bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The estimation of reaction functions under tax competition
Authors: Miniaci Raffaele , Panteghini Paolo M. , Rivolta Giulia
Published: December 2021

Most of the empirical literature on tax competition has been using panel models in which each country’s tax rate responds to a weighted average of other countries’ tax rates, where weights are given. This approach imposes the reaction functions to be such that all tax rates are either strategic complements or strategic substitutes for all the countries. Moreover, it also requires that the intensity of the reactions of the countries to be proportional to the same set of given weights. Since no theoretical model relies on such restrictive assumptions, we regain flexibility in the empirical analysis by using Vector Autoregressive (VAR) models, where the sign and intensity of countries’ reactions may be heterogeneous. Using a Monte Carlo exercise, we show that if the objects of interest are the reactions to shocks in the tax rates of the other countries and there is no a priori knowledge of the structure of the economy, it can be convenient to opt for a VAR rather than a panel setup. A Bayesian VAR model on real data shows that strategic complementarity between some countries may co-exist with strategic substitutability between other countries, a finding with potential policy implications on the debate on tax competition.
Critical load for buckling of solid wood elements with a high slenderness ratio determined based on elastica theory
Authors: Yoshihara Hiroshi , Maruta Makoto
Published: December 2021

Buckling tests were conducted using slender specimens of western hemlock. In the tests, the slenderness ratio was varied from 132 to 418 in which elastic buckling was induced, and the values of the critical load for buckling were obtained. When the deflection of the specimen was calculated from the loading-line displacement based on elastica theory, the value of deflection/load initially decreased because the compressive deformation was more dominant than the bending deformation. In contrast, when the load increased, the bending deformation became dominant, and the deflection/load-deflection relation exhibited linearity. These tendencies indicated that the transition from compression to bending was induced around the minimum value of the deflection/load. Therefore, it was recommended to determine the critical load for buckling using the load at the minimum value of the deflection/load where the deflection was calculated from the loading-line displacement.
Effects of regular and joke dog whistles on perceptions of political candidates
Authors: Prokhorets Svyatoslav “Slava” , Saucier Donald A.
Published: December 2021

Our experiment showed a scenario where a White politician used a racist dog whistle (DW) when referring to his Black opponent. We used pilot data to determine DW statements and then tested whether different DWs (joke or regular) would affect perceptions of candidates based on participants’ levels of subtle and explicit racism compared to a comment without racial undertones. Our results indicated that while neither DW affected perceptions of the Black candidate based on participants’ levels of subtle racism, when a regular DW was used, subtle racism was positively associated with more positive perceptions of the White candidate. Our findings can broadly be explained within the context of modern racism and the suppression justification model of prejudice. The presence of a DW served as a prime, allowing those who have subtle anti-Black prejudice to express it through more positive personal perceptions of the White candidate. Without opportunities to justify the expression of their subtle prejudice (i.e. have a non-prejudice reason to dislike the candidate), the participants’ did not report more negative perceptions of the Black candidate. However, there was a “backlash” and participants were less likely to consider voting for the White candidate, particularly when he used a joke DW.
Photocatalytic degradation of acetaminophen from water solutions via thin films part I: preparation, characteriation, and analysis of titanium dioxide thin films
Authors: Rawal Sunil , Buer Sabrina H. , Hawkins Wayne , Sanders Jonathan Robby , Arce Pedro E.
Published: December 2021

The utilization of titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysis for water and air purification is a frequently used method due to TiO2 having properties making it chemically inert, highly cost-effective, abundant, non-toxic, and environmentally-friendly. In an effort to increase the efficiency of the degradation process, an in-depth understanding of the effects of the structure and number of thin film coatings is needed. Transparent, anatase-form titanium dioxide thin films were prepared via the sol-gel method and deposited onto microscopic glass slides using a novel spraying technique, with coatings ranging from 1 to 10. Characterization of the TiO2 thin film coated slides was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The contribution shows that the coating technique is efficient in covering important areas of the surface and that it is suitable for a multiple coating layers thin film. The SEM imagines show that the surface of the slides increase coverage as the number of layers increases. This is potentially suitable for a mechanized spraying approach to upscaling the production of thin films for advanced oxidation applications.
Amelioration of related complications by the combined usage of Gymnadenia orchidis Lindl and pumpkin seed in type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Arzoo Subiah Helal , Chattopadhyay Krishna , Parvin Tania , Chattopadhyay Brajadulal
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Inflammation, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia and cell damage are the major patho-physiological reasons behind type 2 diabetes (T2DM), which is one of the most prevalent non communicable metabolic disorders in the world. Oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin shots are usually exercised to treat the diabetic patients but it produces many side effects. Thereby paving the way for natural hypoglycemic agents; a Himalayan herb and alternative nutritional therapy; low glycaemic indexed pumpkin seed, are used in combination for a better management of the disease. The aim of the study was to explore the combined efficacy of Gymnadenia orchidis Lindl root Salep and low-glycemic indexed-pumpkin seeds in better management of T2DM and associated complications.

Methods

Balb/c mice were randomly allocated to six different groups (n=5). Streptozotocin along with high-fat-diet was used to induce T2DM. The experimental animals were supplemented with low-glycemic food or root Salep (200 mg/kg body weight) or combination of both according to their groups for 21 days, post which various biochemical tests were performed.

Results

T2DM augmented the IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, BAX, Insulin levels, and HOMA-IR with concurrent reduction of IL-4, QUICKI, Bcl-2, estradiol and progesterone levels. FACS revealed augmented cellular damage in T2DM mice. Interestingly, root Salep and pumpkin seeds normalized those parameters in T2DM animals suggesting significant (p<0.001) improvement of immunity of the diseased animals and ameliorated associated complications.

Conclusions

Root Salep and pumpkin seed display synergism among binomial set of herbal agents which may be safely used for T2DM management.
Niemann–Pick type C disease with a novel intronic mutation: three Turkish cases from the same family
Authors: Kılıç Yıldırım Gonca , Yarar Coşkun , Şeker Yılmaz Berna , Ceylaner Serdar
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Niemann–Pick type C (NPC) disease is a rare progressive neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol, glycosphingolipids, and sphingosine in lysosomes. Patients have various systemic and neurological findings depending on their age at onset. This disease is caused by the autosomal recessive transmission of mutations in the NPC1 and NPC2 genes; patients have mutations mainly in the NPC1 gene (95%) and the majority of them are point mutations located in the exonic regions.

Case presentation

Here, we presented three cousins with hepatosplenomegaly and progressive neurodegeneration who were diagnosed with visceral-neurodegenerative NPC disease. Their parents were relatives, and they had a history of sibling death with similar complaints. Bone marrow smear showed foamy cells in patient 1. Vertical supranuclear gaze palsy was not present in all cases. Sphingomyelinase (SM) activities were almost normal to exclude NPA or NPB. Filipin staining was performed in patient 2 and showed a massive accumulation of unesterified cholesterol The NPC1 gene analysis of the three patients showed a novel homozygous c.1553+5G>A intronic mutation. cDNA analysis was performed from the patient 3 and both parents. It was observed that exon 9 was completely skipped in the homozygous mutant baby. Both the normal and the exon 9-skipped transcripts have been detected in the parents.

Conclusions

When combined with the filipin staining and the patients’ clinical outcomes, this mutation is likely to be deleterious. Moreover, cDNA sequencing supports the pathogenicity of this novel variant.
Three novel mutations of the BCKDHA, BCKDHB and DBT genes in Chinese children with maple syrup urine disease
Authors: Yang Jianmei , Xiu Jianjun , Sun Yan , Liu Fan , Shang Xiaohong , Li Guimei
Published: December 2021

Background

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare metabolic autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the branched-chain α-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex. Mutations in the BCKDHA, BCKDHB and DBT genes are responsible for MSUD. This study presents the clinical and molecular characterizations of four MSUD patients.

Methods

Clinical data of patients were retrospectively analyzed, and genetic mutations were identified by whole-exome sequencing. CLUSTALX was employed to analyzed cross-species conservation of the mutant amino acid. The impact of the mutations was analyzed with PolyPhen-2 software. The I-TASSER website and PyMOL software were used to predict the protein three-position structure of the novel mutations carried by the patients.

Results

Vomiting, irritability, feeding difficulties, seizures, dyspnoea, lethargy and coma were the main clinical presentations of MSUD. Cranial MRI showed abnormal symmetrical signals in accordance with the presentation of inherited metabolic encephalopathy. Seven mutations were detected in four patients, including three novel pathogenic mutations in the BCKDHA (c.656C>A), BCKDHB (deletion of a single-copy of BCKDHB) and DBT (c.1219dup) genes. Structural changes were compatible with the observed phenotypes.

Conclusions

Different types of MSUD can display heterogeneous clinical manifestations. Exhaustive molecular studies are necessary for a proper differential diagnosis. The newly identified mutation will play a key role in the prenatal diagnosis of MSUD in the future.
Bacterial DNA detection in very preterm infants assessed for risk of early onset sepsis
Authors: Straňák Zbyněk , Berka Ivan , Korček Peter , Urbánek Jan , Lázničková Táňa , Staněk Libor
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic ability of multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in very preterm infants assessed for risk of early onset neonatal sepsis (EOS).

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study. Blood samples of preterm neonates ≤32 weeks of gestation were evaluated by commercial multiplex real-time PCR within 2 h after delivery. The definition of EOS was based on positive blood culture and clinical signs of infection or negative blood culture, clinical signs of infection and abnormal neonatal blood count and serum biomarkers.

Results

Among 82 subjects analyzed in the study, 15 had clinical or confirmed EOS. PCR was positive in four of these infants (including the only one with a positive blood culture), as well as in 15 of the 67 infants without sepsis (sensitivity 27%, specificity 78%). Out of 19 PCR positive subjects, Escherichia coli was detected in 12 infants (63%). Statistically significant association was found between vaginal E. coli colonization of the mother and E. coli PCR positivity of the neonate (p=0.001). No relationship was found between neonatal E. coli swab results and assessment findings of bacterial DNA in neonatal blood stream.

Conclusions

Multiplex real-time PCR had insufficient diagnostic capability for EOS in high risk very preterm infants. The study revealed no significant association between PCR results and the diagnosis of clinical EOS. Correlation between maternal vaginal swab results and positive PCR in the newborn needs further investigation to fully understand the role of bacterial DNA analysis in preterm infants.
Spatial dynamics of fetal mortality and the relationship with social vulnerability
Authors: Silva Myllena O. , Macedo Vilma C. , Canuto Indianara M.B. , Silva Mayara C. , da Costa Heitor V.V. , do Bonfim Cristine V.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To analyze the spatial-temporal patterns of fetal mortality according to its relationship with social vulnerability, identifying priority areas for intervention.

Methods

Ecological study conducted in the state of Pernambuco, Northeast region of Brazil, from 2011 to 2018. The mean fetal mortality rate per city was calculated for the studied period. A cluster analysis was performed to select cities with homogeneous characteristics regarding fetal mortality and social vulnerability, then the Attribute Weighting Algorithm and Pearson correlation techniques were employed. In the spatial analysis it was used the local empirical Bayesian modeling and global and local Moran statistics.

Results

Twelve thousand nine hundred and twelve thousand fetal deaths were registered. The fetal mortality rate for the period was 11.44 fetal deaths per 1,000 births. The number of groups formed was 7, in which correlation was identified between fetal mortality and dimensions, highlighting the correlations between fetal mortality rate and the Index of Social Vulnerability urban infrastructure for the municipalities in group 1 and 5, the values of the correlations found were 0.478 and 0.674 respectively. The spatial analysis identified areas of higher risk for fetal mortality distributed in regions of medium, high and very high social vulnerability.

Conclusions

The study allowed observing the existing correlations between fetal mortality and social vulnerability and identifying priority areas for intervention, with a view to reducing fetal mortality in the state.
The Unsung Buber-Leibowitz Coda to the German Jewish Swan Song
Authors: Rubinstein Dana , Wygoda Ynon
Published: December 2021

Among the hidden treasures squirreled away in the archives of Israel’s National Library lies a fragmented correspondence that sheds new light on the afterlife of a project that was long deemed the farewell gift to the German language and culture from the remnants of its Jewry. It is an exchange of letters between two scholars, whose interest in the German rendition of the Bible occupied them for many years, first in Germany, and later in the land where Hebrew was vernacular and where one might think there would no longer be a need for translations of the Bible; particularly not into a language that aroused considerable aversion in the aftermath of the war. And yet, the 1963–64 exchange between the two Jerusalemites, the Vienna-born and Frankfurt-crowned philosopher, theologian, and translator Martin Buber and the Riga-born, Berlin- and Marburg-educated biblical scholar Nechama Leibowitz tells a different story. It shows they both believed the project that began under the title Die Schrift, zu verdeutschen unternommen should be revised once again, after its completion so as to underline its ongoing relevance for present and future readings of the Bible tout court, in German and Hebrew speaking lands alike.
Quasi-BIC laser enabled by high-contrast grating resonator for gas detection
Authors: Zhang Haoran , Wang Tao , Tian Jingyi , Sun Jiacheng , Li Shaoxian , De Leon Israel , Zaccaria Remo Proietti , Peng Liang , Gao Fei , Lin Xiao , Chen Hongsheng , Wang Gaofeng
Published: December 2021

In this work, we propose and numerically investigate a two-dimensional microlaser based on the concept of bound states in the continuum (BIC). The device consists of a thin gain layer (Rhodamine 6G dye-doped silica) sandwiched between two high-contrast-grating layers. The structure supports various BIC modes upon a proper choice of topological parameters; in particular it supports a high-Q quasi-BIC mode when partially breaking a bound state in the continuum at Γ point. The optically-pumped gain medium provides sufficient optical gain to compensate the quasi-BIC mode losses, enabling lasing with ultra-low pump threshold (fluence of 17 μJ/cm2) and very narrow optical linewidth in the visible range. This innovative device displays distinguished sensing performance for gas detection, and the emission wavelength sensitively shifts to the longer wavelength with the changing of environment refractive index (in order of 5 × 10−4). The achieved bulk sensitivity is 221 nm/RIU with a high signal to noise ratio, and a record-high figure of merit reaches to 4420 RIU−1. This ultracompact and low threshold quasi-BIC laser facilitated by the ultra-narrow resonance can serve as formidable candidate for on-chip gas sensor.
Structuring and functionalization of non-metallic materials using direct laser interference patterning: a review
Authors: Mulko Lucinda , Soldera Marcos , Lasagni Andrés Fabián
Published: December 2021

Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) is a laser-based surface structuring method that stands out for its high throughput, flexibility and resolution for laboratory and industrial manufacturing. This top–down technique relies on the formation of an interference pattern by overlapping multiple laser beams onto the sample surface and thus producing a periodic texture by melting and/or ablating the material. Driven by the large industrial sectors, DLIP has been extensively used in the last decades to functionalize metallic surfaces, such as steel, aluminium, copper or nickel. Even so, DLIP processing of non-metallic materials has been gaining popularity in promising fields such as photonics, optoelectronics, nanotechnology and biomedicine. This review aims to comprehensively collect the main findings of DLIP structuring of polymers, ceramics, composites, semiconductors and other non-metals and outline their most relevant results. This contribution also presents the mechanisms by which laser radiation interacts with non-metallic materials in the DLIP process and summarizes the developed surface functions and their applications in different fields.
Flat telescope based on an all-dielectric metasurface doublet enabling polarization-controllable enhanced beam steering
Authors: Li Hongliang , Zhou Changyi , Lee Woo-Bin , Choi Duk-Yong , Lee Sang-Shin
Published: December 2021

A flat telescope (FTS), which incorporates an all-dielectric metasurface doublet (MD) based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon nanoposts, is proposed and demonstrated to achieve flexibly magnified angular beam steering that is sensitive to both light polarization and deflection direction. Specifically, for transverse-electric-polarized incident beams, the MD exhibits deflection magnification factors of +5 and +2, while for transverse magnetic polarization, the beam is steered in reverse to yield magnification factors of −5 and −2 in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. The proposed MD comprises cascaded metalenses, which can invoke polarization-selective transmission phases. The MD which emulates a set of convex and concave lenses renders positively increased beam deflection, whereas the case corresponding to a pair of convex lenses facilitates negatively amplified beam deflection. The essential phase profiles required for embodying the MD are efficiently extracted from its geometric lens counterpart. Furthermore, the implemented FTS, operating in the vicinity of a 1550 nm wavelength, can successfully enable enhanced beam steering by facilitating polarization-sensitive bidirectional deflection amplifications. The proposed FTS can be applied in the development of a miniaturized light detection and ranging system, where the beam scanning range can be effectively expanded in two dimensions.
Evaluation of fines separation from unbleached softwood kraft pulp using microperforated hole screens
Authors: Mandlez D. , Eckhart R. , Bauer W.
Published: December 2021

The application of a bench scale and an industrial scale pressure screen to separate cellulosic fines from an unbleached softwood kraft pulp containing 5 % (w/w) primary fines was investigated and the results were compared. In the bench scale trials different microperforated screens with hole diameters of 150 µm, 250 µm, 400 µm and 600 µm were used. Based on these results a screen hole diameter of 400 µm was selected for the industrial scale trials. In all cases, a high accept flow rate proved to be the crucial parameter for high removal efficiency of the fines material and a removal efficiency of well above 50 % could be achieved. Further of interest were the limiting factors regarding increased accept flow rates with a focus on the interrelations between pressure difference, slot velocity and reject consistency. As expected, investigation of electric energy demand showed a correlation between removal efficiency and specific energy consumption, which did not exceed 35 kWh/t(od) feed.
Dynamic crystallization behavior of PA-12/PP-MWCNT nanocomposites: non-isothermal kinetics approach
Authors: Sethy Sucharita , Samantaray Saroj Kumar , Satapathy Bhabani K.
Published: December 2021

The effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) loading on the crystallization behavior of matrix polyamide 12 (PA-12), in PA-12/polypropylene-MWCNT (PP-MWCNT)-based nanocomposites were analyzed for their non-isothermal crystallization behavior at various cooling rates of 2.5–20 °C/min in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Several kinetic models such as Jeziorny (modified-Avrami), Mo and Tobin models were employed to analyze the crystallization behavioral trend with respect to time and temperature of the nanocomposites. The crystallization rate increased half-time of crystallization with MWCNT content as estimated from the Jeziorny theory. The linear agreement between Jeziorny model and experimental relative crystallinity outperforms the Tobin analysis where the coefficient of linear regression was found to be considerably trailing behind and off the satisfactory mark. The Mo model accounts for the percentage crystallinity and thereby successfully explained the crystallization behavior of PA-12 where the kinetic parameters increased with crystallinity indicating higher cooling rate for higher crystallinity. The MWCNT induced crystallization (nucleation activity) values were close to zero irrespective of MWCNT loading which reiterates the enhanced crystallization (rate) of PA-12 in the nanocomposites. Estimations based on Friedman approach showed inter-relationship between activation energy and crystallinity where the later was found to be governed by major (matrix) PA-12 phase.
“Failing kidneys in a failing planet; CKD of unknown origin”
Authors: Geladari Eleni , Vallianou Natalia , Geladari Charalampia , Aronis Konstantinos , Vlachos Konstantinos , Andreadis Emmanuel , Theocharopoulos Ioannis , Dourakis Spyros
Published: December 2021

The ‘alarm clock’ for human beings in the era of climate medicine has rung. Original diseases have appeared, that could not be explained and attributed to common causes, which are suggested to be linked to global warming and environmental factors. Such an indolent disease is the chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu), introduced also as Mesoamerican or Uddanam nephropathy. Scientists equate the climate impact on kidneys with the canary in the coal mine; coal miners used to carry caged canaries with them, so that if poisonous gases, such as methane or carbon monoxide leaked into the mine-shaft, the gases would kill the canary before killing the miners; similarly, kidneys are injured before devastating and lethal complications occur in humans. In some regions of Central America, the deaths due to chronic kidney disease increased by 177% with a death toll being as high as over 20,000. It was first documented in animals that periodic heat and dehydration have a major role in causing chronic kidney disease. Based on that observation, it is advocated that young male agricultural workers in Central America and South Asia, develop renal disease by getting exposed to extreme heat repeatedly. The clinico-pathological characteristics of this type of kidney injury, do not belong to an existing classification, even though a form of tubulo-interstitial renal disease has been proposed. In this review, we will discuss about CKDu, its epidemiology and pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical presentation and diagnostic biomarkers and examine potential therapeutic options.
Translation and validation of the Norwegian version of the Injustice Experience Questionnaire
Authors: Ljosaa Tone Marte , Berg Hanne Svardal , Jacobsen Henrik Børsting , Granan Lars-Petter , Reme Silje
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Perceived injustice is a theoretical construct comprising elements of loss, attribution of blame, and sense of unfairness. Patients with chronic pain often report high levels of perceived injustice, which can have negative impact on physiological and psychosocial aspects and treatment outcome. The Injustice Experience Questionnaire (IEQ) is a self-report 12-item questionnaire that shows good reliability and validity in patients with chronic pain. This study aimed to translate, validate, and expand the use of the Norwegian Injustice Experience Questionnaire (IEQ-N) to a chronic pain population.

Methods

A mixed-method approach was used to translate and validate the IEQ-N. It was forward-back translated, linguistically validated, and culturally adapted. Individual cognitive debriefing interviews (n=7) and a focus group interview (n=9) was used to explore the patients’ experience with- and understanding of the questionnaire. Statistical descriptive, correlational, factor- and regression analyses were used to investigate the IEQ-N validity, reliability, and factorial structure in a large registry sample (n=3,068) of patients with chronic pain.

Results

Patients with chronic pain found the IEQ-N relevant. Registry analyses supported that the IEQ-N had a one-factor structure. The internal consistency was high (Chronbach’s alpha=0.92). The construct validity was good, with moderate to strong significant univariate correlation (r=0.29–0.71) (p<0.05) between perceived injustice and related constructs of pain catastrophizing, pain severity, disability, psychological distress, and quality of life. Perceived injustice contributed with significant but small unique variance to pain-related factors (i.e., pain intensity, pain-related disability, psychological distress), but the additional contribution beyond pain catastrophizing was small (0.2–6.7%) (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Patients in the study found the questionnaire relevant for their situation, and easy to understand. This study provides a reliable and valid Norwegian tool to assess perceived injustice in patients with chronic pain.

Ethical committee number

REK sør-øst, 2016/1942.
Implementation of a mobile spectrometer using a near infrared MEMS Fabry–Pérot interferometer sensor
Authors: Ivanov Artem , Kulinna Arne
Published: December 2021

Miniaturised MEMS-based Fabry-Pérot interferometer (FPI) spectral sensors allow the design of compact spectrometers in the near infrared (NIR) range. These small-size instruments can be used for quality control of alimentation products, sorting of plastics and fabrics in respect to the material composition or defining genuineness of goods. This article describes design details and achieved results in development of an inexpensive user friendly hand-held NIR spectrometer incorporating a MEMS-FPI sensor with the spectral range of 1550–1850 nm. Implemented electronic circuitry as well as the optical configuration of the device are discussed, used electronic components and the background for the choice of the light source are presented. Furthermore, the associated software for device operation and data visualisation is described. Achieved technical parameters of the device are discussed and illustrated by examples of acquired spectra. Shared experience in operating a MEMS-FPI sensor could be especially useful for designers targeting low-cost instruments for use by general public.
Two-component gas sensing with MIR dual comb spectroscopy
Authors: Nitzsche Leonard , Goldschmidt Jens , Lambrecht Armin , Wöllenstein Jürgen
Published: December 2021

A dual comb spectrometer is used as gas sensor for the parallel detection of nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon monoxide (CO). These gases have overlapping absorption features in the mid-infrared (MIR) at a wavelength of 4.6 µm. With a spectra acquisition rate of 10 Hz, concentrations of 50 ppm N2O and 30 ppm CO are monitored with a relative precision of

6
×

10

−
3

6\times {10^{-3}}

and

3
×

10

−
3

3\times {10^{-3}}

respectively. The limit of detections are 91 ppb for N2O and 50 ppb for CO for an integration time of 25 s. The system exhibits a linear sensitivity from 2 ppm to 100 ppm with coefficients of determination of 0.99998 for N2O and 0.99996 for CO.
A convenient approach for the electrochemical bromination and iodination of pyrazoles
Authors: Zandi Sara , Nikpour Farzad
Published: December 2021

Electrochemical bromination and iodination of some pyrazoles were investigated under constant-current (CC) electrolysis in an undivided electrochemical cell. Anodic oxidation of KX salt produces X2
in-situ which can be consumed as an expedient electrophile in pyrazoles aromatic electrophilic substitution reactions or may participate in an X–N coupling reaction with electrochemically catalyzed pyrazolesox to form the halogenated pyrazoles. All reactions proceeded without the need to use any hazardous reagents or catalysts. The reaction conditions are mild and environmentally compatible.
Incidentally Detected Liver Metastases during Pancreas Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Zuo Dan , Qian Ji-Jiang , Dong Yi , Wang Wen-Ping , Tian Xiao-Fan , Qiu Yi-Jie , Dietrich Christoph Frank
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The purpose of current study was to investigate the value of the late-phase enhancement features of pancreas contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the detection of liver metastases in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC).

Methods: From October 2020 to March 2021, 86 patients were prospectively enrolled. The gold standard of liver metastatic and PDAC lesions were based on histopathologically diagnoses and multiple imaging modalities results. B-mode ultrasound (BMUS) was performed to detect suspected liver metastases before CEUS. During the late phase of pancreas CEUS, the entire liver was scanned again to detect hypoenhanced liver metastases. Liver metastases were confirmed by biopsy and histopathological results. The number and size of liver metastases detected by BMUS and during CEUS late phase were recorded and compared.

Results: Suspected liver metastases were detected in 14 patients by BMUS (n = 23). During the late phase of CEUS, hypoenhanced liver metastases were detected in 23 patients (n = 87). When compared with BMUS, whole-liver scan during the late phase of CEUS detected more isoechoic, small, or superficially located lesions. Compared with BMUS, the specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CEUS in diagnosing of liver metastases in PDAC patients were significantly improved (96.72% vs. 100%, 48% vs. 92%, 85.71% vs. 100%, and 83.10% vs. 96.83%, respectively) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The late phase whole liver scan during CEUS of pancreas helps to detect more liver metastases, which is important for further clinical decision-making.
CONVERGENCE CLUBS OF NUTS3 REGIONS OF THE V4 GROUP
Authors: Szakálné Kanó Izabella , Lengyel Imre
Published: December 2021

In this study, we analyse economic growth and structural change between 2000 and 2016 in the NUTS3 regions of the four countries forming the Visegrad Group (V4) and joining the European Union in 2004, Czechia, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia. Our examination considers whether convergence can be observed in the case of the regions in the V4 countries over about one and a half decades, i.e., whether less developed regions catch up with more developed ones. Whether the economic growth of the regions took place at a relatively steady pace similar to that of the countries, or if there is a divide between the groups of regions (convergence clubs), which converge to different steady states. If there are convergence clubs, are the economic structure and workforce base of the clubs similar or different. Our study has two steps; first, we divide the 115 NUTS3 regions into convergence clubs with Phillips and Sul’s 2007 logt-test method, presenting the characteristics of their economic growth. We then conducted entropy calculations to test the robustness of the clubs, which provided information on the disparities inside and between the clubs, as well as inside and between the countries. Next, we present the economic structure and urbanrural types of clubs, covering the main characteristics of their labour force base and what factors the transition from one club to another depends on. The main conclusion of our study is that the five convergence clubs are completely separate and their economic structure and labour force base are also different.
DEVELOPMENT AND STANDARDIZATION OF A TOOL TO MEASURE KNOWLEDGE OF LABOUR LAWS AMONG EMPLOYEES
Authors: Sulphey M. M. , Alanzi Awad Ali , Klepek Martin
Published: December 2021

Labour legislations provide guidelines to prevent unfair labour practices and organizational injustice. All employment and labour laws propose standards regarding wages, wellbeing, safety, and equitable treatment, which reduces conflicts. However, informational imbalances between employers and employees prevent employees from having adequate knowledge about labour legislation. Consequently, some employers treat employees inconsistently and that could be detrimental to them. A practical solution to this problem is making employees aware of the provisions of labour laws. As an initial step towards this, there is a definite need to assess employees’ awareness regarding labour laws. Nevertheless, there is a lack of a standardized tool to measure the knowledge level of labour legislation, which has impaired empirical examinations. Using randomly collected 346 samples from two different types of industries, the present study constructed and validated a tool to measure labour law knowledge. The study has followed a simple scale development framework consisting of item generation, scale development, and psychometric evaluation. The measurement tool has been developed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The final questionnaire consists of 17 items under four factors, exhibited significant reliability and validity. The developed tool is expected to fill the gap in the literature and stimulate further empirical research. The study also examined the difference in the knowledge level based on the demographics of the sample. The results show a significant difference between the knowledge levels based on gender, citizenship, type of industry, and qualifications. Future research directions are proposed at the end of the paper, together with the limitations of this study.
FINANCIAL ADVICE, LITERACY, INCLUSION AND RISK TOLERANCE: THE MODERATING EFFECT OF UNCERTAINTY AVOIDANCE
Authors: Çera Gentjan , Ajaz Khan Khurram , Rowland Zuzana , Ribeiro Humberto Nuno Rito
Published: December 2021

The aim of this paper is to investigate the determinants of financial advice with a special focus on the cultural role in the influence of risk tolerance on seeking advice for financial issues. Financial literacy is covered by financial attitude, behaviour and knowledge. Financial inclusion is the other factor considered in the conceptual framework, as an indicator which can enhance both financial behaviour and financial advice. The research is based on primary data collected in two European nations, manifesting differences in culture, which gives the possibility to test the uncertainty avoidance role in the above relationship. This particular focus is the novelty of this work, as it sheds light on the importance of culture while designing policies with the aim to enhance individuals’ financial literacy and advice. The hypotheses are tested by using Partial Least Square- Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) method. It was found that financial behaviour improves as financial inclusion gets better, along with financial attitude and knowledge. Furthermore, financial advice is positively influenced by financial inclusion and risk tolerance and partly by financial literacy. Additionally, findings demonstrate that culture does matter in explaining differences between countries. Culture in this paper is represented by uncertainty avoidance, as one of the Hofstede’s culture dimension. Individuals from countries that manifest a very high preference for avoiding uncertainty reflect a negative relationship between risk tolerance and financial advice. The paper offers useful insights for policymakers and industry leaders in understanding the most influential factors on financial advice. This enables them to scheme policies and services aimed at equipping citizens with knowledge and skills to make the best use of their financial resources.
Enhanced performance of a modified diagnostic test of primary aldosteronism in patients with adrenal adenomas
Authors: Markou Athina , Kaltsas Gregory A , Papanastasiou Labrini , Gravvanis Chris , Voulgaris Nick , Kanti Georgia , Zografos George N , Chrousos George P , Piaditis Georgios
Published: December 2021

Objective

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the commonest cause of endocrine hypertension ranging from 4.6 to 16.6% according to the diagnostic tests employed. The aim of this study was to compare the traditional saline infusion test (SIT) with the modified post-dexamethasone saline infusion test (DSIT) by applying both tests on the same subjects.

Methods

We studied 68 patients (72% hypertensives) with single adrenal adenoma and 55 normotensive controls with normal adrenal imaging. Serum cortisol, aldosterone, and plasma renin concentration (PRC) were measured and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) was calculated. Using the mean ± 2 s.d. values from the controls, we defined the upper normal limits for cortisol, aldosterone, and PRC for both the SIT and DSIT.

Results

In the controls, the post-DSIT aldosterone levels and the ARR were approximately two-fold and three-fold lower, respectively, than the corresponding post-SIT values (all P  = 0.001) leading to lower cut-offs of aldosterone suppression. Applying these cut-offs to patients with adrenal adenomas, the prevalence of PA was 13.2% following the SIT and 29.4% following the DSIT, respectively. In addition, 54.5% of patients with PA had concomitant autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS). Targeted treatment of PA resulted in resolution of hypertension and restoration of normal secretory aldosterone dynamics.

Conclusions

The DSIT improves the diagnostic accuracy of PA, allowing for the detection of milder forms of PA in patients with adrenal adenomas. This is of particular importance as such patients may be at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and renal morbidity that could be enhanced in the presence of concomitant ACS.
Ukrainian Representation In The Galician Regional Seimas: Legal Status And Powers
Authors: Prystash L.T.
Published: December 2021

The scientific article deals with the processes related to the historical experience of Ukrainians in the activities of the Galician Regional Seimas as an important stage in the struggle for the formation of civil society structures. The author examines the legal status and powers of Ukrainian deputies in the Galician Regional Sejm; characterizes the list of requirements that were set for ambassadors (the name of the position of deputy) in order to be elected; a list of grounds that made the election impossible; rights and responsibilities of deputies and activities in the Seimas, etc.

Ukrainian ambassadors to the regional Sejm were representatives of the region’s interests. From the very beginning of their activity they affirmed the national identity of Galicians, fought for their socio-economic, national-political and cultural- educational rights, took an active part in the formation of language-educational and electoral legislation, as well as in the activities of national parliamentary institutions. In general, the National Seimas was interpreted as a field of struggle for national equality and, thus, awakened the national consciousness of broad sections of the population.

The creation and activity of the Galician Seimas became an important experience for Ukrainians on the way to forming their own concept of national statehood and an effective place for gaining political experience.

Studying and analyzing the facts from the historical past ofUkraine, it is necessary to make a clear understanding of the aspirations of Ukrainians to create their own independent, conciliar, nationally worthy state with all its attributes. It is the events of the late nineteenth - early twentieth century. in Eastern Galicia and the activities of Ukrainian ambassadors in the Galician Regional Sejm were the key moments in confirming the state-building consciousness of the Ukrainian population of the region and the ability to find a political compromise at the right time.
The Concept Of Solidarity As A Factor In The Realization Of Human And Civil Rights And Freedoms In Ukraine
Authors: Shevchenko O.S.
Published: December 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the role and significance of guarantees of individual rights and freedoms in Ukraine. The author defines that they are important factors in the economic, political, legal, cultural and other spheres of society that create conditions for the real possibility of exercising the rights and freedoms of the individual. The concept of solidarity excludes the idea of class struggle, the revolutionary path of development of society. According to this concept, the focus is on the social nature of the state: socio-economic, cultural, environmental rights of citizens are ensured with the participation of the state, which pursues an active socio-economic policy aimed at redistribution of funds for the most vulnerable, employment, social insurance, development affordable education, health care, etc.

Guarantees for the realization of human and civil rights, freedoms and responsibilities can be described as a system of conditions and means that together ensure the exercise of constitutional human and civil rights, freedoms and responsibilities. The effectiveness of this system depends on various factors, but the main among them is the presence of certain elements in the system of government. These include: a) the existence of the Basic Law, the effect of which cannot be terminated arbitrarily; b) the definition of state power derived from the power of the people and the Constitution; c) consolidation at the constitutional level of fundamental rights, freedoms and responsibilities of man and citizen and the means and conditions of their exercise; d) the existence of an independent judiciary; e) the opportunity to protect their rights with the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and in international human rights organizations.

It is also proposed to solve certain issues of realization of human rights and freedoms in Ukraine through the implementation of the concept of solidarity - the principle of building a social system in which its members (citizens, families, ethnic groups, religious denominations, social groups, political parties, business corporations, etc.) have a real legal and socio-political subjectivity , on the basis of which their rights, opportunities and interests can be consolidated and solidified in order to achieve consensus goals (common good) in social frameworks of different scales (local, national, global).
On convergence of branched continued fraction expansions of Horn's hypergeometric function $H_3$ ratios
Authors: Antonova T.M.
Published: December 2021

The paper deals with the problem of convergence of the branched continued fractions with two branches of branching which are used to approximate the ratios of Horn's hypergeometric function $H_3(a,b;c;{\bf z})$. The case of real parameters $c\geq a\geq 0,$ $c\geq b\geq 0,$ $c\neq 0,$ and complex variable ${\bf z}=(z_1,z_2)$ is considered. First, it is proved the convergence of the branched continued fraction for ${\bf z}\in G_{\bf h}$, where $G_{\bf h}$ is two-dimensional disk. Using this result, sufficient conditions for the uniform convergence of the above mentioned branched continued fraction on every compact subset of the domain $\displaystyle H=\bigcup_{\varphi\in(-\pi/2,\pi/2)}G_\varphi,$ where \[\begin{split} G_{\varphi}=\big\{{\bf z}\in\mathbb{C}^{2}:&\;{\rm Re}(z_1e^{-i\varphi})<\lambda_1 \cos\varphi,\; |{\rm Re}(z_2e^{-i\varphi})|<\lambda_2 \cos\varphi, \\ &\;|z_k|+{\rm Re}(z_ke^{-2i\varphi})<\nu_k\cos^2\varphi,\;k=1,2;\; \\ &\; |z_1z_2|-{\rm Re}(z_1z_2e^{-2\varphi})<\nu_3\cos^{2}\varphi\big\}, \end{split}\] are established.
Approximation properties of modified Jain-Gamma operators
Authors: Erdogan S. , Olgun A.
Published: December 2021

In the present paper, we study some approximation properties of a modified Jain-Gamma operator. Using Korovkin type theorem, we first give approximation properties of such operator. Secondly, we compute the rate of convergence of this operator by means of the modulus of continuity and we present approximation properties of weighted spaces. Finally, we obtain the Voronovskaya type theorem of this operator.
Formation, utilisation et expérience du transport en commun régulier à Montréal par des personnes ayant des limitations fonctionnelles motrices
Authors: JF. Filiatrault  , N. Boucher  , P. Archambault  , C. Croteau  , I. Gélinas  , M. Le Bouëdec  , V. Garcia
Published: December 2021

En 2018 et 2019, la Société de transport de Montréal (STM) a élaboré une formation visant à faciliter l’utilisation des transports en commun par des personnes ayant des limitations fonctionnelles motrices. Après deux groupes tests, un groupe focalisé a été réalisé auprès d’experts provenant des milieux communautaires, réadaptation et gouvernemental afin de la bonifier. Au printemps 2019, la formation a été offerte à douze personnes ayant des limitations fonctionnelles motrices. Une équipe interdisciplinaire de chercheurs a réalisé l’évaluation. Avant la formation, les participants ont d’abord été évalués concernant leurs connaissances du réseau de transport ainsi qu’à l’égard de leurs objectifs et capacités de déplacements. Après la formation de sept heures comprenant des activités théoriques et pratiques puis d’un bref entraînement individuel, les personnes devaient documenter douze trajets faits de manière autonome à l’aide d’un carnet de voyage afin de connaître les effets de la formation/entraînement dans leur utilisation du transport régulier. Finalement, après avoir effectué leurs déplacements, leurs points de vue ont été recueillis à l’aide d’entrevues individuelles. Les résultats de la recherche indiquent que la mise en place d’un programme de formation et d’entraînement à l’utilisation des réseaux de bus et de métro accessibles vient augmenter l’utilisation du transport régulier et facilite la participation sociale. Ce projet démontre toute l’importance des exercices pratiques, des mises en situation, de planification des déplacements, de la résolution de problèmes et de la défense de ses droits comme usager du réseau de transport régulier.