bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress of Gentrification Research in China: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Liu Fengbao , Zhu Xigang , Li Jianshu , Sun Jie , Huang Qinshi
Published: January 2019

Gentrification, as a term introduced into China 20 years ago, has now become a topical word in scholarly discussion. This paper for the first time used the software of multiple pieces to analyze literature on gentrification between 1996 and 2017 in China based on bibliometrics, aiming to get the overview of the study, identify and expound the research themes, and analyze their evolution. It showed that the study on gentrification had entered into an exploratory stage with fluctuation from the early germination stage; gentrification research mainly concentrated on two disciplines, namely Geography and Urban and Rural Planning; the top 10 influential authors were identified and collaborative research teams leading the gentrification research had initially been formed. The themes of gentrification research in China were decided by visual analysis method, including urban renewal and dynamic mechanism of gentrification, evaluation and response to the effects of gentrification, new types of gentrification, and historical and cultural heritage conservation and creative industry, on which deeper content and information were described in detail. In terms of research themes evolution analysis, the results showed that the gentrification research in China had experienced the shift from initial concept and literature introduction to current empirical research and theory construction. There are significant signs showing the future trends of gentrification will move to the construction of a theoretical system of gentrification with Chinese characteristics, gentrification consequences evaluation and urban policies, new types of gentrification, gentrification driven by cultural consumption and authenticity protection of gentrification-stricken historical and cultural heritages, application of new technology to gentrification research, and relationship between shantytown renovation and gentrification in China. As to this paper, as far as the authors know, it is the first comprehensive systematic summary within this field based on bibliometric analysis.
Development of a New Method for the Quantitative Generation of an Artificial Joint Specimen with Specific Geometric Properties
Authors: Choi Seungbeom , Lee Sudeuk , Jeong Hoyoung , Jeon Seokwon
Published: January 2019

A rock joint is a planar discontinuity that has significant influence on the mechanical and hydraulic characteristics of rock mass. Laboratory experiments are often conducted on a joint to investigate and provide fundamental information for rock mass analysis. Although joint roughness and mechanical aperture exert great effects on the experimental results, controlling them in quantitative manner is quite complicated and consumptive in terms of specimen preparation. A new and simple method for the quantitative generation of the joint specimen was proposed in this study. Based on random midpoint displacement method, a joint specimen with a void space inside was generated. Parametric studies for the roughness and mechanical aperture were carried out, and as a result, the two joint properties could be controlled by manipulating input parameters of random midpoint displacement method. In order to validate the proposed method, two joint specimens, which had different levels of roughness and aperture, were generated and printed. Surface coordinates of the specimens were obtained by a 3D laser scanner, and calculated to make a comparison between the target values and the estimated values. Results showed that the method was capable of generating joint specimens with satisfactory precision.
Socioeconomic Impacts of Forest Fires upon Portugal: An Analysis for the Agricultural and Forestry Sectors
Authors: Martinho Vítor João Pereira Domingues
Published: January 2019

Recent forest fire activity has resulted in several consequences across different geographic locations where both natural and socioeconomic conditions have promoted a favorable context for what has happened in recent years in a number of countries, including Portugal. As a result, it would be interesting to examine the implications of forest fire activity in terms of the socioeconomic dynamics and performance of the agroforestry sectors in the context of those verified in the Portuguese municipalities. For this purpose, data from Statistics on Portugal was considered for output and employment from the business sector related to agricultural and forestry activities, which were disaggregated at the municipality level, for the period 2008–2015. Data for the burnt area was also considered in order to assess the impact of forest fires. The data was analyzed using econometric models in panel data based on the Keynesian (Kaldor laws) and convergence (conditional approaches) theories. The results from the Keynesian approaches show that there are signs of increasing returns to scale in the Portuguese agroforestry sectors, where the burnt area increased employment growth in agricultural activities and decreased employment in the forestry sector. Forest fires seem to create favorable conditions for agricultural employment in Portuguese municipalities and the inverse occurs for forestry employment. Additionally, some signs of convergence were identified between Portuguese municipalities for agroforestry output and employment, as well for the burnt areas. However, signs of divergence (increasing returns to scale) from the Keynesian models seem to be stronger. On the other hand, the evidence of beta convergence for the burnt areas are stronger than those verified for other variables, showing that the impacts from forest fires are more transversal across the whole country (however not enough to have sigma convergence).
Life Cycle Analysis of Road Construction and Use
Authors: Trunzo Giampiero , Moretti Laura , D’Andrea Antonio
Published: January 2019

Both the construction and use of roads have a range of environmental impacts; therefore, it is important to assess the sources of their burdens to adopt correct mitigation policies. Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a useful method to obtain demonstrable, accurate and non-misleading information for decision-making experts. The study presents a “cradle to gate with options” LCA of a provincial road during 60 year-service life. Input data derive from the bill of quantity of the project and their impacts have been evaluated according to the European standard EN 15804. The study considers the impacts of the construction and maintenance stages, lighting, and use of the vehicles on the built road. The results obtained from a SimaPro model highlight that the almost half of impacts took place during the construction stage rather than the use stage. Therefore, the adoption of environmentally friendly road planning procedures, the use of low-impact procedures in the production of materials, and the use of secondary raw materials could have the largest potential for reducing environmental impacts.
Development of a Risk Framework for Industry 4.0 in the Context of Sustainability for Established Manufacturers
Authors: Birkel Hendrik S. , Veile Johannes W. , Müller Julian M. , Hartmann Evi , Voigt Kai-Ingo
Published: January 2019

The concept of “Industry 4.0” is expected to bring a multitude of benefits for industrial value creation. However, the associated risks hamper its implementation and lack a comprehensive overview. In response, the paper proposes a framework of risks in the context of Industry 4.0 that is related to the Triple Bottom Line of sustainability. The framework is developed from a literature review, as well as from 14 in-depth expert interviews. With respect to economic risks, the risks that are associated with high or false investments are outlined, as well as the threatened business models and increased competition from new market entrants. From an ecological perspective, the increased waste and energy consumption, as well as possible ecological risks related to the concept “lot size one”, are described. From a social perspective, the job losses, risks associated with organizational transformation, and employee requalification, as well as internal resistance, are among the aspects that are considered. Additionally, risks can be associated with technical risks, e.g., technical integration, information technology (IT)-related risks such as data security, and legal and political risks, such as for instance unsolved legal clarity in terms of data possession. Conclusively, the paper discusses the framework with the extant literature, proposes managerial and theoretical implications, and suggests avenues for future research.
Ambiguity in the Attribution of Social Impact: A Study of the Difficulties of Calculating Filter Coefficients in the SROI Method
Authors: Solórzano-García Marta , Navío-Marco Julio , Ruiz-Gómez Luis Manuel
Published: January 2019

In order to analyse, manage, and compare social projects we need, among other things, to be able to measure their impact. One of the methodologies currently used to measure and manage social impact is Social Return on Investment (SROI). However, not all the results calculated by the SROI method are directly attributable to the project, and, therefore, to determine the real impact it is necessary to filter out the changes that the project has not produced. Filter coefficients perform this function. However, the theoretical logic on which the chain is constructed that converts the outputs into impacts is ambiguous. In this study, we will analyse twenty-five real cases where SROI was used to measure social projects. We will identify the difficulties of isolating and measuring impacts by performing a comparative study of the procedures that entities develop to calculate the filters. This allows us to calculate the impacts from the outputs. We will then propose the improvements needed to overcome these shortcomings.
Evaluating European Conservation Areas and Proposal of New Zones of Conservation under the Habitats Directive. Application to Spanish Territories
Authors: Rincón Víctor , Velázquez Javier , Gutiérrez Javier , Sánchez Beatriz , Hernando Ana , García-Abril Antonio , Santamaría Tomás , Sánchez-Mata Daniel
Published: January 2019

The European Union (EU) ensures the conservation of biodiversity through the Natura 2000 Network, which establishes the classification and selection of protected areas at European level. Unfortunately, member countries cannot make the best zoning decisions for biodiversity conservation because there are no clear and uniform parameters to designate Natura 2000 sites. Due to this, it is convenient to evaluate the importance of the criteria for biodiversity conservation through a general assessment, which could establish relevant criteria that can be analysed through geostatistical methods combined in multicriteria analysis. This paper aims to consider biodiversity importance values taking into account land use, so that it is possible to develop a zoning proposal which verifies or corrects the suitability of the designated areas for the Natura 2000 Network in Castilla y León, Andalucía and Madrid (Spain). The choice of these regions allows us to compare areas with a high variability of population density, making possible to compare the potential protected areas with respect to the population living in each area. This assessment has been performed using basic and easily adaptable criteria of biodiversity conservation, so it could be applied in other European territories. In this way, clear and uniform parameters for zoning will be used, being possible to detect the best protected areas. One of the most important purposes of the Natura 2000 Network is to increase connectivity between territories; our work proposes new areas that could be linked to currently protected territories, to favour the achievement of this purpose of the Natura 2000 Network.
Co3O4 Nanopetals on Si as Photoanodes for the Oxidation of Organics
Authors: Girardi Leonardo , Bardini Luca , Michieli Niccolò , Kalinic Boris , Maurizio Chiara , Rizzi Gian Andrea , Mattei Giovanni
Published: January 2019

Cobalt oxide nanopetals were grown on silicon electrodes by heat-treating metallic cobalt films deposited by DC magnetron sputtering. We show that cobalt oxide, with this peculiar nanostructure, is active towards the photo-electrochemical oxidation of water as well as of organic molecules, and that its electrochemical properties are directly linked to the structure of its surface. The formation of Co3O4 nanopetals, induced by oxidizing annealing at 300 °C, considerably improves the performance of the material with respect to simple cobalt oxide films. Photocurrent measurements and electrochemical impedance are used to explain the behavior of the different structures and to highlight their potential application in water remediation technologies.
Content/Potency Assessment of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type-A by Validated Liquid Chromatography Methods and Bioassays
Authors: Xavier Bruna , Perobelli Rafaela Ferreira , Walter Maurício Elesbão , da Silva Francielle Santos , Dalmora Sérgio Luiz
Published: January 2019

Botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNTA) is one of the seven different serotypes (A to G) produced by Clostridium botulinum. A stability-indicating size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) method was developed and validated, and the specificity was confirmed by forced degradation study, interference of the excipients, and peaks purity. The method was applied to assess the content and high-molecular-weight (HMW) forms of BoNTA in biopharmaceutical products, and the results were compared with those of the LD50 mouse bioassay, the T−47D cell culture assay, and the reversed-phase chromatography (RPC) method, giving mean values of 0.71% higher, 0.36% lower, and 0.87% higher, respectively. Aggregated forms showed significant effects on cytotoxicity, as well as a decrease in the bioactivity (p < 0.05). The employment of the proposed method in conjunction with the optimized analytical technologies for the analysis of the intact and altered forms of the biotechnology-derived medicines, in the correlation studies, enabled the demonstration of the capability of each one of the methods and allowed for great improvements, thereby assuring their safe and effective use.
Combined Effect of Light and Temperature on the Production of Saxitoxins in Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii Strains
Authors: Mesquita Marcella , Lürling Miquel , Dorr Fabiane , Pinto Ernani , Marinho Marcelo
Published: January 2019

Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii is a potentially toxic freshwater cyanobacterium that can tolerate a wide range of light and temperature. Due to climatic changes, the interaction between light and temperature is studied in aquatic systems, but no study has addressed the effect of both variables on the saxitoxins production. This study evaluated the combined effect of light and temperature on saxitoxins production and cellular quota in C. raciborskii. Experiments were performed with three C. raciborskii strains in batch cultures under six light intensities (10, 40, 60, 100, 150, and 500 μmol of photons m−2 s−1) and four temperatures (15, 20, 25, and 30 °C). The growth of C. raciborskii strains was limited at lower temperatures and the maximum growth rates were obtained under higher light combined with temperatures equal or above 20 °C, depending on the strain. In general, growth was highest at 30 °C at the lower light intensities and equally high at 25 °C and 30 °C under higher light. Highest saxitoxins concentration and cell-quota occurred at 25 °C under high light intensities, but were much lower at 30 °C. Hence, increased temperatures combined with sufficient light will lead to higher C. raciborskii biomass, but blooms could become less toxic in tropical regions.
Effects of Two Fractions of Swietenia macrophylla and Catechin on Muscle Damage Induced by Bothrops Venom and PLA2
Authors: Arias Silvia Posada , de Jesús Rodríguez Berardo , Lobo-Echeverri Tatiana , Ramos Raphael Shezaro , Hyslop Stephen , Rangel Vitelbina Núñez
Published: January 2019

Plant natural products can attenuate the myonecrosis caused by Bothrops snake venom and their phospholipases A2 (PLA2). In this study, we evaluated the effects of two fractions (F4 and F6) from Swietenia macrophylla and purified catechin on the muscle damage caused by a myotoxic PLA2 from Colombian Bothrops asper venom (BaColPLA2) in mice and by Bothrops marmoratus venom from Brazil in mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm muscle (PND) preparations in vitro. Male mice were injected with PLA2 (50 µg) in the absence or presence of F4, F6, and catechin, in the gastrocnemius muscle and then killed 3, 7, 14, and 28 h later for histopathological analysis of myonecrosis, leukocyte infiltration, and the presence of collagen. Fractions F4 and F6 (500 µg) and catechin (90 µg) significantly reduced the extent of necrosis at all-time intervals. These two fractions and catechin also attenuated the leukocyte infiltration on day 3, as did catechin on day 14. There was medium-to-moderate collagen deposition in all groups up to day 7, but greater deposition on days 14 and 28 in the presence of F6 and catechin. Bothrops marmoratus venom (100 µg/mL) caused slight (~25%) muscle facilitation after 10 min and weak neuromuscular blockade (~64% decrease in contractile activity after a 120-min incubation). Pre-incubation of venom with F4 or F6 abolished the facilitation, whereas catechin, which was itself facilitatory, did not. All three fractions attenuated the venom-induced decrease in muscle contractions. These findings indicate that fractions and catechin from S. macrophylla can reduce the muscle damage caused by Bothrops venom and PLA2. These fractions or their components could be useful for treating venom-induced local damage.
Proteogenomics Uncovers Critical Elements of Host Response in Bovine Soft Palate Epithelial Cells Following In Vitro Infection with Foot-And-Mouth Disease Virus
Authors: Pfaff Florian , Hägglund Sara , Zoli Martina , Blaise-Boisseau Sandra , Laloy Eve , Koethe Susanne , Zühlke Daniela , Riedel Katharina , Zientara Stephan , Bakkali-Kassimi Labib , Valarcher Jean-François , Höper Dirk , Beer Martin , Eschbaumer Michael
Published: January 2019

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is the most devastating disease of cloven-hoofed livestock, with a crippling economic burden in endemic areas and immense costs associated with outbreaks in free countries. Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), a picornavirus, will spread rapidly in naïve populations, reaching morbidity rates of up to 100% in cattle. Even after recovery, over 50% of cattle remain subclinically infected and infectious virus can be recovered from the nasopharynx. The pathogen and host factors that contribute to FMDV persistence are currently not understood. Using for the first time primary bovine soft palate multilayers in combination with proteogenomics, we analyzed the transcriptional responses during acute and persistent FMDV infection. During the acute phase viral RNA and protein was detectable in large quantities and in response hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISG) were overexpressed, mediating antiviral activity and apoptosis. Although the number of pro-apoptotic ISGs and the extent of their regulation decreased during persistence, some ISGs with antiviral activity were still highly expressed at that stage. This indicates a long-lasting but ultimately ineffective stimulation of ISGs during FMDV persistence. Furthermore, downregulation of relevant genes suggests an interference with the extracellular matrix that may contribute to the skewed virus-host equilibrium in soft palate epithelial cells.
Genetic Diversity and Phylodynamics of Avian Coronaviruses in Egyptian Wild Birds
Authors: A. Rohaim Mohammed , F. El Naggar Rania , M. Helal Ahmed , M. Bayoumi Mahmoud , A. El-Saied Mohamed , A. Ahmed Kawkab , Z. Shabbir Muhammad , Munir Muhammad
Published: January 2019

Avian coronaviruses (ACoVs) are continuously evolving and causing serious economic consequences in the poultry industry and around the globe. Owing to their extensive genetic diversity and high mutation rates, controlling ACoVs has become a challenge. In this context, the potential contribution of wild birds in the disease dynamics, especially in domesticated birds, remains largely unknown. In the present study, five hundred fifty-seven (n = 557) cloacal/fecal swabs were collected from four different wild bird species from eight Egyptian governorates during 2016 and a total of fourteen positive isolates were used for phylodynamics and evolutionary analysis. Genetic relatedness based on spike (S1) gene demonstrated the clustering of majority of these isolates where nine isolates grouped within Egy/variant 2 (IS/885 genotype) and five isolates clustered within Egy/variant 1 (IS/1494/06 genotype). Interestingly, these isolates showed noticeable genetic diversity and were clustered distal to the previously characterized Egy/variant 1 and Egy/variant 2 in Egyptian commercial poultry. The S1 gene based comparison of nucleotide identity percentages revealed that all fourteen isolates reported in this study were genetically related to the variant GI-23 lineage with 92–100% identity. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ACoVs are circulating in Egyptian wild birds and highlight their possible contributions in the disease dynamics. The study also proposes that regular monitoring of the ACoVs in wild birds is required to effectively assess the role of wild birds in disease spread, and the emergence of ACoVs strains in the country.
Advances in MERS-CoV Vaccines and Therapeutics Based on the Receptor-Binding Domain
Authors: Zhou Yusen , Yang Yang , Huang Jingwei , Jiang Shibo , Du Lanying
Published: January 2019

Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an infectious virus that was first reported in 2012. The MERS-CoV genome encodes four major structural proteins, among which the spike (S) protein has a key role in viral infection and pathogenesis. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the S protein contains a critical neutralizing domain and is an important target for development of MERS vaccines and therapeutics. In this review, we describe the relevant features of the MERS-CoV S-protein RBD, summarize recent advances in the development of MERS-CoV RBD-based vaccines and therapeutic antibodies, and illustrate potential challenges and strategies to further improve their efficacy.
The Phylogeny and Pathogenesis of Sacbrood Virus (SBV) Infection in European Honey Bees, Apis mellifera
Authors: Li Jianghong , Wang Tingyun , Evans Jay , Rose Robyn , Zhao Yazhou , Li Zhiguo , Li Jilian , Huang Shaokang , Heerman Matthew , Rodríguez-García Cristina , Banmeke Olubukola , Brister J. , Hatcher Eneida , Cao Lianfei , Hamilton Michele , Chen Yanping
Published: January 2019

RNA viruses that contain single-stranded RNA genomes of positive sense make up the largest group of pathogens infecting honey bees. Sacbrood virus (SBV) is one of the most widely distributed honey bee viruses and infects the larvae of honey bees, resulting in failure to pupate and death. Among all of the viruses infecting honey bees, SBV has the greatest number of complete genomes isolated from both European honey bees Apis mellifera and Asian honey bees A. cerana worldwide. To enhance our understanding of the evolution and pathogenicity of SBV, in this study, we present the first report of whole genome sequences of two U.S. strains of SBV. The complete genome sequences of the two U.S. SBV strains were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers: MG545286.1 and MG545287.1. Both SBV strains show the typical genomic features of the Iflaviridae family. The phylogenetic analysis of the single polyprotein coding region of the U.S. strains, and other GenBank SBV submissions revealed that SBV strains split into two distinct lineages, possibly reflecting host affiliation. The phylogenetic analysis based on the 5′UTR revealed a monophyletic clade with the deep parts of the tree occupied by SBV strains from both A. cerane and A. mellifera, and the tips of branches of the tree occupied by SBV strains from A. mellifera. The study of the cold stress on the pathogenesis of the SBV infection showed that cold stress could have profound effects on sacbrood disease severity manifested by increased mortality of infected larvae. This result suggests that the high prevalence of sacbrood disease in early spring may be due to the fluctuating temperatures during the season. This study will contribute to a better understanding of the evolution and pathogenesis of SBV infection in honey bees, and have important epidemiological relevance.
Removal of Enteric Pathogens from Real Wastewater Using Single and Catalytic Ozonation
Authors: Gomes João , Frasson Danilo , Quinta-Ferreira Rosa M. , Matos Ana , Martins Rui C.
Published: January 2019

Water scarcity is one of the main problems of this century. Water reclamation appears as an alternative due to the reuse of treated wastewater. Therefore, effluents treatment technologies (activated sludge, rotary biological discs, percolating beds) must be improved since they are not able to remove emerging contaminants such as enteric pathogens (bacteria and virus). These pollutants are difficult to remove from the wastewater and lead to adverse consequences to human health. Advanced oxidation processes, such as single and catalytic ozonation, appear as suitable complements to conventional processes. Catalytic ozonation was carried out using a low-cost material, a volcanic rock. Single and catalytic ozonation were capable of promoting total Escherichia coli removal from municipal wastewater after 90 min of contact. The presence of volcanic rock increases disinfection efficiency since E. coli regrowth was not observed. The identified viruses (Norovirus genotype I and II and JC virus) were completely removed using catalytic ozonation, whereas single ozonation was not able to eliminate JC virus even after 150 min of treatment. The higher performance of the catalytic process can be explained by the formation of hydroxyl radicals, proving that disinfection occurs in the liquid bulk and not due to adsorption at the volcanic rock.
The Water Governance Reform Framework: Overview and Applications to Australia, Mexico, Tanzania, U.S.A and Vietnam
Authors: Grafton R. , Garrick Dustin , Manero Ana , Do Thang
Published: January 2019

The world faces critical water risks in relation to water availability, yet water demand is increasing in most countries. To respond to these risks, some governments and water authorities are reforming their governance frameworks to achieve convergence between water supply and demand and ensure freshwater ecosystem services are sustained. To assist in this reform process, the Water Governance Reform Framework (WGRF) is proposed, which includes seven key strategic considerations: (1) well-defined and publicly available reform objectives; (2) transparency in decision-making and public access to available data; (3) water valuation of uses and non-uses to assess trade-offs and winners and losers; (4) compensation for the marginalized or mitigation for persons who are disadvantaged by reform; (5) reform oversight and “champions”; (6) capacity to deliver; and (7) resilient decision-making. Using these reform criteria, we assess current and possible water reforms in five countries: Murray–Darling Basin (Australia); Rufiji Basin (Tanzania); Colorado Basin (USA and Mexico); and Vietnam. We contend that the WGRF provides a valuable approach to both evaluate and to improve water governance reform and, if employed within a broader water policy cycle, will help deliver both improved water outcomes and more effective water reforms.
Evaluation of Hydrological Application of CMADS in Jinhua River Basin, China
Authors: Zhou Zhenghui , Gao Xichao , Yang Zhiyong , Feng Jie , Meng Chao , Xu Zhi
Published: January 2019

Evaluating the hydrological application of reanalysis datasets is of practical importance for the design of water resources management and flood controlling facilities in regions with sparse meteorological data. This paper compared a new reanalysis dataset named CMADS with gauge observations and investigated the performance of the hydrological application of CMADS on daily streamflow, evapotranspiration, and soil moisture content simulations. The results show that: CMADS can represent meteorological elements including precipitation, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed reasonably for both daily and monthly temporal scales while underestimates precipitation compared with gauge observations slightly (<15%). The hydrological model using CMADS dataset as meteorological inputs can capture the daily streamflow chracteristics well overall (with a NS value of 0.56 during calibration period and 0.61 during validation period) but underestimates streamflow obviously (with a BIAS of − 42.42 % during calibration period and a BIAS of − 33.29 % during validation period). The underestimation of streamflow simulated with CMADS dataset is more seriously in dry seasons ( − 48.40 %) than that in wet seasons ( − 39.41 %) for calibration period. The model driven by CMADS estimates evapotranspiration and soil moisture content well compared with the model driven by gauge observations.
CONSUMER VULNERABILITY IN PHARMACEUTICAL MARKET: CASE OF BALTIC COUNTRIES
Authors: Melnikas Borisas , Smaliukienė Rasa
Published: January 2019

Consumer vulnerability receives attention in search for effective solutions of complex problems in the social welfare system on the international as well as local or regional scale. Pharmaceutical consumer vulnerability takes various forms and therefore it may be analyzed in social, economic, legal, ecological or purely medical terms. The article presents an integrated methodology that was applied to develop an indicator of pharmaceutical consumption and pharmaceutical consumer vulnerability; it also presents findings of the research, which employed this methodology to estimate vulnerability of different consumer groups as well as general consumer vulnerability in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
LITHUANIA - BELARUS ECONOMIC RELATIONS: HOW THE EU ACCESSION IMPACTED BILATERAL TRADE
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas , Tvaronavičienė Manuela , Korsakienė Renata , Kalaūinskaitė Kristina
Published: January 2019

Lithuania among other 10 Central and Eastern European countries joined the European Union on 1 May 2004. A lot of forecasts about transformations in international trade relationships had been discussed; overall shift towards the EU had been expected. The paper aims to verify what actual effect newly imposed trade regulations have. Presented elaboration of discussed issue would be performed in the following sequence. At first, trade structure by product groups of trade between Lithuania and Belarus in the years 2000 and 2005 would be juxtaposed. Volumes of import and export would be considered respectively. Changes in trade regime would be taken into account. Adopted approach allowed us to trace which changes in trade regime impacted trade character and which not.
VARIOUS TYPES OF ESTONIAN TOP‐MANAGERS
Authors: Tafel Külliki , Alas Ruth
Published: January 2019

Although there is no substantial change on this side, that leaders achieve results through the others work, there are still differences in the way, how leader achieves this. Based on empirical data from Cross Cultural CEO project this paper aims to classify leaders of Estonian organizations. The empirical study involved interviews with CEOs of 63 companies and questionnaires completed by the CEOs and their subordinates. Two types of top managers were received: directive type and team player. Self‐organizing theory has been applied for interpreting results. Implications are developed for leadership development in countries in transition.
FIRM SPECIFIC DETERMINANTS OF MARKUP ‐ THE CASE OF SLOVENIAN MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: Ponikvar Nina , Rant Melita
Published: January 2019

Investigations of firms’ pricing decisions and performances have been twofold. While within the industrial organisation framework stress is placed on industry‐specific factors and the market power of firms within industries, various organisational theories emphasise the role of ‘soft’ factors in the determination of firms’ performance. The main thesis of our paper is that the size of a firm's markup can mostly be explained by the firm's productivity, capital and labour costs, as well as the firm's market power and organisational structure characteristics, when the external environment and industry membership is controlled for. Our objective is thus to explain firm‐level markups by a set of firm‐specific factors. The empirical analysis of markup determinants is based on a sample of Slovenian manufacturing firms (NACE 15–37) in the 1994–2003 period, applying panel data regression GLS model and ANOVA analyses. We find that, besides market share and cost factors, organisational structure change occurring after some threshold significantly increases markups.
EVALUATION OF BUSINESS STRATEGIC DECISIONS UNDER CHANGING ENVIRONMENT CONDITIONS
Authors: Zinkevičiūtė Virgilija
Published: January 2019

A problem of strategic decisions evaluation under changing environment conditions is analyzed in this article. In the context of these conditions the use of scenarios’ method, integrating scenarios formation into strategic decisions evaluation process, is perspective. The combination of multicriteria evaluation and scenarios’ method allows versatile evaluation of strategic decisions in aspects of usefulness and viability regarding perspective environment situations. A universal scenarios formation technology oriented towards facilitation of scenarios creation using a graphic tool ‐ ‘ Scenarios Roads’ Analysis’ is offered. Methodological guidelines of strategic decisions evaluation applying multicriteria evaluation and scenarios’ method combination is provided as well as their acceptability tested on experiment results.
INVESTIGATION OF SEAPORT AIR DUSTINESS AND DUST SPREAD
Authors: Baltrėnas Pranas , Fröhner Klaus-Diter , Pranskevičius Mantas
Published: January 2019

In the present study investigation of dustiness, performed at Public Limited Liability Company KLASCO, the Company of State Seaport of Klaipeda is described. During investigation the sources of dust formation and the main reasons, impacting the concentration of dust were analysed. Tests were performed at 12 points, located in two zones in the territory of the enterprise. Tests were also performed at the Terminal of Powdery Manure Discharge. Concentrations of dust of manure of potassium chloride during loading were measured. In order to evaluate impact of the enterprise, the data of measurements made at the same time in the northern part of Klaipeda city were used. The obtained data were demonstrated by Surfer 6 software. According to the isolines, analysis of dust spread was performed.
EFFECT OF SEWAGE SLUDGE FERTILIZATION IN SHORT‐ROTATION WILLOW PLANTATIONS
Authors: Lazdiņa Dagnija , Lazdiņš Andis , Kariņš Zigurds , Kāposts Visvaldis
Published: January 2019

The aims of the research work were to evaluate increase of productivity of Salix energy crop and forest plantations by using sewage sludge fertilization, impact of sewage sludge on the environment, and to calculate economic income from plantations. The most important problem during the first rotation cycle in willow plantations was weed control. After using sludge weeds grew up, because sludge contains large amounts of nutrients. After cutting of sprouts in the second growth season willow plantations produce more sprout from stand, and productivity increases from 0,2–0,6 t to 4,6–5,5 t of dry mass/ha. Effect of sewage sludge fertilization is greater in the second season both in control plantations and fertilized plantations. Average biomass production in fertilized plantations was 5,5 t of dry mass/ha per year. Shoot wood from fertilized plantations contained on the average by 4–8 % more heavy metals than control plantation wood. The concentration of heavy metals in the top soil layer increased, but it did not exceed the Regulations issued by the Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia about the soil quality, and the soil cultivation in the first three years was 760 LVL/ha. If the distance were not longer than 40 km and a willow‐cutting combine operated without pauses, costs for cutting, chip crushing and delivery to consumers would achieve 4 LVL/m3.
EVALUATION OF LITHUANIAN AIR QUALITY MONITORING DATA APPLYING SYNOPTICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Bimbaitė Vilma , Girgždienė Raselė
Published: January 2019

Relationship between synoptical patterns and different pollutants was analysed in the study. Cases with ozone concentrations higher or equal to the 95th percentile of monthly ozone concentrations were analysed over the period 2002–2005. Ozone concentration cases were grouped into seven concentration intervals and analysed according to synoptical patterns (cold, warm and occluded fronts). Relationship between SO2, SO4 and NO2 and synoptical objects was analysed during warm and cold seasons.

The influence of cold, warm and occluded fronts on the high ozone level formation are very similar at both Lithuanian rural stations of Preila and Rūgšteliškes. The influence of all the fronts was more significant during night hours at a relatively low (50–100 μg/m3) and high (>100 μg/m3) ozone levels during day hours.

The concentrations of gaseous SO2, NO2 and aerosol SO4 pollutants for the cases with hourly ozone concentration values ≥95th percentile were analysed. The influence of different synoptical patterns was found to be stronger during a warm season and lower during a cold season of the year.
La baisse de l'impôt sur les sociétés et la valeur des entreprises
Authors: Meunier François
Published: January 2019

L'article analyse les effets pour les entreprises de cette tendance majeure observée depuis deux ou trois décennies : la baisse continue des taux d'impôt sur les sociétés. Contrairement à l'opinion courante, baisser le taux d'IS ne favorise pas nécessairement les actionnaires et l'économie fiscale est loin de demeurer dans les bilans des entreprises. La raison en est que l'IS a les caractéristiques d'un impôt largement neutre : son niveau influe assez peu sur le rendement du capital et le comportement des entreprises en matière de production et d'emploi. Comment penser autrement que les grandes économies aient pu prospérer dans l'après-guerre avec des taux d'impôt de l'ordre de 50 % ? L'article montre que l'ouverture croissante des frontières et des marchés de capitaux change fortement la donne, et fait perdre une grande part de la neutralité de l'IS. Baisser l'IS profite en une fois aux entreprises du pays qui enclenche la baisse, avant que l'impôt retrouve sa (quasi-)neutralité, sous l'effet de la réponse stratégique des autres pays. C'est ce qui alimente la course, au final assez vaine, mais très déstabilisante pour les finances publiques, à la baisse des taux d'impôt. Classification JEL : G32, H25, H32.
Les banques et les paradis fiscaux
Authors: Barake Mona , Capelle-Blancard Gunther , Lé Mathias
Published: January 2019

L'affaire UBS en 2008, Offshore Leaks en 2013, Lux Leaks en 2014, Swiss Leaks en 2015, Panama Papers et Football Leaks en 2016, Paradise Papers en 2017. Depuis la crise financière mondiale, scandales après scandales, les paradis fiscaux sont sous pression. Longtemps considéré comme marginal par les économistes, le sujet fait l'objet de nombreux travaux académiques ces dernières années. Les études confirment le poids massif de ces micro-États (près de 10 000 milliards d'actifs enregistrés, près de la moitié des investissements directs à l'étranger), leur impact très significatif sur l'imposition effective des multinationales, le manque à gagner fiscal pour les autres États (plusieurs centaines de milliards), ainsi que le rôle clé joué par les intermédiaires financiers. La BRI publie depuis le milieu des années 1970 des données sur les encours bancaires transfrontaliers qui montrent leur importance : les paradis fiscaux hébergent près de 20 % des encours transfrontaliers lorsqu'on considère les positions non consolidées. Par ailleurs, l'Union européenne a réussi à imposer à ses banques qu'elles rendent publiques depuis 2016 leurs activités dans tous les pays, y compris dans les paradis fiscaux ( Country-by-Country Reporting , CbCR). Il ressort de ces données que les paradis fiscaux représentent, pour les banques européennes, 18 % de leur chiffre d'affaires et 29 % de leur profit à l'étranger, tandis qu'elles emploient seulement 9 % de leur main-d'œuvre à l'étranger. Classification JEL : F23, G20, G28, H25, H26.
De quelle poétesse Marc est-il le nom ? Le premier Évangile est-il l’œuvre d’une femme ?
Authors: Vouga François
Published: January 2019

Ne pourrait-on pas penser, avec de bonnes raisons, que la composition de l’Évangile de Marc, et donc la création du genre littéraire de l’Évangile, soit l’œuvre d’une femme ? François Vouga considère et évalue le regard intime porté dans la narration sur les personnages féminins. Aux Douze et aux compagnons de Jésus, désignés comme ses élèves et désorientés par son absence, l’Évangile selon Marc oppose plusieurs figures de femmes indépendantes et autonomes. Elles avaient pris elles-mêmes l’initiative de l’accueillir en Galilée et de l’accompagner à Jérusalem. Puis aux moments décisifs de la Passion, de la mort et de l’annonce de Pâques, elles assurent leur relève. Ne serait-ce pas l’indice d’une signature indirecte ?
Évaluer les dommages psychiques
Authors: Bertrand Michèle
Published: January 2019

Évaluer une souffrance psychique est une question complexe, car tous n’ont pas les mêmes sensibilités à une situation, ou les mêmes ressources, sociales et psychiques. En particulier, il faut distinguer la souffrance, qui laisse l’intéressé capable de mobiliser des ressources psychiques pour combattre, et la douleur qui détruit la personne et peut la mener au suicide. L’évaluation devrait inclure l’idée de réparation, non pas au sens d’une restitutio ad integrum , mais d’un travail psychothérapeutique permettant à la personne de retrouver les ressources nécessaires pour continuer à vivre.
Simulation ou fuite dans la maladie ?
Authors: de Mijolla-Mellor Sophie
Published: January 2019

Le procès contre la « faradisation » des soldats pour les contraindre à retourner au front au cours de la Première Guerre mondiale pose tout d’abord une question éthique tant pour le soldat que pour le médecin. Mais la question est aussi juridique, puisqu’il s’agit d’un procès et médicale pour savoir quel est le traitement le plus approprié dans ce type de cas. Quant à la question du diagnostic préalable, c’est celle qui continue de nous intéresser aujourd’hui. Elle en recouvre une autre, d’ordre étiologique, soit le débat qui n’a pas cessé entre l’organique et le psychogène.
PSYCHIATRIC WARD ATMOSPHERE
Authors: Corey Linda J , Wallace Mary A , Harris Susan H , Casey Barbara
Published: January 2019

A Before and After Look at How Refurbishing Affects Staff and Patient Perceptions of the Psychosocial Treatment Environment.
Influence of Preoperative Astigmatism Type and Magnitude on the Effectiveness of SMILE Correction
Authors: Pérez-Izquierdo Ricardo , Rodríguez-Vallejo Manuel , Matamoros Alicia , Martínez Javier , Garzón Nuria , Poyales Francisco , Fernández Joaquín
Published: January 2019

PURPOSE:

To assess the effectiveness of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) as a function of the astigmatism level and type.

METHODS:

A total of 102 right eyes were included in this study. Refractive astigmatism and corneal astigmatism measured with Scheimpflug technology were retrieved from the preoperative visit and the 3-month follow-up visit. Patients were split into three groups according to the preoperative refractive astigmatism (0.50, 0.75 to 1.25, and 1.50 diopters [D] or greater) and the effectiveness among each group was evaluated according to the with-the-rule (WTR), against-the-rule (ATR), and oblique classifications. The standard Alpins method was used for the analysis.

RESULTS:

Resultant astigmatism was not associated with its preoperative classification when the total sample was considered, but a significant association emerged between the presence of resultant astigmatism and its preoperative classification in the 1.50 D or greater group. The magnitude of error was significantly lower in the WTR (median: −0.30 D) than in the oblique and ATR astigmatism groups, resulting in a coefficient of adjustment of 1.13 for WTR astigmatism of 1.50 D or greater but not for the other types.

CONCLUSIONS:

Astigmatism correction with SMILE is predictable for astigmatism lower than 1.50 D without the need to apply a correction. However, higher undercorrection is present in WTR astigmatism of 1.50 D or greater.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2019;35(1):40–47.]
Anatomical and Functional Retinal Complications of Combined Sofosbuvir and Ribavirin Therapy in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Elgouhary Sameh Mohamed , Said-Ahmed Khaled Elgonemy , Mowafy Mahmoud Ali
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the anatomical and functional retinal complications of combined sofosbuvir and ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Three hundred patients with chronic HCV were recruited for this prospective, observational study from the National Liver Institute of Menoufia University from November 2015 to September 2017. Ophthalmic examination and follow-up were performed in the outpatient clinic of the Ophthalmology Department at Menoufia University. All patients received the same regimen (sofosbuvir and ribavirin) for 6 months. Patients were followed up during the period of treatment (6 months) and for 6 months after treatment completion. Complete ophthalmic examination, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) (to detect retinal ischemia), optical coherence tomography (OCT) (to detect retinal nerve fiber layer [RNFL] thickness and central macular thickening), and electroretinogram (ERG) (to detect rod and cone functions) tests were performed before and after treatment completion.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the patients was 46.17 years ± 11.38 years (range: 20 years to 60 years). The study included 138 men (46%) and 162 women (54%). During follow-up, there were no signs of retinopathy or optic nerve affection. There were also no signs of retinal ischemia (by FFA), RNFL affection, macular edema (by OCT), or rod or cone affection (by ERG).

CONCLUSION:

Combined treatment (sofosbuvir and ribavirin) may be safe without causing anatomical or functional retinal complications.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2019;50:39–42.]
Anticipation of Demand in Supply Chains
Authors: Tliche Youssef , Taghipour Atour , Canel-Depitre Béatrice
Published: January 2019

The main objective of studying decentralized supply chains is to demonstrate that a better interfirm collaboration can lead to a better overall performance of the system. Many researchers studied a phenomenon called downstream demand inference (DDI), which presents an effective demand management strategy to deal with forecast problems. DDI allows the upstream actor to infer the demand received by the downstream one without information sharing. Recent study showed that DDI is possible with simple moving average (SMA) forecast method and was verified especially for an autoregressive AR(1) demand process. This chapter extends the strategy's results by developing mean squared error and average inventory level expressions for causal invertible ARMA(p,q) demand under DDI strategy, no information sharing (NIS), and forecast information sharing (FIS) strategies. The authors analyze the sensibility of the performance metrics in respect with lead-time, SMA, and ARMA(p,q) parameters, and compare DDI results with the NIS and FIS strategies' results.