bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Issues of Safety and Civil Liability Insurance for Nuclear Damage from Small Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Demin V. , Golosnaya A. , Korolev S. , Kuznetsov V. , Makarov V. , Shmelev V.
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To study the possibility of achieving assured safety for the environment and public in all modes of operation of small nuclear power plants (SNPP) and providing real civil liability insurance for nuclear risks at reasonable financial costs.

Material and methods: Particular attention on small nuclear power plants is driven by regional development, local communities and productions, which are not covered by centralized transport and energy supply. The peculiar properties and benefits of energy production at SNPP are considered, including: the possibility of locating in remote regions; the short construction period and the modular structure of SNPP; availability of potential to improve safety and reliability; reducing the size of the sanitary protection zone up to the boundaries of the technological site; the reality of liability insurance (full financial responsibility of the operator) for nuclear damage to third parties caused by an accident at SNPP at reasonable financial costs; industrial serial production; ability to move the entire nuclear power plants with small modular reactors in the assembled form, etc.

A comparative analysis of the technical characteristics of the SNPP and a conventional nuclear power plant from a safety perspective is made.

Results: The results of the SNPP safety analysis performed on the basis of the design documentation of the floating nuclear power plant “Akademik Lomonosov” is presented, with particular attention to assessing the consequences of design and beyond design basis accidents, in terms of probabilistic safety analysis and assessment of the maximum possible damage to third parties. The maximum possible damage to third parties from severe accidents is estimated to be about 0.5 billion RUR, which is hundreds of times less than damage from a catastrophic accident at a conventional NPP. Estimated costs for insurance of damage to third parties from an accident at SNPP will not exceed 1 kopeck/kWh. Possible approaches to civil liability insurance for nuclear risks and aspects of legal support are considered.

Conclusions: The results of the analysis allow to conclude that it is possible to provide in the future: the achievement of practically assured safety of the SNPP for the environment and the public in normal operation and possible design and beyond design basis accidents; real civil liability insurance for nuclear risks of SNPP at reasonable financial costs.
Effect of General Impact of Weak Low Frequency Vortex Magnetic Field on the System of Natural Antitumor Resistance of the Body
Authors: Rybakov Yu. , Gukasov V. , Kozlov Yu.
Published: December 2019

Purpose: Experimental study of the antitumor mechanism of increasing the functional activity of phagocytes with a general effect on the body of a weak low-frequency vortex magnetic field (VMP).

Material and methods: The functional activity of phagocytes was assessed upon activation by the intensity of chemiluminescence (CHL) on a Biolumat instrument (model LB 9500, by Berthold, Germany). Samples for in vitro and in vivo experiments were prepared according to generally accepted protocols. The impact of the VMP (Vmax = 3.0 mTl, f = 100 Hz) was performed using a Magnitoturbotron magnetotherapeutic installation (developed by NPF Az).

Results: It was found in vitro experiments that the exposure of a suspension of VMP cells stimulated an increase in CHL by 58 % relative to the control, while the main contribution to the intensity of the signal of the CHL was made by neutrophils. In the study of the blood CHL of mice with subcutaneously inoculated melanoma B-16, it was established that the value of the specific CHL in the experiment with VFM by the end of the observation period (day 17) increased sharply (3 times) relative to the beginning of the observation and to the control at the same observation period was 3.3 times more. Experiments with whole blood of healthy donors and patients with breast cancer showed that the CHL curves over time were biphasic in nature and had two maxima, but the phase ratio was different. At donors, the main luminescence developed by the 100th minute, and a maximum of 30–40 min was mild. In patients with breast cancer, the first maximum at 30–40 min was the main, the second maximum was weak and came later than that of donors. Experiments with the effects of VMP on the organism of healthy and patients with breast cancer of people showed an increase in the functional activity of neutrophils as a result of exposure to VMP, but in patients with breast cancer, the level of CHL was significantly (3 times) higher than of healthy donors. Based on the research, it was concluded that exposure to the VMP is able to form a priming neutrophil.

Сonclusion: It is shown that the overall effect of weak low-frequency VFM increases the level of nonspecific resistance of the organism to the tumor process, which expands the possibilities of rehabilitation of patients, allows expanding the compensatory capabilities of the body and reduce the risk of disease.
Analysis of Statistical Links between Radiation Dose and Cancer Mortality among the Population Residing in Areas Contaminated with Radionuclides after the Chernobyl Accident
Authors: Gorski A. , Maksyutov M. , Tumanov K. , Vlasov O. , Kochergina E. , Zelenskaya N. , Chekin S. , Ivanov S. , Kaprin A. , Ivanov V.
Published: December 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the evidence for the correlation between radiation exposure of the population following the Chernobyl accident and cancer mortality using statistical links. Materials and methods: Data on deaths and causes of death for the period between 1993 and 2017 used in the study were taken from the National Radiation Epidemiological Registry (NRER). The number of deaths in males is 30771 persons including 5407 cancer deaths, the number of deaths in females – 29033 persons including 3472 cancer deaths. For analysis of statistical links between radiation exposure and causes of death data mining algorithms free of a priori statements on probabilistic distributions of doses and diagnoses were used. Tables of contingency of deaths in two dose groups: the group 0 – <0.014 Sv and the group 1 – ≥0.014 Sv; and in three age groups: group 0 – <17 years old, group 1 – 18–60 years old, group 2 – 60+ years old were used for analysis. About 90 % of individual effective doses were accumulated from 1986 till 1993. Mean effective dose is 0.024 Sv. Results: For the population of four areas of the Russian Federation which are most contaminate after to accident on the CNPP significant association of all causes of death from cancer and for three-digit headings ICD-10 with an exposure dose was not found. Statistically significant association between dose and pancreatic cancer (C25.9 ICD-10) and stomach cancer (С16.9) in males, stomach cancer (С16.9) and malignant neoplasms of bronchus and lungs (C34.9) in females was found. The association between dose and cancer death was demonstrated in 150–230 cases. These diagnoses of causes of death first of all have to be a subject of more sensing and specific radiation and epidemiological analysis considering possible the confounding factors Conclusion: The presented method is exploratory in nature and can be used to find a direction of research necessary for making more accurate evaluation of epidemiological evidence for the correlation between dose and effect. The method may be useful for evaluation of the association between radiation exposure and pathological response (death).
Positron Emission Tomography with Rubidium-82 in Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Znamenskiy I. , Kondakov A. , Mosin D. , Nikitin P. , Sozykin A. , Filimonova A. , Beregov M.
Published: December 2019

This review considers literature sources on myocardial perfusion studies using positron emission tomography with rubidium-82. The history of the development of the method, the protocols of the study, the dissymmetric data are analyzed, and comparisons are made with other positron emitters that are used in clinical practice and research to study myocardial blood supply. The use of PET/CT with rubidium-82 makes it possible to obtain valuable diagnostic information and it allows to measure myocardial blood directly and make a separate assessment of the coronary arteries function. Due to the fact that the production of rubidium-82 does not require an on-site cyclotron and a radiochemical laboratory, this method of imaging is more accessible than other positron emitters used for the same purpose. Also, the study is not associated with significant discomfort for the patient, since the full stress/rest imaging protocol requires less than half an hour. However, the use of rubidium-82 has a number of drawbacks, including the relatively low sharpness of the resulting image due to the high energy of the emitting positrons. Also there is a necessity for a mathematical correction of the roll-off phenomenon, which is a decrease in radiopharmaceutical extraction with an increase in myocardial blood flow. Due to the short half-life period, the provision of stress tests with ergometers is difficult. It needed to use pharmacological stress tests. In addition, usage of rubidium-82 is characterized by a high cost both due to the expensive production of the parent isotope, strontium-82, and the need for frequent replacement of generators – on average, 11 to 13 times a year.
Tourism for the elderly
Authors: Groshev Igor' , Korchagin Evgeniy
Published: December 2019

The monograph proposes a methodology of new marketing, structural and economic-management approaches for tourism organizations in the modern conjuncture of tourism for the elderly. Approaches that take into account the consumer behavior of older people and other age groups, retired, proposed in this paper, can be more effectively used to involve these categories in tourism.
The aging of the population and demographic changes in the structure of consumers of tourist products require Russian travel companies to optimize their approaches and strategies, rebuild the tourism infrastructure to organize the supply of products in demand in the world tourism market that meet the needs of older people. The assessment of relevance of tourist products and their elements to requirements of elderly tourists is presented.
It is intended for teachers, postgraduates and students of higher educational institutions, specialists in the organization of tourist activities, heads of travel agencies, researchers and all those who are interested in the development of tourism activities.
Customer focus: research, strategy, technology
Authors: Latyshova Lyudmila , Lipsits Igor , Oyner Ol'ga , Karpova Svetlana , Firsova Irina , Azarova Svetlana , Panteleeva Elena , Rozhkov Aleksandr , Rozhkov Kirill
Published: December 2019

Customer focus is one of the most discussed marketing concepts at the moment. The monograph covers a wide range of issues: from trends in changing culture and consumer needs, the evolution of the concept of customer orientation to tools for assessing customer focus, customer retention technologies, the role of personnel in the formation of a customer-oriented company.
Designed for undergraduate, graduate, faculty and anyone interested in marketing.
Ministers of pagan cult in the religious and political life of the Eastern Slavs (IX-XI centuries)
Authors: Kozlov Mihail
Published: December 2019

The subject of historical and cultural research in this monograph was the Institute of ancient servants of pagan cult, including both professional priests (Magi, sorcerers and magicians) and wandering buffoons (musicians, storytellers, guides bears, demons). In the first part of the study identified the main function of ancient Ministers of pagan cults, identified key priestly clans, identified the hierarchical structure of the East Slavic priests, its Charter and the basic sources of financing of the ancient pagan temples and their Ministers. The second part is devoted to the place and role of the old Russian Ministers of pagan cult in the religious and political life of the Eastern Slavs of the IX-XI centuries.
It is designed for teachers of higher educational institutions, school teachers, students and all those interested in national history and culture.
Features of moral and psychological support of the activities of the main department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow
Authors: Boeva Ol'ga , Maltseva Tatyana
Published: December 2019

The article discusses the theoretical foundations of the organization of moral and psychological support for activities, analyzes the existing moral and psychological support for the activities of internal affairs bodies. The object of study is the moral and psychological support of the activities of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation. The subject of the study is the organization of moral and psychological support for activities at the State Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow. The article considers the study of the moral and psychological support of the activities of the internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation and offers recommendations for improving this activity by the example of the main department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow. An attempt has been made to theoretically substantiate the problems of recommendations for improving the moral and psychological support of the activities of internal affairs bodies. As a result of the analysis of the questionnaire considered in the article, the most significant factors of dissatisfaction with the staff of the main department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in Moscow were highlighted.
Pedagogical activity of the head of the local department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia on combating corruption among personnel
Authors: Sumina Ekaterina
Published: December 2019

One of the primary tasks facing the law enforcement bodies of the Russian Federation is to overcome corruption. Priorities in the fight against this phenomenon are set at the highest level, for example, in the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation. Moreover, a special role in combating corruption among personnel is assigned to the heads of territorial bodies. The object of the study considered in this article is a set of public relations that determine the pedagogical activity of the head of the local departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia on combating corruption among personnel. The subject of the study is the regulatory legal acts that determine the activities of the head of the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia to combat corruption among personnel, the statistical results of such activities and other empirical data on the research problem. The purpose of the article is to consider proposals for solving the complex problem of combating corruption in the local departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia and to obtain on this basis new knowledge that has both scientific and applied value. Based on the statistics, the author came to the conclusion that from the entire system of internal affairs bodies, the most corrupt are the police officers of the road safety units (traffic police inspectors and other traffic police officers), the criminal investigation department and local police officers, which is also confirmed by sociological studies.
Ethics of responsibility
Authors: Kankye Viktor
Published: December 2019

The textbook analyzes the status of modern ethics of responsibility, its liberation from metaphysical layers. From these positions the place of ethics of responsibility in the system of modern philosophical and special scientific knowledge is consistently considered. It is interpreted as the pinnacle of the development of axiological Sciences.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standards of higher education of the last generation.
For students enrolled in an enlarged group of training areas 47.03.00 "Philosophy, ethics and religious studies". It is of interest to students of other areas of training, graduate students, philosophers, scientists, a wide range of readers and all those who are interested in the latest achievements of modern science, including philosophy.
Acute pancreatitis: clinic, diagnosis, treatment
Authors: Achkasov Evgeniy , Pugaev Andrey , Zabelin Maksim , Posudnevskiy Vladislav
Published: December 2019

The textbook consistently highlights the issues of anatomy and physiology of the pancreas, etiology, pathogenesis, classification, clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of acute pancreatitis. Special attention is paid to determining the severity and prognosis of the disease. Modern approaches to treatment taking into account the severity of the disease, features of suppression of secretory activity of the pancreas and the role of nutritional support in the complex treatment of acute pancreatitis are presented. Attention is drawn to the timing of minimally invasive interventions for uninfected and infected postnecrotic fluid formations, as well as methods of surgical treatment in the phase of purulent-necrotic complications of acute pancreatitis. For the first time in the educational edition psychological aspects of rehabilitation of surgical patients are presented. Mastering the material of the textbook is facilitated by test tasks and questions for self-control.
Meets the requirements of the Federal state educational standards of higher education of the last generation.
It is intended for students of medical universities, clinical residents and doctors studying in the system of additional professional education, specialty "Surgery".
Gastronomic geopolitics
Authors: Tyernovaya Lyudmila
Published: December 2019

The more diverse and rich a person's life is, the more areas of activity, different sides of reality he comes into contact with. People get a lot of resources from them, but at the same time each such sphere has its own vulnerability and is able to create threats to the security of people, societies and States. Most dangerous of all are the threats that affect the vital basis of human existence. These include threats to food security. They have long gone beyond biological or medical limits and received a truly geopolitical scope.
The monograph shows how these threats were born and grew, as well as what can be done not only by States or international organizations, but also by individuals to minimize such threats and risks, to return to food the original meanings of the unifying principle.
It is intended for specialists in the field of international relations, teachers and students of humanitarian and social disciplines, and will be of interest to a wide range of readers.
How transformational leadership impacts innovative work behaviour among nurses
Authors: Umrani Waheed Ali , Afsar Bilal
Published: December 2019

This study examines the impact transformational leadership has among nursing staff. The link between transformational leadership and innovative work behaviour and the mediating impact it has on psychological empowerment and the moderating role of attachment anxiety were also examined. Data were gathered from 367 registered nurses and 69 nurse managers based in 69 work groups from 7 hospitals. It was found that transformational leadership positively impacted innovative work behaviour among nurses, and that psychological empowerment mediated this link. Nurses' attachment anxiety positively moderated the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behaviour; as a result, the relationship was stronger when attachment anxiety was high rather than low. Nurses' attachment avoidance negatively moderated the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative work behaviour and consequently the relationship was weaker when attachment avoidance was high rather than low.
Communicating with patients using a new vitamin B12 deficiency leaflet
Authors: Ortet-Walker Ariadna , Ponsford Ayla , McIntosh Bryan
Published: December 2019

The aim of this quality improvement project was to improve patients' knowledge about their vitamin B12 deficiency by developing an information leaflet and engaging nursing staff in providing this educational tool to patients with the condition. Following two ‘plan, do, study, act’ cycles to test and improve implementation of the leaflet, the nursing team met the goal of 100% compliance with providing educational information to patients. An increase in patient knowledge following provision of the leaflet was predicted, and achieved.
Choosing coaching frameworks for promoting diet modifications
Authors: Jackson Kelley , D'Avolio Deborah , Gropper Sareen
Published: December 2019

Theoretical frameworks have successfully guided researchers in implementing coaching interventions to effect dietary changes in adults for both prevention and management of chronic diseases. Three such frameworks include the Transtheoretical Model (TTM), Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), and the Theory of Integrative Nurse Coaching (TINC). This article introduces each theory, followed by an overview of the coaching interventions used to effect dietary behaviour changes within each theory. A condensed version of Turner's synthesis methodology is used to determine if a conceptual connection exists among the three models/theories. The condensed version includes synthesis preparation, synthesis (comparison of converging and diverging components), synthesis refinement (conceptual connection), and a concluding discussion of all three theories related to nursing practice. This synthesis will inform the focus of interventions that aim to promote dietary changes in adults at risk of developing sarcopenia.
The use of non-invasive ventilation in an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a case study
Authors: Ratan Andrew
Published: December 2019

This article aims to assist nurses and other health professionals to care for patients who have type 2 respiratory failure as a result of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and who require non-invasive ventilation. It outlines findings of a case study that are commonplace in the acute medical setting and aims to highlight important factors that impact on patient care and patient outcome, and to help nursing staff to implement recommended and best practices.
Self-harm presentations in emergency departments: staff attitudes and triage
Authors: Masuku Sithandazile
Published: December 2019

Addressing the rising incidence of self-harm and the demand this places on emergency departments (EDs) are UK Government healthcare priorities. A history of self-harm is linked with suicide risk, so self-harm is a public health issue. The ED is the first point of contact for many people who self-harm so it plays a pivotal role in access to services. Research has highlighted difficulties around triage and assessment in EDs of patients who self-harm, especially frequent attenders. The evidence base on patient experience related to addressing negative staff attitudes is lacking, despite their potent nature and impact on care. Limited knowledge of self-harm aetiology and clinical inexperience have been found to be fundamental to nurses' negative attitudes when dealing with patients who self-harm. This has been linked to negative patient outcomes, including a reluctance to engage with services. This article acknowledges positive changes that have been made and highlights the importance of the triage stage, which is a potential service improvement area, where it would be possible to start and drive positive change in the care of people who self-harm. To address knowledge gaps in education and management, clinical understanding of the aetiology of self-harm should be improved with the aid of education on self-harm cycles. Nurses should also be made aware of common myths surrounding self-harm, as these are barriers to care. Recommendations for practice include partnership working and the urgent need for formal education on this topic for all health professionals working in EDs.
Honouring the achievements of Ethel Gordon Fenwick and of all nurses
Authors: Callaghan Jasmine
Published: December 2019

Jasmine Callaghan, Editor, Journal of Aesthetic Nursing, reports for BJN on a Nursing and Midwifery Council event to mark 100 years of nurse regulation and celebrate what nurses have accomplished
From staff nurse to nurse consultant: Survival Guide part 7: Surviving professional relationships
Authors: Fowler John
Published: December 2019

John Fowler, Educational Consultant, explores how to survive your nursing career
Developing new nursing leaders
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: December 2019

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, considers initiatives both at home and worldwide to develop the leadership potential of nurses at all levels, and why it matters
Creating consensus-based practice guidelines with 2000 nurses
Authors: James-Reid Sarah , Bain Kimberly , Hansen Anne Steen , Vendelbo Grethe , Droste Werner , Colwell Janice
Published: December 2019

Medical professionals follow evidence-based practice guidelines to achieve effective patient outcomes. Traditionally, to develop guidelines, a small group of experts examine evidence then agree on a set of statements, which are then published in journals. However, more than 7000 primary care journal articles are published monthly. This study examined a different way of drawing up practice guidelines, which involved large numbers of nurses from different countries directly in developing then disseminating the guidelines to speed up acceptance and the implementation of best practice. The results were consensus-based best practice guidelines for the treatment of patients with ostomies, which have received a high level of acceptance and enthusiasm from practitioners in 27 countries.
Experiences of wearing support garments by people living with a urostomy
Authors: Taylor Claire , Munro Julie , Goodman William , Beeken Rebecca J , Dames Nicola , Oliphant Raymond , Watson Angus JM , Hubbard Gill
Published: December 2019

Background:

support garments are commonly worn by people with a urostomy but there are no published data about their experiences of doing so.

Aims:

to identify the views of people living with a urostomy on the role of support garments.

Methods:

a cross-sectional survey of the stoma population's experiences of support garments was conducted in 2018. Recruitment was by social media. The free-text responses provided by a sub-sample of 58 people out of 103 respondents with a urostomy, were analysed.

Findings:

thematic analysis revealed four themes: physical self-management; psychosocial self-management; lifestyle; and healthcare advice and support. There were mixed feelings about the value of support garments. Many cited a sense of reassurance and confidence and being able to be more sociable and active; others reported discomfort and uncertainty about their value.

Conclusion:

these findings add new understanding of experiences of support garments and provide novel theoretical insights about life with a urostomy.
Controlled Release of Benzocaine from Monomer and Copolymer Carriers in Synthetic Gastro-intestinal Media
Authors: Merine Houaria , Mesli Abderrezzak , Chafi Nafa , Bengharez Zohra
Published: December 2019

New dosage forms able to control drug release in the gastro-intestinal media have been prepared and investigated in this paper. Two different type of medicinal agent bonding (MA), in our case Benzocaine (Bz), were chosen in order to examine drug release.

i) MA attached to ethylenic monomer (m,p-vinylbenzaldehyde), condensation reaction.

ii) The copolymer carrier (Cp) is obtained by copolymerizing this monomer.

These two carriers were well characterized by microanalysis, FTIR, DSC (Tg) and GPC (Ip) and the two fraction Î± and Î² were calculated from elemental analyses of Cp. The results showed good polydispersity and low average molecular weight. MA linked to an organic product by the azomethine function (C=N), hydrolytically sensitive, allowed controlled release of Bz, from the monomer carrier and from the bending Schiff bases groups. Theoretical and experimental analyses of controlled release of Bz kinetics from monomer and copolymer carriers were conducted for the case of contact with synthetic gastro-intestinal fluids at various pH (1,2; 6,0 and 8,0) at 37Â°C.

The process was found to be controlled by the nature of media (heterogeneous), which involved the preliminary hydrolysis, and the drug (Bz) diffusing out of structure of copolymer (Cp) to the external aqueous media.

The results obtained on the rate of delivery showed a clear difference between pH = 1,2 and pH = 6,0 and 8,0 based on:

i) The cation of p-aminoniumbenzoic acid (PABAH+) release at pH = 1,2

ii) Bz release at pH = 6,0 and 8,0
Coumarin or benzoxazinone bearing benzimidazolium and bis(benzimidazolium) salts; involvement in transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives and hCA inhibition
Authors: KarataÅŸ Mert Olgun , Dayan Serkan , KayacÄ± NilgÃ¼n , Bilen Ã‡iÄŸdem , Yavuz Emre , Gencer Nahit , AlÄ±cÄ± BÃ¼lent , KalaycÄ±oÄŸlu NilgÃ¼n Ozpozan , Arslan Oktay
Published: December 2019

Four new salts of benzimidazolium and bis(benzimidazolium) which include coumarin or benzoxazinone moieties were synthesized and the structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectral analyses such as 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, HSQC, IR, LC-MS and elemental analysis. Benzimidazolium salts were used intensively as N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors in the various catalytic reactions such as transfer hydrogenation (TH), C-H bond activation, Heck, Suzuki reaction etc. With the prospect of potential NHC precursor properties of the synthesized compounds, they were employed in the (TH) reaction of p-substitute acetophenones (acetophenone, p-methyl acetophenone, p-chloro acetophenone) and good yields were observed. Coumarin compounds are known as inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase and inhibition effects of the synthesized compounds on human carbonic anhydrases (hCA) were investigated as in vitro. The in vitro results demonstrated that all compounds inhibited hCA I and hCA II activity. Among the synthesized compounds 1,4-bis(1-((6,8-dimethyl-2H-chromen-2-one-4-yl)methyl)benzimidazolium-3-yl)butane dichloride was found to be the most active IC50= 5.55 mM and 6.06 mM for hCA I and hCA II, respectively.
Theoretical investigation on the optoelectronic properties of non-centrosymmetric Dâ€“Aâ€“D hexaazatriphenylene derivatives for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Aziz El alamy , Amine Amina , Si Mohamed Bouzzine , Mohamed Hamidi , Bouachrine Mohammed
Published: December 2019

In this work, we report theoretical analysis on the geometries and optoelectronic properties of a family of ambipolar donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) as new conjugated compounds based on hexaazatriphenylene (HAT) derivatives synthesized by Rafael Juarezet al.. The theoretical ground-state geometry and electronic structure of the studied molecules were investigated by the density functional theory DFT-B3LYP/6-31G(d).The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), gap energies and the open-circuit voltage (Voc) of the studied compounds are calculated and discussed.The obtained results show that these compounds can be used in organic photovoltaic devices as an active layer for organic solar cell.
QSAR and Molecular docking studies of 4-anilinoquinoline-triazine hybrids as pf-DHFR inhibitors
Authors: Hadni Hanine , Mazigh Mohamed , El Hallaoui Menana
Published: December 2019

A quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) investigation was performed towards 41 hybrids of 4-anilinoquinoline-triazines as potential antimalarial agents. The study was carried out using descendant multiple linear regression analyses (MLR), and artificial neural networks (ANN). Quantum chemical descriptors were calculated using DFT-B3LYP method, with the basis set 6-31G. The values obtained for the correlation coefficient of 0.87 and 0.92 by MLR and ANN, respectively, show a good predictive quality of the established model. In addition, the predicted model has been confirmed by several validation methods such as leave-one-out (LOO) cross-validation, Y-randomization, and external validation. The observed activity and the structural features of the studied molecules were further highlighted by molecular docking study on both wild and quadruple mutant type of pf-DHFR protein. Furthermore, the present work deals to study the binding modes and the key protein-ligand interactions. This methodology will be used to design new antimalarial drugs.
Spectral characteristics and DFT Study of vanadyl octaethylporphyrin complex
Authors: EL Hadki Hamza , Salah Mohammed , Zrineh Abdallah , Marakchi Khadija , Abou El Makarim Hassna , Komiha Najia , Kabbaj Oum Keltoum
Published: December 2019

The chemistry of vanadyl porphyrins has been explored using vanadyl octaethylporphyrin as a substance in petroleum porphyrins, crude oils and bitumen. The structural, electronic, thermodynamic, spectroscopic properties are described. The geometry’s optimization of this molecule was done by Density Functional Theory (DFT) using the hybrid Beck three-parameter hybrid functional combined with Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional (B3LYP) and 6-31G(d) standard basis set. All calculations have been made in the gas phase and in different solvents: benzene, benzonitrile, tetrachloromethane and chloroform. The calculated infrared spectrum was compared with experimental spectroscopic data, and the vibrational assignment was provided. An electron density analysis in terms of natural bond orbitals was conducted to determine the nature of the bonds between the vanadium and nitrogen atoms. The spatial representation of the associated molecular orbitals helped to explain the formation of the V-N bonds and to interpret the chemical reactivity of the compound studied. The electrostatic potential was calculated in order to investigate the reaction properties of the molecule.
Lifetime trajectories of socio-economic adversity and their associations with psychosocial factors and attitudes towards social class
Authors: Kok Almar A.L. , Huisman Martijn , Cooper Rachel , Cosco Theodore D. , Deeg Dorly J.H. , Kuh Diana , Stafford Mai
Published: December 2019

Scientific understanding of the associations between socio-economic adversity and other domains such as health and psychosocial functioning may be improved by employing extensive, prospective life course data to model inter-individual heterogeneity in socio-economic trajectories. This study applied Latent Class Growth Analysis to derive a typology of trajectories of socio-economic adversity, and compared the psychosocial profiles of the groups based on this typology. Data were used from 2,950 men and women participating in the MRC National Survey of Health and Development in Great Britain, ascertained prospectively since birth in 1946 until age 53. Trajectories of socio-economic adversity were based on indicators of occupational class, overcrowding, housing tenure, household amenities and financial hardship at ages 4, 11, 15, 36, 43 and 53, and education at age 26. Psychosocial factors included parental interest in education, self-management, neuroticism and attitudes towards social class and social mobility. Seven distinct trajectories were identified: persistent high; persistent low; strongly declining; gradually declining; increasing; early childhood; and relapsing high adversity. Key findings include that those with increasing adversity had high parental interest in education but low self-management and high neuroticism; that those with only early childhood adversity had a less favourable psychosocial profile than those with persistent low exposure; and that groups with declining adversity had relatively favourable attitudes towards education. Findings emphasise the need to consider socio-economic and personality mechanisms in the context of one another in order to better understand later life inequality.
Childhood socio-economic circumstances, cognitive function and education and later-life economic activity: linking the Scottish Mental Survey 1947 to administrative data
Authors: Iveson Matthew H. , Dibben Chris , Deary Ian J.
Published: December 2019

As the population ages, older adults are expected to work for longer into the life course. However, older adults experience particular problems staying economically active, even prior to reaching statutory retirement. Recent work has suggested that economic activity in midlife can be predicted by the far-reaching effects of early life, such as childhood socio-economic circumstances, cognitive ability and education. The present study investigates whether these same early-life factors predict the odds of being economically active much later in life, from age 55 to age 75. We capitalise on data linkage conducted between a subsample of the Scottish Mental Survey 1947 cohort and the Scottish Longitudinal Study, which includes three waves of national census data (1991, 2001 and 2011). The structural association between early-life factors and later-life economic activity was assessed using latent growth curve analyses conducted for males and females separately. In both males and females, the odds of being economically active decreased non-linearly across the 20-year follow-up period. For males, greater odds of being economically active at age 55 were predicted by higher childhood cognitive ability and higher educational attainment. For females, greater odds of being economically active at age 55 were predicted by higher childhood socio-economic status and higher childhood cognitive ability. In contrast, early-life factors did not predict the odds of becoming inactive over the 20-year follow-up period. We suggest that early-life advantage may contribute to the capacity for work in later life, but that it does not necessarily protect from subsequent decline in this capacity.
Care and injustice
Authors: Casalini Brunella
Published: December 2019

After briefly reconstructing the debate concerning care and justice, this article highlights the difference between liberal ontology and epistemology, and the epistemic and ontological assumptions of care ethics. It explores the importance of social epistemology and epistemic injustice for care ethics and links care ethics to an ecological and horizontal epistemology. It justifies forgoing the construction of a systematic theory of justice à la Rawls, endorses an idea of justice that gives priority to injustice and sees democracy as a precondition for a caring society.
A Model for Assessing the Performance of Bureaucracy in Spain
Authors: Casas-Pardo José , Puchades-Navarro Miguel A.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this paper is to put forward a simplified model which may help to explain the workings and performance of public entities in Spain. Starting from a bilateral monopoly characterization, we shall take into account the working rules, the decision-making mechanisms and the system of rewards and penalties in Spanish public administrations. This implies introducing different assumptions about the demand and the costs conditions what will lead us obtain meaningful distinct results from those reached in the standard models of bureaucratic behavior.
Non–Institutional Federalism in Spain
Authors: Villalonga Joan Rosselló
Published: December 2019

Spain has advanced significantly regarding die assignment of responsibilities on public expenditure and tax powers across regional governments. However, regions do not participate significantly in the decentralization process. The lack of federal insitutions in which regions are represented motivates non-cooperative behaviours and fosters competition between all levels of government. The consequence is that the provision of public goods and services is rather inefficient.

We illustrate our argument using a very simple static model with externalities in which the normative recommendation of decentralization does not guarantee the efficient provision of public goods. The adequate design of federal institutions would allow reducing such inefficiencies.

Finally we try to identify die political characteristics of the Spanish regime that may explain the lack of institutional mechanisms of cooperation-coordination between governments. This type of analysis could be easily extended to the present situation in Italy.
New Empirical Evidence of the Role of Interest Groups in Influencing the Growth of Government
Authors: Wagner Gary A. , Sobel Russell S.
Published: December 2019

We provide new evidence regarding the role of interest groups in influencing the size and growth of government spending. Using data on the change in individual legislators’ total voted and sponsored spending from the status quo, we explore this relationship in a manner closer to the public choice tradition. Examining the impact diat interest groups have on individual legislators’ preferences for new spending, we find that interest groups within a legislator’s district exhibit more influence on the short-run growth of the budget than do Political Action Committees.
Blowing Smoke: A Case of Rent Extraction
Authors: Haymond Jeffrey
Published: December 2019

McChesney’s theory of rent extraction describes a political model of extortion. Politicians can benefit not only by creating rents, but also by extracting privately created rents. This theory is tested empirically using event study methodology for the United States national tobacco bill, debated in Congress during 1997 and 1998. The tobacco industry was threatened with punitive legislation, lost wealth (in terms of market capitalization), and ultimately no bill was passed. In McChesney’s words, money for nothing. The empirical evidence strongly supports the view that private rents were extracted with this proposed legislation.
On the Viability of Potentially Divided Multi-Ethnic States
Authors: Kyriacou Andreas P.
Published: December 2019

This paper examines the viability of inter-ethnic cooperation from the perspective afforded by the economic approach to institutional analysis. Four factors are seen to affect viability, namely the relative strength of each ethnic group in the non-cooperative setting, the perceived fairness of die terms of cooperation, die continuing influence of informal rules which may be inimical to cooperation and finally, the judicial enforcement and legislative maintenance of the terms of cooperation. The discussion generates a number of insights into the desirable nature of die institutions of potentially divided multi-ethnic states.
Popitz Law, Bryce’s Law and Government Centralization in Prussia and in Germany
Authors: Blankart Charles B.
Published: December 2019

The historical process of government centralization in Prussia and later in Germany is confronted with the hypotheses of Popitz law and Bryce’s law which both suggest a tendency of central governments to grow faster than lower level governments. While these ‘laws’ exhibit some predictive power, turning points in the pattern of development are better explained by public choice theories, in particular Olson’s theory of The Rise and Decline of Nations. It seems that the process of centralization proceeds faster in an environment of oligopolistic international conflicts than in a system of multilateral international contracts.
Sources of Law and the Institutional Design of Lawmaking
Authors: Parisi Francesco
Published: December 2019

This paper considers the relative advantages and the respective limits of three main sources of law, namely: a) legislation; b) judge-made law; and c) customary law. The traditional presentation of sources of law is revisited considering the important issue of institutional design of lawmaking through the lens of public choice theory. This functionalist approach to legal analysis sheds new light on die process of law formation emphasizing various criteria of evaluation, which include: i) the minimization of agency problems; ii) the minimization of direct and external rulemaking costs; and iii) the stability and transitivity of collective outcomes.
Is there a Leviathan at the Border?
Authors: Dodson Marvin E.
Published: December 2019

This article provides a theoretical analysis of host country immigrant demand using the Leviathan model of government. The analysis considers both unskilled and skilled immigrants. A seemingly unrelated regression model tests the implications of the resulting demand functions. The approach in this model incorporates labor market indicators unlike the limited previous work in this area. Possible non-pecuniary benefits of immigration and numerical limitations on immigrant admissions are also included as factors in the model. Results of the specification suggest that labor market conditions and non-pecuniary benefits do impact the demand for immigrants. Furthermore, the results show that a total limit on immigration will increase the skill level of the host country.
Is Tax Evasion Never Justifiable?
Authors: Torgler Benno
Published: December 2019

Discussions about tax evasion often assume that tax evasion is not desirable. Thus, this paper analyses people’s value regarding tax evasion using the World Value Surveys. Our data analysis shows that tax morality did not fall significantly in the OECD and developing countries. On the other hand, there is a decline in tax morality for the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe countries. Furthermore, we find a significant correlation between tax morality and the size of shadow economy. Finally, we focus on constitutions, showing the importance of a legitimate political process.
The Role of Government in the Economic Development of the East Asian Learning Economies
Authors: Yu Tony Fu-Lai
Published: December 2019

By emphasizing uncertainty, this paper highlights two important roles of government in the economic development of the Asian Newly Industrializing Economies, namely, coordination and entrepreneurship. Coordination can be achieved by adopting policies that reduce market uncertainty, facilitate investment decision, social learning and diffusion of technologies from overseas. Entrepreneurship refers to the ability of a state to be alert to change, identify global opportunities, and define productivity and competitiveness of an economy. The Austrian notions of entrepreneurship and coordination thus enter the study of the public sector to re-interpret the role played by government in the economic development of the East Asian economies.
Envy Reduction in Economics: Equity, Altruism and ‘Cultural Group Selection’
Authors: Tucci Gianrocco
Published: December 2019

This paper develops a set of arguments for envy reduction within economics. It tries to show that, if humans are psychologically biased towards accepting the group social norms, such as imitating the common behavior which may also happen to be the most successful in solving the puzzle of decision making, then cultural evolutionary processes will favour and stabilize cooperation. Then, the article discusses how, once cooperation is stable, ‘cultural group selection’ is likely to spread group-beneficial cultural traits - such as altruism considered here as the opposite of envy - through structured populations.
Geographical Redistribution and Public Pensions: The Case of Italy
Authors: Auteri Monica , Antolini Fabrizio
Published: December 2019

This paper focuses on the effects of selected Italian welfare instruments, such as the seniority pensions and the early retirement pensions. The main instruments of the Italian welfare state are described, distinguishing between assistance and insurance transfers. With a cluster analysis, the distribution of specific welfare instruments among Italian regions is thoroughly investigated and then the link between retirement decisions and the selected welfare instruments is assessed. T h e main hypothesis under investigation is that the relatively easy access to various social transfer programs enabled certain categories of older workers to withdraw from the labor market. In this framework, Italian public pensions played a prominent role in the transfer programs becoming the improper device used by the Italian government to cope with unemployment problems.