bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trade-Offs in Resource Use: Implications for State Economic Development
Authors: Findeis Jill L. , Whittlesey Norman K.
Published: March 2021

As resources become scarcer, the trade-offs between alternative uses become more of an issue, particularly when resource utilization is influenced by public investment decisions rather than by the private marketplace. This study examines the extent to which irrigation development of approximately 800,000 acres in the Columbia River Basin stimulates secondary economic activity in Washington State.
Guest Editor’s Introduction
Authors: Eberstein Issac W.
Published: March 2021

This issue of The Review of Regional Studies contains contributed papers broadly relevant to the theme of the relationship between regional science and demography. The issue is co-sponsored by the Southern Regional Demographic Group and the Southern Regional Science Association.
Resource Commodity Dependency and State Econometric Modeling
Authors: Shahrokh Fereidoon , Labys Walter C. , Witt Tom S.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the results of a modeling study which analyzes the possible impacts of a resource industry dependency on a state economy. In this case, the resource selected is coal and the state economy is West Virginia. The basis for the study is the Commodity Regional Econometric Annual Macro Model of West Virginia, which is composed of a commodity model of the West Virginia coal industry and a macroeconometric regional model of the West Virginia state economy.
Industrial Development Bonds: Reviewing the Evidence in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach SMSA
Authors: Marlin Matthew R.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of the present study is to determine whether or not the use of Industrial Development Bonds in the Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Virginia, SMSA has been consistent with the implied Congressional objectives. In addition, the study evaluates the past distribution of IDBs within the region in order to estimate what effects the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TERFA) legislation may have on future use.
An Input-Output Approach for Analysis of Alternative Energy Choices
Authors: Ghebremedhin Tesfa G. , Schreiner Dean F.
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study is to develop a comprehensive energy information system and to integrate this information into a dynamic simulation model for purposes of evaluating alternative energy choices.
An Analysis of Population Growth Rates within Typological Categories of Small Southern Cities
Authors: Serow William J. , Martin Julia H. , Spar Michael A.
Published: March 2021

Several writers have suggested that encouragement of small city growth might serve as a partial remedy for the problems of the metropolis providing an alternate destination point for the migratory population. A logical precondition for the evaluation and implementation of this suggestion is a body of knowledge derived from data relating to cities and this size class. The research reported here presents a typology of small cities, as well as an analysis of the causes of population growth within city types.
Efficiency and Equity in Interregional Environmental Management
Authors: Cumberland John H.
Published: March 2021

In addressing environmental issues, the comparative advantage of economists has led them to emphasize efficiency issues, which yield more readily to economic calculus than do equity issues, which fall among the thickets of interpersonal comparisons and value systems. The difficulty in sorting out equity and efficiency issues is comounded in a hierarchical, pluralistic structure like that of the US with conflicting lines of authority at the federal, state, metropolitan, and local levels. Consequently, we have not developed a coherent national policy on certain critical problems, such as the siting of hazardous facilities and the establishment of property rights in environmental resources.
Company Size and the Decentralization of Manufacturing
Authors: Persky Joseph , Moses Ronald
Published: March 2021

The process of industrial decentralization in the US has been the subject of much research. Recently several scholars have become concerned with the role of large corporations in the ongoing regional shift of manufacturing production. Several of these have drawn the analogy to the spread of multi-national corporations abroad. This growing literature suggests that large corporations are a driving force of industrial decentralization with the U.S. Given the absolute importance of large corporations in the American economy, it would be hard to imagine that they have not participated in this movement. However, there is little evidence as to whether the decentralization of these large corporations has been disproportionate in any sense. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether significant disproportionality is in evidence.
Market Delineation in the Coal Industry
Authors: Campell Thomas C. , Hwang Ming-jeng , Shahrokh Soosan
Published: March 2021

Coal provides more ton-miles of both rail and inland waterway traffic than does any other commodity. Yet the ratio of its value to weight is one of the lowest of any major commodity that has to be transported long distances. Because of this consumers in general have tended to locate near supply sources for saving in transportation. The purpose of this paper is to focus attention on the delineation of markets in the coal industry so that wasteful transportation can be minimized.
Effects of Calcination Temperature of Naturally Occurring Absorbents on Drinking Water Defluoridation
Authors: Mndolwa Brenda , Mtalo Felix
Published: March 2021

Currently, in Tanzania, fluoride removal from drinking water is treated mostly using the bone char method. The method has poor acceptability in some religious communities and also causes water quality deterioration in taste and odour if the bones are not properly prepared. The use of local natural adsorbents as an alternative is feasible with limitations of high levels of other impurities in treated water. Locally available gypsum, magnesite and bauxite were converted to adsorbents through calcination. The study was conducted to determine the removal efficiency, best calcination temperature and composite ratio of the three adsorbents for the removal of fluoride from natural drinking water with fluoride concentration as high as 16.7 mg/L. The adsorbent materials were calcined at different temperatures ranging between 3500C and 6000C. Batch experiments were performed and samples were collected at different contact time intervals of 2 minutes to 60 minutes, and residual fluoride was determined. Bauxite had the highest fluoride removal efficiency compared to gypsum and magnesite. The best calcination temperatures were 3500C, 4000C, 6000C for gypsum, bauxite and magnesite, respectively. The best calcination temperatures were used to prepare composites at different ratios of 1:2:3, 2:3:1 and 3:2:1, bauxite: gypsum: magnesite respectively. All the ratios gave low sulphate and iron as impurities within the recommended standards. The composites lowered fluoride concentration level to 1.53 mg/L, 2.07 mg/L, 2.60 mg/L for 1:2:3, 2:3:1, 3:2:1 ratios, respectively. In conclusion the study reveals that, it is possible for composites made of adsorbent calcinated at different optimum temperatures to give good results in fluoride removal from drinking water, as well as standard pH, iron and sulphate values in treated water.
Here in the Real World: The Performance of Alternative Beta
Authors: Suhonen Antti , Lennkh Matthias
Published: March 2021

We examine the realized performance of alternative beta strategies using a database of returns since 2008. Despite diversified portfolios of risk premia strategies offered by global investment banks achieving satisfactory Sharpe ratios of 0.80–1.07 during the decade to 2017, up to two thirds of the performance can be explained by exposure to traditional benchmarks. Furthermore, the outcomes are very sensitive to the estimated all-in fees incurred by investors. We find no evidence of positive alpha in the aggregate industry returns, and document a pattern of time-varying, asymmetric, and statistically significant betas to global equities and bonds. Our results suggest that the poor performance of the strategies in 2018–20 was not an aberration, but rather a continuation of patterns already present in earlier data. The findings are representative of the wider risk premia industry, as returns of managed alternative risk premia funds and those of diversified investment bank strategy portfolios appear closely aligned.
Analisis pencemaran antropogenik dan struktur komunitas diatom planktonik sebagai indikator pencemaran perairan di Selat Air Hitam
Authors: Tampubolon Miduk , Siregar Yusni Ikhwan , Siregar Sofyan Husein
Published: March 2021

The present study aimed at identify population characters pollution source which affect water fertily nitrate, phospate, abundance as well as community structure of planctonic diatomae were measured. Nine sampling station of three location were established a long the Selat Air Hitam water. Appearently domestic activity, marine traffic, sago processing plant and community economic had affected on water fertility  due to effluent water that entered the water. Nitrate analysis showed a range of 187,5 to 262,5 µg/L mean while phospate consentration appear 28,8- 241,2 µg/L, silicate consentration appear 30,4-32,9 µg/L. Plactonic diatomae abundance came up 2400 to 3800 cell/L of nine genera. Biodiversity index of range  (1≤H’≤3), while smiliarity index (0,5≤E≤1) and dominancy index (0,5≤E≤1). Those index indicate nthe Selat Air Hitam waters in a medium pressure, however ecosystem condition is stable. Nitrate, phospate and silicate positively and significantly correlated with diatomae abundance ( p0,05). TSS level appeared 18,33 – 45,00 mg/l and BOD berkisar 3,73 – 5,07 mg/l. Regression analysis showed that nitrate and phospate had a mayor affect to diatomae abundance.
The Views of Educators and Thinkers Who Influenced Education Policies in the Ottoman Period
Authors: Gürhan Ethem , Çiftçi Sabahattin
Published: March 2021

Intellectuals and thinkers, who are influential on the society, have an influence on the people they live with their ideas, especially on the growing generations. It is seen that this intelligentsia, who leads and guides the society they live in, deeply affects the life of society. The works of these people, who have important roles in shaping the society in which they live with their thoughts, are adopted by the individuals in that society and their influence on the generation that has grown for many years is seen to last. The works of these people adopted by the society and their thoughts in these works are shown as examples in the educational institutions of that society and read as textbooks. For this reason, the opinions of educators and thinkers in that society have an impact on the growing generation.Surely, when we look at the Ottoman period, the number of educators and thinkers who had an impact on society is quite high. However, it is not possible to address all of them. That is not the point of this research. The important criterion in this research is the most important educators and thinkers of each period. In particular, they are educators and thinkers who have basic works on education and whose works have been taught in schools as textbooks for many years, and who have significant effects on social life. When we look at these thinkers, we can see that their influence continues from past to present. In this research, the document review pattern, which is one of the qualitative research methods, was used and it was determined that the findings of the research were dominated by the view that educational policies based on moral values and aiming to be trained in line with the abilities of the student should be applied in the ottoman period human education policies. In addition, it is seen that the first step of physically transitioning from madrasa system to today’s modern school and classroom system was taken by Selim Sabit Efendi.
Challenges of Improving the Quality of Academic Supervision of Postgraduate Studies at the Faculty of Education, Damietta University
Authors: Gohar Aly Saleh , Qouta Marwa Maher
Published: March 2021

The present research paper aims to confront the challenges of improving the quality of academic supervision of postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Education, Damietta University, identifying the theoretical and conceptual framework for academic supervision of educational postgraduate studies. It also analyzes the reality and defines the challenges of academic supervision of educational postgraduate studies. The author adopted the descriptive and analytical method and applied the tool to a sample of (30) faculty members at the Faculty of Education, Damietta University. The study concluded that the heavy load of the supervisor, the tendency of the student to choose a supervisor in a certain position, and keenness of the student to carry out the study quickly without considering quality, and poor research skills among students are the most significant challenges of improving the quality of academic supervision. The study recommended abiding by the regulations of postgraduate studies that allow supervising several theses and dissertations to enable supervisors to follow up postgraduate students honestly and objectively. It also recommended the need to respect the desire of the student when choosing a supervisor.
Presentación de la Revista CJP
Authors: Vargas-Téllez Geormar
Published: March 2021

La dirección del Instituto Centroamericano de Estudios Jurídicos y Políticos adscrito a la Escuela de Ciencias Jurídicas y Políticas de la Universidad Politécnica de Nicaragua ha promovido reuniones constantes con equipo de la Revista Cuaderno Jurídico y Político de cara a fortalecer los procesos que en ella se desarrollan.
El derecho político frente al «nuevo constitucionalismo latinoamericano». Análisis comparativo con el modelo de democracia constitucional
Authors: Gatti Franco
Published: March 2021

El presente artículo tiene por objeto abordar las características del denominado «Nuevo Constitucionalismo Latinoamericano», cuyo germen se encuentra en los procesos constitucionales de los Estados Ecuador, Bolivia y Venezuela, sin perjuicio del antecedente que significó la Constitución colombiana de 1991. Considerando las insistentes críticas que se han formulado respecto de este nuevo paradigma, se concretará una comparación con el Modelo de Democracia Constitucional, procurando subrayar los aspectos centrales que distancian a estas propuestas.
Las Catilinarias de Cicerón y el derecho penal del enemigo
Authors: Polaino-Orts Miguel
Published: March 2021

En el presente ensayo se estudian los antecedentes del concepto de Derecho penal del enemigo en los cuatro discursos de las Catilinarias de Cicerón.
La repercusión del financiamiento público y privado en las candidaturas independientes en México
Authors: Jaramillo Ríos María Teresa
Published: March 2021

Las candidaturas independientes en Latinoamérica han empezado a tomar fuerza ante la pérdida de confianza en los partidos políticos. Sin embargo, aún permea la desigualdad en competencia electoral provocando que no exista una representatividad ciudadana. Se impide el fortalecimiento de esta figura pública. Entre los elementos que repercuten está el financiamiento público y privado que se les otorga. En el presente ensayo se toma como caso particular a México.
Avances en materia de DESCA en relación con los pueblos originarios. Comentarios a la sentencia «Lhaka Honhat vs. Argentina» de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
Authors: D´ Angelo Eugenia , Mantelli Lucas
Published: March 2021

El caso de «Lhaka Honhat vs. Argentina» ha implicado un avance en la jurisprudencia de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos, al considerar vulnerados en forma autónoma los derechos a un ambiente sano, al agua, a la alimentación y a la identidad cultural de los pueblos originarios víctimas en el proceso, en relación con lo dispuesto por el artículo 26 de la Convención Americana de los Derechos Humanos.
A Turn of the Tide in the Extraterritorial Application of Child Rights: On the French Approach towards ISIS’ Child Returnees
Authors: Aguettant Felix A.
Published: March 2021

There are hundreds of children of French jihadists detained in northeast Syrian camps, being in direct danger of irreparable damage to their physical and psychological development. France has been denying the existence of any competence in Syria that could impose international obligations regarding these children. However, in November 2020, the Committee on the Rights of the Child decided in an individual communication procedure that the French State has jurisdiction over these children, marking a significant development in the extraterritorial application of human rights that is not immune to severe criticism. The Committee established that competence is found entirely upon a factual assessment and used the nationality of the children as a central criterion, posing arbitrariness concerns. The decision is nevertheless a decisive basis to uphold the positive obligation to protect child nationals, making the refusal of the State to systematically repatriate them less and less defensible. Finally, an understanding of security concerns was found to be crucial in a policy change. Any future decisions should therefore strike a better balance between public security and the rights of the child.
Chaotic Dynamics and Complexity in Real and Physical Systems
Authors: Kanti Das Mrinal , Mohan Saha Lal
Published: March 2021

Emergence of chaos and complex behavior in real and physical systems has been discussed within the framework of nonlinear dynamical systems. The problems investigated include complexity of Child’s swing dynamics , chaotic neuronal dynamics (FHN model), complex Food-web dynamics, Financial model (involving interest rate, investment demand and price index) etc. Proper numerical simulations have been carried out to unravel the complex dynamics of these systems and significant results obtained are displayed through tables and various plots like bifurcations, attractors, Lyapunov exponents, topological entropies, correlation dimensions, recurrence plots etc. The significance of artificial neural network (ANN) framework for time series generation of some dynamical system is suggested.
Nutrition and Poultry Coccidiosis: Causes, Consequences and Current Strategies to Modulate the Disease
Authors: Gómez-Osorio Luis-Miguel , Chaparro-Gutiérrez Jenny-Jovana , López-Osorio Sara
Published: March 2021

Eimeria spp. are parasites specialized in invade and replicate in the intestine, causing coccidiosis, an enteric disease of major economic importance worldwide. The disease causes losses in production and high morbidity ranging from bloody enteritis, with high mortality, to being subclinical silent but affecting feed intake and efficiency. However, intestinal lesions of the infection vary, depending on the species of coccidia. The most important Eimeria species in poultry are: E. tenella, E. acervulina, E. maxima, E. necatrix, E. mitis, E. praecox and E. brunetti. All those species affect different anatomic sites of the intestine. Thus, they alter the homeostasis of the host reducing nutrient absorption and utilization. Nutritional factors are key players in several steps of the coccidiosis disease. Firstly, as a susceptibility or protection factor, secondly, during the process of infection and pathogenesis, and thirdly, in the recovery and compensatory growth of the bird. Otherwise, coccidiosis also triggers immune response in the intestine. To counter these complicated effects, there are nutritional strategies (including formulation of key amino acids, vitamins, short and medium chain fatty acids, prebiotics, enzymes, among others) that can be utilized to reduce the infection, alleviate the signs, and boost the compensatory growth after infection. This chapter review the impacts of coccidiosis in nutrition and discuss about of strategies to mitigate these risks.
Antagonistic Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on Candida albicans in ME-180 Cervical Carcinoma Cell Culture
Authors: Yuk Young Sam , Lee Young Ki , Kim Ga-Yeon
Published: March 2021

Background: Candida albicans is an yeast species that colonizes the vaginal and oral mucosa of healthy women. However, it exhibits pathogenicity when the balance between yeast and mucous membranes and host defense mechanisms is disrupted. Objectives: To develop an auxiliary treatment for vaginitis, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of a probiotic bacterial strain isolated from kimchi on C. albicans. Methods: Lactobacillus plantarum, which exhibits potent inhibitory activity against pathogenic bacteria and is resistant to broad-spectrum antibiotics, was isolated from commercially kimchi in Korea, and its antagonistic effects on C. albicans were examined in a mixed culture with ME-180 cervical carcinoma cells. Results: Candida albicans caused extensive damage in ME-180 cells. In ME-180 cells inoculated with L. plantarum and then with C. albicans, the extent of cell damage increased as the concentration of the C. albicans culture increased. However, in ME-180 cells inoculated with L. plantarum at 106 CFU/mL or at a higher concentration, the extent of cell damage increased substantially with the concentration of C. albicans, indicating that L. plantarum inhibited the growth of C. albicans. Conclusions: Lactobacillus plantarum did not directly inhibit the growth of C. albicans but may have inhibited biofilm development at an early stage, thereby preventing the growth and mucosal adhesion of C. albicans. Further investigation of the safety, side effects, and metabolism of L. plantarum and its potential infectivity in animals is required before the L. plantarum isolate can be used to treat vaginitis.
Tomato brown rugose fruit virus: A new threat for tomato and pepper production
Authors: Stanković Ivana , Vučurović Ana , Zečević Katarina , Delibašić Goran , Krstić Branka
Published: March 2021

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV; genus Tobamovirus, family Virgaviridae) was fi rst observed in 2014 on tomatoes in Israel, and otbreaks have recently occurred in China, Mexico, the USA and several EPPO countries. The virus is characterized as highly infectious and persistant. Propagative materials including transplants and seeds, as well as fresh fruits are considered high risk pathways for the introduction of ToBRFV into new areas. Also, ToBRFV is a virus easily spread mechanically by plant-to-plant contact, contaminated tools, shoes, clothing, hands and equipment during performing various plant care measures. Control of ToBRFV is a very diffi cult and it is important to prevent the introduction of the virus by using virus-free propagative materials. Once the virus is introduced, control measures are very limited and mainly rely on the elimination of infected plants and the application of strict hygiene measures, as resistant cultivars are not currently available. Due to its high damage potential for the tomato production, ToBRFV poses a considerable phytosanitary risk for European countries and was added to the EPPO A2 List in 2020.
Importance and epidemiology of tomato spotted wilt virus
Authors: Ćuk Marina , Savić Zagorka , Iličić Renata , Bagi Ferenc
Published: March 2021

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is the most economically important plant viruses from genus Tospovirus. It has a polyphagous character and infects a wide range of very significant agricultural crops. Vectors of viruses are insects from order Thysanoptera (Thripidae) and till know eight species are known to transmit tospoviruses of which Frankliniella occidentalis is considered to be economically most important vector. TSWV is transmitted by thrips in a persistent and propagative manner. Relationship between vector and TSWV is very specific because vectors acquire the virus in the larval stages, while imago plays a key role in transmission of the virus. TSWV causes wide range of symptoms depending on host plant, external environmental conditions and type of viruses. In addition to affecting the fruit quality of cultivated crops, greatly reduces the yield to agricultural producers. Tomato is the most commonly attacked by TSWV, and after the symptoms manifested on leaves in the form of a bronze color, the virus was name. Protection of agricultural crops is very challenging and difficult due to wide distribution of viruse vectors, their hidden way of life as well as wide range of TSWV hosts.
Effect of microbial biocontrol agents for plant diseases on soil microbiome
Authors: Gašparovski Jozef
Published: March 2021

Microbiological preparations for the control of plant diseases have become increasingly important in recent years and their use is significantly increasing. They usually contain bacteria, fungi and viruses and provide a number of benefits without harmful effects for people and the environment. They have a positive effect on the soil microbiome, and their application can further stimulate the number of microorganisms in the soil and their biochemical processes. The application of microbiological preparations can modify the soil microbiome and has a direct and indirect impact on the physico-chemical and biochemical processes in the soil. The application of the preparation improves the cycle of nutrients in the soil, maintains its fertility, microorganisms produce enzymes that increase the resistance of plants to adverse environmental conditions and plant diseases. Also, the use of these preparations can reduce the number of pathogens in the soil.
Technical and field evaluation of tractor operated frontal pre-pruner for Kinnow Mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and Guava (Myrtaceae) orchard
Authors: Singh Manjeet , Singh Thakur , Chandel Rupinder
Published: March 2021

Fruit tree pruning is the cutting and removing of selected parts of a fruit tree. It spans through quite a number of horticultural techniques. Pruning includes cutting branches back, sometimes removing smaller limbs entirely and more so the removal of young shoots, buds and leaves. Established orchard practice of both organic and nonorganic types typically includes pruning. Pruning can control growth, remove dead or diseased wood, and stimulate the formation of flowers and fruit buds. Pruning and training young trees improves their later productivity and longevity and can also prevent later injury from weak crotches or forks (where a tree trunk splits into two or more branches) that break from the weight of fruit, snow, or ice on the branches. However, the efficiency of pruning methods is also important. Manual pruning has constraints like lower field Capacity and incomplete pruning in case of tall trees. Therefore, a tractor operated 1-row frontal pre pruner with electro hydraulic control was tested for Kinnow Mandarin and Guava orchards. The time involved for top and side pruning was 23.30 and 46.80 min/acre, respectively and there was 99.32 - 99.38 % saving in time as compared to manual pruning.
Comment s’arriment le travail précaire d’infirmières auxiliaires et la mobilisation politique pour la survie de l’action publique en santé mentale au Brésil ?
Authors: Ruelland Isabelle
Published: March 2021

Au Brésil, plusieurs municipalités se tournent vers la sous-traitance afin de combler leurs besoins en termes de personnels en santé mentale. Le cas des infirmières auxiliaires du réseau de la ville de Campinas permet de saisir les impacts de ces transformations sur les travailleurs précaires. L’activité de travail et de mobilisation de 16 infirmières auxiliaires est décrite à partir d’une ethnographie d’un an. Comment concilier la précarité, les soins infirmiers et la mobilisation pour la survie de l’action publique en santé mentale ? Cette question est éclairée en traçant les contours d’une « grammaire militante » qui se déploie dans les espaces de prises de parole de ce réseau. Cette analyse ouvre la voie à une compréhension plus fine des rapports sociaux de pouvoir dans les réseaux de santé mentale. L’article conclut sur l’importance de la prise en compte du point de vue des infirmières auxiliaires quant à la nature politique de leur activité de travail pour la réforme psychiatrique.
Entrepreneurial cognition or judgment: The management and economics approaches to the entrepreneur's choices
Authors:   Ph.D., Hab., Associate Professor, Department of Finance and International Economics, Institute of Economics, Finance and Management, Faculty of Management and Social Communication, Jagiellonian University, Prof. Stanislaw Lojasiewicz 4, 30-415 Krakow, Poland, e-mail: marta.gancarczyk@uj.edu.pl, Gancarczyk Marta , Ujwary-Gil Anna ,   Ph.D., Hab., Professor of Institute of Economics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Process and Network Analysis, Nowy Swiat 72, 30-330 Warsaw, Poland, e-mail: ujwary@inepan.waw.pl
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The explanation of entrepreneurial choices is relevant for efficient resource allocation and wealth of individuals and societies. The economics and management studies in entrepreneurship present both complementary and alternative views on the antecedents of entrepreneurial decisions and actions. This paper aims to synthesize this discussion, propose the processual and configurational approach that bridges the extant views, as well as to present the contribution of the papers in this issue to exploring the link between entrepreneurial cognition and choices. Methodology: Based on the narrative literature review, we present the major constructs describing how entrepreneurs make judgments under uncertainty and select particular decisions and actions. Then, we suggest how these differing assumptions can be adopted within processual view, as well as based on the configurational approach to judgments and actions of entrepreneurs. Findings: The research included in this issue treats the concepts of entrepreneurial discovery and creation as complementary rather than alternative. Moreover, the referred studies acknowledge the role of capabilities, personal traits and entrepreneurial cognition in enterprise performance and intentions to run a business. Additional value of this issue is a broad picture of the context and related contingencies, such as geographical location, industrial and firm idiosyncrasies, as well as economic development and social awareness levels in particular locations. Implications for theory and practice: This paper synthesizes the extant discussion on the antecedents of entrepreneurial choices, and proposes processual and configurational approaches to bridge theoretical perspectives in this research field. Originality and value: We contribute to the literature on entrepreneurial choices by proposing the conceptual links between judgments and behaviors in economics and management studies, and by highlighting how the research in this thematic issue explains the referred links.
Water Quality Assessment of Surface Waters and Wastewaters by Traditional and Ecotoxicological Indicators in Ogosta River, Bulgaria
Authors:   Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski”, 1 J. Bourchier Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria, Yotova Galina , Lazarova Svetlana ,   Department of Water Supply, Sewerage, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Faculty of Hydraulic Engineering, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, 1 Hr, Smirnenski Blvd., 1046 Sofia, Bulgaria, Mihaylova Veronika ,   Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University “St Kliment Ohridski”, 1 J. Bourchier Blvd., 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria, Venelinov Tony ,   Department of Water Supply, Sewerage, Water and Wastewater Treatment, Faculty of Hydraulic Engineering, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, 1 Hr, Smirnenski Blvd., 1046 Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: March 2021

Surface water samples in Ogosta River, Bulgaria and wastewater samples at the inlet and outlet of WWTP–Montana were tested for the traditional parameters and ecotoxicological effect. The river and Dam surface waters comply with category A1 of Directive 75/440/EEC for pH, EC, COD, TSS, NO3–, Cl–, SO42–, B, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn; with category A2 for BOD5, NH4+–N and Fe; and with category A3 for TNb and As. The average annual concentrations of Al, Cr (III), Cr (VI) and U are lower than the set limits in the Water Framework Directive. Arsenic concentration in all the samples exceeds the maximum allowed concentration, a results from natural processes. All the levels of the studied parameters in the outlet wastewater samples are lower than the limits, set in Directive 91/271/EEC and in the complex permit of the WWTP. The results of the biotest Phytotoxkit F™ show low ecotoxicity of the water samples. Optimization of the sample pretreatment prior to this ecotoxicological test is analyzed and discussed.
Review Article. Role of Electrophysiological Methods in Diagnosis of Hereditary Retinal Dystrophies
Authors:   Clinic of Ophthalmology, “Lozenetz” University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, 1 Koziak Str., Sofia, Mermeklieva Elena
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study is to present the different electrophysiological methods (EF) for study the retinal function and to highlight their importance in the diagnosis of hereditary retinal dystrophies (HRDs). EF methods are objective methods including the different types of electroretinography (ERG) and electrooculography (EOG). They are “the golden standard” in the diagnosis of retinal dystrophies. EF are especially valuable in the initial stages of the diseases and in asymptomatic forms. They are also particularly important for monitoring the changes in dynamics, which is very important for the diseases prognosis. HRDs are a heterogeneous group of diseases with a relatively low frequency in the human population, characterized by involvement of different retinal layers, most often the complex retinal pigment epithelium-photoreceptors and causing severe visual impairment - loss of night vision, visual field, color vision and visual acuity in the initial stages and leading to progressive and severe loss of visual function by altering the retinal anatomy and function. By EF studies can evaluate the function of the retina in patients with these “rare eye diseases”. EF methods are most important in the diagnosis of HRDs. They are also important in the differential diagnosis between the different retinal dystrophies. A major challenge for the ophthalmologists is to identify the diseases in the early stages. There is an urgent need for more knowledge and practical use of these methods for accurate diagnosis which is a prerequisite for a proper therapy.
The prospective COVID-19 vaccine: willingness to pay and perception of community members in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ilesanmi Olayinka , Afolabi Aanuoluwapo , Uchendu Obioma
Published: March 2021

Background

The introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine necessitates the assessment of individual perception regarding the vaccine. This study aimed to assess the perception of community members and willingness to pay for the prospective COVID-19 vaccine in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire in September 2020. We studied community members aged 15 years and above using a multi-stage sampling technique. The perceptions of respondents about the COVID-19 vaccine were assessed on eight questions using the five-point Likert scale with a score point of “1” assigned for “Strongly Agree”, “2” for “Agree”, “3” for “Not decided”, “4” for “Disagree”, and “5” for “Strongly disagree”. During analysis, we reverse-coded the options by assigning a point of “1” for “Strongly disagree”, “2” for “Disagree”, “3” for “Not decided”, “4” for “Agree”, and “5” for “Strongly disagree”. However, questions asked in the negative directions were not reverse-coded during analysis. Eight questions were used to assess the perception of community members regarding the prospective COVID-19 vaccine, and overall, the maximum point was 40. Points greater than or equal to 32 points (80%) implied positive perception. Descriptive statistics were done. Chi-square tests were used for the assessment of associations between sociodemographic characteristics and willingness to pay for the prospective COVID-19 vaccine. We conducted logistic regression tests on statistically significant variables at p-values <0.05.

Results

The mean age of the 440 respondents studied was 37.22 ± 15.36 years, 193 (49.00%) were males, and 292 (67.30%) of the respondents had heard of the prospective COVID-19 vaccine. Among them, 232 (79.50%) respondents had positive perception regarding COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals in the fifth wealth quintile were ten times more likely to be willing to pay for the prospective COVID-19 vaccine compared to those in the first wealth quintile (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 9.57, 95% CI [2.88–31.82], p = <0.01).

Conclusion

The prospective COVID-19 vaccine should be subsidized or made freely available to everyone.
The Origins of Enzyme Catalysis and Reactivity: Further Assessments
Authors: Chandrasekhar Sosale
Published: March 2021

Alternatives to conventional mechanisms of enzyme catalyzed reactions, although within the ambit of transition state theory, are explored herein. This is driven by reports of a growing number of enzymes forming covalently linked enzyme-substrate intermediates, which clearly deviate from the conventional Michaelis-complex mechanism. It is argued that the formation of the covalent intermediates can be accommodated within the framework of transition state theory and the original Pauling hypothesis. This also obviates the need to invoke intramolecular reactivity to explain enzymic accelerations. Thus, the covalent binding of a substrate distorted towards the transition state, with the binding being fully manifested in the ensuing transition state, would conform to the traditional endergonic pre-equilibrium mechanism. Intriguingly, an alternative exergonic formation of the covalent intermediate would also lead to catalysis: in this case, any of the three steps–covalent binding, turnover or product release–can be rate limiting. Although the exergonic mode has been dismissed previously as leading to a “thermodynamic pit” (Michaelis complex case), this view now needs to be reassessed as it seems inaccurate. Therefore, it remains for the enzyme to stabilize the various transition states via the multifarious mechanisms available to it. The Pauling hypothesis remains vindicated.
The Relationship between Procalcitonin with Morbidity, Mortality and Survival in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Çaparlar Mehmet Ali , Uçar Yasin , Dokcu Şeref , Hasirci Ismail , Ulutaş Mehmet Eşref , Erşen Ogün
Published: March 2021

Introduction: In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between procalcitonin (PCT) values and complications, age, mortality, survival and to evaluate the correlation of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) values in patients operated for gastric cancer.

Methods: File records of 50 patients who were operated on for gastric cancer between 2015 and 2018 and whose procalcitonin levels were obtained were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Eighteen (36%) of the study participants in the study were female, and 32 (64%) were male. Mortality rates were found to be significantly higher in those with PCT values of 2 and above on PO 1st and 3rd days. It was observed that the development of respiratory complications was significantly higher in patients with a PCT value of 2 and above on PO 5th and 7th days.

Conclusions: Post-operative high values in gastric cancer patients are significant in terms of mortality and survival in the follow-up. In gastric cancer and other malignant diseases, it is necessary to determine cut-off values, to conduct specificity and sensitivity studies by making detailed examinations for respiratory complications, mortality, and survival times during treatment.
Study on image diagnosis of timber houses damaged by earthquake using deep learning
Authors: Chida Hiroyuki , Takahashi Noriyuki
Published: March 2021

Image processing (semantic segmentation and morphological processing) for the image diagnosis of timber houses damaged by earthquake was studied and the following three aspects were revealed.

Comparing the performance of the models trained with real datasets and chromakeyed datasets, the validation correctness of chromakeyed models achieved comparable or better accuracy than real models (up to 1.38 times more accurate in Frequency Weighted Intersection over Union (FWIoU)). Thus, the usefulness of chromakeyed datasets was confirmed for creating image databases for deep learning.

In the image diagnosis results, damage could be assessed with the same accuracy as the investigator if the damage rate was calculated to be 60% or more, unless the damage was unrecognizable due to shielding or resolution problems. This implies the feasibility of image diagnosis for quantitative damage assessment of timber houses.

Considering the installation of the estimation methodology of the deformation angle into the image diagnosis, the guideline methodology, and previous experimental values were analyzed. If multiple damage degrees were detected, it could be narrowed down to limited estimation results. This suggests the possibility of installation of estimation methodology into the image diagnosis.
Development of High Performance of Al Alloys via Cryo‐Forming: A Review
Authors: Xiong Hanqing , Su Lihong , Kong Charlie , Yu Hailiang
Published: March 2021

Weight reduction is a major trend in the development of automotive, marine, and aerospace industry. Al alloys are the ideal choice for the lightweight design because of their superior mechanical properties and small mass density. In recent years, research results have demonstrated that plastic processing at cryogenic temperature can improve the mechanical properties of Al alloys. Herein, the mechanical properties of Al alloys at cryogenic environment as well as at room temperature are compared, and then the main progress is introduced in the development of fabrication of high‐performance Al alloys using cryo‐forming methods, such as cryorolling, asymmetric cryorolling, cryo‐extrusion, and cryo‐forging, with subsequent heat treatment. The grain refinement mechanism and the strengthening mechanism of Al alloys during various cryo‐forming processes are discussed. Finally, the potential development prospects of future researches in this field are proposed.
A Reliable All‐2D Materials Artificial Synapse for High Energy‐Efficient Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Tang Jian , He Congli , Tang Jianshi , Yue Kun , Zhang Qingtian , Liu Yizhou , Wang Qinqin , Wang Shuopei , Li Na , Shen Cheng , Zhao Yanchong , Liu Jieying , Yuan Jiahao , Wei Zheng , Li Jiawei , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Shang Dashan , Wang Shouguo , Yang Wei , Yang Rong , Shi Dongxia , Zhang Guangyu
Published: March 2021

High‐performance artificial synaptic devices are indispensable for developing neuromorphic computing systems with high energy efficiency. However, the reliability and variability issues of existing devices such as nonlinear and asymmetric weight update are the major hurdles in their practical applications for energy‐efficient neuromorphic computing. Here, a two‐terminal floating‐gate memory (2TFGM) based artificial synapse built from all‐2D van der Waals materials is reported. The 2TFGM synaptic device exhibits excellent linear and symmetric weight update characteristics with high reliability and tunability. In particular, the high linearity and symmetric synaptic weight realized by simple programming with identical pulses can eliminate the additional latency and power consumption caused by the peripheral circuit design and achieve an ultralow energy consumption for the synapses in the neural network implementation. A large number of states up to ≈3000, high switching speed of 40 ns and low energy consumption of 18 fJ for a single pulse have been demonstrated experimentally. A high classification accuracy up to 97.7% (close to the software baseline of 98%) has been achieved in the Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) simulations based on the experimental data. These results demonstrate the potential of all‐2D 2TFGM for high‐speed and low‐power neuromorphic computing.
Surgery after sunitinib administration to improve survival of patients with advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Murase Yoshiki , Kudo Atsushi , Akahoshi Keiichi , Maekawa Aya , Ishikawa Yoshiya , Ueda Hiroki , Ogawa Kosuke , Ono Hiroaki , Tanaka Shinji , Tanabe Minoru
Published: March 2021

Background

Little research is available regarding the treatments combining surgical resection with systemic chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm patients. We retrospectively elucidated whether sunitinib administration before surgery in advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (Pan‐NEN) patients increases survival.

Methods

This study included 106 of 326 Pan‐NEN patients with distant metastases and/or unresectable locally advanced tumors who visited our department to receive sunitinib for more than 1 mo during April 2002 to December 2019. Risk factors for overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were analyzed.

Results

The median duration of preoperative sunitinib administration and observation time after sunitinib were 6 and 26.5 mo, respectively. Of 106 patients, 31 (29.2%) underwent surgery following sunitinib administration. Hepatectomy, synchronous hepatopancreatectomy, pancreatectomy, and lymphadenectomy were performed for 13, 12, 5, and 1 patient, respectively. The 5‐y OS rates in the resected and nonresected groups were 88.9% and 14.1%, respectively (P < .001). In the multivariate analysis, the absence of surgical resection following sunitinib (hazard ratio [HR], 13.1; P = .001), poor differentiation (HR, 5.5; P = .007), and bilateral liver metastases (HR, 3.7; P = .048) were independent risk factors for OS, although large liver tumor volumes were more evident in the nonresected group, as patient characteristics. The median DFS was 16.1 mo in 22 patients who underwent R0/1 resections, and risk factors for postoperative recurrence were Ki‐67 index >7.8% (HR, 7.4; P = .02) and R1 resection (HR, 4.4; P = .04).

Conclusion

Surgical resection after sunitinib administration improved OS in advanced Pan‐NENs.
Staufen1 in Human Neurodegeneration
Authors: Paul Sharan , Dansithong Warunee , Figueroa Karla P. , Gandelman Mandi , Scoles Daniel R. , Pulst Stefan M.
Published: March 2021

Objective

Mutations in the ATXN2 gene (CAG expansions ≥32 repeats) can be a rare cause of Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We recently reported that the stress granule (SG) protein Staufen1 (STAU1) was overabundant in neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) patient cells, animal models, and ALS‐TDP‐43 fibroblasts, and provided a link between SG formation and autophagy. We aimed to test if STAU1 overabundance has a role in the pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

With multiple neurodegenerative patient‐derived cell models, animal models, and human postmortem ALS tissue, we evaluate STAU1 function using biochemical and immunohistological analyses.

Results

We demonstrate STAU1 overabundance and increased total and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in fibroblast cells from patients with ALS with mutations in TDP‐43, patients with dementia with PSEN1 mutations, a patient with parkinsonism with MAPT mutation, Huntington's disease (HD) mutations, and SCA2 mutations. Increased STAU1 levels and mTOR activity were seen in human ALS spinal cord tissues as well as in animal models. Changes in STAU1 and mTOR protein levels were post‐transcriptional. Exogenous expression of STAU1 in wildtype cells was sufficient to activate mTOR and downstream targets and form SGs. Targeting STAU1 by RNAi normalized mTOR, suggesting a potential role for therapy in diseases associated with STAU1 overabundance.

Interpretation

STAU1 overabundance in neurodegeneration is a common phenomenon associated with hyperactive mTOR. Targeting STAU1 with ASOs or miRNA viral vectors may represent a novel, efficacious therapy for neurodegenerative diseases characterized by overabundant STAU1. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1114–1128