its characteristics. The structural distinctions between creativity and ingenuity are presented by means of schemes. The analysis of the link "creativity - values" focuses on four groups of values: intellectual, moral, emotional and aesthetic. The teamwork creativity phenomenon is investigated, focusing on step-by-step achievement. Methods are proposed to maintain a good level of motivation for sharing the ideas of the team members.
NOBEL PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ECONOMIC SCIENCES FOR 2016
Authors:   New Bulgarian University, Marinov Eduard
Published: June 2023

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Swedish National Bank Prize for Excellence in Economic Sciences in memory of Alfred Nobel to Oliver Hart and Bengt Holmström "for their contributions to contract theory". Oliver Hart was born on 9 October 1949 in London, UK. He received his PhD in 1974 from Princeton University, USA.
INTERNAL CONTROL OF THE ORGANIZATION THROUGH RISK MANAGEMENT
Authors:   Burgas Free University, Kurteva Galina
Published: June 2023

Internal control is defined as a comprehensive process integrated in the activity of the organization and implemented by its management and employees. It aims to provide a reasonable confidence level of achievement of the set goals. The main elements of the internal control according to COSO model are five - control environment, risk management, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring. The internal control system in every organization is different and unique as it reflects the specifics, the size, the organizational structure, the complexity and scope of activities, the administrative and business environment, the level of regulation, the management style, etc. However, in order to control its activities, every organization needs all of the five elements of internal control. The article focuses on one of the five elements of internal control – the risk management. Well-managed risk-taking is seen as a prerequisite for sustainable improvement of the activities of the organization.
Price bubbles and financial markets efficiency
Authors:   Eurobank Bulgaria, Donev Doncho
Published: June 2023

presents the development of investment theories after the age of the prevailing Modern Portfolio Theory and Capital Asset Pricing Model. It starts with a review of the main theoretical and empirical presumptions of the Efficient Market Hypothesis. The emergence of behavioral finance is monitored, focusing on its contribution to the investment theory and practice. A special attention is paid on the speculative price bubbles. The paper reveals the prerequisites for their emergence, the phases through which a typical price bubble passes, and the methods for calculation of the probability for their collapse. The securities with an infinite maturity are highlighted. An example for a price bubble on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange is investigated in details. Therefore the historical performance of the main Sofix stock index is examined.
MANAGING VIRTUAL TEAMS – THEORY AND METHODOLOGY
Authors:   New Bulgarian University, Hadzhiev Kristiyan
Published: June 2023

This paper studies the types of management teams and identifies the essential characteristics of organizational models applied in management practice: work group – team – self-managed work team and virtual team. The focus is put on virtual teams. The key prerequisites, regularities and processes associated with the design and functioning of highly effective virtual teams are analyzed. The indicators of team effectiveness are specified and the factors influencing immediate results are analyzed. The multilateral relationships in the integrative models most cited in the last 20 years are explored not only at the input, but in the process of interaction, as well as the ways to achieve balance and good teamwork between team members. The aim is to find a common theoretical and methodological basis that brings together the fundamental models of virtual team effectiveness.
Diversity on banks’ boards
Authors:   Economic Research Institute аt BAS, Nedelchev Miroslav
Published: June 2023

The paper examines the diversity on banks’ boards as an innovative tool to reduce the effects of the global crisis and a beginning of a long-term sustainable development worldwide. The expectations with regard to diversified boards are mainly associated with improving the quality of decisions, risk management methods and remuneration of executive directors. The EU recommendations for achieving of diversity on boards, incorporated in national policies and corporate practices, were analyzed for Bulgarian banks. The survey results show that there is diversity on banks’ boards by profession and nationality, while by gender the diversity is primarily due to the introduced regulations. The average values of the Bulgarian banks exceed those in the EU due to the specifics of our banking system. In parallel to the diversity of boards is raising the issue of economic and social effects of this diversification.
Assessment of recognition of the brand - approaches and challenges
Authors:   New Bulgarian University, Dimitrova Ralitsa
Published: June 2023

In the past twenty years new generation of companies emerged, with value, generated out of their intangible assets. The brand is a strategic asset with a value highly correlated with the company value. Due to the optimization of the market portfolio and strategic positioning, pricing of mergers and acquisitions, as well as determining the percentage of royalty deductions for businesses the financial value of brands should be assessed. Although there is a variety of methodologies in this area, most of them are primarily qualitative and do not provide quantitative assessment. There is no consensus on the standard valuation practices. In this regard the key financial approaches to assessing the value of the brand are systematized and analyzed and the basic methods within the discussed approaches are classified. The advantages and disadvantages of each one are specified and the challenges to the assessment of this intangible asset are deducted.
ECONOMICS OF THE INPUT-OUTPUT RELATIONS
Authors:   Economic Research Institute аt BAS, Minassian Garabed
Published: June 2023

The financial and economic crisis of 2008 has substantially affected the economic structures and relationships in Bulgaria. The assessment of the input-output relations reveals that failures accompany the development of micro economy, on sectors' and subsectors' level. It is shown that the structural changes correlate positively with economic development. One should differentiate between the various types of structural dynamics – purposeful or chaotic (searching). With the first type of structural dynamics (the pre-crisis one) the dependence on the economic dynamics is obvious whereas with the second type (the post-crisis one) the latter is highly diluted. The financial and economic crisis has its positive influences – it starts a process of cleansing the economy and shifting it to a higher level in the development spiral. The post-crisis period can be described by an active restructuring of the input coefficient matrix. The crisis stated a process of progressive raw materials substitution. Producers looked for alternative production options, mainly by means of raw materials restructuring and savings in order to reduce their current expenditures. The crisis leaves its imprint on the formation of the key sectors. What looms in the group of key sectors is the presence of the main industrial manufacturing sectors. This specifics is much more definite in the case of better developed economies. The well-known fact (which is often forgotten or ignored) has confirmed that a modern economy cannot develop successfully without the solid presence of industry. The other sectors (agriculture primarily, tourism and services as a whole) complete the skeleton in order to get a sound body of an efficiently functioning economy.
Interaction between the public attitudes and the stock exchange dynamics in Southeastern European countries
Authors:   South-West University ", Tsenkov Vladimir ,   Neofit Rilski", Stoitsova-Stoykova Ani ,   South-West University "Neofit Rilski"
Published: June 2023

The relationship between the dynamics of the capital markets of Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Slovenia, Turkey, Romania and Macedonia and the public attitudes expressed by the inflation expectation indicators, consumer and business confidence indicators for the period 2005-2015 is analyzed. The results obtained on the Granger causality emphasize the interaction between business confidence and capital markets, and its direction depends on the degree of market development. The dependence in the more developed markets of Turkey, Greece and Croatia is in line with the assumptions of the efficient markets hypothesis (EMH) and on the influence line of "business confidence - a capital market". Reverse dependence is seen in the less developed markets of Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania and Slovenia. In addition to an inefficiency according to EMH and the theory of real business cycles, this could also be regarded as a prerequisite for strengthening negative market trends and bringing instability to the market in times of crisis. The degree of development of the capital markets also determines their relationship with consumer confidence as in the more developed markets it is directed to the capital markets and in the case of the less developed ones in the opposite direction.
Project Success and Transformational Leadership: Evaluating the Mediating Impact of Subordinates' Innovative Work Behaviour and Knowledge Sharing Behaviour
Authors: Gul Mahvia , Khan Kamran , Kanwal Aniqa
Published: June 2023

For the past twenty years, researchers have concentrated on project success. Concern over the elements that affect project success is on the rise. The study's specific goal was to ascertain how innovative work behaviours and knowledge-sharing behaviours of subordinates played a mediating role in the relationship between transformational leadership and project success. A post-positivist strategy is used in this cross-sectional analysis of theoretical models. Between January and June 2022, information was gathered through purposeful sampling from 60 small and medium-sized firms. The firms that were contacted range widely in size, industry, and speciality. This study distributed 550 questionnaires comprised of 4 scales to 120 organizations; 375 were returned, out of which 350 were valid. The findings demonstrate that transformative leadership is significantly associated with project success. In addition, knowledge sharing and innovative subordinate work behaviour considerably mediate this relationship. This study stressed that transformational leaders may encourage their people by maintaining team communication and cohesion regardless of the circumstances. In addition, education and training in soft skills enhance subordinates' knowledge sharing and innovative work behaviour, and their combination with transformational leadership is a more effective predictor of project success. Future research can use longitudinal analysis by examining other potential variables in different economies and communities. Through the lens of social exchange theory, the findings of this study make a novel addition by elucidating the limited understanding of the effect of transformational leadership on project success as mediated by knowledge sharing and innovative work behaviour.
Efficacy of Fecal Microbiota Transplant in the Treatment of Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis Compared to Standard of Care in Humans: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roy Archa , Tency Naveen Kizhakkayil
Published: June 2023

Severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) is a life-threatening condition with limited treatment options. Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach, targeting the imbalance in the gut microbiota observed in SAH patients. This review aims to assess the efficacy of FMT in improving outcomes and compare it with the standard of care in SAH. A systematic review of five multi-patient studies conducted in India was performed. Out of these studies, four were conducted as clinical trials, whereas one was a retrospective observational study design. The primary outcome assessed was survival rates at various time points, including day 28, day 90, and one year. Secondary outcomes included the resolution of complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and infections.

Analysis of the studies revealed a significant improvement in survival rates among SAH patients who underwent FMT compared to the standard of care. FMT also demonstrated a reduction in the incidence of complications, including hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, and infections. Additionally, FMT has been associated with positive changes in gut microbiota diversity and a decrease in the colonization of pathogenic taxa. However, the review identified several limitations, including the small sample sizes and the lack of randomized controlled trials. Further research, including conducting larger clinical trials, is necessary to strengthen the evidence for the efficacy of FMT in treating SAH. Additionally, future studies should explore the long-term effects of FMT, its impact on inflammatory cytokine levels, and the potential for personalized approaches based on individual gut microbiota profiles.

In conclusion, this review provides evidence supporting the potential benefits of FMT in the management of severe alcoholic hepatitis. FMT represents a promising alternative to the standard of care and holds promise as a cost-effective treatment modality for eligible SAH patients. Future research should address the identified limitations and explore the optimal implementation of FMT in clinical practice.
Capillary electrophoresis: Recent advancements and applications of micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography
Authors: Navneesh  , Das Gupta Ghanshyam , Kurmi Balak Das , Patel Preeti
Published: June 2023

The article discusses capillary electrophoresis (CE) as an advanced technique used for the separation and detection of various pharmaceutical drugs. CE involves the application of high voltages across buffer-filled capillaries to produce separation based on various separation theories, including capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MEKC), capillary gel electrophoresis, and capillary isoelectric focusing. While traditional CZE is not suitable for the separation of neutral substances, MEKC was developed by Shigeru Terabe in the early 1990s to expand the use of CE to neutral analytes that cannot be separated using straightforward free solution CE. MEKC employs an ionic micellar solution that interacts with the analytes through partitioning processes like a chromatographic technique. To create a pseudostationary phase, a surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is added to the buffer solution at a concentration higher than its critical micellar concentration. The anionic SDS micelles are electrostatically drawn towards the anode, while the electro-osmotic flow carries the bulk solution toward the negative electrode due to the negative charge on the inside surface of the silica capillaries. When a neutral analyte is introduced into the micellar solution, a portion is integrated into the micelle, while the remaining fraction of the analyte migrates with the electroosmotic velocity. Separation depends on the individual partitioning equilibrium of the various analytes between the micellar and the aqueous phase. The bigger percentage of analyte dispersed inside the micelle, the slower it will travel. This article provides an in-depth understanding of the separation principle and the mechanism involved in MEKC, highlighting its usefulness in separating neutral analytes that cannot be separated using traditional CZE.
Development and validation of simple UV-spectrophotometric method for the estimation of polystyrene plastic/microplastic
Authors: Goyal Tanish , Das Gupta Ghanshyam , Verma Sant Kumar
Published: June 2023

Polystyrene is a widely used plastic for household purposes or in industrial packaging. However, polystyrene can be categorized as a potent carcinogenic due to its monomer unit. Polystyrene comprises several styrene units that easily leach as styrene microplastics on contact with hot or fatty material. A ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer method has been developed for the determination of polystyrene. Polystyrene in an aqueous solution with tetrahydrofuran was estimated at a wavelength ranging from 200 to 300 nm. The λmax of polystyrene was found to be 261.5 nm. The method was linear for the polystyrene concentration ranging from 20 to 120 µg/mL. The limit of detection was founded to be 1.65 µg/mL, and the limit of quantification was 5 µg/mL. Interday and intraday precision were performed for the developed method, and the RSD was
Overview of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and medications for disease progression
Authors: Sharma Sarthak , Mehan Sidharth
Published: June 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement. The progression of ALS varies, but generally follows a predictable pattern. There is no cure for ALS, and treatment is focused on managing symptoms and maximizing quality of life. Medications such as riluzole and edaravone are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms and slow the disease progression. Riluzole works by reducing the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that can damage motor neurons, modulating voltage-gated sodium channels, and stabilizing intracellular calcium levels. Clinical trials have demonstrated that riluzole can help slow the progression of ALS, though it does not cure the disease. It is important to note that riluzole is not effective for all patients with ALS, and its benefits are modest. Therefore, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of riluzole with a health-care provider before starting treatment.
In silico studies for the identification of potential thiazolidine-2,4-diones as α-amylase inhibitors
Authors: Dagar Komal , Gupta Shankar , Singh Alamjot , Asati Vivek
Published: June 2023

Type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by hyperglycemia, is a chronic endocrine metabolic condition. α-amylase inhibitors may have a major therapeutic impact in type 2 diabetic mellitus. In the present study, virtual screening database preparation by R-group enumeration, virtual screening, docking study, and pharmacokinetics analysis was performed by taking α-amylase as a target. The results highlight the important binding features of novel thiazolidine-2,4-dione compounds as α-amylase inhibitors. An R-group enumeration study was performed for the generation of novel thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives (6250 compounds). These derivatives further proceed for virtual screening study using Lipinski rule of 5, highthroughput virtual screening, standard precision, and extra precision (XP) screening filters. Only the top 4 compounds were selected after the XP docking process. The molecular docking study of virtual screening hits showed that compound 1 showed a good binding score of −9.129 kcal/mole on α-amylase enzyme (Protein Data Bank ID-3BAY). The present study may be used for the further development of potential compounds against type 2 diabetes.
Accessibility and Trajectory Planning of Cutter Changing Robot Arm for Large-Diameter Slurry Shield
Authors: YANG Mei , ZENG Guiying , REN Yong , LIN Laikuang , KE Wei , LIU Yifan
Published: June 2023

Aiming at solving the problems of huge cost, long cycle and high risky during manual cutter changing process for shield machine, a cutter changing robot was designed to adapt to its narrow and complex space, the workspace and motion path of cutter changing robot arm were studied. Firstly, by analyzing the internal space and cutter layout characteristic, the configuration of the robot arm was proposed, and the dimension of each rod was designed using multi-objective optimization method. The kinematic model of the robot arm was established by using the D-H model method to analyze its reachable working space. While the inverse kinematic model of the robot arm was solved by the Newton-Raphson iterative method to complete the trajectory planning of the arm for all cutter locations, where the relationship between the target position and the joint variables was established. The motion stability of the robot was verified by virtual simulation and test. The results show that the working space of the designed robot arm meets the cutter changing requirements that all the cutter position can be reached. Moreover, the power output of the drive is smooth, which can transport the cutter weighing up to 250kg.
Influence of Temperature Variance on the Mechanical Properties of a Welded Bearing Support Flange Under Transient Conditions Using Finite Element Approach
Authors: GUNASEKARAN Kishorekanna , SOLOMON Isaac , SKVIRECKAS Ramūnas , DUNDULIS Gintautas
Published: June 2023

During a welding process, the influence of temperature distribution plays an important role affecting the vulnerable regions of the welded component. This research aims at presenting data on similar cases where a detailed comparative evaluation provides necessary data for designing a component based on its structural behaviour due to induced temperature variance during the groove welding process using finite element approach.

The finite element simulations render a real-world scenario of the groove welding process by integrating the concept of ‘Moving heat source’ under transient conditions in ANSYS. The numerical comparative study is achieved by simulating a thermal study of the welded components of different bearing support flange plate thickness and evaluating its structural behaviour under induced thermal loads.

The numerical solutions obtained from these simulations provide necessary data which helps in identifying the feasible design approach to increase the life of a welded component under such temperature-dependent conditions.
Influence of Geometrical Shape on the Lubrication Performance of Partially Micro-Grooved Gas-Lubricated Parallel Slider Bearings
Authors: LIU Fuxi , YANG Chunjie , XU Shanwu , XIE Kang , XIE Dunzhao , HAN Binhui , LI Zhanlong
Published: June 2023

The influence of grooving parameters and micro-groove cross-section shape on the lubrication performance of partially micro-grooved gas-lubricated parallel slider bearings is investigated in the present study. The solution procedure for the multi-grid finite element method is that the algebraic equations formed by the finite element method are in turn smoothed by the interpolation from the coarse grid to the fine grid and the restriction from the fine grid to the coarse grid. By adopting the multi-grid finite element method, the pressure distribution of partially micro-grooved gas-lubricated parallel slider bearings is obtained. The grooving parameters are optimized to obtain the maximum average pressure for different micro-groove cross-section shapes. The results show that the orientation angle of the micro-grooves, depth of the micro-grooves, width of the micro-grooves, area density of the micro-grooves, micro-grooved fraction, and cross-section shape of the micro-grooves have an important influence on the hydrodynamic pressure of partially micro-grooved gas-lubricated parallel slider bearings. The results of this study demonstrate that the lubrication performance of partially micro-grooved gas-lubricated parallel slider bearings can be obviously enhanced by adopting the appropriate grooving parameters and micro-groove cross-shape. The results of this study is beneficial for the design of partially micro-grooved gas-lubricated parallel slider bearings.
Dual-energy Computed Tomography (DECT) Scan for Determination of Renal Stone Composition: A Phantom Study
Authors: Sheikhi Mahboobeh , Sina Sedigheh , Karimipourfard Mehrnoosh
Published: June 2023

Background: Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) scan has been proposed as an effective modality for determining the chemical composition of renal stone subtypes. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of DECT in the identification of renal stone type and composition versus biochemical analysis as the gold standard. Materials and Methods: The type of 146 renal stones, removed from patients by surgery, was determined in a medical laboratory. The stones were then inserted into the kidney of an anthropomorphic Rando phantom, and DECT scans were acquired. The stone type, specified by the scanner software, was compared with the results of biochemical analysis as the gold standard. Results: The DECT scans showed acceptable accuracy in identifying the chemical composition of renal stone subtypes. Based on the comparison of biochemical analysis and DECT results, the accuracy values for cystine, uric acid, and calcium-oxalate stones were 97%, 100%, and 97%, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the present results, DECT could detect pure uric acid, cystine, and calcium-oxalate stone types with high sensitivity. However, for mixed stones, the stone type, directly identified by DECT scan, was not reliable.
Effect of Eight Weeks of Vitamin D Consumption and Exercise in Water on Liver Enzymes and Mental Health of Women with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Salarinia Mona , Azizi Mohammad , Tahmasebi Worya , Khalvandi Hadi
Published: June 2023

Background: Several epidemiological studies have investigated the association between vitamin D deficiency and abnormal liver enzyme levels and type 2 diabetes (T2D) with inconsistent conclusions. Objectives: The current research aims to evaluate the effect of eight weeks of vitamin D consumption alongside exercise in water on liver enzymes and the mental health of women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Forty women with type 2 diabetes aged 40 to 60 were divided into four groups of 10 subjects: (1) exercise in water and vitamin D supplementation, (2) exercise in water, (3) vitamin D supplementation, and (4) control group. The water exercise group performed three exercise sessions per week for eight weeks (Borg scale of 14), and vitamin D supplementation groups consumed 50,000 (IU) vitamin D every week. Liver enzymes and mental health (Beck's Stress and Anxiety (BAI) questionnaire (21 questions, alpha Cronbach 0.92) and depression (BDI-II) questionnaires (21 questions, alpha Cronbach 0.87)) were administered before and after eight weeks of training. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS software version 21. Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and one-way analysis of variance and paired t-test were used to analyze the data at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase decreased significantly after eight weeks in the vitamin D + water exercise and water exercise groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, depression and stress scores significantly decreased after the intervention in the vitamin D + water exercise and water exercise groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings demonstrated that exercise in water plus vitamin D consumption improved anthropometric indices and liver enzymes and alleviated depression and stress in patients with type 2 diabetes. These two interventions can be combined to reduce type 2 diabetes complications.
Motives Common to Turkic People in Kazakh Toponymic Legends
Authors: TUYAKBAYEV Gabit , TAİMAN Sagat , BOTABAYEVA Zhanat
Published: June 2023

Toponymic legends, a subcategory of the legend genre in field of folklore, are valuable cultural heritage that reflect the cultural and historical significance of a place and are associated with the beliefs and stories of local people. Toponymic legends are stories hidden in the depths of place names. These legends shed light on the history and cultural context of the places they are named after. Serving as a reflection of a place's essence, toponymic legends nourish the fabric of geography, revealing the uniqueness of a region. Like an archaeologist carrying the traces of history, they provide us with an unparalleled window to unravel the secrets of the past and understand the roots of local culture. However, this subcategory has not been sufficiently studied within the discipline of folklore. However, the study of toponymic legends contributes to the preservation and valorization of cultural heritage by providing scientific data in cultural, historical, linguistic, geographical and ecological fields. Moreover, the interrelationship between similar legends in different regions is an important means of comprehensively assessing the culture of a nation. This relationship sheds light on the internal harmony, national unity and historical depth of a spesific nation's traditional culture. The aim of the study is to provide a holistic perspective on Turkish culture through two toponymic legend texts from Kazakh Turks. The legends of "Kız Kulesi" (Maiden's Tower) and "Kırk Kız" (Forty Maidens) exist among both Kazakh Turks and other Turkish communities in the research sample. Both legends belong to the categorical subcategory of toponymic legends. When examined in terms of their motifs and narrative patterns, along with their texts, variants, and historical background, they show significant similarities. Furthermore, when the elements that constitute the narrative are analyzed and interpreted from the perspective of Turkish culture, it is determined that they possess intra-cultural consistency. The fact that Turkic communities, which have interacted with distant and different cultures, share the same legends with almost identical motifs, indicates the preservation of cultural unity. "Kırk Kız" and "Kız Kulesi" legends shed historical light on Turkish culture within the toponymic category. These legends, with their rich motifs and narrative elements, provide insights into the cultural heritage and historical background of the Turkish people. They serve as important cultural symbols, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions, beliefs, and values of the Turkish culture. Through the exploration of these legends, one can gain a deeper understanding of the historical, social, and cultural dynamics that have shaped the Turkish identity over time.
Ethical Leadership Insights from King Lear
Authors: Acevedo Cruz Alma I. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2023

Because of its appeal to the imagination, the intellect, the affections, and the will, literature has an invaluable role in the applied ethics education of business professionals and college students. This essay reaps ethics and ethical leadership insights from King Lear, while relishing its aesthetic value. By its side, core concepts underlying a proper understanding of applied ethics and hence ethical leadership are emphasized; particularly, the elements of human nature, moral agency and responsibility, the difference between morality and ethics, and an overview of virtue ethics and key intellectual and moral virtues. Stressing the connection between literature and moral philosophy, this essay shows how poetry can engagingly and compellingly transmit ethical concepts and values in leadership education.
Pedagogia como Ciência: uma análise a partir do pensamento de Dermeval Saviani
Authors: Celestino Rafaela Soares
Published: June 2023

Neste estudo, investigamos a Pedagogia como Ciência, conforme defendida por Dermeval Saviani. Sabe-se que, no Brasil, não é comum analisar a possibilidade de tomá-la como uma Ciência. Além disso, não há consenso sobre quais pressupostos científicos compõem a àrea. Por outro lado, os que negam sua cientificidade argumentam que a educação é objeto de outras Ciências. Diante disso, utilizamos o texto de Dermeval Saviani (2008), Pedagogia e ciência(s) da educação, para mostrar que a Pedagogia é o campo de investigação científica dos processos de socialização e didatização intencional dos conhecimentos, pois lidar pedagogicamente com os conteúdos e os educandos é uma especificidade dessa área. Por isso, não podemos endossar a docência como o aspecto que caracteriza ou hegemoniza a Pedagogia. Por fim, fomentamos que a consciência de um trabalho intencional e sistemático dos saberes escolares para a promoção humana legitima a Pedagogia como uma Ciência relativamente autônoma.
PRECURSOR-INOCULUM INTERACTION FOR THE GROWTH PROMOTION OF COTTON UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS
Authors: Mahmood Khalid , Nazir Shahid , Qureshi Muhammad Amjad , Rahman Sajid ur , Ali Muhammad Asif
Published: June 2023

The present experiment was conducted during 2019-2021 at Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute, Ayub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan. The yield of local BT cotton variety FH-142 was evaluated using different combinations of rhizobacteria (free living diazotroph and phosphate solubilizer) with auxin precursor L-tryptophan (L-TRP). The experiment was comprised of seven treatments under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated thrice. The experiment was repeated for consecutive three years to find the effect of microbial inoculants with auxin precursor L-TRP and mean of three years was reported in the manuscript. The microbial inoculants were applied as seed coating. The bacterial inoculation showed promising results as compared to control. However, the consortium of PGPR and P-solubilizer with precursor had the significant effects on cotton yield during all three years of experiment. The consortium increased the yield parameters of cotton i.e., 1810 kg/ha in comparison with un-inoculated control i.e., 1672 kg/ha. Individual applications of PGPR and P-solubilizer also had significant effect on the yield compared to control. Hence, it was concluded that the interaction of bacterial consortium and precursor (precursor inoculum interaction) proved to be the best to improve the cotton yield.
Research on Drilling Test of Grouting Rock Mass Based on Cutting Strength
Authors: Chen Wansheng , Gao Hongke , Liu Hui , Chen Fei , Cao Yuxiang , Ma Fenglin , Zhu Chun , Cai Songlin , Li Jiajie
Published: June 2023

Grouting is an effective way to control the fractured surrounding rock in underground engineering. Quantitatively obtaining the strength parameters of grouting rock mass is very important for the grouting parameters rational design. Drilling tests of grouting rock masses with different water-cement ratios and particle sizes are carried out using the rock digital drilling test system. Based on the rock cutting mechanical model, the cutting strength of grouting rock is obtained. The response laws of different water-cement ratios and rock particle sizes on drilling parameters, cutting strength, and strength parameters are analyzed. On this basis, combined with the analysis of the relationship between grouting sandstone specimens’ strength and drilling parameters with different water cement ratios, a while-drilling testing model of grouting rock mass strength parameters based on cutting strength is established. It is a theoretical basis for quantitatively evaluating the strength of grouting surrounding rock while drilling in underground engineering.
PENERAPAN MANAJEMEN RISIKO DI UNIT KERJA RMIK
Authors: Golo Zefan Adiputra , Ilyas Arief Azhari , Fadhilah Isnaini Qoriatul , Sugiharto Sugiharto
Published: June 2023

Background: TPPRJ as a leading unit that provides services to patients needs to minimize the risks and hazard that can be experienced by officers and patients. From a preliminary study at one of the local government hospitals in the Central Java region, it was found that at the outpatient registration point there was no Standar Procedur Operational (SPO) regarding risk management, so there was no standard set for risk control for officers and patients.Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the application of risk management in the outpatient registration site (TPPRJ) of the hospital.Method: The type of research used in this study is qualitative descriptive with a case study design. The subjects of the study were 4 informants determined by purposive sampling techniques. Data collection through interviews and observationsResults: There are several risk factors in TPPRJ, namely from physical aspects (air temperature, lighting, radiation), biological aspects and ergonomic aspects. From the results of interviews and observations, it is known that the implementation of risk management in hospitals has been running, but it is still not optimal because it has not yet reached a comprehensive evaluation from the hospital's quality management.Conclusion: Risk management has been running but has not been maximized, because there is no SPO that specifically regulates risk management at TPPRJ. The risk management process that has been running is to identify risks, risk analysis and risk control.Keywords: Risk Management, RMIK Work Unit, TPPRJ